Brenna K. Giblock, MSW Program Manager, Early Steps North Beaches, is responsible for assisting the Program Director with implementing the State Early Steps program locally, supervision of Early Steps program staff as well as meeting the needs and responsibilities of program staff, and maintenance of grant standards to meet the needs of Early Steps clients and their families.  We congratulate her on her recent promotion!

Brenna is most proud of the way in which families are engaged and treated during their time with Easterseals, noting, "We offer support and compassion for families that may be receiving news about their child’s development that rocks the foundation of the dreams they held for their child. We are then there to guide them through the services and resources that puts many of those dreams back within reach."

Brenna says she enjoys most the opportunity of working in a team-focused environment, "It is nice to have a like-minded group to discuss and brain storm. It offers a chance to give and receive support. It allows for empowerment of members of the team. When you feel supported and heard and are surrounded by people to lift you up you are stronger and more confident for the families we serve."

Even after seven years, Brenna comments, "Everyday is a new learning experience. I have been and continue to be mentored which allows ongoing personal and professional growth. I have met and work with amazing people with a desire to make our community better. Spending time with people like that one cannot help but gain insight and strength to one’s own character. Early Steps has many moving parts that are set by the State office or beyond them at the Federal government level. We do not take those requirements lightly. What we may want to do cannot always be done based on policy and procedure in place for the program."  However, she affirms that her philosophy for her leadership success lies in one simple concept -being approachable, listening - ensuring both families and staff feel heard.

When people think of Easterseals, Brenna hopes that what comes to mind for them is an organization that keeps our children and families we serve at the forefront of our decisions, that follows its mission and purpose for the community as a whole. 

To learn more about Easterseals Early Steps North Beaches program, contact 386-873-0365.

My name is Rachael Kennedy, I am an audiologist, and I began working at Easterseals in December. As an audiologist, I diagnose and treat various degrees and types of hearing disorders. Audiologists also dispense hearing aids, assess vestibular (balance) function, and even screen newborn babies for hearing loss.

My favorite part of being a clinician is creating long lasting relationships with families and the people I serve.  I love learning new things and being able to take what I’ve learned from other professionals and incorporate it into my work. I’ve learned bits and pieces about other professions in school, but I think my greatest knowledge has come from hands on work and collaborating with other professionals in the same office.

I am impressed by my new Easterseals family of clinicians and family support staff.  I think having other professionals working side by side helps reinforce the importance of each profession to families. When families have access to a variety of clinicians under one roof, it shows that we are a nice well-oiled machine that works smoothly and always provides families with a “whole” child centered approach.

Although I haven’t been here very long, I see Easterseals as an opportunity to grow my clinical skills working with kids of all ages and exceptionalities. Regarding audiology (and hearing aids) in general, people often assume that hearing aids will restore their hearing to normal, which is not the case. Unfortunately, hearing aids do not give us 20/20 hearing.  However, hearing aids are one of the main options to help keep the brain and ears stimulated!
I like to help make people aware of the importance of audiology and hearing health. Whether it is explaining how the ear works, counseling about hearing protection, or recommending routine hearing testing, audiology is often an educational topic of conversation that I try to share with others.

I hope Easterseals is a place for families to feel safe and know that their children are in the best hands with the most caring team!  Fun fact: I have hearing loss in one ear and love to share my experiences with families! I want my families to feel comfortable knowing that they have an audiologist who understands the difficulties that come with hearing loss.

For more information about Pediatric Audiology services from Easterseals, please call 386-255-4568 ext 325.