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Commitments to Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania
Easter Seals' greatest strength comes from the people who are Easter Seals.
Relationships between therapists and clients, between teachers and preschoolers, between staff and parents, and between volunteers and staff. Helping children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence involves whole individuals, whole families and support systems.
Corporate sponsors, volunteers, staff, and national representatives share their commitments to Easter Seals and creating solutions that change the lives of people with disabilities.
2008/2009 Board of Directors
Autism Network of Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania
2008/2009 Youth Ambassadors
Lilas "Lili" Grace
Residing in Hanover, PA with her parents Natalie and John, Lili is a sweet, gentle and loving 7-year old who was diagnosed at 6 months with infantile spasm syndrome, a syndrome of epilepsy. After suffering from numerous and escalating complex seizures, Lili's doctors presented her parents with a diagnosis of Lennox Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. Though there is currently no cure for this disorder, Lili is determined to enjoy life to the fullest.
 Emily
Emily is a friendly, outgoing 16 year old girl who has been diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. She resides in Harrisburg, PA with her parents Mike and Sally.
She loves to draw and listen to music. She also enjoys staying active and participates in many of Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania's therapeutic recreational programs including soccer, swimming and horseback riding.
Alex
Eighteen year old Alex is an active young man who participates in many Easter Seals programs in the Harrisburg area. He participates in swimming, climbing, and his favorite, bowling. Alex has been diagnosed with autism and mental retardation and resides with his parents Richard and SuAnn in the Mechanicsburg area.
 Sophia
Sophia's smile is on that will light up a room. She is a very caring and compassionate 7 year old girl. Sophia was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, seizure, developmental delays and chronic lung disorder. She resides with her parents Alan and Lisa in the Camp Hill area.
Being confined to a wheel chair doesn't stop this little girl. She has many hobbies such as Easter Seals bowling and swimming programs, and she also excels at wheelchair ballet. Sophia loves horses, Elmo, music and Handy Manny.
Nathanael
Nathanael Koontz is the 2009 Honorary Ambassador for Easter Seals in the Chambersburg area. Nathanael has been using services at Easter Seals for the past three years for speech language therapy and auditory training. During this time his speech has improved dramatically and he is now able to express his ideas more clearly. He is also able to read one book every week. Nathanael says reading has given him a lot of confidence.
On his current therapy, Nathanael states “I am glad I’m going to Easter Seals. I learn new things about my speech and reading every time. Thank you!”
Come support Nathanael and other local children with disabilities on June 27, 2009 at the Chambersburg Area’s 1st Annual Walk With Me event.
 Leyna
Leyna Ribner is the 2009 Honorary Ambassador for Easter Seals in the Waynesboro, PA area. Leyna has benefited from Easter Seals since she began intervention at 9 months of age and began therapy in the fall of 2008. Leyna suffered a stroke as an infant and has cerebral palsy.
She currently uses physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services to help her strengthen and utilize the right side of her body. Leyna's therapies are vital in impacting her ability to care for herself, build self confidence and interact with her peers in age appropriate play.
Leyna looks forward to her time with the therapists at Easter Seals, or her “therapy house” as she calls it. She is eager to “work” because it is more like play. Leyna is aware that she is gaining strength and new skills. She looks forward to saying “Look what I can do!”
Alivia Rose
A bright-eyed 8-year old who enjoys participating in a wide variety of Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania’s therapeutic recreation programs, Alivia resides in York, PA with her parents and little sister Ava. Alivia has since been diagnosed with ataxia-telangiectasia ("ay-TACK-see-uh Teh-LAN-jick-TAY-sha"), better known as A-T. A progressive, degenerative disease that affects a wide variety of body systems, this genetic disease weakens Alivia’s immune system and affects her fine and gross motor skills. This diagnosis does not affect Alivia’s attitude or zest for life. She loves gymnastics, is a Brownie, and enjoys camping, horseback riding, collecting butterflies and hosting tea parties. Rumor also has it that she is Tinker Bell’s biggest fan.
