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Beyond Expectations Learning Center hosts Fun Fest
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Beyond Expectations Therapy Center's registered Art Therapist Brittany Spaulding (right) urged guests like Monica Moore (left) to explore their creativity during the center's Family Fun Fest on April 28.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Family Fun Fest guest Michael Bertleff (left) smiled during his face painting session with Beyond Expectation Therapy Center volunteer Ron Saffell (right) on April 28.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Author Michele Gianetti (right), who wrote about her daughter's early struggles with dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder in her book "I Believe in You," spoke to parents and guests at Beyond Expectations Speech Therapy Center's Family Fun Fest on April 28. Gianetti said that she hoped to talk to parents at the event and say that there is hope for children with developmental or communication issues.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Fun Fest guest Yassin Elshalapi (left) couldn't hide his big smile after meeting Oreo, a registered therapy bunny with F5 Rescue and Sanctuary. Animal handler Jill Williams (right) was also happy to see Elshalapi's smile during the April 28 event.
By SARAH FOOR
After moving to its new location at 725 Boardman-Canfield Road this December, Beyond Expectations South Bridge Therapy and Learning Center recently introduced themselves to the new community with Family Fun Fest April 28.
The free event, featuring animal, art and movement therapy as well as games, music, and face painting, was hosted by owner and resident speech therapist Andrea Moore.
“With April being Autism Awareness and Occupational Therapy month, we thought it was a wonderful time to celebrate as well as premiere our new location. We have a lot of expanded therapies that we’re adding here at the center and a great community of people to support parents and children that suffer from any number of developmental issues,” Moore explained.
Guests at the Fun Fest were given a tour of the facility and a chance to explore some of the therapies now offered.
Two registered therapy bunnies from the Frisky Ferrets, Fuzzies and Feathered Friends Rescue got special attention from children visiting the event. Guests could have their face painted and take a look at the basket raffle to benefit a speech therapy scholarships for local kids in need.
Liz O’Hara from Gymsters play therapy invited young guests to explore a collection of gym gear and play with purpose.
Brittany Spaulding, Beyond Expectation’s registered art therapist, watched over young guests as they created art masterpieces.
“I work to engage the children and get them to create. Some kids share their emotions through their artwork easily, others need to be prompted, but art is a great way to peer into the mind of a child to understand what they’re feeling – good or bad,” Spaulding explained.
Author Michelle Gianetti also talked with the crowds at the event about her book “I Believe in You,” about her daughter Elizabeth’s early struggles with dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder. Gianetti said it was an honor to be part of the event and bond with the parents of children with communication or other disorders.