Parent & Caregiver Support Groups
North Star Reach parent and caregiver support groups are open to parents and caregivers of children with serious illness and offered free of charge.
All groups meet under the guidance of a trained professional, who proposes discussion topics and will also help to facilitate conversations based on whatever comes up at each gathering.
These are small groups and all members are asked to commit to regular attendance at the 60-minute sessions, which will meet every other week starting in January. Information, as well as what is shared, is kept strictly confidential.
The benefits of participating in the support group include:
- Gain sense of belonging while decreasing feelings of isolation parents and caregivers of seriously ill children often experience
- Discover new ways to cope with stress related to caring for chronically ill child and improve own health and well-being
- Learn about community resources
- Opportunity to share experiences with others who have had a similar journey
You can register today for one of the support groups below by completing the form below.
Winter 2021 Support Groups

Open Discussion Group
When: Tuesdays, 5:00–6:00 p.m. (EST), every other week, starting January 12
What: An open discussion group to address a range of topics that are most relevant to members
Who: Facilitated by North Star Reach’s Mary Ann Fithian
Facilitator Bio:
Mary Ann Fithian is mom and caregiver for Will and her chronically ill child Faith. She is a certified small group facilitator and is passionate about helping families get the resources they need to care for their chronically ill children.

Hope & Healing Group
When: Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (EST), every other week, starting January 13
What: Focus on hope and healing for parents and caregivers.
Who: Facilitated by Victoria Lovell and North Star Reach’s Jessica Doletzky
Facilitator Bios:
Rev. Victoria Lovell, B.A., M.Ed., MDiv., is a former educator and coach of 20 years. She is the award-winning author of the children’s book, “My Guy in the Sky,” and the founder of Angel Whispers Ministries whose mission is to lead those poor in mind, body and spirit to a life of wholeness. She also serves at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where she is the associate pastor, an advocate for those experiencing homelessness and a missionary in Uganda, Africa.
Jessica Doletzky, CCLS, CTRS, is North Star Reach’s Outreach and Family Liaison Specialist. Prior to joining North Star Reach in 2014, she was a Child Life Specialist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for nine years, where she worked with pediatric patients and families in the hospital setting.

Resilience & Self-Care Group
When: Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (EST), every other week, starting January 16
What: Focus on self-care and wellness for parents and caregivers.
Who: Facilitated by North Star Reach’s Becky Patrias, M.D. and Ami Walsh
Facilitator Bios:
Rebecca Patrias, M.D., is North Star Reach’s Medical Director. A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, “Dr. Becky” has been a practicing physician at the University of Michigan Health System, and at St. Joseph Mercy Hospitals in Ann Arbor and Chelsea. Since 1989, she has run a private practice in Chelsea.
Along with her many roles at North Star Reach, Ami Walsh directs the program “Story Studio” for campers and family members.
Parent & Caregiver Support Group Registration
Families may register up to two caregivers for the same support group by submitting the additional name using the form below. Spaces are limited and filled on a first come basis.
Get in touch!
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North Star Reach Camp
1200 University Drive
Pinckney, MI 48169
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
North Star Reach is an independent nonprofit medical speciality camp based in Pinckney, Michigan. We provide life-changing camp experiences for children living with serious illnesses and their families, at no charge to them. You can support us today by making a donation.
Stay Connected
FAX
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
North Star Reach is an independent nonprofit medical speciality camp based in Pinckney, Michigan. We provide life-changing camp experiences for children living with serious illnesses and their families, at no charge to them. You can support us today by making a donation.

North Star Reach is a platinum-level
GuideStar participant

American Camp
Association Accredited
