Barbara (Barbie) Overton is a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach. In her role, Barbie works to lay the foundation for creating a love of learning that will stay with her students throughout their lifetimes. 

From day to day, her classroom activities focus on helping students build empathy and compassion, problem solve and enter kindergarten ready to learn. She focuses on designing activities in a creative learning environment that keep the youngsters’ interest, all the while teaching them how to be their best. 

“Some of the outcomes I want to see in my students are being able to cooperate, share and care for others; being able to think for and express themselves confidently; and being able to appreciate diverse views,” explained Barbie, adding that being resilient in the face of adversity and having a lively curiosity about things are daily goals for her students, too. 

Barbie enjoys many aspects of teaching, but one stands out. 

“I love seeing the growth that my students make,” she said. “Not just the big growth made from the beginning to the end of the school year, but all of the smaller ones in-between. Kids have a lot of ‘aha’ moments and I love being a part of that.”

It’s no surprise that this enthusiastic teacher, like so many others, also values teaching children how to have fun and care for others, too.

“I enjoy seeing my students' faces light up and hearing their laughter when they are having fun doing the learning activities,” said Barbie. “And, I treasure it in my heart when I witness compassion and caring in my students for others, such as comforting someone who is sad or hurt, helping someone remember what to do, or working peacefully and happily together on a project.”

A common misconception about how preschoolers learn is that they are learning even when it looks like “just playing,” she said, adding that the more teachers a child has in their life the better they are and the further they will go. She encourages parents and caregivers to become a teacher for their children. 

Added Barbie: “Make everyday moments teachable moments, especially ‘oopsies.’ We often learn best from our mistakes.”

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​If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org  for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

Myracle Andrews, 5, is a VPK student with Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida. Her mother Precious Smith is delighted with the positive changes she’s witnessed in her daughter’s development since she began with the program last September.

“She has improved a lot at Easterseals,” said Precious, adding that before Easterseals, Myracle was attending a VPK program her little girl wasn’t keeping pace with.

Today, only months into Easterseals’ VPK program, Myracle has grown by leaps and bounds in her verbal communication skills, in particular, improving greatly with using sentences, using more verbs and nouns, and expressing feelings.

“She’s learning to express herself now and that’s a good thing; she never did that before,” said Precious. “She can say, ‘I’m angry,’ or ‘I’m upset,’ and explain why.”

At home, Precious reinforces classroom learning by also teaching Myracle things her daughter will need to know for kindergarten, including learning and drawing shapes, coloring in the lines, and learning to write her name. So far, she’s getting the hang of “M.”

“Those are some of the things we’re working on at home so she’ll be caught up with the class when the time comes,” said Precious.

Myracle has three older brothers and one baby brother. Her mom says she’s a helpful big sister. She’s grown into the role, said Precious, and it’s another positive indicator of her development. 

During playtime, Myracle loves to pretend-play cooking in her pint-sized kitchen. She adores her baby dolls and loves dressing up as well.

Precious admits she had reservations about Easterseals before a case worker at her daughter’s former school mentioned that Easterseals VPK may be a good fit for Myracle. She now realizes there was no need for hesitation.
“She’s doing things she was not doing before coming here,” said Precious. “At the other school, she wasn’t learning like she is now.”

“I would recommend that any parent who is interested in help for children (who have challenges) like Myracle to looking into Easterseals; it’s a very helpful environment,” she said. “I’ve seen a big change in Myracle since she’s been here. (The children) are learning a lot here and it’s a good atmosphere.”

Added Precious: “They love Myracle. That is the most important thing. She is loved here at Easterseals.”

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Myracle is ready for her big day as a Walk With Me Ambassador on April 26 in Daytona Beach! Join her team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona. 

Oatmeal, barbeque chicken, applesauce and sweet potatoes. Together, they’re healthy food options for any growing youngster. But, if that’s all he’ll eat from day to day, it’s reasonable that his parents may get concerned.

Food aversion is one of the challenges that Melissa and Chad Chesley have experienced with their nine-year-old son Carson. Just as they had called upon Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida to provide in-home behavior, occupational, physical and speech therapies to Carson, who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at a young age, they also have looked to Easterseals’ TR-eat® Model (Transdisciplinary Effective Assessment and Treatment) for answers to his selective eating. 

