NOAH’s New Parent Program offers a trained parent liaison volunteer to families. The parent liaison will guide you through the many resources NOAH has to offer and provide you the opportunity to speak directly to a parent of a child with albinism who truly understands. If you are interested in learning more and sharing your experiences as a parent of a child with albinism, please complete the NOAH Parent Liaison Volunteer Interest Form to begin the process.
Get to know more about our fabulous Parent Liaisons by clicking on their picture below.
Meet our Parent Liaisons!
Calisha Anderson
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My family of four lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. My husband and I have two daughters; the oldest is 13, the youngest is nine. My 9-year-old has albinism, my oldest does not.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH Is an essential support community for my family and for my daughter. It gives her the opportunity feel be surrounded by people she can relate to, and gives my family the opportunity to learn more about how we can support her.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
Being a parent liaison affords me the opportunity to provide support to parents in the beginning stages of learning how to adopt to life when a person in your family has albinism.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
The most important thing that was said to me when I called NOAH for support was ‘Everything is going to be okay’.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We do a little bit of everything! We play a lot of sports. We also really enjoy board games and puzzles. We travel a lot and we try to be out in nature as much as possible.
What is your favorite candy?
I love twix candy bars! My kids know when they come home with their Halloween candy the twix bars is automatically go to me.
Katie Bailey
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
We have 5 people in our family in Alberta, Canada. Myself Katie, my husband Kyle, our two daughters with Albinism Scotlyn (9) and Annie (8) and their little brother without Albinism (6)
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH was the first line of contact that felt like I met real people who understood what I was experiencing. All my worries and fears were both validated and reassured.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
To give back to parents the way someone did for me.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
That she would be okay—that we would be okay. That she would learn to read and ride a bike. That nothing would stop her.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Ride bikes, swim, play with our dog Rosie, go to parks. The girls do gymnastics and musical theatre and everything other kids their ages do!
What is your favorite candy?
Bubble gum sugar sours
If you were a sandwich, which kind of sandwich would you be?
BLT on a bagel
Leanne Bellisario (Nause)
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My family is made up of my husband, Tio and our children Bianca (5 years) with albinism, and Stefano (7 years) without albinism.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH has been a huge source of support, information and connection.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I feel it is one of the best gifts I received when Bianca was born, and I’d like to pay it forward.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
How amazing she will be.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Arts and crafts, games, puzzles, swimming, golfing, baking and making homemade pizza.
If you were a sandwich, which kind of sandwich would you be?
Peanut butter and banana
Anne Contant
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
Our family lives in the Chicago suburbs. We have 6 kids ranging in age from 9-24. Our oldest son (24) is a graduate student at CSU; our oldest daughter (20) is a junior at Hope College; our next son (16) is junior in high school; our three youngest children (ages 9, 10, and 12) have albinism and were internationally adopted as toddlers.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH continues to be a tremendous support to our family as we are always learning how to best advocate for and parent our kids with albinism. It’s been wonderful to connect with other parents and share our joys and challenges. Our kids have benefited from meeting friends who understand their unique journeys and encourage them along the way.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I want to offer the same support that I received to the newly diagnosed families. It’s always been helpful for me to connect with another parent who is a little further along in the journey. The insight I gain from conversations with these people has been invaluable. I want to be available for other parents to ask questions, share their concerns, and celebrate the joys of raising a child with albinism.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
We were matched with our kids with albinism when they were between 12-15 months old. Before we were allowed to travel and bring them home, we had the opportunity to educate ourselves and prepare for the challenges that parenting kids with low vision presents. In this way, it wasn’t totally a surprise, in terms of their diagnosis. We were, however, filled apprehension with the unknowns. This is where our parent liaison provided support and the reassurance that helped us know that we wouldn’t be alone in the journey. We had a support network that was ready to help whenever we needed it.
I think the most important thing I wish I would have known when our kids first came home is that they would each exceed any limitations or expectations I had in regards to what living with low vision would look like. Sure, there are challenges they face every day, but we are amazed by the determination, positivity, and kindness they show for those around them. Our kids are daily reminders of how much we have to be thankful for. John and I are proud of the grit our kids show each day and know that their futures are bright and full of promise.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We love to make pizza in our outdoor pizza oven and invite friends over to swim!
