A Lasting Impression
Kristin remembered The Early Learning Institute (TELI) and her TELI therapists very well. 14 years ago, her daughter Courtney received services through TELI after being born prematurely at 24 weeks and one and a half pounds. A young, single and scared mother at the time, Kristin was relieved when the TELI therapists arrived, not only because of the important physical therapy and developmental services they were providing to Courtney, but because she now had a support system. TELI therapists Kay Donovan and Anita Hall were happy to answer Kristin’s questions and connect her to additional resources at the time.
And, for a child who wasn’t supposed to make it, Courtney thrived. “Within a couple of months of her starting with Kay, she was able to sit up. Then, she learned to crawl. She then learned to walk and rapidly within the next year, learned everything she needed.” At 2 and a half years old, Courtney tested out of services. Now 14, Courtney is a dancer and is described by her mother as one of the most poised and physically coordinated people she knows. “Therapy really made a huge difference in her life. I still see the affects today.”
Their story doesn’t end here. Nearly three years ago, Kristin became a foster parent and through this journey, adopted Vivian, a toddler with Spina Bifida. At four months old, Vivian was on a feeding tube and had a list of other medical conditions. Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) caused Vivian to require a shunt in her head and she has already had open heart surgery. Kristin says that she and Courtney knew right away that they wanted to adopt Vivian. Kristin also knew who she wanted to help Vivian succeed.
“It was probably 10-12 years between the time Courtney had services to when Vivian needed them, but I remembered Kay and I asked for she and TELI specifically. I knew Vivian would need the best.” Vivian receives physical, occupational, speech and developmental therapies from TELI therapists weekly. And, the services have made a difference. “She is just thriving. She has done so well. She’s exceeded all of the expectations the doctors had for her.” Vivian is talking, sitting up and crawling. Kristin says Vivian is healthy, happy and learning like crazy.
Kristin is still a foster parent to other children and says many children come to her very delayed because of varying levels of neglect in their lives. If children are with her long enough, she always connects the children to services and requests TELI. “No matter what child I have or what their issues are, TELI has always sent therapists who are good, friendly, able to work well with the kids, and, they return my calls. They just do everything right. The difference you can make in those first couple of years, that birth to three period, is so critical.”
“I’ve never felt the need to go anywhere else.”
For more information about The Early Learning Institute (TELI), please visit http://www.telipa.org/ or call 412-922-8322.