Physical Therapy Charlotte

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.

Looking for pediatric therapy services near Lancaster, South Carolina?

Child and Family Development has an office in South Charlotte that is less than 5 miles from the border and easily accessible from I-77 and the 485 loop.

Our multi-disciplinary clinic has been helping children and families since 1980. The team of experienced therapists can assess and treat a wide range of childhood concerns, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities or special needs.

We participate in many insurance plans.  Also, some of our Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy providers accept South Carolina Medicaid. 

The Contact Us tab on our website will link you to our address and Mapquest. 

Looking for pediatric therapy services near Rock Hill, South Carolina?

Child and Family Development has an office in South Charlotte that is less than 5 miles from the border and easily accessible from I-77 and the 485 loop.

Our multi-disciplinary clinic has been helping children and families since 1980. The team of experienced therapists can assess and treat a wide range of childhood concerns, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities or special needs.

We participate in many insurance plans.  Also, some of our Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy providers accept South Carolina Medicaid. 

The Contact Us tab on our website will link you to our address and Mapquest. 

●My prayers have been answered in such a marvelous way.  The Karate Program has been instrumental in my son's life by   increasing positive character traits. Each Wednesday, because my son knows that he will attend the Karate Program, there is an exuberant sparkle in his eyes. He has always kept his room clean, but because of his increased independence, he asks to vacuum his room and other rooms in the house on this special day!  Prior to the Program, negative characteristics existed such as anxiety, fear, nervousness, frustration, and a lack of focus.  Currently, the positive character fruit produced within my son is patience, improved body strength, courage, confidence, increased maturity, increased independence, increased responsibility, and joy. I am thankful to God for Amy, Sensei Riaan and for the Karate Program.  The love and compassion given to my son weekly is more than any parent could imagine.  This Program has exceeded my expectations.  It is a blessing. It is a gift from God.”-Mother of a 16-year-old boy diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome

 
For over a year now, our son, who is on the autistic spectrum, has been attending a weekly karate class under the direction and tutelage of Sensei Riaan.  He has never been in a structured group setting like this, and he is thriving more and more after each session.  His confidence level has increased because he feels successful, and is able to be with and keep up with his peers.  We have noticed significant improvement in his balance, motor skills, and coordination, as well as his social and play skills.  One of the particularly commendable aspects of this program is the way it is organized with each child having an outside support person to work along with him and help and guide him, as necessary.  I highly recommend this class to everyone; especially our special people who need extra love and support! -Parent of a Karate Group Participant

Looking for pediatric therapy services near Fort Mill, South Carolina?

Child and Family Development has an office in South Charlotte that is just 13 miles from there and easily accessible from I-77 and the 485 loop.

Our multi-disciplinary clinic has been helping children and families since 1980. The team of experienced therapists can assess and treat a wide range of childhood concerns, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities or special needs.

We participate in many insurance plans.  Also, some of our Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy providers accept South Carolina Medicaid. 

The Contact Us tab on our website will link you to our address and Mapquest. 

My son has greatly benefited from the PT Karate group! His upper body, lower body and core strength are all improving, and his attention span as well as ability to stay on task has increased. I am so glad this class is offered and hope others will be positively impacted by it too. -Mother of a 12-year-old with autism  

What is it?

The Physical Therapy-Based Karate group is a long-time favorite at Child and Family Development.  It is led by Amy Sturkey, Physical Therapist, and Riaan Van Schalkwyck, Black Belt Instructor. 

We have seen such success with teenagers with high functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome that we want to expand and offer it to young adults and adults with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. 

The goal is to help participants improve balance, strength, and coordination and control. There is also a focus on self defense moves.

How does it work?

Each participant is paired with a ‘shadow’ to offer verbal encouragement and instruction and simple physical redirection cues.   It is important that each participant be able to follow directions and not have aggressive tendencies towards self or others.

Groups are formed according to skill level with age and size taken into consideration, to ensure the best opportunity for success and homogeneity. Groups are limited to 4 participants. 

What can I expect?

The Karate group meets weekly at our Midtown Clinic for a minimum of 8 weeks. The group may continue passed 8 weeks if there is sufficient interest.                         

Session times will be offered on Wednesdays at 1pm and/or 12pm. 

The private cost of the groups is $50 per session. All payments are due at the time of service.  

Want to learn more?  

∙  Call Amy: 704-332-4834 ext. 114

∙  Email Amy: asturkey@childandfamilydevelopment.com

∙ Visit the C&FD website: www.childandfamilydevelopment.com

Here's what a Child and Family Development parent wrote about our pediatric therapy services recently:

My child worked with Leslie Holmes for Physical Therapy for a year and with Lindsey Pritchard for Occupational Therapy briefly. They were excellent! The front office was always wonderful. I will highly recommend Child and Family Development to anyone anytime.

Thanks for the feedback!

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.

•Happy New Year•

In 2012, Child and Family Development

will continue to participate in these Insurance plans:

Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
Cigna

Med Cost

NC Medicaid
Primary Physician Care

SC Medicaid (OT, PT)

United Healthcare

Behavioral Health (Psychology) Services

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
Primary Physician Care

Educational Services

(not filed to insurance)

We will file to other plans on an out-of-network basis.

The front office team is available
to assist in determining network coverage.

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.

Most often it is the more severely involved or neurologically injured child who is referred to physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy at an early age.  However, an increasing number of infants and toddlers have mild to moderate developmental issues that will greatly benefit from the therapeutic expertise of a skilled pediatric therapist. 

Some infants may have a known diagnosis or medical condition.  However, some toddlers may simply be experiencing delays in walking, talking or overall socialization. We believe that once a child is identified, time becomes the most critical component.

When we are able to begin treatment with these children before the age of 3, progress often occurs more rapidly.  Families find their stress and concern lessened because of the support they receive from our team of clinicians.  There are agencies in the area that offer services in a home or natural environment, but Child and Family Development offers clinic-based therapy.

Our clinics are equipped with the tools, toys and equipment that are needed to evaluate and treat children. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in the sessions and are trained to promote continuous progress in the other settings.  We find that many children benefit from working directly with a therapist in a therapeutic setting which is designed to support new learning techniques.  

 We have about 30 physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists on our staff with two locations to serve the Charlotte region.  Every staff member has specialized and advanced training in pediatric therapy with over 400 years of combined pediatric therapy experience across the practice.  Many staff members also have advanced training in treating infants to address issues of respiration, feeding and movement. 

Our practice accepts NC Medicaid, SC Medicaid, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Medcost and many other insurance plans. 

Infants and toddlers are given a priority at our practice and we are able to schedule evaluations, and treatment within just a few weeks. 

Contact us to learn more about our early intervention services for infants and young children.