History of GNHCG
The first meeting was held on July 6, 1996 and brought fifteen celiacs from the New Haven area together. Bev Chevalier and Jane Trevett co-founded the group. Both had been active in other celiac support groups and felt the need to establish a support group in New Haven. The Greater New Haven Celiac Group became official chapter #75 of CSA/USA, Inc. on September 20, 1996, one of 125 chapters affiliated with this national organization.
The decision to affiliate with CSA/USA, Inc., a national celiac disease organization, also added the challenge of finding a Medical Advisor. The group is fortunate to have Dr. Henry Binder, Director of Digestive Diseases at Yale University, as our Medical Advisor since 1996. Dr. Binder was one of our guest speakers that very first year. Dr. Binder is internationally known and his name has lent great credibility to GNHCG.
The first year also included a presentation by Kathy French, MS, RD, CSP, Pediatric Dietitian at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. Kathy agreed to be our Dietetic Advisor and has been a tremendous asset since 1996, loyally attending our meetings and always available to answer questions. A message from our nutritionist (PDF).
An offshoot of the Adult group began in 1998 when Ann Marie Alderman started the Children’s Group. The very first event was held on December 20th at Milford Hospital.
