Coffee & Connections
Monthly Series
2nd Sunday of Every Month
This will be a fun and welcoming gathering of moms and caregivers raising and supporting kids with disabilities! ALL are welcome!
What to expect:
- Ice breakers + Mindful warm-up courtesy of the fabulous Monica Pieretti
- Light refreshments
- Connect with parents and caregivers
- Kids of ALL ages welcome! Doug and volunteers will be leading activities for all ages. These may be outside so dress accordingly.
Bring a snack to share with the other moms if you’d like (not required) – just come ready to connect, laugh, and recharge!
Please register all kids 48 hours in advance here>
Upcoming Events
February Event
Sunday, Feb 8 | 2–4pm
Rowan Cabarrus YMCA Afton Village5325 Langford Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027
Amie Cennamo – co-owner of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, alongside her husband, and a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs. As the mom of two—Ryan, who is in the LIFE program at Coastal Carolina, and a daughter in Wilmington—Amie brings both professional leadership and lived experience to the work of building inclusive communities. We’re honored to welcome her to KennedyStrong Foundation’s Coffee & Connections to share her heart for dignity, opportunity, and belonging for all.
Jess Pinkerton of Vitality Fitness is a mom of two daughters and an active Cannon School parent who is passionate about building strong, confident kids and families. Through her work in fitness and wellness, Jess helps parents understand how movement, mindset, and community support can empower children to thrive. We’re excited for her to share practical insights and encouragement with the KennedyStrong Foundation community.
Samantha Berg from Bright Beginnings is dedicated to supporting children and families during the most important early years of development. Through her work, she partners with parents to build strong foundations in learning, confidence, and social-emotional growth. We’re excited to have Samantha share her insight and heart with the KennedyStrong Foundation community.
March Event
🗓 Sunday, March 8 | 2–4pm
Rowan Cabarrus YMCA Afton Village5325 Langford Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027
Tracey and Keisha Suggs are the founders of Protect Your Skull, an organization dedicated to brain health, concussion awareness, and empowering individuals to live full, capable lives. As parents of a daughter who has graduated and is now meaningfully employed, they bring both professional advocacy and lived experience in the IDD community. At Coffee and Connections, they’ll share how shifting our focus from limitations to capabilities allows our kids to thrive and serve others in powerful ways.
Christiane Matey is the founder of Mint Nutrition and brings both professional expertise and a heart for serving the IDD community. Drawing on her experience and the latest studies and reports on nutrition’s impact for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she’ll share practical insights on how food and nutrient choices can support health, behavior, and overall well-being. Today she’ll offer evidence-based strategies families can use to help their loved ones thrive.
Heidi Karant is the founder of 210 Collective in Davidson, NC, a creative community dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering connection through intentional design and purpose-driven projects. With a passion for collaboration and cultivating spaces where people can thrive, she brings unique insights on community, creativity, and impact. Today she’ll share how 210 Collective supports meaningful engagement and growth for all who walk through its doors.
Past Events
January Event
Sunday, January 11 | 2–4pm
Cox Mill Elementary
Coffee & Connections – You’re Invited!
An afternoon created for parents and caregivers of children with special needs — a space to exhale, be filled, connect, and feel supported by a community that understands.
We’re thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of guest speakers this Sunday:
Lisa Esarey
Lisa is a local mom of three with firsthand experience navigating the ESA+ grant process. She understands the questions and challenges families face along the way. Lisa will explain how the ESA+ program works for North Carolina residents and how families can use this funding to better support their children’s unique needs and goals.
Glenn Carter – Founder, Mati Clubs Martial Arts
Glenn is a passionate advocate for inclusion in youth programming. He works closely with parents of children with disabilities to understand what accommodations help create successful experiences. Glenn designs his classes so all students can participate, build confidence, and thrive alongside their typical peers.
Lisa Cooper – Founder, Down for Donuts
Lisa is the co-founder of a business born from a 15-year dream of creating meaningful, inclusive employment. Inspired by her son Zach’s simple but powerful idea — “I want a doughnut shop” — Lisa and her family built more than a bakery; they built a place where people of all abilities can work, contribute, and belong. Through her story, Lisa shares what’s possible when inclusion, creativity, and purpose come together.
**Kids are welcome and encouraged to attend!**
We’ll have space and activities designed to help them feel comfortable so you can relax and enjoy the meeting.
We can’t wait to share this meaningful time with you!
December Event
Sunday, Dec 14 | 2–4pm
Cox Mill ElementaryMichelle Lancaster – Executive Director, Julia’s Journey
Michelle brings a powerful blend of advocacy and compassion. Her work with Julia’s Journey supports families facing medical complexity, offering both practical guidance and emotional connection.
Joanna VonStadden – Healing Works Therapy
Joanna is known for her nurturing, whole-person therapeutic approach. She brings insights on emotional wellness, regulation, and the unique needs of children and parents walking through special-needs journeys.
Katrina Ketring, BSW – Social Worker (29 Years of Experience)
With nearly three decades supporting families, Katrina offers deep understanding, practical tools, and compassionate guidance for navigating school systems, services, and family dynamics.
November Event
🗓 Sunday, Nov 9 | 2–4pm
This is another incredible opportunity for young adults in our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow, learn, and shine closer to home 🌟
Come connect with other parents and caregivers, sip on something warm, and hear firsthand how Phillips Academy continues to expand its mission of empowering every learner to thrive.
☕ Coffee, connection, and conversation — all are welcome!pm