Pathways to Parent Support & Training

PPST is a group specially designed for parents and caregivers of children with speech and language delays/disorders. The first group of its kind in Carroll County, PPST offers parent training and support to the community through the nonprofit SPEECH PATHways Foundation. Each meeting includes a meet & greet, a guest lecture on various topics, and valuable Q&A time. Trained professionals and other parents/caregivers are on hand for support and guidance.

Next at PPST...

Who can attend PPST?

Anyone can attend! PPST is open to the community. You do not have to have a child receiving therapy from SPEECH PATHways to attend. However, we ask that you RSVP to reserve a seat.

When does PPST Meet?

PPST meets the third Friday of each month from 7pm to 9pm (with the exception of July, August and December; in June we meet at 6pm for our potluck dinner).

Where does PPST Meet?

PPST gathers at the Non-Profit Center in Westminster, located at 255 Clifton Boulevard (just past the Panera/Old Navy/Marshalls shopping center). Get directions from MapQuest.

PPST Monthly Topics

May 9, 2008: "ABA, Huh?" An Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)"
Kirsty MacIver, MS, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst specializing in Autism Intervention with young children, brings us an introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as it applies to children with Autism and their families. Kirsty will present examples of evidence-based practice to help participants appreciate the breath and diversity of programs based on the principle of applied behavior analysis and to help them access additional research and resources.
Download flyer...
RSVP to reserve a seat...

April 18, 2008: "Discover MUSIC PATHways! Music Therapy Treatment Strategies "
Join us for a fun, interactive presentation on music therapy with board-certified Music Therapist Melissa Ward, MT-BC! Music therapy addresses social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical needs for individuals of all ages and with varying abilities. Skilled in piano, guitar, chorus, voice, and piano pedagogy, Melissa has a strong background in assessment and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental and cognitive delays. We'll learn about treatment strategies that use music as the medium for therapy, current programs, and discover how motivating music can be in our lives.
Download flyer...
More about Melissa...
RSVP to reserve a seat...

March 14, 2008: "Autism – A Parent’s Perspective"
Frank (Francis M.) Seidel, MSE, will be presenting on the topic of Autism from a parent’s perspective, describing his experiences with his daughter’s autism and illustrating techniques that may be useful when seeking to engage a child who has Autism. A full-time teacher at Frederick Community College, Frank has received specialized training at the Autism Treatment Center of America. Professor Seidel will be teaching a Continuing Education class at Frederick Community College starting in March entitled "Parenting a Child with Autism." Join us to gain a personal and informed perspective on parenting!
Download flyer...

February 8, 2008: "Your Child's Special Needs and Your Marriage"
Alexandra Goerl Rickeman, LGMFT, a Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with couples, helps us explore the very important topic of marriage and parenting a child with special needs. We'll learn stress management methods and communication skills and brainstorm ways to improve the romantic health of marriage, within the context of parenting. Join us to gain increased understanding about your family, new skills to use at home, and a specific action plan for your marriage—all of which will improve your child’s well-being!
Download flyer...

January 18, 2008: "Potty Training Exceptional Children"
Rae Ann Brodie Kaylie, M.Ed., is an Early Childhood Special Education Consultant with over 17 years' expertise working with young children, families and professionals as an Intervention Specialist, instructor, and special needs Sunday School teacher. She joins us to discuss strategies for dealing effectively with this most important stage of a child’s life.
Download flyer...

November 9, 2007: "Writing an Effective IEP: A Partnership Between Parents and Educators "
RESCHEDULED from September!
Kelli Nelson, the Director of Public Policy for the Maryland Disabilities Council, will discuss important issues to keep in mind when writing an IEP that will have lasting effects for your child.
Download flyer...

October 19, 2007: "Gluten and Casein Free Diets"
Janet Maranto, trained chef and parent, joins us to share how to read labels and recipes, as well as how to find local and online suppliers of gluten and casein-free products.
Download flyer...
Listen to the PODCAST...

June 1, 2007: "IEP and Advocacy"
Kelli Nelson, the Director of Public Policy for the Maryland Disabilities Council, is returning by popular demand for the 3rd year. This event will include a potluck dinner and starts at 6pm!
Download flyer...

April 20, 2007: "Brain Gym & Yoga for Children"
Debi Betances, trained Brain Gym & Yoga for Kids instructor, will share activities that can improve your child’s ability to focus, process and be successful at home and school.
Download flyer...

March 16, 2007: "Sensory Activities to Enhance Learning"
Julie Parsons, OTR/L (SI Certified) of OT Kidz, LLC at SPEECH PATHways will demonstrate sensory activities to enhance learning. This will be an interactive session!
Download flyer...

February 16, 2007: "Different Doesn't Have to Mean Separate"
A parent-led discussion on raising children with disabilities and the education choices they face.  Barb Feldman, Casey Huether and other parents raising children with differences will share their background and experiences in raising a child/children with disabilities and the educational paths they have chosen for their child/children. The panel of parents will open the floor for discussion and questions.
Download flyer...

January 19, 2007: "Reading Development & the Vital Role the SLP Can Play"
Karie Gardner, M.S.,CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist and trained Lindamood-Bell and FastForWord Provider. 
Download flyer...

PPST PODcast: "Gluten- and Casein-Free Diets"
Listen in as moderator Janet Maranto covers the angles of raising a child with dietary interventions...from a recent Parent Support Group.
Listen to podcast
PPST Explores Autism & Music Therapy
Our Parent support group is FREE to the public, offering informative sessions to help parents and caregivers.
More...
SPEECH PATHways Blog: Stay Informed
Check the SPEECH PATHways Blog for postings of recent timely news and podcasts from the PPST Group.
blog.speechpathways.net...
Find out about the SPEECH PATHways Foundation
Get SPEECH PATHways info by email!
 
Find out about SPEECH PATHways
Meet our talented staff and associates
Find out who we help and how we do it
Check out support programs
Discover news & events
Consult resources
Find out about the SPEECH PATHways Foundation
Get in touch
View site map