The TR-eat® Model includes behavior strategies that are combined with skill building, facilitation, sensory desensitization, and oral motor intervention to help children overcome their resistance to non-preferred foods. 

Carson had been receiving Easterseals services for a couple the of months when the TR-eat® Model became available to him. Melissa recalled the extent of Carson’s food aversions when he began the program.

“During Hurricane Matthew (in late September 2016), we had evacuated. Out of our home, Carson doesn’t really eat very much anyway, but then he contracted a couple of stomach bugs (during that time) and had stopped eating all his foods but one,” remembered Melissa. 

Carson was so underweight at one point that it concerned his primary care doctor, who had strongly suggested Carson use a feeding tube as a solution. But, his parents were hopeful for a better way.

During the same time period, Easterseals therapist Amy Michaelis also had been supporting Carson and family in the home with feeding strategies. Carson did not (and still doesn’t) like to eat anywhere other than home and that includes school, explained Melissa, but Amy was able to harness some eating victories with Carson that gave the family hope.

“Once there was success with a new, more portable food: Uncrustables® sandwiches,” said Melissa. “Amy went to school a couple of times and had a session with Carson with the new food. (Before that) he had never eaten at school at all. Most days he’d go from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. the next day without eating.”

At the same time, Carson began the TR-eat® Model as part of his occupational therapy sessions at Easterseals. He slowly started trying new foods and was eating the sandwiches at school. “The good news is he went from not eating all day to eating during the day,” said Melissa. “And now, he’ll still eat the new food but also eat things before it and with it.”

In addition to his appetite for foods slowly expanding through the TR-eat® Model, Carson has experienced impressive leaps in his speech development, said his mother.

“We’ve seen a huge uptick in his language,” said Melissa. “He went from one-word requests to actual sentences. We are on the verge of something really big.”

 “I think of the word ‘advocacy’ all the time,” said Chad. “When I think of Carson or any of my children, I think, ‘what is their fullest potential?’ So, it doesn’t matter if Carson has a diagnosis. Whatever his fullest potential is, we want him to reach it. If other people want to be part of that, because we don’t know exactly what that looks like, then it’s exciting for us.”

Melissa, who now works side by side with Easterseals therapists in her role as Easterseals Chief Financial Officer, can’t say enough good things about her colleagues. 

Said Melissa: “I have personal experience with them, and we’ve spent a lot of time together. All of the therapists here are amazing.” 

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The Chesley family is anticipating being a part of the 2019 Honorary Ambassadors program. Join Carson and his family for Walk With Me on April 26 in Daytona Beach. Connect with their team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona. 

Scarlett Valdez is a curious, sweet-tempered four-year-old who’s been in the Easterseals of Northeast Florida family since her birth. Her connection with Easterseals began via her enrollment in Early Steps when she was only a few months old. The in-home visits by Early Steps therapists began soon thereafter. 

When Scarlett finished the Early Steps program, she entered Easterseals Charter School in DeLand, where she’s been enrolled of two years.

Some of the challenges Easterseals therapists have addressed with Scarlett include walking and communication. Today, Scarlett is much more exploratory and inquisitive, too, evidence she’s on the right path.

“Before Easterseals Charter School, she didn’t want to do much,” said Rachael, adding that Scarlett is feeling braver and more independent through the helpful support of the Easterseals team.

Every day, Scarlett gets stronger and more confident, and her personality continues to shine through brightly. 
Her brother Emmett, age 7, is one of her biggest fans and is quick to talk about what his little sister enjoys most: Disney, “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Big Hero 6” top her list these days, he and his mother said, while “Tangled” remains an all-time favorite. 

While muscle coordination and speech therapy continue to be developmental focus areas for Scarlett, for Rachael, Easterseals’ support has resonated above and beyond those.

“Easterseals is very helpful,” she said. “(This) is a lot of stress; it’s very stressful when you have no idea what to do. (Now) I have people I can talk to, and they answer questions.”

“We encourage families to look into Easterseals for all of the resources they provide,” she said. 