What is your favorite candy?
Peanut M&Ms
Gacia Coronado
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
Our family lives in Wisconsin and consists of myself, my husband, Travis, and our two boys, Arek(8), and Matias (6-with albinism).
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH is our most reliable source of truth, and inspiration of hope. While many people have personal experiences, opinions, and ideas, NOAH is where we look for the most relevant and current information as it relates to albinism.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I wanted to share with other parents the highlights that may be ahead for them, while still being able to meet them wherever they are in their own process. of the best gifts I received when Bianca was born, and I’d like to pay it forward.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
That it is ok to process and grieve what you had imagined for your child. While hope and reassurance are a given, I wish someone would have told me it was normal to also feel the flip side, and that it didn’t make me ungrateful for the child I have.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We enjoy gardening, baking, Legos, reading silly stories, riding bikes, playing all kinds of board games, music lessons, and recently picked up rollerblading. We try our best to enjoy the short summers Wisconsin offers, but always find something to keep us busy!
If you were a sandwich, which kind of sandwich would you be?
Coffee Crisp!
Mandy Edmondson
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
Our family of 4 lives in the Dallas, TX area. My husband Matt and I have been married for 9 years and have 2 daughters, Daphne (7) and Ensley (5). Daphne has albinism (OCA1A).
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH has been an amazing source of comfort, community, resources, encouragement, hope, and fun. The ability to network with others, truly having an open and non-judgmental forum to ask questions, express fears, share wins, gain insights, and experience a sense of belonging has been more than we could have wished for. We value the friendships we have made along the way and are grateful to be part of this unique and amazing group!
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I want to be able to provide support to other families who may be experiencing similar thoughts, fears, and uncertainties that my family and I navigated through early on. Wondering what your child’s future may look like can be emotional, but if sharing what I’ve learned thus far can help bring light and focus in on all of the amazing accomplishments in store, I am excited to contribute in a meaningful way. Having the opportunity to let parents know they are not alone and being able to help welcome families into our wonderful NOAH community is fulfilling and brings me joy.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
I wish I knew how what was considered her disability actually would contribute to positively enhancing her other abilities, intelligence, and character, helping to shape her into a confident, self-advocating, kind, and inclusive young lady. Leaning into this journey and focusing on what your kids can do makes a huge impact!
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We love to travel, swim, go to amusement and water parks, play outside (sports/playground), go to events in the community, play games, and spend time with family & friends.
What is your favorite candy?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Erin Finfrock
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My family and I live in Rancho Cucamonga, California. My husband Doug and I have 3 amazing kids, 1 of which has albinism and 2 that do not.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH has been a source of information and support for us since we found out about our sons diagnosis over 8 years ago. We have felt a sense of connection with families navigating similar situations and NOAH has also helped our son feel proud of who he is.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I really love helping people! I am excited to be able to support families in any way I can when it comes to learning more about albinism, being a parent of a child with albinism and all of the resources that NOAH offers.ard.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
My child is not just going to be okay… he is going to thrive!
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We love going to the beach, baseball games, fishing and watching movies.
What is your favorite candy?
Dark chocolate or gummy bears
Regan Gentile
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My husband, Mike live in Elmhurst, IL and I have four children. Elise is 10 and has albinism, Colette is 8, Mac is 5 and James is 3 and also has albinism.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH is not just a resource for our family but it is a connection point to so many families. We know that our children will always have this support system; not only will Elise and James continue to build relationships through NOAH but their siblings will also be part of the community.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I wanted to be there for families after a recent diagnosis the same way mine was there for me. The more I could connect with other parents the more awareness I could raise and assure them that they were doing all the right things for their child..
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
I wish I knew that everything would be okay and that we would meet so many new friends locally and nationally who be such a support.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Bike riding and traveling
What is your favorite candy?
Sour patch kids
If you were a sandwich, what sandwich would you be?
