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MEET MIMI: THE BEST RESOURCE IN EP MAGAZINE'S 2022 EP GUIDE

The word "resource" comes from an old French word meaning something that provides aid, support, ideas, solutions and answers that may be drawn upon when needed. While the EP Guide typically directs readers to schools, clinics, organizations, programs and research centers; as the Editor-in-chief of EP Magazine I get to designate the "best resource" in the 2022 EP Guide.

EP Magazine is privileged to share both the letter to Owen and Mimi's explanation of why she did what she did. Mimi is the number one resource for the disability community (as well as the rest of us) as to how and why we need to respect, support and include everyone. She is not only a role model, but an example and a resource of what needs to be done to "walk the walk." EP Magazine congratulates Mimi Jannerbo as the Best Resource in the 2022 EP Guide. May every Owen have a Mimi by his side. – Rick Rader, MD, Editor-in-chief, EP Magazine

This year's Best Resource in the 2022 EP Guide is a departure from our typical listings. It is not a university affiliation, treatment program, training center, policy or procedure or an evidence based research breakthrough. It is Mimi.

Mimi Jannerbo is a nine-year-old fourth grader from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She attends the St. Jude School and is a student in an "inclusive classroom," with students with different abilities, learning skills and communication styles. Mimi was disappointed and dismayed to see one of her classmates being disrespected by another classmate. She felt compelled and obligated to do something. She wrote a note to Owen, her friend with autism.

MIMI'S EXPLANATION: "I sent the letter to Owen because he was having a rough day, some kids were being mean to him. I'm not going to say who for obvious reasons. It was in Art class and we were using Sharpie pens. There was this color they called "Diamond" it was a silvery blue color. These kids were trying to take it off his table so he got frustrated (which I understand because he has autism) also, this person next to him always gets mad at him for small things. We got back to the classroom and I felt really bad so I decided to write him a letter but then I realized that other kids would be using our classroom so I showed it to my teacher and she thought it was so cute. She sent it to his mom. My mom said he liked it a lot and it made me happy that he was happy."