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Rachael and Emmett are proud of Scarlett for being a Walk With Me Ambassador, and they look forward to seeing you at Walk With Me on April 26 in Daytona Beach! Join their team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona.

Jasyln (Jas) Clemmons spends her weekdays caring for youngsters at Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach. Her classroom of spunky two-year-olds keep her on her toes, and she loves it.

Jas joined Easterseals as a floater/substitute in the Child Development Center in 2008. Her responsibilities include overseeing and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities, while ensuring a safe environment for the little ones. She’s focused on creating experiences at Easterseals that help children thrive.

Day to day, the activities in Jas’ classroom help the children reach key developmental milestones. Jas and her team focus on many skills such as potty training, gross motor development, language development and building emotional, social and communication skills. 

Jas also focuses on maintaining regular communication with the children’s families as part of her role as a pre-school teacher. She understands that helping a child reach his or her potential is a group effort.

As an Easterseals team member, Jas also participates in several opportunities for trainings that help make her most effective in the classroom and as a professional outside of it. Jas loves expanding her knowledge with the trainings. 

Jas also is a key member of Easterseals’ Joey’s Gift Respite program and always is willing to help wherever and wherever she’s needed. 

All of these reflect Jas’ dedication to her classroom, her young students, their families and Easterseals, which is evidenced by her 10-year-plus commitment. 

“The first five years of a child’s development are critical,” said Jas. “I enjoy seeing each and every child grow and meet their individual goals. Our role is very important.”

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If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org  for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

Stephanie Anderson found herself in a precarious position a few months ago. Her young children, Piper (age 2) and Ethan (age 4), attended the same daycare, but things weren’t working out well for Ethan there. His behavior challenges were not ideally handled by staff, said Stephanie, resulting in him being treated differently by the teachers.

Stephanie wasn’t comfortable with this scenario, so she sought a new solution for her kids.

Living on the west side of Volusia County, Stephanie learned about the Easterseals Early Childhood Education Center, located adjacent to Trinity United Methodist Church in DeLand. After consulting the Center’s leadership about Easterseals’ services and space availability for her children, Stephanie found comfort in enrolling Ethan and Piper in a learning environment that suited her children’s needs and would help them flourish.

“At Easterseals, the teachers are more accepting and patient, and they are really good with the children who have hyperactivity challenges,” said Stephanie. “I feel more supported at Easterseals than I did at other childcare programs. Easterseals has other children there who have similar challenges to Ethan; they know how to handle him.”

Ethan and Piper no doubt keep their mom on her toes, but their vibrant personalities also reveal how excited they are to explore, learn and grow.

Stephanie said some of Ethan’s favorite activities are riding his scooter and swimming, while Piper loves her baby dolls. And, they’re enjoying school more than ever before, too.

 “They love the teachers in the daycare,” said Stephanie. “(In other schools), Ethan would say how much he didn’t like school and he wouldn’t want to go in the morning. But now, every day he has a positive attitude. He doesn’t complain about going to school and he actually enjoys it.”

Reinforced by their teachers’ caring commitment, Ethan and Piper now have the structure in place to continue their love of learning and to blossom into their fullest potential at Easterseals.

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Ethan, Piper, Stephanie and sister Isabella are excited to be an Easterseals Ambassador family this year. Join their team, register or donate to Walk With Me on April 26 in Daytona Beach www.walkwithme.org/daytona. 

​Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida welcomes Stephanie Ford to its Daytona Beach-based team. In her new role as Special Events Manager, Stephanie is responsible for developing and managing major internal and external annual fundraising events for Easterseals. Her key tasks include planning and analyzing cost-effective events; setting revenue goals; forming relationships with and soliciting event sponsors and donors; and coordinating and managing sponsors, contractors, vendors, employees and volunteers.

Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from the University of Florida. 

Before her position at Easterseals, Stephanie owned and operated Stephanie Rae Events, LLC, an event-planning organization that specializes in conducting corporate and professional retreats. 

Her skills include event planning and facilitating, sponsor relations, community outreach, fundraising, public speaking and social-media marketing. 

