Child & Family

Happy C&FD Anniversary to Ellen Bruce!

May 9, 2013 marks six years of tenure as an Occupational Therapist at the Midtown office of Child and Family Development.

It’s been a true pleasure to work with her and a joy to watch her grow from a newlywed to a mom of 2 and from long locks (of love) to a short and sassy haircut.

Another OT, Maria Morellino, agrees with me and notes Ellen’s client-focused work ethic, approachability and helpfulness. Maria enjoys seeing and hearing Ellen interact with kids each day.  If only our walls could talk…           

Thanks Ellen, we are so glad you are here!

Can you believe it? 24 years!

Ann Guild, the most tenured and experienced Speech Therapist at Child and Family Development, is celebrating 24 years of work at C&FD on May 1, 2013.

I am so proud to work with her and proud of her expertise, reputation and commitment to share both with others.  

I asked a new SLP for her insight and here is what Colleen Nolan had to say:

• Ann thinks outside the "traditional" speech "box" to see the child as a whole and treat from "toes to nose" as we used to say at my old clinic.  She has a great understanding of how speech/language/ feeding is related to what is happening in the WHOLE body and treating speech/language/feeding from that perspective.
•  Ann supports the Speech Therapy team, especially new therapists and provides input to best practice with our clients.
• Ann appears to continue to grow her clinical knowledge, despite her years of experience and training.
• It is clear that parents and kids value and enjoy her.

Colleen thinks Ann exemplifies one C&FD Value above all others-Integrity- and I could not agree more.

Thank You and Happy C&FD Anniversary, Ann!

Cathryn Caldwell, Speech Therapist, joined us at the Midtown office on April 2. 

This Carolina girl recently returned to her home state from California and we are glad to have her here in Charlotte.

Cathryn received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and a Masters in Education from North Carolina Central University. Previous work settings include pediatric clinics with experience in coordinating early intervention programs for children with global developmental delays and autism. She is a PROMPT trained therapist with extensive experience with motor speech disorders including childhood apraxia of speech, dysarthria, oral motor deficits and articulation/phonological disorders.

She already fits right into the Child and Family Development pediatric therapy team. 

Welcome!

Happy 5^th C&FD Anniversary to Michelle Pentz, Speech Therapist.

Another South Charlotte SLP, Stephanie Gerlich, helped me with the highlights:

• We’re all experts but Michelle exudes confidence and is bold in her speech therapy practice.  She enjoys a challenge!

• We are busy but Michelle always finds time to collaborate with the other pediatric therapists.  For many children, she co-treats with the Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapy teams.  She makes herself available and has the answers!

• We don’t play favorites but Michelle is helping her 1-year-old become an expert communicator and shows her off at the office every once in awhile.   Like mother, like daughter!

Michelle, thanks for being a long-time member of the Child and Family Development team.  High 5!

Happy 1^st C&FD Anniversary to Amy Gossett!     

It’s hard to believe she’s been on the Midtown team for just a year because she has contributed so much to Child and Family Development already.  We look forward to many more anniversaries!

Her colleague and fellow speech therapist, Lindsay Hyatt, had a lot of great things to say, including:

• Amy is fearless.  She is willing and able to take on any challenge.
• Amy is fun. She makes the most of every session and workday.
• Amy is sweet and smart.  Good combo!

Many happy returns, Amy!

Did I mention that Nikki Griesmer, Medical Records Coordinator, has a few pictures of Elvis around her workspace?  So, on her 5^th C&FD Anniversary, there’s only way to say it:  Nikki, thank you. Thank you very much.

We all know that Nikki makes things go around here.  

Her colleague, Mary Johnson, notes that Nikki is a huge support to Child and Family Development staff and clients. She is honest and works hard. She is full of so much knowledge whether regarding HIPAA, medical records, policy and procedures or even current events. Mary admires Nikki’s dedication and organization and notes that Nikki is a fine example of one of our company values -- EFFORT --  because she always ensures that her job is done well and free of error.

It is clear that Nikki takes pride in her work and service.    

You rock, Nikki!

Happy second C&FD Anniversary to Melinda Bumgardner, Speech Therapist.   One of her colleagues, Amy Gossett, summed up how a lot of us feel about working with her.

3 words to describe Melinda: HELPFUL, KNOWLEDGABLE, FUN

Expertise: I admire Melinda's skills with programming augmentative communication devices!  They are tricky sometimes and she seems to always have the answers.

