Child & Family

February 2012 is an important month for

this member of the pediatric therapy team

at Child and Family Development:

·         Melinda Bumgardner, Speech-Language Pathologist – 1 year

Melinda joined the team in 2011, but it seems like she’s been part of the team for much longer. While she’s practiced in the Charlotte community for about 13 years, C&FD gives her the ability to collaborate directly with other professionals and be holistic in her approach. She was accustomed to treating along with Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, this has been her first opportunity to work closely with Psychology and Education practitioners. She enjoys using our blog to share information and suggestions with the public. She completed Hanen training a few months ago and is hoping to offer parents groups this year. Melinda stays busy outside of the office too and is teaching a Junior Roller Derby class starting this month. 

You are an important part of our mission- to provide comprehensive, quality and integrated services to children and families.

• Developing Daily Modulation Plans & Activities Using the Autism/Sensory Survival Kit for Children & Adolescents
  
• Therapeutic Listening

January 2012 is an important month for

these members of the pediatric therapy team

at Child and Family Development:

·         Gail Fennimore, Physical Therapist – 18++++ years

Gail has been part of C&FD since the very beginning in the early 80’s. She tells me that she still loves what she does after all of these years. It is important to her to pay attention to the small details- the things that help a child do well and have fun outside of the physical therapy session. This spring, she is pursuing an APTA Certification for Pediatric Specialist. She will also become a grandmother in 2012.

·         Barb Hartshorn, Speech Therapist- 5 years

Barb has been practicing for more than 20 years. She strives to make the most of speech therapy time with parents and a child. Barb says she ‘treats individually’ and we all see that philosophy in action daily. Over the past few years, she has developed a new clinical skill helping kids with feeding difficulties. Her SOS training and case experience is a highlight of her work. Right now, Barb and her family are hosting an exchange student from Italy. 

·         Martha Knight, Educational Specialist- 4 years

Martha describes herself as a detective. It’s her job to discover the strength in every student, despite the academic challenges they may face. Martha loves to see how educational therapy- more than tutoring- can help a family approach learning, school and homework in a positive and constructive way. She is very involved in the local Ronald McDonald House.

·         Jessica Hoffarth, Occupational Therapist- 1 year

Jessica believes that occupational therapy should always be child-focused. She loves a clinical challenge and helping families deal with tough behaviors. Her C&FD blog about her own sensory processing difficulties as a child and an adult is a inspiration and insight for our team and others. She and her husband are expecting their first child in April.

Each of you are an important part of our mission- to provide comprehensive, quality and integrated services to children and families in Charlotte.

Established in 1980, Child and Family Development is a multi-disciplinary pediatric therapy practice with a mission to provide comprehensive, integrated and quality services.  Our team of more than 35 therapists spans Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Education and Psychology. 

Currently, there is a full-time position for an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist available at our Midtown office.

Visit the Careers tab on our website, www.childandfamilydevelopment.com, for more information.

Who else saw the great segment on NBC News last night featuring a special performance of the Lion King for people with autism?

If not, check it out:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/vp/44764978#44764978

A New York City based organization has a new program to make theatre accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum disorder.    The first performance, "Lion King", was on Sunday. 

The show was performed in a supportive environment.  Slight adjustments to the production included reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience.  In the lobby, there were staffed quiet areas and an activity area, for those who needed to leave their seats during the performance.

The last part of the segment noted that "no words were necessary" to show the delight of the audience. 

This month marks 31 years of service in Charlotte for Child and Family Development.

We are proud of the multi-disciplinary approach that includes Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Psychology and Education services and are pleased to work with so many kids, families and professionals in the community. 

As has been our mission since 1980, our pediatric therapy team will continue to provide comprehensive, integrated and quality services.

After 25 years of clinical work at Child and Family Development, Dawn Keller, M.Ed.,  retired on August 16, 2011.

In her words, she shares, "I feel so privileged for the opportunity to do the work I love. My job has always been so much more than just a job to me. Every day has offered me special joys as I work with children and their families." 

It has been a true honor and pleasure to work with this exceptional woman.

Now, she transitions into a new role here as our Educational Specialist Emeritus. She continues to be a vital part of our Psycho-Educational team. Dawn participates in clinical consultations, mentorship and planning. 

Dawn, thank you for your countless contributions to C&FD and the Charlotte community. 

We love you!

Welcome Kati Berlin, M.S., OTR/L

She will be based at the South Charlotte office.

We are jumping for joy that you are part of the Child and Family Development team!