PARENT LIAISON
VICKY SHANLEY
214 15TH Ave No.
Onalaska, WI 54650
608-317-0275
vickyshanley@outlook.com

Hello,

I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Vicky and I am the Onalaska Parent Liaison, through Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI). This position was created to aid in the support of families with children or adolescents who have special needs in the Onalaska School District. I know the special education process can be confusing and sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.  I am here to help families and educators work together in a collaborative way to make this process less challenging for all involved while coming up with a plan that will best support the child.

On a more personal level, my husband and I are the parents of three amazing boys that have all been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Having three boys recognized as having special needs has given me the unique understanding of what parents, families and caregivers go through to insure our children receive the supports they need to be successful in the home, school and community.

Since our kids were diagnosed, I have had the opportunity to assist many families in our area in dealing with concerns that have come up. I have had personal experience dealing with running away, self-injury, school issues, verbal delays, cognitive disabilities, social delays, sensory issues and many other areas you come across when having a special child(ren) in the home. We have a great support system in La Crosse County and I have worked closely with social workers, CESA, and the school districts to help provide the support our kids need to be successful. I have helped families with newly diagnosed children plan a course of action and families with older children deal with issues that have arisen at home and school. I have had the opportunity to attend extensive trainings and have been able to utilize information gained from these trainings, the internet, friends and local resources to come to practical solutions for myself and others. Depending on the needs of your child, I am also able to assist families in moving forward with more formal supports through a county waiver program, filing for disability or applying for medical assistance.

Whether you are a parent that is new to the special education system or a seasoned parent with questions…please feel free to give me a call with any questions. I am able to attend IEPs/school meetings if this would be helpful.

Respectfully,

Vicky Shanley

Onalaska Parent Liaison