Connection is at the center
of everything we do

Connection is at the center
of everything we do

a group of people with pws on a pontoon ride, smiling, wearing life jackets

Mission:

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Minnesota (PWSA-MN) connects and supports individuals with PWS, families, and care providers with a strong network of resources and information to collaboratively enhance the quality of life of Minnesotans affected by PWS.

Vision:

PWSA-MN envisions a world in which Prader-Willi Syndrome is widely understood, and every individual with Prader-Willi Syndrome in Minnesota is supported by a community that understands their needs, celebrates their potential, and ensures they have the resources and opportunities to thrive at every stage of life.

PWSA-MN is a volunteer-led organization, guided by a passionate board of directors and strengthened by members who freely give their time and expertise to support Minnesota families affected by PWS.

Board Members

Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing a scarf over a blouse, sitting in front of an out-of-focus background.

Jennifer Andrews is an educator with 20 years of experience, currently working in a nature-based, art-focused, intergenerational preschool. She is an Advocacy Ambassador and New Parent Mentor for PWSA | USA. She resides in Woodbury with her husband, Jason, 2 dogs, and 2 children, one of whom has Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Jen

Black and white portrait of a woman with curly hair, wearing glasses and a textured turtleneck sweater, against a plain background.

Ana Carolina is an instructor and researcher in Human Development Resource at the University of Minnesota. She and her husband Mauricio moved from Brazil to Minnesota in 2019 with their two daughters. Luisa, their younger daughter, has PWS. Luisa is a sweet and funny young woman, at least most of the time, who loves puzzles and animals.

Ana Carolina

An man with glasses and a smile, dressed in a suit and tie, standing outdoors in front of a brick building.

My name is Charles Gillin. I joined the PWSA-MN Board of Directors as its Treasurer in the spring of 2025. I am a retired attorney who practiced personal injury litigation for over 40 years. My wife Mary Lynn and I have three children and three grandchildren, one of whom is a delightful little 5-year old girl with PWS. I am honored to serve the PWSA-MN community along with a dedicated, caring Board of Directors.

Charles

Black and white close-up photo of a man smiling outdoors, wearing a checkered shirt.

Jay is a retired Sales Leader and Mechanical Engineer who lives with his wife Ann in rural Cannon Falls, MN.  Jay and his wife have three children. The oldest is Hannah who has PWS.  Hannah has been a blessing who has proven to be an independent young woman, while battling the challenges of PWS.  Jay enjoys working on home remodeling projects with Ann and volunteering as a board member for PWSA of MN. He is also President of Oakwood PW Inc, a non-profit that issues grants to persons with PWS in Minnesota.


Jay

A woman with long hair and a young girl wearing a hat smiling outdoors.

Falone Schulz, BS in Family and Marriage Counseling 

Falone has been working with adults with PWS for 14 years. Falone started working with AME Community Services in 2012 and currently is the program director for their Plymouth and Maple Grove locations. Falone is dedicated to helping Minnesota residents with PWS live their most independent and fulfilling lives. She has extensive knowledge in independent living and group home housing.


Falone

Black and white portrait of a man with wavy hair, glasses, beard, and mustache, smiling, wearing a jacket over a shirt, against a plain background.

Jeremy Hosterman is a Minnesota-based community arts program director, animator, and storyteller. Through Diverse Voices Through Animation, he creates inclusive spaces where individuals with disabilities share their stories through animation and creative expression. Jeremy is committed to strengthening connections and resources within the PWS community.

Jeremy