STAR is the brainchild of Hanover, NH., resident Phyllis Wilson, Ph.D.

Dr. Wilson’s late daughter, Phyllis Ruth Wilson, contracted Polio as a preteen. As a mother and psychologist, Dr. Wilson watched her previously healthy daughter struggle with a physical disability during her adolescent years. While Dr. Wilson’s daughter did successfully transition to adulthood, the experience left a significant impression on her. Dr. Wilson believed that young people who have chronic health conditions need and deserve support in coping with their challenges and in learning to grow toward a happy and productive adulthood. She envisioned a program that would give young people with chronic illnesses and disabilities the chance to make adolescence a rich and positive experience. It was Dr. Wilson’s vision and generosity that led to the establishment of STAR in 1996.

In the fall of 1997 Kate Creskoff, a Dartmouth College student, read about STAR and after contacting Program Director Mark Detzer, Ph.D. and securing funding from the Koop Institute she became a full time STAR intern. In the spring of 1998 she and Dr. Detzer developed the mentoring program which continues to be the mainstay of STAR. For the past 11 years, STAR, in collaboration with the Tucker Foundation of Dartmouth College, has been bringing teens and young adult Dartmouth College mentors together for monthly education, support and fun.

STAR Staff

Program Coordinator
-Leah Abrahamsen, MSW

starprogram@earthlink.net