Stephanie is passionate about creating fun and positive experiences through events. 

“I have been in the events field for many years and worn many different hats,” said Stephanie. “I love creating experiences for people that impact, enhance, or empower their lives.”

She’s an early riser who loves to start her day with a good book. And, when not in the office, Stephanie loves being active and makes the most of living in New Smyrna Beach with her husband, stepson and two fur babies.

“We love spending time at the beach, riding bikes, and hanging out with friends and family,” Stephanie said. “I play tennis when I can and am passionate about health and wellness.” 

She added: “I'm pretty involved in my community and love supporting local business, especially if it's a food & wine event!”

Welcome, Stephanie, to the Easterseals team! Look for Stephanie at Walk With Me, Easterseals’ flagship fundraising event, on April 26 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Learn more about Walk With Me, donate and join a team at www.walkwithme.org/daytona. 

Grinning ear to ear with twinkly brown eyes smiling beneath plastic blue-rimmed glasses, Carl Bowdre, 2, exudes happiness and love. His parents Angela and Steve have taught him such things, just as Easterseals’ Early Steps is teaching Carl how to grow and learn through physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Early Steps, an early intervention program operated locally by Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, met the Bowdre family nearly as soon as they were discharged from the hospital after Carl’s premature birth and extended stay. Early Steps therapists have been the family’s source of confidence as the two-year-old continues to make impressive developmental strides.

“Carl was premature (at 25 weeks gestation) and with the down syndrome…he had (most of) the typical preterm complications,” remembered Angela. 

Thus, physical and occupational therapy started very quickly after the couple arrived home with their little one. 
“I remember going to the first meeting at Early Steps office,” Angela said. “Our goal always was for them to teach us as a family so we could help Carl when (the therapists) weren’t there. They have done a great job.”

Today, Carl is learning to follow commands, put things in containers, and stand and kneel. His parents are equally involved students and learning their part, too. Their focus on communicating with Carl verbally and with gestures is encouraging is ability to mimic and follow directions. 

 “We can really see that he’s understanding and remembering certain things,” said Angela. “Retention is a big thing. He’s starting to remember certain words. He’s showing a lot of interest in reading, too, and is paying a lot of attention.”

“His mimicking has been great lately,” added Steve.

Angela and Steve appreciate the Easterseals therapists’ teamwork approach and how they encourage their confidence. 

“They always explain things even if they might not be what we want to hear,” said Angela. “The therapists redirect us in ways that are better for Carl. The growth we have seen in him has been phenomenal.” 

Some of Carl’s next milestones will include eating solid foods with more texture, balancing on his hands and feet, crawling and walking.

“He’s just about to walk; (the therapists) are doing great with him,” said Steve. 

Both parents encourage others to discover what Easterseals offers. 

“Easterseals services are there, so use them. They’ve done nothing but help our son,” he said.

“Every time I’ve called or had a question, Jeanne Miley (Early Steps liaison) has been phenomenal,” Angela added. “It’s been amazing just to know she’s there. Easterseals can help your child, which in the end is what everybody wants.” 

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The Bowdre family is honored to be an Easterseals Ambassador family and spread the word about Easterseals programs. Join them for Walk With Me on April 26 in Daytona Beach. Join their team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona. 

 heumatoid arthritis isn’t keeping Isabella (Izzy) Potsick, 13, from experiencing school, friends and life to its fullest. Her joints are on notice that Easterseals aquatherapy program is her unsinkable partner in helping her overcome the joint inflammation and stiffness that accompanies the disease. 

In return for Izzy’s hard work, she’s gained flexibility, range of motion and a great family friend.

Izzy and her mom Janet rave about the aquatherapy program at Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida. Once a week for three years, the duo has visited therapist Shannon Garcia, PTA, for a half-hour of stretching, massage and pool exercises. The family has tried other programs in the past, but nothing compares to the results Izzy experiences from aquatherapy.

“Especially when Izzy’s muscles are so tight, Shannon tries to get them stretched out for her,” said Janet. “It makes a huge difference for Izzy and helps her through the rest of the week. Shannon is amazing,” said Janet.

