Spina bifida is a complex birth defect involving several body systems. Management and care of a person living with spina bifida can be expensive, time-consuming, stressful, and exhaust a family’s resources. Thankfully, a myriad of services and supports are available to help improve quality of life for individuals and families living with spina bifida and other disabilities. However, knowing whom they are, what they provide, and how and when you qualify can be confusing and overwhelming. Anne Tapia, Coordinator for the Regional Autism Advisory Council and Marta Getz, Social Worker for the Center for Spina Bifida at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, will help us make sense of the “Maze of Resources” offered in the Greater Cincinnati area that help make life just a little bit easier.
Anne Tapia serves as the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC) Coordinator for Southwest Ohio. RAAC offers and promotes training opportunities to build capacity and expertise. Prior to this role her experience includes working with children and families within the child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disability and mental health systems. Anne has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University and Masters in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati. She is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio.
Marta Getz is a social worker at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Prior to coming to CCHMC, she obtained her BSW and MSW from the University of Cincinnati. Marta has worked in therapeutic foster care and community mental health before joining the CCHMC team. Her CCHMC career has been spent in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP) and supporting the Center for Spina Bifida
