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Welcome!

About

I am a  business leader, wife, mother of 2, pediatric physical therapist, missionary and follower of Christ who believes in tapping into all that life has to offer and giving back where I can. I spent the last few decades of my life helping empower others to support children with special needs, both here in the U.S. and around the world.  I am deeply committed to helping teachers, families and communities create environments where all children can reach their full potential.  My motto is, "There is no such thing as a problem child, there are only children with problems that need our help."  

Background

I am an educational and clinical consultant and the co-founder of Pediatric Therapeutic Services, Inc.   After working as a senior therapist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for six years, I met co-founder Diana Fongheiser through a business relationship. We realized the potential to bring real change to the way that children with special needs are supported in their school environment and founded PTS in 1998. My work with PTS has enabled me to leverage my early experience building and managing a therapy division for a national staffing company and my professional training as a pediatric physical therapist. I am a published author in both pediatrics and the delivery of educational support services. Sharing knowledge is very important to me!  I speak regularly at state special education conferences and local universities and am an adjunct professor at the University of Delaware’s DPT program.  Recently, new doors have opened for teaching internationally, including an invitation as the keynote speaker at the Latin American Inclusion Conference at Pedro Henriquez Ureña University in the Dominican Republic.

 

I provide clinical training for teachers and parents on therapy strategies to improve function in children with developmental delays both here in the U.S. and as part of my international mission work.  The focus for trainings is around creating classrooms where ALL children can thrive, equipping teachers with knowledge and practical tools to identify problems early and implement support strategies.    My travels have taken me to India, Belize, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.  I also deliver virtual trainings for countries in Africa and South America.  Since selling PTS in May 2022, I have been able to expand trainings both locally and globally.

Current Mission Partners

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The Now

Upcoming trainings:

Edify Guatemala March 15-17, 2023--"The Healing Classroom"--A three-day, in person and livestream training on supporting the mental and behavioral health of students and teachers.

Edify Africa March 22, 23, 24, 2023--"The Healing Classroom"--A three-day, livestream training to train leaders/facilitators in seven African nations and to develop video content that can be used for in-person events.

Valerie's House, Fort Myers, FL April 1,2023  In person training for grief group facilitators and volunteers to help support focus, behavior and engagement for children with special needs.

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