Thanks to generous donations from NuStar Energy and the McNary Family, Heartspring Pediatric Services and the Heartspring School were able to purchase two Rifton Tricycles for use on campus. A Rifton Tricycle is a gear driven trike in which the pedals will move as the wheels move unlike a regular adult tricycle. “I love teaching with the Rifton, due to the simple fact that it is extremely durable, well made, and provides several safety options such as a guide bar, extra back support, and Velcro straps to keep feet in place,” said Travis Grover, adapted physical education teacher. Read full story.

Andrew has been participating in a physical therapy walking program at Heartspring since December 2007.  During that time, his speed and distance have improved.  Andrew’s distance is measured by the distance he walks in addition to his normal activities.  In December, Andrew walked an additional 3.33 miles.  In August, he walked an additional 5.18 miles.  Great job Andrew!

Elizabeth came to Heartspring Pediatric Services in July 2007 when she was eight years old. She was walking with a walker at school and in the community, and used canes at home. Elizabeth has been deaf since birth, but with her mom, Janet, acting as interpreter using sign language, both expressed Elizabeth’s desire to walk by herself. Learn more about Elizabeth.

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Andrew Palermo, founder of dre.dance in New York City, worked with students from the Heartspring School and children from Heartspring Pediatric Services during two workshops on music and movement. During the workshops Andrew helped children express themselves through dance utilizing modeling, mirroring, and imitating. By the end of the school session, students had learned a few movements and were able to perform them with the assistance of Heartspring staff. Read full story or watch video.

As the Director of CARE and Autism Outreach at Heartspring in Wichita, Kansas, Connie Coulter initiated the Heartspring CARE Program providing opportunities for parents to be a part of a supportive, welcoming network of professionals and other parents who understand and appreciate autism spectrum disorders and the struggles families often face. Through the CARE Program, parents and children attend workshops, camps and conferences specifically targeted for families with autism. Read More.

Danille Lewis started working at Heartspring in 1996 as a paraeducator. Here she worked as a para and a home coordinator assistant for several years and was then hired to work privately by one of our student’s families when he transitioned home.  After two years in that position Danille returned to Heartspring, again as a paraeducator.  In less than a year she was promoted to the position of home coordinator, supervising the direct care staff in one of our group homes and has recently been promoted again to be the lead home coordinator, providing support and assistance to other supervisors in the homes. Learn more about Danille.