Newbury visits Little Star – Lafayette for Parent Morning Meet-Up

Michele Trivedi, Little Star Center (LSC) parent and board member, brought her Canine Companion for Independence (CCI), Newbury, to LSC-Lafayette on May 31 for the monthly Parent Morning Meet-Up.  This informal monthly gathering for parents of LSC learners features different topics and provides parents an opportunity to meet and share experiences

Newbury was specifically trained for three years before being placed with Michele and her family to assist with daughter, Ellie.  Newbury helps Ellie with situations that cause heightened anxiety such as air travel or when she experiences stomach distress.

Michele serves on the Health Benefits Mandate Task Force for Indiana (appointed by Governor Daniels) and was appointed in 2002 by the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Insurance to represent the autism community on health insurance issues for the development of Bulletin 136, which mandates insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders.  She earned a Masters Degree of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Xavier University.  Michele is an active member of the autism community and donates her time to assist fellow Hoosiers with insurance-related issues.