NEW BEDFORD — Marion resident Wendy Stern, MD has been elected to the SHARE Foundation Board of Directors.

The non-profit foundation works to provide “thousands of physically challenged and nonspeaking individuals with the tools they need to communicate and become more independent.”

Stern is a board-certified otolaryngologist, specializing in conditions regarding ears, nose and throat. Before retirement, she was founding partner of a private ear, nose and throat practice in Dartmouth and ran a Speech and Swallow Disorders Clinic at Southcoast Health System.

SHARE has had a significant impact on Stern’s personal and professional life, as she sought the organization’s expertise and resources regarding her husband’s developing Parkinson’s Disease.

“I’ve worked with many patients who have medical issues that impact their ability to speak and communicate. I have known about SHARE and have made recommendations for people to contact them through our speech and swallow disorders clinic,” said Stern. “I called them when my husband, who has advancing Parkinson’s, needed communication help, so I have had interaction with this organization both professionally and personally.”

Stern was among three new board members elected to the foundation, including Brittany Botelho, Helena Moronta and Filomnea Tripp.