Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development held its 39th annual gala - its major fundraising event of the 2023 calendar year - with a theme of "Bourbon + Bowties" on March 11 at Brick Gables in Lititz. In addition to raising funds for the center, the event introduced the center's 2023 Ambassador children. Each of these children has benefited from Schreiber's therapy, recreation and/or educational programming. The Ambassadors and their families have agreed to share their stories and represent Schreiber at engagements throughout the year.

This year's Ambassadors are Graeme from Lancaster, Malcolm from Lancaster, Lucas from Grantville, Kalvin from Elizabethtown, Katelyn from Elizabethtown, and Harper from Elizabethtown.

Graeme, 6, was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and needed to work on his fine and gross motor skills as well as speech and language. Graeme has graduated from the physical, speech-language and behavioral health therapy programs, and he continues to receive occupational therapy with Makenzie Skiles. Because of Schreiber, Graeme has learned to interact with his family, which includes older brother, Connor, and his peers. He identifies emotions in himself and recognizes and is able to empathize with emotions in others. He can write the alphabet and his name, and he is excelling in school.

Malcolm, 23, is an artist. His artworks have been featured in many shows and received numerous awards. Malcolm, who has autism, graduated from Schreiber therapy services several years ago. During his time at Schreiber, Malcolm received occupational therapy from Emily Beddow, who taught him many life skills, and Lisa Christoffel, who retired in June 2021 after over 40 years of service to Schreiber. Malcolm, who has an older sister, Kiana, currently participates in Schreiber's Club 625 events, especially the dances. Club 625 is a social group for teenagers and alumni of Schreiber.

Lucas, 4, has spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. To help improve his posture, prevent joint stiffness and slow muscle weakness and atrophy, Lucas receives regular services at Schreiber. He recently stood on his own for the first time. Lucas also receives occupational therapy from Bianca Angstadt. As a result of occupational therapy, Lucas has been able to put on a T-shirt. He has also been working to grasp crayons and markers. Lucas also practiced improving his tactile sensory processing by getting his hands messy with shaving cream, paint, and glue. Lucas, who has 3 older siblings - Nicole, Ryan and Chloe - currently attends Schreiber's preschool program.

Kalvin, 13, has been a Schreiber client since the age of 2, when he was diagnosed with autism. He has received all four therapy services - physical, occupational, speech-language and behavioral health. Having recently graduated from speech-language therapy with Jeremy Ewell, he can form clear and specific sounds in speech. In behavioral therapy with Missy Ressler, he is concentrating on managing his anxiety. Along with his younger sister, Katelyn, Kalvin wore the Duckie costume at the Rubber Duckie Race in 2022.

Katelyn, 10, has autism. Her brother, Kalvin, was already receiving services at Schreiber, so when her parents thought she needed services, they had her evaluated. While in preschool, Katelyn was found to have selective mutism; she whispered to her teacher, as she did not want others to hear her. For this, Katelyn has worked with several speech-language therapists, including Barb Miller, Karen Thomsen and Maddy Sova. She has also worked with occupational therapist Bernie Hershey. Currently, Katelyn receives speech-language therapy, working with Ashley Shirk. She also works with behavioral health therapist Missy Ressler on social skills in connection with her anxiety.

After college, Harper's mom, Kirsten, worked for the Circle of Friends Academy at the Schreiber Center. When Harper was 6 months old and needed Early Intervention services, Kirsten called the Schreiber Center. Kirsten began working with therapy director Angie Rice, an occupational therapist, to help Harper overcome extreme oral aversion. At age 2, Harper began working with Becca Lopez for speech therapy. She is currently working on forming longer sentences, using three-syllable words and improving her overall intelligibility. Harper, now 3, also attends Schreiber's S.T.A.R.S. Preschool program, which places kids with special needs alongside those who are typically developing in the educational space.

For more information about the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, visit http://www.schreiberpediatric.org.