Society of America Travel Writers

The American Board of Pediatrics, founded in 1933, is an independent, nonprofit organization whose certificate is recognized throughout the world as a credential signifying a high level of physician competence. The association is one of the 24 certifying boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. ABP promotes excellence in medical care for children and adolescents through training, establishment of requirements for certification and setting the standards for examinations. The board awards certificates in general pediatrics and in subspecialty areas, such as adolescent medicine, cardiology, critical care medicine, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, emergency medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology, infectious diseases, neonatal-perinatal medicine, nephrology, pulmonology and rheumatology. The certificates are awarded in conjunction with other specialty boards in the areas of medical toxicology, neurodevelopmental disabilities and sports medicine. ABP has headquarters in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Tristan's Quest is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adolescents with emotional/behavioral challenges and their families through public and professional education, family support, and direct services. Tristan's Quest, Inc was founded in June of 1999 by Dr. Jean and Richard Allen, whose 16-year-old son, Tristan, died during a physical restraint while in treatment for a severe depressive episode. Dr. Jean Allen, who is the Executive Director of Tristan's Quest, holds a Ph.D. in Child Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Special Education-Learning Disabilities. Dr. Allen has adopted five special needs children, has fostered 18 high-risk children, and has been a role model and mentor for many of the students she has taught or tutored. She has more than 30 years experience working with and advocating for children with special needs, including ten years of clinical experience facilitating short-term study skills clinics with small groups, as well as working individually with children who face emotional, behaviorally, and/or learning disabilities and their families. Tristan's Quest is governed by a dedicated board of professionals who are committed to the values and beliefs which are the essence of Tristan's Quest-most importantly, the basic human worth of children with special needs and their rights to understanding, personal dignity, and compassionate care.