Saturday, October 11, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Central Time)
The Wave at 106, 10603 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS 66206 (Inside Leawood Park, next to the Aquatic Center)
The program will feature:
—> a practical explanation of the social security claims process presented by two “veterans” of the Social Security Administration;
—> an interactive session with tips on cultivating wellness presented by an Alexion Patient Education Manager; and
—> a fun and engaging art therapy session presented by an experienced art therapist.
Lunch will be provided.
There is no charge for this program, but registration by Wednesday, October 8th, is required.
Childcare will not be provided.
Can’t make it in person? Tune in to the social security and wellness sessions via Zoom.
Biographies of Presenters
Cheri Stewart is a retired Claims Representative with 15 years experience with the Social Security Administration in helping clients build a strong disability claim, increase the possibility of success, and adjudicate completed claims to provide fast and correct payment. Her passion for hearing peoples' stories and creative approach to problem solving was valuable in helping clients continue the claims process and eliminate some of the anticipated hurdles. Cheri is currently a director on the NF Network board after serving two terms as President. She continues to volunteer frequently for the NF community with the idea that no one lives alone with NF. Her other passions include her family, the beach, the pool, and a french pressed coffee in the morning with the birds and coyotes in Arizona.
Carol Clark is a graduate of MIT and Washington University Law School. Before practicing law, she served as a commander in the Navy. Carol worked for many years as a Supervisory Attorney for the Social Security Administration, responsible for litigating social security disability appeals in federal court. Carol resides in Berkeley, California, with her husband and rescue dog, but thanks to her Raytown roots, her heart belongs to Kansas City. Gardening, crafting and traveling keeps her busy now that she is retired.
Joe Booe is a Patient Education Manager (PEM) at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease. His role is to help patients and caregivers learn more about NF through local and community education sessions and events. Joe is inspired by the stories of patients living with rare diseases and their challenges. His goal is to empower patients by providing them with the resources they need to effectively manage their condition.
Noël Kearns is an art therapist with 30 years experience working in the Kansas City area at various organizations serving those with physical and mental health challenges. She recently opened her own practice, START THERAPY, which provides individual and group art therapy sessions. Noël helps people of all ages utilize various art methods to facilitate emotional expression, esteem, empowerment, and acceptance while learning ways to manage conditions. “Art therapy is not about creating a perfect product. It is about embracing the process of creating. Just as we must enjoy a journey, rather than focus on the destination, the act of creating helps us stay present while becoming empowered. Therefore, no artistic talent is necessary. Leave your unrealistic expectations at the door and start art therapy.”
Sponsored by
Questions? Email NF Central Plains at nfcentralplains@gmail.com.