 Vladimir
Vladimir was born without eyes and two months later was placed in a Serbian orphanage for children with disabilities. When he arrived in State College on May 31, 2008, to join his new adoptive family, he was four years old but couldn’t walk or talk, perhaps as a result of lack of stimulation at the orphanage.Vladimir’s adoptive parents, Frank and Diane, were familiar with Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania because one of their other four children (all of whom have disabilities) had attended the State College Child Development Center. Five mornings a week, Vladimir is at the CDC, where assistive technology allows him to participate in circle time and other classroom activities, says lead teacher Keturah Adams. He enjoys playing with learning toys that have special textures, sounds and vibrations, and he really loves meal and snack times. “It’s just like watching someone eat something for the first time, every time,” Adams says.At the CDC, Vladimir also receives occupational, physical, vision and speech therapy. “Everything here is so much more stimulating than at the orphanage,” Adams says. “His smile is one of the best smiles ever. He’s just an amazing kid!”Vladimir’s new family is excited to help him grow and change. Soon he will be a big brother to a new sibling whom Frank and Diane are adopting, and who will be joining Vladimir at the State College Child Development Center.
Anthony
Anthony is a survivor of a medical condition known as Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Born ten weeks early, and as a result of TTTS, Anthony lives with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy has left Anthony unable to walk independently. Last year, Anthony’s family moved from California to Pennsylvania to be closer to extended family while his father completes his last year of services as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force.
Before Anthony arrived at Easter Seals preschool he felt “different” and “out of place.” Anthony began attending the CDC in the fall of 2008 and arrived with a huge smile on his face. He shrieked with excitement when he saw other kids like him. He no longer felt alone and left out, but instead like he belonged. In addition to receiving inclusive early education services through Easter Seals Anthony also benefits from weekly physical therapy and participates in therapeutic horseback riding.
 Megan
Megan was diagnosed with Down Syndrome when she was two weeks old and began receiving early intervention services by six months. The early intervention services provided Megan and her family with weekly, in-home support necessary for positive growth and development outcomes. When Megan turned three she began attending preschool and weekly therapy services, including speech, physical and occupational therapy as well as developmental education at Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania.
Megan is a very happy child who loves to show others all that she knows and is capable of doing; including identifying colors, shapes and her peers and family members through the support of her communication device. But, Megan’s greatest gift is the sunshine she brings to everyone who meets her. Megan will be illuminating Centre Hall Elementary School this fall but will return to Easter Seals for summer camp services.
Zach
Zachary is a funny, outgoing 15 year old boy with a contagious smile. He has an Anoxic Brain Injury which hinders his physical, cognitive, speech and motor skills. Zachary participates in Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania’s swimming and bowling programs. He resides in Camp Hill, PA with mother, Alissa, and his sister Emileigh.
 Chuckie
Chuckie is a very social, friendly and outgoing 17 year old young man who participates in Easter Seals horseback riding, swimming and social group programs. He was diagnosed with Primary Immune Deficiency, Tetrology of Fallot and seizures. Chuckie resides with his mother, Beverly, in Lititz, PA.
Willie
Sixteen year old William, "Willie", is a sweet teen who loves people and making friends. Willie has been diagnosed with TBI, PDD, and has frequent seizures. He has several hobbies and passions which included: reading, comics, animals and cooking. He participates in Easter Seals crafty cookers where he has the opportunity to work on his cooking skills and make cool crafts to bring home to his parents, Charlie & Kim. Willies resides with his family in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Mackenzie
Mackenzie first came to Easter Seals in 2005 after a severe car accident resulting in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Receiving Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Aquatic Therapy at Easter Seals, her recovery already surpassed her doctors' expectations- and this is just the beginning! Her favorite colors are pink and purple and she enjoys riding her Amtryke, a modified therapeutic tricycle. Her family says, "we wouldn't know what to do without Easter Seals. We know now to expect nothing but the best and focus on the possibilities."
Parents know that Easter Seals Therapeutic Recreation programs provide a safe environment for children and adults with disabilities. Want to know more about our programs?
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