“We do a lot of stretching and sometimes she massages my foot muscles and legs so they aren’t as stiff,” said Izzy.  “I also do some special walks like the ‘toy soldier’ walk to get my joints moving. I do heel-to-toe walks, kneeling, kicking, and stuff like that, too.

“Every time I get out (of the pool), I feel a difference. Shannon does a great job getting my muscles loose,” Izzy added.

“Easterseals has been more helpful than any other place has been to us in terms of Izzy’s condition; it’s the only place we can come that’s even close to our house for us to get aquatherapy,” said Janet. “Easterseals has gone above and beyond even what Izzy’s doctor’s office has done for us. They’ve offered us more resources and helped more than anybody else.”

Janet advises parents to explore Easterseals’ offerings. 

“It can be very overwhelming when you get a diagnosis for your child and you don’t always know who to talk to,” she said. “I would definitely say if somebody has a child with an issue that Easterseals is a great way to get them some help and find out what’s offered. 

“Easterseals has provided us with an awesome amount of resources and has been very helpful in knowing what to do with Izzy and what therapy to put her in,” added Janet. “They make you feel like you can advocate for your child.”

When not working hard in Easterseals aquatherapy sessions, Izzy is loving school – science and Latin, in particular – as well as drawing, crafting and making stop-motion videos. She’s anticipating adding the April 26 Walk With Me to her social calendar, too.

Said Izzy: “I’m excited to be an Easterseals ambassador and do Walk With Me. I’m so happy.” 

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The Potsick family is thrilled to be part of the 2019 Honorary Ambassadors program. Join them for Walk With Me on April 26 in Daytona Beach. Join their team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona. 

Like most four-year-old boys, Bob McGrath is an expert at playing. He loves to run, be silly and enjoys his toys. But, as he grew, his parents noticed that an essential ingredient was missing from his playtime: interacting with others.

Bob’s parents, Beau and Deanna, enrolled Bob in Easterseals’ PLAY Project -- “Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters” -- six months ago to help him learn to interact and communicate more effectively. It’s a kind of PLAY that’s changed their lives for the better, one session at a time.

Once a month, an Easterseals therapist specializing in PLAY Project teaches Bob and his parents how to communicate through words and actions. PLAY Project is an evidence-based, parent-implemented and intensive early intervention program for young people with autism.

“When we first started with PLAY Project, Bob had no eye contact with us at all. If we tried to play with him while he was playing with a toy, he would walk away or he wouldn’t even notice us,” said Deanna. “As a result of PLAY Project sessions, Bob is more engaged with us. He can bring us things he needs and wants so we know and we’re not so frustrated.”

Deanna says the family is halfway through PLAY Project sessions, and she and her husband feel empowered to help Bob more effectively now.

“We know the things we can do to help engage him,” she said, adding that the family and the therapist often take field trips to different locations to expand the lessons.

“For the last two sessions we went to the park where he likes to swing. He said, ‘swing!’ last time, and he doesn’t say anything usually. Karen (Bob’s therapist) has helped with his interactions. It’s amazing. It’s worth every hour,” she said.

“Our next plan is to take him to the beach, where he tends to run away from us,” said Deanna. “Karen and I will have a lesson in making him aware of his surroundings and explaining boundaries.”

Bob’s interactions with peers have improved, too. According to Deanna, Bob notices other children when he didn’t before, and he stays around them in the same area now.

The PLAY Project is Bob’s second experience with Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida. He began therapy with Easterseals through Early Steps when he was 18 months old. Deanna’s encounter with Early Steps led her to be hired as an Early Steps Family Resource Specialist in the program after Bob graduated. In her roles as a parent and staff member, she encourages families to reach out to Easterseals if they feel their child needs support in reaching his or her full potential.

“A lot of other therapists will say, ‘we’re going to do ‘textbook kids with autism’ activities,’ but Easterseals realizes every child is different,” said Deanna. “Easterseals is always willing to work with your schedule and what your goals are. They pay attention to what you have going on in your life and they work with you to get you there.”

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The McGrath family is thrilled to be part of the 2019 Honorary Ambassadors program. Join them for Walk With Me on April 26 in Daytona Beach. Join their team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona.