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My daughter Stephanie has been receiving physical therapy since she was five months old. Stephanie has congenital hydrocephalus and a seizure disorder. At first I was apprehensive about
physical therapy because it looked frightening to me. I remember almost holding my breath the first time my therapist put Stephanie on the gym ball. But, as time progressed, I became more and more comfortable with
the therapy. I even began to leave the room during her sessions. Stephanie is now two and half years old and still receiving services from the same physical therapist.
Our Small Steps physical therapist is a very knowledgeable, patient, and caring person. I am so thankful for all she has done for Stephanie (and me!!). When Stephanie first began having therapy, she could not hold
her head up straight. Now she is taking steps all on her own! Therapy is a very long process, but worth every minute. Our therapist has helped my husband and I make important decisions regarding Stephanie’s
development. For example, she urged us to see a neurologist about Stephanie’s “eye fluttering”, which I thought was caused by weak eye muscles. After a visit to the neurologist and an EEG, she was diagnosed
wit atypical absence seizures. Most recently, our therapist suggested I evaluate an early intervention school for Stephanie. She explained how important it would be for Stephanie to be in a class with other
children. After being reluctant, I agreed to go and look Stephanie’s therapist met us there. Surprisingly, I was impressed with the facility and the staff, and enrolled Stephanie two days per week. It proved to be
a beneficial experience for Stephanie, all thanks to our Small Steps physical therapist.
Maria, Stephanie's mother
March 2001
My son, Jake, was born premature at 25 weeks gestation. After an eleven week hospital stay, he was finally well enough to come
home. Jake was referred to an early intervention program to be sure that he reached infant milestones in a timely fashion. Based upon a recommendation from a social worker I chose Small Steps.
Small Steps has been such a positive influence in Jake's development. In his first assessment it was determined that he should receive PT, OT, and special education. Small Steps
provided all of these. The combination of therapies has helped Jake to continuously reach, and then surpass the major skills necessary for motor and cognitive development.
Jake's physical therapist, has been one of the greatest assets to his continued development. She has worked with Jake to help him learn things like head control, rolling, and sitting. Even more, she
has worked with me, the parent, by giving me suggestions and guidance on how to better enable him to reach his goals outside of the therapy session. This combination has proven successful.
Small Steps has gained my complete trust and total satisfaction with the impact it has had on my son's life. I look forward to my continued relationship with this agency.
Tanya , Jake’s mother
March 1, 2001
Giving birth to a micro-preemie is the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. After a long two month hospital stay we were
finally able to bring Olivia home. It was a joyous time but also very overwhelming. I was told that she would need physical therapy because she is at high risk for developmental delays due to her
prematurity. The Rockland County Health Department recommended Small Steps for this service. I had already had a bad experience with a therapist from another agency and hoped
that our first visit with our representative with Small Steps would be different. I was immediately pleased (and relieved) after the visit. Our therapist was not even out of the driveway and I was
on the phone with our caseworker from the Health Department thanking her for recommending this agency.
It's so important to feel comfortable with your child's therapist. After all, they come into your home every week. I have had so much support from Olivia's therapist in many areas of her physical
and emotional development. Olivia lights up when she sees her and has made dramatic improvements because of the quality of care she has received from Small Steps. I cannot thank them enough!
Jennifer, Olivia’s mother,
Feb. 10, 2001
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