PCDA Newsletter
PCDA Newsletter

From the Executive Director

Dear friends,

Part of the PCDA mission is to be a leader in professional training, especially for the DIRFloortime approach. We provide training in each department for students and interns from across the country. Most recently, we have hosted students from:

Eastern New Mexico ------ University Cal State Northridge

Pepperdine University----- Cal State Fullerton

Pacific Oaks College------- Azusa Pacific University

West Coast University----- University of Montreal

The Wright Institute--------- Whartburg College

Applachia State---------------University of Kansas

St. Mary of the Woods------Idaho State University.


Thank you for your support, which enables these students to learn from our exceptional staff and then take this information on into their future endeavors treating children with disabilities in a wide variety of settings and disciplines. We are proud to have provided training to more than 100 professionals here in our clinic, as well as hundreds more in our conferences and trainings.

Diane Cullinane, M.D.
Executive Director

PCDA Newsletter

Upcoming Events

In the Spotlight

PCDA Newsletter

“The experience with PCDA has been very positive for my son Evan. His therapist, Ms. Molly, is fantastic and very professional with her sessions. Evan enjoys going to his group and is eager to go each week. The staff are very professional and caring with the children and treat parents with respect. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and the facility is always clean. I am very thankful to have this opportunity for my son to benefit from his therapy group sessions.”

Esmeralda Marroquin

Evan, age 6


A big thank you to Maggie Crawford and Maisie, a therapy dog who works at Huntington Hospital, for visiting our Teen Club in January – good dog, Maisie!

DIs of the Year

Every year, PCDA staff vote for a Developmental Interventionist of the year. In 2016, we had a 3-way tie for this coveted honor: congratulations to Niki Bahri, Sharon Chun and Dani Gies on being recognized by your colleagues for your outstanding work! Here’s a sample of what their co-workers had to say about our honorees:
“Dani is such a positive person -- it’s contagious. Her kindness and thoughtfulness make her a pleasure to work with.”
“I consider Niki to be one of the most knowledgeable and helpful DIs in the office.”
“Sharon always gives a helping hand not only to the families she works with, but also to the staff she interacts with. She is such a great asset to PCDA.”

Dani Gies, Sharon Chun, Niki Bahri

PCDA Newsletter
A Conference for Parents and Professionals

Fri. March 31-Sat. April 1, 2017
at The Huntington Library & Botanical Garden in San Marino, CA
Early Bird Rate EXTENDED to Feb 15th!
For more information or to register, click here

PCDA Newsletter

In January, Pasadena Police Department visited our Teen Buddies program. They talked with the teens about safety in the community, community relations, vocational opportunities, life skills, and health and Safety. Thank you Pasadena Police Department!

Teen Buddies Coordinator Louise Garnica with visiting Pasadena PD officers

PCDA Newsletter
On Jan. 11, Dr. Diane gave a talk at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as part of the California Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Fellowship Program. Her talk was titled, “Developmental-Relationship Based Intervention (DRBI) for Autism.” Part of PCDA’s mission is to provide education for other clinicians who work with children with autism, and we are proud to partner with CHLA.
PCDA Newsletter


Thank you
to the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors Charitable Foundation for awarding an unrestricted $5,000 grant to PCDA! We are grateful for your support and for your good work in our community.

Book of the Month:
I Love You As Much
Written by Laura Krauss Melmed, illustrated by Henri Sorensen

PCDA Newsletter

A quiet celebration of the bond between a parent and baby that can be shared at naptime, bedtime or whenever it is time to say "I love you." This collection of animal families in their habitats has a reassuring rhyming text and soothing watercolor illustrations. It also introduces the idea of simile, as each animal parent compares the greatness of their love to the wide world around them. The combination of comforting, rhythmic text and the sweet pictures depicting cozy scenes create perfect bedtime reading for young children.

Nutrient of the Month:
Water!

PCDA Newsletter

All of the rain this winter has prompted our nutrition team to remind you how important water is to your body! The human body is made of about 50-70% water and the cells in the body get the moisture they need from the water that we drink. Water helps keep your temperature steady and is needed for your body to produce blood, transport nutrients and chemicals, lubricate joints, and rid of waste. Here are a few tips for getting more water each day:

  • Carry a water bottle when you are away from home
  • Choose water instead of sugary drinks. This can also help with weight management.
  • Choose water when eating out. This will help you save money too!
  • If you prefer to add a bit of flavor, add a lemon or lime wedge, cucumber slice or other fruit to your water.

We are honored to have your support – thank you,
January 2017 Donors!

Dr. Diane & Bill Cullinane

Jessica & Levi Gelineau

Barbara Felsinger & Lawrence Teitelbaum

Eric & Kimberly Kaufman

Gloria & Paul Kilian

Ellen & Harvey Knell

Pasadena Foothill Association of Realtors

Joy & Steve Tepe

Anne & Gerald Yee

PCDA Newsletter

Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Support your PCDA by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. To learn more please click here.

PCDA Newsletter

Click here to visit our wish list to
make an in-kind donation.
PCDA Newsletter
PCDA is committed to providing children with developmental challenges and their families with the best possible child development programs. Your donations will help us continue our commitment in leadership in service and professional education. PCDA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Please learn more about the ways that you can support our efforts.

For further information, please contact Franci Levine-Grater at (626) 793-7350 ext. 289.
PCDA's Mission
PCDA improves the lives of children and young adults who have autism or other developmental challenges, through leadership in family-centered, multidisciplinary services and professional training.
PCDA Newsletter
PCDA Newsletter
PCDA Newsletter
PCDA Newsletter

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