Support Networks
SHARE
Support Networks
The OI Foundation offers several resources for connecting with individuals with OI and OI families. All of the resources listed below allow participants to ask questions, share information, and offer mutual support to others.
OI Foundation Official Facebook Page
"Like" the OI Foundation on Facebook to receive important announcements and updates from the OI Foundation.
OI Community Forum Facebook Group
Join the OI Community Facebook Forum discussion page for the OI community. Please note: In order to view and participate in Facebook groups, you will need an active Facebook account.
OI Foundation Support Groups
About the OI Support Group Program
The OI Foundation recognizes the value of creating a space where members of the OI community can share their personal experiences, and both receive and provide support. For many years, OI Support Groups met in person, but with advancements in technology, some of the groups have chosen to meet virtually in recent years. The OIF is now expanding this important program to ensure that everyone in the US has the opportunity to connect either by geography or by interest.
The goal of the OI Support Group Program is to provide a space for sharing, educating, and socializing.
- Sharing allows participants to talk about their experiences and feelings and offer each other mutual support and encouragement.
- Education occurs when group members receive new information on topics of interest.
- Social time provides unstructured opportunity for members to enjoy each other’s company.
The OIF Support Group Program is divided into five Regional Groups (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, and West). OIF Regional Support Groups help foster a sense of community and provide regional-based information to OI community members in specific regions. With support from OIF staff, each OIF Support Group is led by OI community members.
See below for information on your Regional Support Group Leaders and upcoming meetings in your region!
Upcoming Regional Support Group Meeting!
| Meeting Information |
|---|
| Northeast: Wednesday, April 16, 2025; 8:00pm ET Register: HERE |
| Southeast: Wednesday, April 16, 2025; 8:00pm ET Register: HERE |
| Midwest: Wednesday, April 16, 2025; 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT Register: HERE |
| Southwest: Wednesday, April 16 2025; 5:00pm MST/6:00pm MDT/7:00pm CT Register: HERE |
| West: Wednesday, April 16, 2025; 6:00pm MT/5:00pm PT/4:00pm AK/3:00pm HST Register: HERE |
Regional Support Group Leader Contact Information
| Region | Support Group Leader | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Dianne McNeil | Dianne.Northeast@yahoo.com | 774-266-0771 |
| Southeast | Gail Bunker | SoutheastRSG@gmail.com | 407-405-5371 |
| Southeast | Susie Wilson | SoutheastRSG@gmail.com | 914-261-8025 |
| Midwest | Diane Albrecht | midwestRSG@gmail.com | 847-970-1353 |
| Midwest | Jessica Minor | midwestRSG@gmail.com | 317-402-6858 |
| Southwest | Kelli Druessel | swregionoif@gmail.com | 309-310-1636 |
| West | Diane Wysocki | west.RSG@gmail.com | 206-713-7208 |
| West | Liana Teteberg | west.RSG@gmail.com | 435-714-0000 |
OIF State-Based Contacts
Below is a list of State-based contacts. State-based contacts are community-members that people can reach out to connect with someone in their state.
| State/Area | Contact | Phone numbers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Barbara Hicks Lauri Alexander | oifromaz@gmail.com lauri@digitalswirl.com | |
| Colorado | Christina Carney | christinalcarney@gmail.com | (970) 964-4250 |
| Florida | Breanna Coleman Samantha Coleman | coleman.faye00@gmail.com sk.coleman@yahoo.com | (813) 365-2687 (813) 928-7004 |
| Illinois | Jean Grys | grysmom@yahoo.com | (309) 353-4988 |
| Kentucky | Cheryl Pena | Calli1980@aol.com | (859) 744-3679 |
| Massachusetts (South Shore) | Cheryl Manduca | disneyfanatic4eva@gmail.com | (508) 292-0562 |
| New Jersey | Ricky Britner Jr. | oirickybritnerjr@gmail.com | |
| New Mexico | Amber Ohlinger Angel Pacheco | astaro95@gmail.com Angel.pac126@gmail.com | (575) 770-3523 (575) 77904775 |
| Iowa | Kyle Thompson | suevankt@gmail.com | (641)-420-8050 |
| Ohio | Erin Szavuly | eszavuly@lourdes.edu | (419) 824-3685 |
| PA (Pittsburgh) | Chaz Kellem Nikki Watson | chazkellem@yahoo.com nicolemariewatson@gmail.com | (412) 913-6357 |
| Texas | Amie Ludwig | amieludwig1@yahoo.c | (214) 334-9683 |
| Utah | Liana Teteberg | lteteberg@icloud.com | 435-714-0000 |
| Washington | Diane Wysocki (Regional Support Group Leader) | wysocki.diane@hotmail.com | (206) 713-7208 |
Helping our community stay up to date and connected.
Please sign up to receive updates from the OI Foundation including our monthly e-Newsletter, research updates, and upcoming event information.