C&FD Contributions: Melinda has great SUCCESS with the children  she sees for speech therapy. I referred a client with Apraxia to her. I hadn't been around him in quite awhile and when I saw him again, I noticed a big improvement!

Fun Fact: Melinda loves Hello Kitty toys!  I got one from my Happy Meal and couldn't wait to give it to Melinda to add to her collection.

Melinda, you are the cat’s meow!  We are glad you are part of the Child and Family Development team.  

Colleen Nolan, M.S., CCC-SLP joins the Child and Family Development team on Feb. 12 as a full-time Speech Therapist.   

Colleen has been practicing for more than eight years. She holds a Master of Science degree from Emerson College in Boston. Colleen has extensive training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at the New England Center for Children (NECC) as well as related training and experience working with the Autism population both at NECC and Children’s Hospital San Diego.

Colleen has been trained in Listening Fitness Training (LiFT) and Interactive Metronome.  Also, she is a Level I certified therapist in hippotherapy from the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).

Work experiences include outpatient clinics, Children’s Hospital, and in-home care settings, as well as her continued sessions at a local farm providing hippotherapy.  She enjoys working in the areas of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), oral motor/feeding, Apraxia, Autism Spectrum Disorders, articulation/phonology, and receptive/expressive language disorders. 

She works at our Midtown office in Charlotte.

Welcome Colleen!

Happy C&FD Anniversary to Barb Hartshorn, Speech Therapist.   We are celebrating 6 years!

One of her colleagues, Jayne Walton, helped me think of all of the great things about having Barb on the C&FD team.  

Barb is sometimes called the Mom of the South Charlotte office. She brings a positive attitude to good and tough times.  She gives great advice- personal and professional.   She is a great teacher to fellow pediatric therapists and parents alike.

I am proud to report that her tenure here is longer than at any other place of employment in her 20+ year career.  Her family has lived in many states over the years and is now settled here. We know she won’t go since her son is preparing to head to college in the mountains next fall.

Meanwhile, we are glad to have such an experienced speech therapist and rely on her clinical expertise in feeding and swallowing difficulties and other areas.

●Thank you Mom.. I mean Barb●

Happy 2^nd C&FD Anniversary to Jessica Hoffarth, Occupational  Therapist, at our South Charlotte office.  

To celebrate, I had a chat with one of her colleagues about her.  Sharing a workspace allows you to learn a lot about a person, so Kati Berlin had some fun facts to share-- such as Jessica’s preference to wear themed socks (without shoes during some active sessions, like the snowflake ones we’ve seen this week) and her wish to use sunlight rather than overhead lighting whenever possible. Interesting!

Kati and others tout Jessica’s commitment to her work.  Jessica seeks out and provides mentorship with other members of our multidisciplinary pediatric therapy team- that is what Child and Family Development is all about after all. Also, she is well known around here for her thorough report writing and love of a spreadsheet.

Jessica’s most impressive accomplishment of the year is her 9-month-old son, Jack.  We love to hear about his development and see him in action every once in awhile.  

●Thank you, Jessica●

Happy 19^TH (and then some) C&FD Anniversary to Gail Fennimore, Physical Therapist.   

To celebrate, I spoke to one of her closest colleagues and another physical therapist, Amy Sturkey.  They are close in many ways- their offices are across the hall and both have worked here for a few decades. Wow!

Amy describes Gail as her best friend at work. They look to each other for support with whatever comes up- an office matter or a tough case.

Gail is admired for her connectedness in Charlotte and for her clinical eye. She knows a lot about clinical and medical resources in our community. Even more so since receiving her Pediatric Certification last year, clinical outcome relevance and research guides her intervention with every child. In addition, Gail has a talent for explaining the importance of therapy activities to parents and caregivers. 

●Thank you, Gail●

Happy 5^TH C&FD Anniversary to Dr. Erin Harkins, Physical Therapist.   

Her distinctive and frequent laughter can be heard around the South Charlotte office.  She is also known for belting out a tune during physical therapy sessions with young and old clients.  

At Child and Family Development, Erin does a lot to makes others laugh and smile too, including organizing many philanthropic activities, supporting families in community events, celebrating special times of year with kids who visit us and planning fun parties for our team.

