Schreiber Stories
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to visit Schreiber, you have seen firsthand a place brimming with captivating and inspiring stories. We are grateful to have a devoted staff of amazing therapists who diligently work with the children every day and fortunate to have a team of volunteers who contribute their time and effort to our mission.
But it is the families that truly stand out. From care takers navigating through some of the most challenging situations, to the children themselves working hard in every therapy session. We celebrate these resilient individuals who enter our doors and dedicate themselves to improving their lives and striving for independence all while wearing smiles on their faces.
There is an abundance of stories within our grasp. These stories are the essence of our purpose for this blog. We yearn to share them with you, to create connections, and to touch hearts.
We know there are stories we are not yet aware of though, which is where you come in. Care takers of Schreiber kids, Schreiber alumni, and volunteers, we want to hear from you. Your voices and experiences are invaluable, and we eagerly await the opportunity to hear from you!
Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram, or send an email our way.
Celebrating the Schreiber 2024 Summer Olympics
August 1, 2024During the Schreiber 2024 Summer Olympics our #SchreiberKids kids engaged in specially adapted Olympic-themed activities designed to integrate therapy goals with imaginative play. From field hockey and tennis to judo and boxing, every Schreiber Olympic activity was crafted to be both fun and therapeutic. Bernie Hershey, a dedicated Occupational Therapist with over 21 years of…
Technology and Your Child’s Developing Brain
June 13, 2024In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones to tablets, screens are everywhere, and children are increasingly exposed to them. However, this exposure comes with significant consequences for the developing brain. At the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, we believe it is essential to understand these effects and…
Check-In Kiosks Are Coming to Schreiber!
May 30, 2024You’ve seen them in hospitals, urgent care centers, and possibly even your family doctor’s office, and now they’re coming to Schreiber! Check-in kiosks will be available in the lobby of the Schreiber Center this summer for parents and guardians to check in their kiddos for therapy appointments. Check-in and drop-off for daycare and preschool kiddos…
Schreiber Center Honored by Clark Associates’ $250,000 Donation
May 9, 2024During this year’s Clark Associates Derby Day event it was announced that the Clark Associates Charitable Foundation would be donating $250,000 to the Schreiber Center! The annual Derby Day event raises funds every year to tackle issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, economic challenges, and the needs of individuals with physical, intellectual, and social/emotional disabilities….
Schreiber’s Community Grand Re-Opening & Donor Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
April 30, 2024On Thursday April 25, 2024, we celebrated the completion of our nearly two years of construction, expansion, and renovations with a Grand Re-Opening Community Open House, where we invited all our Schreiber friends and families as well as our greater community to join us for an evening of connection and fun. A large tent was…
10 Occupational Therapy Activities Your Kiddo Can Practice at Home
April 12, 2024Whether your child faces sensory challenges, struggles with self-care tasks, or needs support in handwriting and visual perception, we’re here to guide you through a variety of fun activities that you can easily incorporate into your home routine. These activities not only promote development but also foster a sense of accomplishment and joy in your…
Encouraging Crawling: Tips for a Strong Start
March 28, 2024Once your baby starts showing interest in being mobile you might be tempted to rush them through the crawling stage and start to encourage them to get up and moving on their feet, but our physical therapists recommend not rushing this important milestone and instead encouraging the crawling stage as it provides your kiddo with…
40th Annual Schreiber Gala: One for the record books
March 20, 2024Our 40th Annual Gala was more than just a night to remember, it was also one for the record books. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, auction donors, attendees, and remote silent auction bidders we were able to raise an incredible $300,709 to support the uncompensated care costs for our Schreiber Kids. For the…
