Dear friends,

What is the secret of quality of life?  Sharing close relationships, filled with trust, respect, and care.  From sharing fun and laughter, and comfort during tough times, children build higher capacities for empathy and ethical values.  We are so fortunate to work in the DIR approach, which has this framework.  There is joy in seeing children and parents, and children and peers growing in relationships at PCDA.  We celebrated our mission and our vision for the future at our recent spectacular gala.  My thanks to everyone who helped to make the event so successful.  Now, we move forward with all the activities of the fall and holidays.  I welcome you to participate or come for a tour to see our programs directly.

Warmly,

Dr. Diane   
Diane Cullinane, MD   
Executive Director

Now a confident fifth grader, Cooper first came to PCDA for consultation with Dr. Diane and OT as a preschooler. At that time, the focus was on sensory issues, fine and gross motor skills, self-regulation, and helping him form successful relationships with family, peers, and teachers at home and at school. Now seeing Dr. Brandt, the family is focused more on a higher order, self-reflective thinking, and internalized standards, helping Cooper take on family responsibilities with a positive attitude, based on mutual respect. His parents are establishing healthy limits on screen-time and cell phone usage. They are glad to have found an alternative to reward-and-punishment approaches, as they put the highest value on strengthening their relationships. As his Mom says, “From the first time we came here, we’ve felt that part of what makes PCDA special is that parents are part of the process.”

Marlene has two B.A. degrees, in Criminal Justice and in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. She has experience as a legal intern and as a research assistant for the Social Science Research Center at CSUF. Marlene has experience with the Boys & Girls Club of Stanton/Anaheim, Mercy House, and has volunteered for Autism Awareness Day events, among other admirable volunteer and work experience. Marlene joined the PCDA team as a DI in May 2018. She has shown a lot of growth within her role and her work with clients and their families. Marlene participates in our SEDI, Social Skills, Teen Buddies and Sibling Saturday programs. She shows an increasing knowledge for DIR/Floortime, and works very hard at applying this in her work with her clients and their families, providing individualized strategies and support for each of them. Marlene is always willing to help out in any way she can. We are thankful to have her as part of the PCDA team and are honored to celebrate her as DI of the Month!

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Michelle Kolsi as PCDA’s newest Member of the Board!

Dr. Michelle Kolsi Gregorian (aka Dr. Michelle) was born and raised in Irvine, CA. She went to the University of California, Berkeley where she studied British Literature and Molecular Biology before heading to Chicago Medical School to obtain her MD degree. Dr. Kolsi completed her residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and is currently a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a solo practitioner at her own pediatric practice in Glendale and prides herself on providing exceptional medical care while creating lasting relationships with her patients. 

Dr. Kolsi is married to her wonderful husband Armen and has two children: Sarineh (8) and Levon (6). She enjoys reading, skiing, and all things Snoopy.   

Welcome, Dr. Michelle!

This book helps children explore the perspective of others, or how another person’s experience might be different from your own through the lens of fairness. When Wendell comes to Sophie’s house he insists on having most of the fun and Sophie is not enjoying herself. As the weekend progresses Sophie learns how to initiate her own ideas and the two become fast friends.