Of course, her main focus at work is on clinical excellence. Erin is a diligent practitioner who strives for achievement in her clients, her colleagues and herself everyday.  She is a leader in our aquatic therapy program and Total Motion Release (TMR) services.

Enjoy the day, Erin!

Happy 2^nd C&FD Anniversary to Annada Hypes, Clinical Psychologist.  

Dr. Hypes works at the South Charlotte clinic.  One of her top interests is helping adolescents and young adults have happiness and success in life. 

In the office, Annada is always good for a hello and a smile.  Her personal and professional genuine spirit is evident to everyone on the Child and Family Development team. She is a diligent professional who keeps up with the many demands of her job readily.

Away from work, she enjoys painting, running and playing with her energetic dog.  She must be focused at home too!

Happy 3^rd C&FD Anniversary to Abbey Sipp, Occupational Therapist. We are lucky to have her on the Midtown team since 2009.  

Earlier this year, Abbey completed the Emerging Leaders program via the AOTA which provides tools and training to early career professionals. Also, she expanded her clinical repertoire with additional NDT coursework, which she indicates has added to her interventions greatly.

Abbey’s optimism is contagious.  This lady is always smile-ready.  She knows how to make the everyday and the big occasions special.

She is a sure asset to Child and Family Development and the Charlotte community.

Thanks Abbey!

Happy C&FD Anniversary to child psychologist, Carol Capehart, marking 6 years of tenure at Child and Family Development today.

Back in 2006, Carol established our Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic and she continues to lead the practice in evaluation, treatment and support services for families facing ASD.  In addition, she serves as the Psych-Ed Coordinator, facilitating best practice standards for our staff and our clients. 

Carol is pursuing Yogi certification and spends a lot of her free time in downward dog.  Ironically, she is also a proud ‘cat parent’ and ‘cat grandparent’. 

Thanks for all you do!     

Happy C&FD Anniversary to psychologist, Dr. Chris Vrabel.   Since October 2011, he is based at our South Charlotte office.  

Find him at this year’s Autism Speaks Walk Now For Autism as the C&FD team leader.  Autism is one of Dr. Vrabel’s areas of expertise and he offers diagnostic evaluations and support to families facing that diagnosis. 

Dr. Vrabel has lived in many parts of the country and moved here from Los Angeles.  His family enjoys Charlotte because everything is close to work and home and it is easy to get out of the city.   Their convertible has transitioned from the sun and surf of California to the humid summers and brisk autumns of North Carolina.  He and his wife have 2 adorable girls.

We are glad to have him on the Child and Family Development team!  

Mary Helen Bailey marks 1 year of tenure at Child & Family Development today as an occupational therapist.

She moved to Charlotte to join the C&FD team and is settling right into the city and our practice. 

Her colleagues describe her as “no nonsense”.  She has a knack for making the therapy work enjoyable and directed for kids. Mary Helen also has a reputation for helping, from sharing her space to making a therapy activity more fun and functional.  In addition, Mary Helen leads our pool-based OT services at the Harris YMCA and is especially interested in handwriting and sensory processing.

We all love her sharp wit and dry sense of humor.  Mary Helen keeps us laughing!

Happy Anniversary!

Dr. Gretchen Hunter marks 1 year of tenure at Child and Family Development today.

She and her husband, the other Dr. G. Hunter, returned to their hometown after living in the Northeast over the last few years.  He is also a psychologist practicing in the Charlotte area.

Both Drs. Hunter has been quite busy!  At work, Gretchen has settled into the Midtown office and is building her neuropsychological, evaluative and counseling work with kids and adolescents.  In addition, they have purchased a home and are expecting Baby #1 in early 2013. 

Happy Anniversary!

One of our Educational Specialists expands her role today. Over the past year, Kimberly has worked alongside the psychology team to perform comprehensive evaluations.  Now, she settles into a regular schedule at the South Charlotte office for both assessment and educational therapy work.

Kimberly Springs, M.A., received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia in 1995 and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona in 1997. Her professional experiences are broad and diversified and work as a Kindergarten teacher at CMS, a Child and Family Development Educational Specialist, Clinic Director of an intensive educational therapy learning center, Owner and Director of a private intensive intervention clinic and Director of an Academic Resource Center at a small private school in Charlotte. All of this has built a vast expertise in helping children with learning disabilities.   

Glad you are here!