2024 Schreiber Ambassadors Announced at the 40th Annual Schreiber Gala!
March 18, 2024Every year we choose a few lucky kiddos to be Ambassadors of our mission. To join us as special guests at our events. To share their stories with our families and friends. To highlight the life-changing services our therapists are providing every day to those who need them most. This year we’re proud to announce…
Therapists at Schreiber Went Above and Beyond to Help My Son Thrive: A Personal Testimonial
February 27, 2024Written by: Schreiber Client Brayden’s Mom, Alicia Earnesty Brayden has been attending therapy at Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development for over 5 years now. As a medically complex child, Brayden has many diagnosis and challenges including intractable epilepsy(LGS) and cortical visual impairment. He first began receiving PT, OT, Speech, Feeding and Aqua therapy as we…
VitalStim Therapy for Dysphasia Now Offered at the Schreiber Center
February 15, 2024We’re delighted to announce that with the addition of Ashley Shaffer to our speech-language department we are now able to offer VitalStim therapy for kids with swallowing disorders. Ashley is the first of our speech-language pathologists to become certified in this revolutionary non-invasive therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate the throat muscles for proper…
Thank You PCA&D Students for Designing Our New Branded House of Logos
February 12, 2024We are honored to have been chosen by the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) to participate in their 16th annual Designathon. This event brought together the incredible talents of PCA&D students and faculty, who generously dedicated their time and expertise to create a professional-quality branded house of logos that we can use for…
The Myth and Reality of In-Toeing and Out-Toeing
February 1, 2024Have you ever found yourself marveling at your little one’s unique walking style? Those adorable little toes of theirs pointing inward or outward might seem like a quirky phase they’ll grow out of, but that’s a common misconception. Let’s dive into the myth and reality of in-toeing and out-toeing in kids and why pediatric physical…
How Schreiber Transformed Our Son’s Feeding Challenges: A Personal Testimonial
January 30, 2024Written by: Schreiber Client Finn’s Mom, Danielle Gwilt Our son Finn was diagnosed with food allergies shortly after his first birthday, and a chronic digestive condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) about a year after that. Due to allergies and discomfort due to EoE, feeding Finn was a challenge pretty quickly after he began solid foods….
Embracing the Chill: The Many Benefits of Playing in the Snow
January 19, 2024The temperature is dropping, and those beautiful snowflakes are falling from the sky. You might be thinking that you’re stuck inside with the kids until it gets warmer, and that snow starts to melt. But our occupational therapists say it’s the perfect time to bundle up those kiddos and send them outside for some snowy…
OASUS Harness System Takes Pediatric Physical Therapy to New Heights at Schreiber Center
January 18, 2024The new physical therapy gym at the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is now open! This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with a range of innovative equipment and open spaces, all meticulously designed to enhance therapy sessions for all our PT patients. This environment allows for more personalized therapy in a warm and inviting atmosphere, filled…
Small Victories Creating Big Impacts for the Morales Family
January 8, 2024Teresa, the youngest, and fifth of the Morales children to receive pediatric therapy services here at the Schreiber Center faced hurdles with her speech and fine motor skills. Her parents, already familiar with the impact of our services, turned to Schreiber again, in the hopes that we could help Teresa savor the simple joys of…
Thank You to our 2023 Ambassadors!
December 31, 2023As we reflect on 2023, we are filled with gratitude for the amazing kids and families who have allowed us to spotlight their journeys through our therapy services, the true champions of our mission – our 2023 Schreiber Ambassadors! It is through your tireless efforts that you’ve helped spread awareness about the vital work we…
V Kelly for Children Trust $15,000 Grant Allows Schreiber to Better Address the Pediatric Behavioral Health Crisis
December 26, 2023The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development has recently been awarded a generous grant of $15,000 from V Kelly for Children Trust. This funding is a crucial step forward in our mission to address the Pediatric Behavioral Health Crisis. In the face of a pressing crisis, where according to the CDC, one in five children experiences…
Navigating New Year’s Eve with Kids on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide to Sensory-Friendly Celebrations
December 21, 2023New Year’s Eve, a night of joy and anticipation for many, can pose unique challenges for families with kids on the autism spectrum or those with sensory processing disorders (SPD). However, with thoughtful planning and a touch of creativity, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable celebration for your child. Our therapists have shared…
Kolton Conquers Sensory Struggles and Graduates Occupational Therapy Victorious
December 18, 2023At three years old, Kolton was having difficulty within a variety of areas including attention, transitions, emotional regulation, sensory processing, using feeding utensils, and pencil grip. His mom Sam, a behavioral consultant who had a professional history with the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, brought him to the center for assessment. “I wanted to be…
Join the Chairman’s Challenge and Become a Hero for Schreiber Kids
