Joel Liestman

Parent Support Navigator, Twin Cities

Joel is the proud dad to a son with Williams syndrome, a rare, but fascinating genetic condition. After an unpleasant diagnosis meeting and the initial stress of months in the NICU, Joel decided to get involved with advocacy groups for the developmentally and cognitively disabled. He is the chairperson for the Upper Midwest region for the Williams Syndrome Association. He also serves as a Board Member for Partnership Resources, Inc., a Twin Cities-based service organization for adults with developmental disabilities. He’s been an actor and singer for over 25 years and loves having ties to an excited and supportive arts community of the Twin Cities. Joel is a graduate of Class 39 of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Partners in Policymaking program