Grilled cheese sandwich
Jacki Gerstner
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My husband Colin and I live in Billings MT and have 4 children. We have 3 boys (Eli-14, Luke-12, and Isaac-10) and adopted our daughter Hope (age 9) from China when she was 2.5 years old. Our oldest and youngest son and our daughter all have albinism.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH is family. NOAH was there for us when we were the new parents with a baby boy who had just been diagnosed. NOAH helped us not feel alone and continues to walk along side us through life as we navigate parenting children with albinism.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I absolutely love that I have the opportunity to give back. I will never forget the phone call I got when I was the new scared mom of a 2 month old who had just been diagnosed. Now, I can be the seasoned mom to talk to others and it is such a joy. I can walk with them through all the emotions and uncertainties while giving advice and encouragement. I am a proud mom to 3 children with albinism and am passionate about sharing more about them, albinism, and our experiences all while educating others.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
Your kids will go on to far exceed what you thought was even possible. Don’t limit them. Know that your sad and scared feelings are VALID, but your children will do amazing things and you will be so proud.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Living in MT we love the outdoors, camping, hiking, etc as a family. Our kids’ sports schedules also totally keep us busy and we love supporting them in all their activities throughout the year.
What is your favorite candy?
Reese’s Peanut Butter cups or Peanut Butter M& M’s 🙂
Amanda Grant
Coming soon!
Kayla Hamlin
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
I live with my husband Mark, two children Matthew is 9 and has albinism, my daughter Allison is 6 and she does not have albinism. We have an English Mastiff named Mara 1 1/2. We live in Pickerington, Ohio.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH means so much to my family it has offered a place for connection, support and friendship with families and individuals with albinism or with it in the family.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I want to be a parent liaison because I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others. I enjoy talking with parents about concerns and answer their questions. I wanted to give back to the community that has given so much to my family.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
That he will have better functional vision than most expect.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We travel, play outside, play board games, enjoy sports – specifically soccer, swimming and gymnastics.
What is your favorite candy?
I love Ghirardelli dark chocolate with raspberry squares
Courtney Korb
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
We live in Reston, VA (outside of Washington DC). My husband and I have two kids. Alison, currently 12 going on 25 has albinism. Our son David, 8, does not have albinism.
What does NOAH mean to you?
The meaning of NOAH has changed for us over the years. With our initial diagnosis, NOAH had all the answers. They even had answers to questions we didn’t know we asked! As Alison has grown, we transitioned our needs from information based to people based. Now, NOAH is the foundation of our albinism community. We have friends from all over the country and she is able to connect with kids her own age who just understand.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I want to be a resource for families who are going through similar emotions to what we went through.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
Everyone said she would be fine. I wish I believed them at the time. Now, I know she is fine!
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Alison and I both love to see musicals and shows. We love singing and take advantage of most shows that come to DC. We’ll also make the occasional trip to NY for a good show.
What is your favorite candy?
Twizzlers
Laura Leavell
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
Chris, Laura, Pearce (12) & Donny (10-with Albinism)
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH means family to me. It’s a special group of people who support one another no matter what.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I have so much compassion for newly diagnosed families that I wanted to help support them.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
That the baby stage goes by so fast and to try and enjoy it
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Travel, cook, swim
What is your favorite candy?
M & M’s
George Madrid
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
I live in the Boston area with my wife, Jeannine, and twelve-year-old son with albinism, Jules.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH is a wonderful supportive community dedicated to helping each other to deal with the extra challenges that accompany albinism.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
When my wife and I received our son’s diagnosis, it was talking to a NOAH parent liaison that helped us to relax and move forward.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
When we received Jules’s diagnosis, I wish we had understood that albinism will not define out lives. It’s one piece of who Jules is, but it’s not who he is.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We love to travel wherever we can.
What is your favorite candy?
In October, it’s Candy Corn. (Only Brachs will do.) The rest of the year, it’s Hershey’s Kisses.
If you were a sandwich, which kind of sandwich would you be?
Ice cream sandwich
Terri Nigro
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my husband, David. Our children are Luke (14), Nora (12), and Drew (10). Nora is our only daughter and only child with albinism.
What does NOAH mean to you?
To our family, NOAH has been an extended family and support system. We have never felt alone when thinking about our daughter Nora’s diagnosis. Anytime we had questions or needed to chat, there has always been someone from our NOAH family to support and guide us. Now that our daughter is older, she has her own friends and connections through NOAH and always has someone that knows exactly what she is going through!
