Donene Feist is the mother of 3 children.
I began my quest in assisting families early on when our oldest and middle child were initially diagnosed about a month apart.  Also, as a member of the Family Involvement Subcommittee of the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC).  I became involved as I was looking for answers in raising my own children with special health care needs. “We were lost, didn’t know where to begin to find services or even where to begin.”  Through the ICC effort, I was a founding member of North Dakota Family to Family, now called ND Parent to Parent. “I became involved with Family Voices natioanlly about the same time and later started our own chapter.”  Donene is a nurse and as such knew it was vital to collaborate at all levels for our children.  However, with that said…didn’t know all of the resources that were needed.  “Health and education are essential pieces of the needs of families.”  It is essential to have the “Family Voice” at all tables to ensure positive outcomes for our children. Donene has been very active both at the state and national level on areas of health, medical home, transition, family centered care, cost effective and community based services, and family satisfaction. Donene is the recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader Award 2008

• Share