PWS National Conference 2025
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 PWS National Conference on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at The Kingbridge Centre in King City. OPWSA and FPWR Canada were thrilled to partner for this incredible event.
The conference was comprised of three distinct programs:
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Family Conference for parents and guardians
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Friends and Fun Club for individuals with PWS of all ages and their siblings
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Professional Providers Day for agency staff, educators and other professionals that support individuals with PWS.
It was a great day of learning, information sharing, networking, peer support, and fun including wonderful programming for individuals with PWS of all ages and their siblings.
The conference featured presentations from experts in the field on such topics as behaviour, research and financial planning. The conference also provided ample time for parents and caregivers to connect.​​
Research and Clinical Trials Update
This recording includes two presentations.​​​​
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The Latest in PWS Research: Progress and Possibilities
Theresa Strong, Ph.D., Director of Research Programs, FPWR
Update from Aardvark Therapeutics and the Future of PWS Treatment
Karl Weddige, Ph.D., Senior Director - Field Based Medical Affairs, Aardvark Therapeutics
Understanding the Sibling Experience with PWS
Moderator: Rob Pividor, OPWSA Co-Chair
Sibling Panelists: Kate MacKinnon, Catherine Rinaldi, Noah Cordeiro
Hear from siblings as they share their honest and heartfelt stories about growing up with a brother or sister with PWS. This session highlights the ups and downs of the sibling experience—the challenges, the joys, and the ways it has shaped who they are today.
Financial Planning & Strategies
Cathy Rulli, CPA, CGA, Specialist in Disability and Family Financial Planning
Navigating the financial side of caring for a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome can feel overwhelming. In this session, Cathy guided families through key financial resources, including acting as a representative with the CRA, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Henson Trust. To get in touch with Cathy, visit: https://www.rullicpa.com/services
The following presentations were not recorded.
The conference featured an interactive session from Latham Centers which was designed to equip caregivers and support staff with practical, trauma-informed tools to manage and reduce challenging behaviours commonly seen in individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Participants learned how to create structured, predictable environments, implement proactive behavioural strategies, and use self-compassion practices to reduce caregiver stress. Emphasis was placed on understanding the neurological basis of behaviours, such as rigidity and food-related anxiety, and how to respond with empathy, consistency, and skill. Attendees left the session with actionable techniques for fostering calmer, more collaborative daily routines while maintaining caregiver well-being.​​​​
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​Sponsors:
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the 2025 PWS National Conference.​​
