Dear Friends,

The rooms are full at PCDA this summer.  In some rooms, children are with their parents and other rooms are full of groups of children including our busy 2-week summer camp.  In all of the rooms, the DIRFloortime approach is put into action as children are engaged, playing, and learning.  Each activity is designed to build on a child’s interests and supports interaction based on shared attention, warmth, and respect. From this foundation, children advance in specific skills in movement, communication or social skills. Play based intervention can look like simply play, but there are specific strategies that are used to guide child development and help children make progress in areas of challenge.  Parents often tell me how grateful they are for the great progress they see from coming to PCDA.  I am grateful to our staff, and our supporters who make this all possible.  Please read about all of our upcoming activities below and I invite you to come to our annual gala on September 30!

Thank you, 

Dr. Diane   
Diane Cullinane, MD   
Executive Director

 

"My son Ayden has been receiving services from PCDA for a few years now. He started with Feeding Therapy and is currently in Social Skills with Ms. Amanda. PCDA's services have been invaluable for my family and especially for Ayden.  He looks forward to his class every week and is learning and growing in so many ways. My dad, who lives in San Francisco lends me a hand when he comes to visit by driving Ayden to his class, and even in his limited interaction with PCDA, is amazed at how well Ms. Amanda and Ms.Tracy know and understand him, tailor lessons to him, and give suggestions for "homework".  

Ayden recently graduated from Transitional Kindergarten and at the ceremony, half the class stood up and chanted "Ayden! Ayden! Ayden!" as he walked up to receive his certificate.  (The class didn't do this for any other child) All I could think was, Social Skills is working magic on my son!! We are incredibly thankful to have crossed paths with Ms. Amanda as she has helped Ayden blossom in ways we couldn't have imagined."

- Lin, Ayden's mom

 Jose has his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles. He has 7 plus years of working with youth in various capacities prior to starting at PCDA. They include being a youth minister with high school students, supporting at risk youth and creating programs for families in the local community.

Jose started at PCDA in April of 2015 and as Developmental Interventionist participated Social Skills programs and worked in our in-home program, as well. He is fundamental in supporting our Young Adults Program, as this is a passion of his. Jose also supports in the assessment process for incoming clients and provides clinical support to new DI’s. He has a wonderful understanding of DIR/Floortime and imparts this to his clients and their families. We are so proud to recognize Jose as Developmental Interventionist of the Month.

Thank you to the patrons, restaurants, vendors, staff, and guests who made this year’s 4th Annual Rosé Soiree such a success. Over 150 attendees enjoyed a wonderful evening of wine tasting and food sampling at the home of Chelisa and Jim Vagim, with all proceeds directly benefit PCDA clients and families – thank you! 

Photos courtesy of William Kidston Photography.

A streamlined and sustainable opportunity for community members to support children with disabilities and the good work of PCDA.

Tickets/tables for PCDA fundraising events included in donor benefits!

Please contact Franci Levine-Grater: franci@pcdateam.org (626) 793-7350 x 289

Instructions

Using an ice cream scoop, make balls of watermelon and place them in the freezer on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet for no more than 1 hour. Remove from freezer and roll in vanilla yogurt and then toppings. Place in an ice cream cone or snow cone cup and enjoy!