HNDC in Wichita

Norberta Robertson, aka “Birdie”, began her involvement with HNDC many years ago as an event volunteer. Her interest in Huntington’s disease quickly moved forward in 2012 when she joined the HD Clinic Medical Team as a volunteer Social Worker for the monthly HD clinic. In late 2014, she stepped into the research arena in a clinical trial as a Capacity Rater. Looking for a change out of mainstream case management duties, in May, 2015, Birdie joined the staff at HNDC as a full time Social Worker and research assistant. “Early on as a volunteer, I experienced that even small assistance to someone with HD brought about significant differences in the quality of life for that person, their caregiver and the family as a whole.” She is a Washburn University graduate, obtaining her Master’s degree in Social Work from Wichita State University. Her experience includes working with severe and persistent mental illness adults (SPMI), serious emotional disorders (SED), elder care, and substance abuse. In addition to her duties as Social Worker, she currently co-facilitates the Wichita monthly HD support group, is active with HNDC fundraising and is a co-coordinator for the ENROLL-HD study.