The DC Early Intervention Program is happy to announce the launch of the Strong Start Parent/Caregiver Support Groups. This initiative opens the door to meaningful connections with other families and is an opportunity to share, reflect and engage.
An open, secure and judgement free zone will be the foundation for each group meeting with minimal “agenda items.” Meetings will take place virtually using Teams and topics will vary. Additional information about community resources and programs will also be available for families.
The topic for the June group is: Understanding Your Child’s Developmental Delay & Diagnosis.
Understanding your child's delay or diagnosis involves gaining insight into their unique strengths, challenges, and developmental trajectory, fostering empathy and patience while seeking appropriate support and interventions to help them thrive.
Registration is required. Spanish interpretation is available.
- When: Thursday, June 6, 2024
- Time: 7 – 8 p.m.
- Where: Microsoft Teams
If you have questions or need help with the registration, please contact your service coordinator or Christopher Chapman at Christopher.Chapman@dc.gov.
Facilitator Background:
Rima Fusisi is a dedicated advocate for family mental health and wellness. Rima brings a wealth of experience with her background in early childhood education and early intervention. She is currently supporting families in her role as a service coordinator in DC. She recently completed two graduate certificate programs at Georgetown University in The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation to be able to better support the children and families she serves. Rima understands the challenges and joys of parenthood and is committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for all participants.
Giselle Green has been working as a physical therapist in early intervention in Washington DC for over 18 years. She is a transplant from the Bronx in New York and has earned a clinical doctoral degree in physical therapy from MGH's Institute for Health Professionals. She enjoys working with infants and young children as well as working with families and amazing colleagues who love what they do just as much as she does.
Justine Colson, M.S., OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist and foster/adoptive mama. Her primary interests include supporting children and caregivers involved with the child welfare system, as well as infant and early childhood mental health.
Cora Sagar, M.S. CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist who has been working with DC area families for eight years. Her primary clinical interests are parent and caregiver coaching for children with complex medical needs, and speech, language, and feeding disorders.
Natasha Olukosi, MS has been serving families with developmental disabilities and delays for thirteen years. She is passionate about managing challenging behaviors and supporting families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