December 12, 2023When you enter Schreiber, you enter a world of possibility and hope filled with stories of resilience and triumph. Here, families navigate through challenges, therapists dedicate themselves to transformative work, and children, with unwavering determination, engage in therapy sessions with radiant smiles. These are the individuals we celebrate at Schreiber, and it’s their stories that…
Empowering Avery: The Impact of Early Intervention Speech Therapy
November 28, 2023Born at a mere 29 weeks, Avery Berry spent the initial 57 days of her life at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Women’s and Babies, where Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) doctors, nurses, and her family rallied around her until she was strong enough to go home. For her first two years her…
Brookfield’s Safe Harbor Team Steps Up for Schreiber Center
November 20, 2023Brookfield Renewables hosted their company-wide step competition, a fantastic initiative promoting healthy exercise habits while raising funds for charity again this summer and a team from Safe Harbor Dam right here in Lancaster, PA won second place! What makes this announcement even more special is that they’ve chosen the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development as…
Schreiber’s Commitment to Children’s Healthcare
November 20, 2023World Children’s Day is a time to reflect on the challenges that children face and to highlight the initiatives that are making a positive impact on their lives. This year, we’d like to draw your attention to the critical issues surrounding children’s healthcare and the efforts we’re making here at the Schreiber Center for Pediatric…
ExtraGive Funds Pediatric Therapy at Schreiber
October 31, 2023Every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. At the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, we are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities or financial circumstances, has access to the quality care they need. The ExtraGive event (https://www.extragive.org/) is a remarkable opportunity for us to come together…
Go Big or Go Home: Javion Rodriguez
October 25, 2023“Go Big or Go Home” says Schreiber client, Javion Rodriguez, who went big this summer when he played in the Little League World Series Challenger Series. For 30 years this series for kids and teens with physical or mental disabilities has invited the best teams in the world to compete, and for the very first…
The GIANT Company’s $13,500 Gift Sparks Our Feeding Program into Action
October 23, 2023Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of The GIANT Company through their Make a Difference Challenge, we are thrilled to announce that our groundbreaking Feeding Program will soon be launched as an extension of the therapeutic interventions already in place and led by our dedicated interdisciplinary team of occupational and speech therapists. Proper nutrition is vital…
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October 16, 2023This month we have the opportunity to raise public awareness about the condition Down Syndrome, as we advocate for the inclusion and acceptance of people with Down Syndrome. It is an unfortunate fact that people with Down Syndrome continue to face stereotypes and misconceptions about their abilities. We urge you to take this month to…
20 Tips for a Sensory Processing Disorder Friendly Halloween
October 12, 2023Halloween, with its costumes, candies, and eerie decorations, is a thrilling time for many children. However, for those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), this holiday can present unique challenges. SPD can make the sensory overload of Halloween overwhelming. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll share some invaluable sensory Halloween tips and ideas to…
Living & Thriving with Cerebral Palsy
October 6, 2023Written by Katie Martin, Former Schreiber Client I was born 10 weeks prematurely in 1982, along with my twin brother Adam (who is 14 minutes younger) and was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy at 6 months old. Cerebral palsy is a physical condition that affects mobility and posture that for me, was caused by…
Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
September 29, 2023What is Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy? Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy is a group of muscular dystrophies which can be inherited in various ways. It equally effects males and females and symptoms begin between 8 and 15 years of age. About 2 to 10 out of 100,000 people are affected by this muscle disorder which leads…
Anxiety in Kids
September 27, 2023What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a NORMAL worry or uneasy feeling that causes kids to feel nervous and afraid. It can generate real and uncomfortable physical responses. Anxiety is often triggered by new situations which makes it very common in children. For some children, anxiety affects their behavior and thoughts daily, which can interfere with…
Early Intervention for Deaf Children
September 22, 2023Communication is essential for human interaction. Unfortunately, Deaf children face challenges in communication that can significantly affect their development. The good news is, early intervention during their infancy and toddler years can greatly lessen these communication barriers with the hearing world. By providing specialized assistance in these critical early years, we have the opportunity to…
How to Support the Behavioral Health of Deaf Children
September 21, 2023Deaf children, like all children, deserve every opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. However, they often encounter unique challenges that can impact their behavioral health and overall well-being. From social isolation to academic struggles, the mental health journey for Deaf children can be complex. This post will explore the various behavioral health concerns Deaf…
The Challenges Of Being Deaf In A Hearing School
