September 2021
There's Still Time to Join our Family-Friendly 5K/Walk
Dust off your running gear, walking shoes and superhero capes to join us in-person or virtually on Saturday, October 2 for our Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle. This outdoor event will be full of family-friendly entertainment and fun. Register today as early bird registration pricing ends on September 30. 

Run the 5K or walk 2 miles and then stay for food, raffle prizes and live music at our safe and inclusive celebration of all children's abilities. Before the race at 8:30 AM, you can meet & greet with former Easterseals client, Toyko Paralympian, Team USA swimmer, Ahalya Lettenberger. She won a silver medal in the women's 200-meter individual medley, SM7, and will kick off our race.

Help support every child's journey to greater independence and the many amazing milestones that occur at the finish line. We are safely* welcoming runners, walkers, rollers, and volunteers back to this event. Together we will celebrate the strength and resiliency of our community and the children we serve.
 
Whether you join us virtually or in-person, your participation will help fund the therapies children need to achieve their own superhero feats and reach new goals. 

*This event will follow all local and CDC-mandated health and safety guidelines in effect by October 2, 2021. As a pediatric healthcare organization, additional measures and decisions may be made to protect the children we serve. The race and post-party activities are subject to change accordingly.
Three Cheers for our Run Teams!
Join us in cheering or supporting one of our super teams! Or register and create your own team of superheroes! Thank you to all our individual fundraisers and teams including:
If interested in volunteering or have event questions,
Latest News & Events
Welcome our New Social Services Team Members!
Brittany Wilkie
Director of Social Services
Brittany's experience includes direct care, support groups, reflective supervision, training and leadership. Brittany’s treatment approach to child and family care is through the use of Trauma-Informed Care, Attachment and DIR philosophies. Brittany also received undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from the University of Iowa and Loyola University Chicago respectively.

She is currently enrolled in the Trauma Research Foundation’s Certification program in Traumatic Stress Studies led by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. Previously, she worked at a DIR therapeutic day school serving children with Autism in addition to working privately with children experiencing autism, sensory processing disorder, adjustment disorder and anxiety.
Citlaly Gonzalez
Psychologist
Citlaly is a bilingual/bicultural clinician fluent in Spanish with extensive training in parent education including certifications in Positive Discipline, the RUBI Parent Training Program, and experience with Behavior Parent Training. As a clinical psychologist managing our Autism Diagnostic Clinic, she uses a strengths-based approach to empower individuals and families to achieve their goals.

Citlaly received her undergraduate degree in psychology from DePaul University and her doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University. Her previous work experience in multi-disciplinary pediatric, private and public schools settings focused on working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, adolescent mental health and identity development.
Welcome to our new team members! For questions or to contact them, email socialservices@eastersealsdfvr.org 
Thank you Special Kids Foundation
Thank you to the Special Kids Foundation for supporting our Make the First Five Count program. This week, Executive Director, Cheryl Yallen, presented the $25,000 check to our CEO & President, Theresa Forthofer.

We appreciate Cheryl's visit and the Foundation's investment in services for children ages 0-5.
Our Elgin Center has Moved!
We are excited to share that our Elgin Center has relocated just one mile south to Bowes Road. Our Jayne Shover Center is in an Association for Individual Development building. Our organizations are equally looking forward to working together to serve our community and growing services for all individual's needs.

Click the link below to see our new "home" in Elgin. Our contact information and services remain the same.
Connect With Us @eastersealsdfvr