Fairmount has planned two presentations. Both events will be held in the Wheat Ridge Gathering Room, 2100 Wheat Ridge Drive, on the west side of the Fairmount campus in Ephrata.

A program titled "A Conversation With the Clinic for Special Children" will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m.

The presenters will be executive director Adam D. Heaps and medical director Dr. Laura Poskitt from the Clinic for Special Children. They will share information about the clinic's mission, whom it serves, how it provides care, and the impact of its work. Using the examples of two genetic disorders, spinal muscular atrophy and maple syrup urine disease, Poskitt and Heaps will describe how the clinic provides translational care, remains on the cutting edge of genetics, and reduces barriers to access in the Amish and Mennonite communities.

Heaps has been the executive director of the clinic since 2014. He originally joined the clinic in 2010 as a laboratory technician. As executive director, Heaps is responsible for all aspects of the clinic's operation, including financial management, strategic planning, and collaborative relationships. He has contributed to research at the clinic and has co-authored several peer reviewed papers with clinic colleagues.

He completed his undergraduate studies in biology at Franklin & Marshall College and received his master's degree in biology from Millersville University and Master of Business Administration from St. Joseph's University.

Poskitt, a board-certified pediatrician, joined the Clinic for Special Children in July 2019. She was promoted to the position of medical director in 2024. In this role, she manages the clinical operations of the clinic, oversees the physician team, and develops and implements strategic goals and objects to fulfill the organization's clinical mission.

She is a native of Lancaster County and graduated from Hempfield High School. Poskitt completed her undergraduate studies at Grove City College, obtained her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed her residency in pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University and Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware.

"The Optimistic Journey With Hearing Loss" will be held on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m. The program is free of charge and is geared for anyone who is experiencing hearing loss or who knows others with hearing loss.

Kay Tyberg, a colleague of Fairmount resident Dale Long, will be the presenter. Tyberg has been a member of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) for more than 30 years. She has served on the HLAA Pennsylvania State Advisory Council and was instrumental in founding several chapters across the state. She is proficient in sign language and has taught sign language in various locations. After the presentation, there will be time for questions.

For directions to Fairmount, visit http://www.fairmounthomes.org.