Where are you from and where do you currently live and work?
I am originally from Hope Mills, NC. I have been in Wilmington, NC, on the coast, for 21 years. I moved to Wilmington to attend college and never left!
How long have you been working with children [on the spectrum]?
I have worked in the mental health field doing both direct and indirect practice for 16 years. In some capacity I have worked with children on the spectrum for about 12 of those years.
When did you become a PLAY Project Home Consultant and what drew you to The PLAY Project model?
I had the opportunity to attend the consultant training in April 2012. I first learned about The Play Project in August 2011 while attending a workshop in Kentucky. I had been interested in DIR/ Floortime and found The Play Project to be what I needed. I liked the organization and the help that was provided to start my own practice and I liked seeing the progress that kids seemed to be making with the interventions. I thought Dr. Solomon was brilliant!
What do you like most about your work as a Home Consultant?
I enjoy the huge smiles and laughs when I get them for the first time and the feeling that I am able to offer some help to families.
What has been one of your most memorable moments as a Home Consultant?
I have one child who is very avoidant. He likes to sit on his bed, with his back to me and rock while hand flapping and holding a special toy. After a few visits I finally got him facing me and we held hands as we “rocked” back in forth to “Rock a Bye Baby.” When I stopped, he looked at me and grabbed by hand asking for more!
What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned as a Home Consultant?
Most people take for granted that inside these little ones there is a special person just waiting to come out and show you who they are. I get frustrated when people dismiss them and say they can’t talk or interact. With encouragement and hard work most of these kids begin to engage and it is a wonderful feeling!
What do you do for fun/what makes you smile?
In my spare time I enjoy my family, cat rescue, the beach, and reading. My 4 year old daughter and the comedian she is brings a huge smile to my face as you never know what she is going to say next!