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.


2024 Schreiber Ambassadors Announced at the 40th Annual Schreiber Gala!

Every 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…

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Therapists at Schreiber Went Above and Beyond to Help My Son Thrive: A Personal Testimonial

Written 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…

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VitalStim Therapy for Dysphasia Now Offered at the Schreiber Center

We’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…

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Thank You PCA&D Students for Designing Our New Branded House of Logos

We 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…

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The Myth and Reality of In-Toeing and Out-Toeing

Have 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…

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How Schreiber Transformed Our Son’s Feeding Challenges: A Personal Testimonial

Written 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….

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Embracing the Chill: The Many Benefits of Playing in the Snow

The 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…

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OASUS Harness System Takes Pediatric Physical Therapy to New Heights at Schreiber Center

The 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…

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Small Victories Creating Big Impacts for the Morales Family

Teresa, 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…

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Thank You to our 2023 Ambassadors!

As 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…

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V Kelly for Children Trust $15,000 Grant Allows Schreiber to Better Address the Pediatric Behavioral Health Crisis

The 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…

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Navigating New Year’s Eve with Kids on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide to Sensory-Friendly Celebrations

New 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…

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Kolton Conquers Sensory Struggles and Graduates Occupational Therapy Victorious

At 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…

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Join the Chairman’s Challenge and Become a Hero for Schreiber Kids

When 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…

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Brookfield’s Safe Harbor Team Steps Up for Schreiber Center

Brookfield 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…

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Schreiber’s Commitment to Children’s Healthcare

World 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…

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ExtraGive Funds Pediatric Therapy at Schreiber

Every 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…

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The GIANT Company’s $13,500 Gift Sparks Our Feeding Program into Action

Thanks 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…

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Down Syndrome Awareness Month

This 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…

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20 Tips for a Sensory Processing Disorder Friendly Halloween

Halloween, 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…

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Living & Thriving with Cerebral Palsy

Written 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…

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Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

What 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…

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Early Intervention for Deaf Children

Communication 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…

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How to Support the Behavioral Health of Deaf Children

Deaf 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…

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The Challenges Of Being Deaf In A Hearing School

School 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…

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12 Communication Milestones to Look for in Deaf Children

When 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…

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How to Communicate with the Deaf Community

In 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…

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35th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival Highlights

Thank 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…

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Sam Leon-Durkee: Young man with a plan

Sam 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…

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Ellery McIndoe learns to soar at Schreiber

Ellery 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…

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For the Kiss family, dedication mixed with gratitude

The 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,…

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Schreiber mom: From advocate for others to advocate for son

Amanda 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….

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Harold Gainer and Bob Race: A memorable team at Schreiber Softball

Harold 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,…

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Deanna and Zoey learn to live with Rett

Zoey 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…

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Preschool moms donate books to Schreiber

The 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…

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