September 20, 2023School can be a difficult space for any child to navigate, but when you add the additional challenge of being deaf, the difficulties only grow. By shining a light on the unique challenges that children who are deaf encounter in school we hope to help minimize them. The Communication Barrier: A Key Obstacle One of…
12 Communication Milestones to Look for in Deaf Children
September 19, 2023When it comes to the developmental journey of babies and children who are deaf, American Sign Language (ASL) communication milestones play an important role. Knowing what unique milestones to look for in babies, toddlers, and children who are deaf, allows caregivers to better understand the progression of communication skills. This article outlines 12 communication milestones…
How to Communicate with the Deaf Community
September 18, 2023In a world that strives for diversity and inclusivity, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate different cultures and communities. Today marks the beginning of the International Week of the Deaf, a time dedicated to fostering understanding and connection with the Deaf community. This presents a wonderful opportunity to delve into the realm of inclusivity and…
35th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival Highlights
September 14, 2023Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our 35th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival on September 10, 2023. It is because of the generosity of our sponsors, duckie adopters, and donors that this event raised more than $130,000!! We are overwhelmed by the support our community shows us every year through monetary…
Sam Leon-Durkee: Young man with a plan
April 19, 2022Sam Leon-Durkee started a recent physical therapy session working on a piece of equipment called a Galieleo vibration plate. He sat down on a bench, put his feet on the plate and, with the help of his physical therapist, Rachel Saufley, worked on standing up. Sam was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months. He’s…
Ellery McIndoe learns to soar at Schreiber
March 29, 2022Ellery McIndoe has had challenges most people can’t imagine. She also has lots of personality, a big, bright smile and a ton of can-do spirit. In the scheme of things, the challenges don’t seem to be holding her back from being a happy, active, smart 7-year-old little girl. For her mom Alison, though, getting to…
Carter Peiffer: Back from the brink
March 17, 2022For Carter Peiffer, an occupational therapy session with Sarah Terry will usually involve food. And making a mess with food. The mess is by design. A puddle of PediaSure on the table is fair game for Carter to write his name in, drive a toy car through or give a sip to Elmo. He might…
For the Kiss family, dedication mixed with gratitude
March 4, 2022The complications for Colton Kiss started the moment he was born. His mom, Tara Kiss, said doctors used vacuum extraction to help with delivery. The procedure “caused four intracranial brain hemorrhages,” Tara wrote in an email, “as well as a blood clot on his cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls movement,…
Winter Olympics come to Schreiber
February 2, 2022The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 4 in China. On the other side of the world, right here in Lancaster County, we have our own version of the Games at Schreiber. Over the next few weeks, while you’re here at the center, you might notice the unusual Olympic-inspired decorations. There’s the Speed Dressing arena outside of…
Schreiber mom: From advocate for others to advocate for son
December 17, 2021Amanda Katchur is a psychologist who has been an advocate for services that support children for a number of years. Now, she’s learning to advocate for her own child, and that’s a completely different experience. It’s one thing to know professionally the impact that Schreiber’s services and Lancaster County’s Early Intervention program have on families….
Harold Gainer and Bob Race: A memorable team at Schreiber Softball
May 27, 2021Harold Gainer and Bob Race were a couple of retired cops with a soft spot for kids. And, boy, did that soft spot make a difference in the lives of Schreiber kids. Harold and Bob were two of the most dedicated volunteers for Schreiber’s Softball Weekend. The event returns June 4-6 for its 39th year,…
Deanna and Zoey learn to live with Rett
May 20, 2021Zoey Adair Zoey and some of her preschool friends play in a sandbox in a photo from 2019. Zoey has learned many different skills at Schreiber as she and her family deal with her diagnosis of Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Deanna Adair has been a Schreiber physical therapist for five years. Her daughter…
Penn State awards first Schreiber scholarship
May 11, 2021Anicia Anderson can trace her interest in a speech-language pathology career to hearing a guest speaker during a high school health class. She was in 10th grade at North Haven High School, a public high school in North Haven, Conn. The speaker was looking for volunteers to come and work in a group home for…
Preschool moms donate books to Schreiber
April 21, 2021The idea started from chat between two Schreiber S.T.A.R.S. Preschool moms. Jennel Roberts and Michelle Miller are both independent consultants for Usborne Books and More, a company that distributes a wide array of books, including children’s books. Michelle Miller, left, and Jennel Roberts recently visited Schreiber with their S.T.A.R.S. preschoolers to deliver $780 in donated…
A Tribute to Sally Buckwalter from Schreiber President James DeBord
April 5, 2024I was saddened last week to learn of the passing of a wonderful friend of Schreiber Mrs. Sally Buckwalter. If ever there was a person who personified kindness, generosity and a deep sense of human decency, actively demonstrated to others throughout her life it was Sally Buckwalter. In my 12 years here at Schreiber there…