Schreiber Pediatric Names 2013 Ambassadors
March 6, 2013The Center provides outpatient pediatric therapy for children with disabilities and developmental delays. Nationally accredited, Schreiber Pediatric is one of only eight institutions of its kind in the entire country. Its four ambassadors, who will help educate the greater community about living with disabilities, are:
Bradley Brooks, 5, son of Ashley Melbert, Columbia. Bradley initially began coming to the Center to learn to walk when he was about two and a half years old; he now receives physical, occupational and speech-language therapy and attends the S.T.A.R.S. Preschool. Bradley has cerebral palsy as a result of shaken baby syndrome at the age of four weeks. Schreiber Pediatric has given Bradley’s family peace of mind and more importantly, trust in others for his very best care. They credit the Center for Bradley’s many successes and say it truly is his favorite place to go.
Jack Rhodes, 6, son of Brian and Jennifer Rhodes, Lititz. At the age of just 18 months, Jack began experiencing moderate hearing loss and within a year was deaf. During this time, he worked closely with a Schreiber speech therapist to continue to communicate using sign language. Around the age of 3, Jack received bilateral cochlear implants and with his new access to sound, began to speak. Today, Jack is enrolled in mainstream kindergarten and testing similarly to his hearing peers – an amazing accomplishment in such a short period of time! His parents praise his therapist for educating and advocating for them, as well as being an amazing cheerleader to help Jack get where he is today.
Bella Esposito, 6, daughter of Eric and Celeste Esposito, Holtwood. Born with cerebral palsy, Bella has been coming to Schreiber Pediatric since she was just a few months old and receives physical, occupational and aquatic therapy to help her strengthen her muscles for balance and walking and works on fine motor skills for self care. Bella’s family describes Schreiber as a place where there are no disabilities – only abilities; a loving environment that continues to help their little girl thrive.
Sam Altdoerffer, 9, son of Sam and Kathlyn Altdoerffer, Lancaster. Born with cerebral palsy, Sam receives physical, occupational and speech-language therapy at the Center twice a week. He is currently strengthening his muscles to sit up, stand and walk; practicing his consonant sounds for speech; learning skills for daily living and practicing with an iPad. Sam enjoys reading and would like to be a librarian when he grows up, as well as help others – what an inspirational little guy!
Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children and adolescents with special needs in Central Pennsylvania. Its goal-oriented approach maximizes each child’s ability to function as independently as possible within the community.