Dear Friends,

In August, the American Academy of Pediatrics published an article about the importance of play:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182

This report supports what we do here at PCDA every day!  We use playful interactions and the child’s interests to encourage shared attention, initiative, exploration, creativity, challenges and problem solving.  Children gain in communication, social skills and learning.  Now that children are headed back to school, let’s be sure that there is still time for play every day- and hopefully parents can join in as well!  We are getting ready for our big Harvest Moon Magic! Gala on September 30.  I invite you to join us on this special night to celebrate play, families, and PCDA!

Warmly,

Dr. Diane   
Diane Cullinane, MD   
Executive Director

Joshua, a member of PCDA’s Teen Club, is a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School. His interests include math, engineering, computer animation, and robotics. Joshua began participating in PCDA’s Social-Emotional Development Intervention (SEDI)/Floortime program after being diagnosed with autism at age five. He currently uses a technology device to help him overcome speech delays and loss of sound when speaking. At age 13, Joshua started Teen Club, and he enjoys it a lot. His mother, Marissa, shares: “He has grown so much, from being shy and reserved to being confident, learning how to ask for help, and taking charge in any situation. He loves going to Teen Club and feels like it is his safe space.” After graduating, Joshua plans to attend college and hopes to one day get into UCLA. He would like to become an engineer and contribute to his community.

Joshua will be honored at PCDA's
10th Annual Harvest Moon Gala on September 30th!

We are pleased to announce our DI of the Month is Lindsey Kelso! Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences: Child and Family Studies from the University of Montevallo. She has years of experience as a Lead Teacher for infant to 3 years old classrooms. She’s held the position of an Early Interventionist Supervisor at Ahead Start in Anderson, South Carolina. Lindsey joined PCDA in May of 2017 as a Developmental Interventionist. Since starting in her role as a DI she has been able to support in various programs such as SEDI, Social Skills, and Teen Club/Teen Buddies. Through her work with clients and families she has been able to demonstrate growth in her knowledge and passion for DIR/Floortime. We are thrilled to honor her this month for her hard work and dedication to PCDA.

Congratulations Lindsey!

Welcome to Maureen Girouard, PCDA's new Development Director!

We are pleased to welcome Samuel A. Thomas as PCDA’s newest Member of the Board!

Sam served as the Executive Director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for 23 years, as well as Area Director for California, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. He currently volunteers as an Area Leader for AARP Los Angeles County and is a past Board Member of the Pasadena Senior Center. where he still volunteers on their events committee and for their various other programs. Sam previously did some work with clients from the regional center in doing a quality of life assessment. He says, “I admired the children and young adults I met and the resilience they showed in their lives.”

We are thrilled to have him join PCDA’s Board of Directors!

A child who is transitioning into preschool or kindergarten might really appreciate this story about a mouse named Owen and his special fuzzy yellow blanket.  We are able to understand Owen’s love for the blanket, the disapproval of a nosey neighbor, and his mother’s loving and resourceful solution to help Owen navigate from his world at home to school.