In the Spotlight: Juliette Costantino

Juliette, age 5, with her mom Rebecca and Music Therapy Intern Sarah Badano

Music Therapy has a unique ability to help PCDA clients learn and grow, as it has for Juliette. Rebecca says, “Juliette has always been musical and shown interest in being sung to or in playing toy instruments. She started singing the melody to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” before she even had any true words yet. Music is very motivating for her, and she has learned so much about communication since beginning Music Therapy. Her receptive language has taken a huge leap and now her vocabulary, too. Music is calming and helps her regulate in stressful situations. We can tell how much she loves coming to PCDA since she talks about her therapists all the time! She adores them and interacting with others through song.” We are so proud of Juliette’s improving communication skills and her stellar performance in our recent Holiday Recital, and know that the future is bright for this budding musician – keep up the great work, Juliette!

PCDA is proud to be one of many local charity recipients of a community grant from the Arcadia Association of Realtors. Here is Dr. Diane accepting a $500 grant at the annual AAR Holiday breakfast. Thank you, AAR!

DI of the Month: Taryn Wong

Taryn was 2016’s last DI of the month! She has a BA in Psychology, with a minor in dance. Before coming to PCDA, Taryn worked with children for six years, including as a volunteer dance teacher in dance and movement classes for kids with special needs and tutoring at a social development center. Taryn has a solid work ethic, and she is always prepared and professional. She works well with all kinds of families, striving to communicate with each family in whatever way will be most effective and positively received. Taryn is always looking to improve her skills and actively seeks suggestions from colleagues about how to be more successful as a clinician. Although she joined PCDA only in the last year, Taryn’s commitment to her clients and her growing expertise insure that she will have a bright future. Congratulations, Taryn!

PCDA will be at the MOMS Club of Pasadena 2017 Preschool Fair on Saturday, Jan 21^st, 10am-1pm. This free community event allows local families to research a variety of pre-schools and programs for pre-school-age children. Held this year on the Pasadena Christian School campus, 1515 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena 91104. Click here for more information. Hope to see you there!

Holiday Recital

Client Amanda performs with the support of Music Therapy Intern Amanda

Julian sings with back-up from his mom, Music Therapist Rene, and Music Therapy Intern Sarah

Ashley performs with her mom and brothers

Sophia gets a gift from Santa after the show

PCDA’s annual Holiday Recital included two weekend shows in December that were a smash hit! 40 performers, ranging in age from 4 to 18, sang, played piano, danced, lip synched and played percussion for a full house of family, friends and community members. Santa even made a surprise appearance, bringing gifts and taking pictures with performers and their families. The confidence and enthusiasm shown by all performers was truly inspiring, and both feel-good shows were a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season together.

Thank you to the generous sponsors and supporters who made the 2016 Holiday Recital possible: Carolyn Watson and donors to the Carolyn Watson Creative Arts Fund; Yes, Virginia Fund of the Pasadena Community Foundation; Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts; Henkel of North America; UPS Foundation; Wonderful Giving; William Kidston Photography; The Candy Foundation; Sprouts; Pieology; Rounds Burgers.

Television premiere of award-winning documentary
“Life, Animated.”

“Life, Animated,” the story of Owen Suskind, a young autistic man who as a boy was unable to speak until his family found a way to communicate by joining Owen’s interest in classic Disney movies, will be shown for the first time on TV on A&E network on Saturday, January 7 at 8pm ET/PT. For details, check online or your local listings.

Volunteers of the Month: The Candy Foundation

The Candy Foundation Club was established by students at South Pasadena High School in 2013 with the mission of supporting underprivileged children and children with developmental challenges. In December, The Candy Foundation Club provided refreshments for PCDA’s Holiday Recitals, as well as hands-on support with gift bags, photos with Santa, and at the coloring table. PCDA is proud to work with the generous students of The Candy Foundation, and we look forward having their support in the future!

Volunteering at PCDA

Volunteers help sort and pack donated toys at PCDA

Volunteers are an important part of PCDA’s mission to provide high-quality programs and services to children with autism and other developmental challenges. Volunteer schedules are flexible and can be coordinated to meet your needs. Community Service credit is available to students or scouts age 14 and older! If you are looking for hands-on experience working directly with clients, you can help with programs like Teen Club, Social Skills Groups, Adapted Art Lessons, Young Athletes Program, or Sibling Saturdays. There are also opportunities to help with special events, administrative tasks, and departmental support. Help PCDA help children; volunteer today!

2016 Holiday Toy Drive

Dr. Diane and Community Outreach Coordinator Anne Yee with donated toys

Craft Hill’s toy collection box

Collection box at Whole Foods, Pasadena-Hastings Ranch

Our 2016 Toy Drive was a rousing success! Many PCDA clients benefit from the generosity of our community. Thank you to everyone in our community who donated toys, and especially to the 32 local businesses that hosted collection boxes:

“So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good-bye…”