Class Correspondent

Stacey Ballis recently completed her seventh novel, “Out to Lunch,” which is due for release in December. She is now working on her eighth, “Recipe for Disaster.” She and her husband celebrated their second anniversary by purchasing the historic three-flat Chicago graystone where Stacey has lived for the past 20 years. They are in the process of converting the building to a single-family residence. Melissa Katz recently traveled to Muhuru Bay, Kenya, to teach communication skills at the WISER school for girls. A Johnson & Johnson employee for 14 years, she joined a group of fellow workers who donated their time and skills. For more information about her trip and the state of education for young women in this region, visit www.educateagirl.blogspot.com. Jennifer Weitz formed JW Advocates, a special-needs advocacy group serving all of Connecticut. “Special-needs children are entitled to a ‘free and appropriate education’ from their school district and often other support benefits from the state,” she says. Jennifer’s business provides parent coaching; complete education-record review; records organization; individual education-plan review, development and verification; classroom observation; and other services. The mother of two children with Fragile X syndrome and autism, she has experienced firsthand the feelings of confusion and despair confronting parents when they learn their child has a disability. Jennifer received her JD from Boston University. Jennifer Gilmore’s third novel, “The Mothers,” has received glowing reviews (see the profile of Jennifer in this issue). The book follows a couple as they navigate the lengthy process of adopting a child. Last September, Jennifer told The New York Times that the novel was informed by personal experience. “My husband and I have been involved in a long, drawn-out domestic adoption process that has led us to many places but has so far not given us a child,” she said. “I don’t usually write books that appear to track so closely with my life, but there was so much about the process of open adoption that I was attracted to as a novelist. It’s fascinating and maddening.” Amanda Trigg was installed as the treasurer of the New Jersey chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Submit a Class Note