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I wanted to share with other parents the highlights that may be ahead for them, while still being able to meet them wherever they are in their own process.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
That it is ok to process and grieve what you had imagined for your child. While hope and reassurance are a given, I wish someone would have told me it was normal to also feel the flip side, and that it didn’t make me ungrateful for the child I have.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We enjoy gardening, baking, Legos, reading silly stories, riding bikes, playing all kinds of board games, music lessons, and recently picked up rollerblading. We try our best to enjoy the short summers Wisconsin offers, but always find something to keep us busy!
What is your favorite candy?
Watermelon Sour Patch
Courtney Porter
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My husband Chuck and I have two boys – Rhys (11) has OCA1b and Ryan (7) does not have albinism. We live in Loudoun County, Virginia.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH was an invaluable resource and support group when our son was first diagnosed at 2 months old. They provided us with parent support, information and resources, and connections with other families who have children with albinism.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I was excited to become a Parent Liaison now that my son with albinism is older, because NOAH was so helpful for us when our son was first diagnosed and we were navigating the early stages of school, accommodations, and other needs for him. I am eager to give back and share my experiences to help other families navigate through their own journeys.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
That my son would be okay and thriving!
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Our family enjoys going on bike rides, going to the movies, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and my boys love playing Fortnite.
What is your favorite candy?
Peanut M&Ms or anything with salted caramel!
Rowda Skinner
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
I live in Portland Oregon with my husband and 9 year old daughter, who has albinism, and our two cats.
What does NOAH mean to you?
To me NOAH means community. It is a supportive organization made up of supportive people. NOAH is my go to for albinism related resources.supported my family.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I wanted to become a parent liason to offer new parents the same support I received when our daughter was diagnosed.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
I wish I knew that she’d be so much more than her diagnosis, and just to enjoy my baby.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Our family enjoys movies, art, and snowboarding.
What is your favorite candy?
Reese’s Peanut Butter cups
If you were a sandwich, which kind of sandwich would you be?
Club sandwich
Sarah Venn
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My husband, Tad, and I have 4 daughters. Our second daughter, Caroline is 15 and was born with OCA. Clare is 17 and our twins, Audrey and Mary Kate are 13.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH has become like a second family to us! It was NOAH and the people I met thru NOAH that helped me understand albinism when Caroline was born. I met other moms that I understood my fears and worries and I met adults with albinism that showed me what Caroline’s future could be. Caroline has grown up in a community of people that just get it and she has made friendships that are continuing into her teen years.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
I was so afraid when I learned Caroline had albinism and as she grew older I realized it was the fear of the unknown that made me most afraid. I wanted to help other parents feel less afraid.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
The acuity numbers are nothing more than numbers! They don’t really tell you how she is going to function in every day life.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
Our family has a wide variety of hobbies! We each have our own hobbies (needlepoint, gardening, running, karate) but love to spend time together as a family at the beach, playing games, and spending time together. Caroline is a pianist and attends an arts high school. She also loves to read and do jigsaw puzzles.
What is your favorite candy?
Heath bar
Megan Younger
Coming soon!
Rebekah Zigby
What is the make up of your family and where do you live? Please include ages of children and which child has albinism.
My husband and I have two children. Our son is 11 and our daughter is 7 and has albinism. We live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What does NOAH mean to you?
NOAH means that there is a community surrounding my family and my daughter – allowing her to grow up knowing she’s not alone or the only one who uses a white cane. It is the power of connections and support.
Why did you want to be a Parent Liaison?
When my daughter was first diagnosed, I felt very isolated. There was no one nearby that I knew of that had a child with a visual impairment or with albinism and I longed for someone to share struggles, concerns and achievements. When I found NOAH, I was so thankful to find a community of people who understood what we were going through. Now that my daughter is older, I want to be able to give back and help other parents of newly diagnosed children know they aren’t alone in this journey.
Please share one thing that you wish you knew when you child with albinism was just diagnosed.
There will be challenges and bumps in the road, but she will thrive and be resilient every single step of the way.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family do for fun?
We love to travel, swim, arts and crafts, play different sports and ride ponies!
What is your favorite candy?
Fuzzy peaches
If you were a sandwich, which kind of sandwich would you be?
Earl of Sandwich – holiday turkey