Help us to celebrate these amazing Xgs Allies who make impact in our loved ones life!
An XGS Ally is someone in the life of a person with XGS who really gets it and works to make their life better. It could be a therapist, healthcare worker, support worker, doctor, educator or a friendly bus driver! What makes them an Ally is that they go above and beyond for someone with XGS!
Jessica, Kaitlyn, and Alisha, Addie’s teachers, were nominated as XGS Allies 2025 by her mother, Alyssa Reinert.
“Addie’s teachers have been her unwavering allies over the past three years, supporting her growth, learning, and well-being every step of the way. They understand her unique needs with Xia-Gibbs syndrome and consistently advocate for her success. Their patience, creativity, and dedication ensure that she receives the individualized support she needs to thrive academically and socially.
These teachers don’t just see her challenges—they see her strengths, her personality, and her potential. They work hard to create an inclusive, nurturing environment where she feels safe and empowered. Their efforts, from adapting lessons to celebrating her progress, show their deep commitment to her success.
As Addie’s parents, we recognize and appreciate that they are not just educators but true partners in her journey. Their kindness, expertise, and advocacy have made a lasting impact on her development. We are beyond grateful for their unwavering support, knowing that with them by her side, Addie is in the best hands.
Kristin, who is Blake’s mother, nominated his teacher Mrs. Andrea as an XGS Ally 2025.
“ Mrs. Andrea has helped Blake in so many ways. Her patience and understanding, helping Blake through his school days is truly amazing. She definitely goes above and beyond daily to ensure Blake is getting the best possible school experience. We are truly blessed to have her part of his support team.”
Thank you for everything you do Mrs. Andrea!
Amanda Sallee, mother of Clara, nominated Clara’s AEA Physical Therapist, Kathy McCarthy, DPT as an XGS Ally 2025.
“Kathy has been on this journey with us from the very start, before we even got her diagnosis. At the time, Clara was an 11-month-old weighing 11 lbs. She couldn’t sit, crawl or hold her head up, her little body just wasn’t strong enough. She could barrel roll though and that’s how she got around and explored her world. From Kathy’s very first visit in our home, it was clear that she was plugged-in, ready to roll up her sleeves. She’s been an absolute Godsend ever since and is a vital part “Team Clara”
She worked tirelessly with insurance, writing Letters of Medical Necessity and collaborating with numerous physicians on Clara’s care team to enable her to acquire all of these things that help her maximize her personal potential.Due in large part to Kathy and her tireless work, Clara was able to begin walking independently this year at the age of 2 ½. She now sits, stands, crawls, manages going up and down stairs by herself and is able to get around in her environment.
Kathy’s dedication and expertise continues to make an incredible difference in Clara’s development and overall well-being as she continues to work with her in her preschool setting.
We can’t thank Kathy enough for her continued dedication to Clara, her encouragement and for always creating a positive and supportive environment. It has been a comfort knowing that Clara is in such capable and compassionate hands.
Monica Jimenez, mother of Cruz, nominated his Equine Riding therapist Gayle Stowell as an XGS Ally 2025.
“Ms. Gayle has been a cornerstone of Cruz’s progress through equine therapy, where he has been riding horses for several years now. Her calm, kind and compassionate demeanor have made her one of Cruz’s favorite people, it’s always a treat for him to see her and her bright smile on Friday mornings. Our family appreciates the support and work that the Project R.I.D.E. staff provides to the special needs community in Elk Grove.
Thank you for being a Xia-Gibbs ally and helping Cruz continue to thrive!”
Ali Hampton, mother of Madalynn, nominated her teachers & Therapy team at Del Rio Elementary as XGS Allies 2025.
“This entire team has gone above and beyond to support Madalynn! Since she started at this school, she has been achieving so many milestones and goals. We’ve seen her accomplish things that once seemed out of reach, and it’s been incredible to watch her grow.
We truly appreciate how the team takes the time to understand her unique needs, allowing them to create thoughtful, strategic plans to help her succeed. Their dedication and care mean the world to us. We are beyond grateful for this amazing group, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team to help our girl learn and thrive!”
Ms Fitzroy is the head of special needs education at Taney Parish National School. She was nominated by Clare Daly who is Jessica’s mom.
“Ms Fitzroy leads an incredible team of special needs assistants in Jessica’s school. They are an amazing team and work endlessly to make sure every child reaches their potential. Ms Fitzroy has been a huge part of Jessica’s schooling from day one. At every opportunity Ms Fitzroy ensures Jessica is learning and supports her with new skills including ways to communicate by using her AAC device, giving Jessica a voice! A lot of planning goes into Jessica’s day to day education and school activities. We are so thankful for the dedication, care and support Ms Fitzroy has given to our little girl, she is a wonderful person and truly deserves to be recognized as an XGS Ally”
Elizabeth, the lead ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education) teacher in Tiny-K, was nominated as an XGS Ally 2025 by Gunner’s grandmother, Theresa Baker.
“She has helped us in so many ways, when we first found out she immediately started researching it and giving us information.
Tiny-K is the early intervention program in Kansas. She searched and learned all about Xia-Gibbs the minute we got the diagnosis and keeps us updated on everything.”
Nathan’s Family Nominated Devon Rios of the Law Office of Devon Rios APC as an XGS Ally 2025.
“Devon Rios, whom Nathan proudly calls “my attorney,” has been in Nathan’s life since 2014. There is no greater ally than a highly skilled legal professional willing to jump into an educational battle for a disabled boy with complex needs. Devon represented Nathan before Xia Gibbs Syndrome had been discovered deeming her a trailblazer along side us.
Devon is an award winning special education attorney and fierce advocate for the disabled community but her ability to connect with her clients and understand core needs is what highlights why she is an XGS ally and advocate. Nathan is the best judge of character and he truly feels Devon believes in his future. Devon represented our son during a time of crisis and trauma due to the educational system. Her willingness to think outside of the box while being open to Nathan’s challenging needs is a gift beyond measure
Please join me in thanking Devon for being a valiant advocate, expert and trailblazer for XGS, We are forever grateful she has taken such a pivotal role on our XGS journey.
Maria Dowell, Natalie’s grandmother, was nominated as an XGS Ally 2025 by Natalie’s mother, Brittany James.
“Maria isn’t a teacher. She isn’t a doctor or specialist. She isn’t a therapist. Yet she is instrumental to Natalie’s continued success in growth and care. She is one of Natalie’s phenomenal grandmother’s.
She attends doctors appointments and therapies alongside us (her parents). She even attended the XGS Conference in Houston with us this past year. One XGS Awareness Week, she sponsored a billboard for XGS. What we admire most, however, is her love and devotion to our sweet girl. She helps in her day to day care throughout the week, always including her and encouraging us as her parents. She spoils Natalie’s brothers and sees to it they are well taken care of as well. Any special needs household is hard, but Maria eases the burden through her love.”
She is a true ally in loving our entire family and champion for Xia-Gibbs Syndrome Awareness.
Dr. Hanna Lemerman was nominated by Kenley Kubit’s grandma as an XGS Ally 2025.
“She was the first person to step up and really help us when kenley was a baby. We knew something was not quite right but didn’t know. She ordered all the testing to diagnose her and get us on the right track. She has been so great all these years!”
