Stories of Impact
Stella
Stella is a spunky six-year-old who just started first grade. Like many six-year-olds, Stella enjoys reading and music, likes to laugh and loves her two younger sisters. Stella was born with a rare genetic condition and has been participating in physical, occupational and speech therapy since birth.
“Her therapy has focused on helping Stella be able to tolerate stimulation from the environment around her, so she can do things that many six-year-olds take for granted, like simply riding in a car on a sunny day,” explains Mary, Stella’s occupational therapist.
“Stella had vestibular issues where any kind of movement makes her uncomfortable,” explains Stella’s dad, Steve. “Thanks to her team at Curative New Berlin Therapies (CNBT), her progress has been amazing.”
Stella’s therapists even work with her school to make sure the support she gets at school aligns with what she is learning at CNBT. “Kelsea (Stella’s physical therapist) has coordinated with Stella’s school team on her IEP. And that is very helpful to us,” adds Sarah. “So, with their help, there is consistency at school and at home and at Curative – we are all working toward the same goals.”
‘Team Stella’ extends to her family, with her parents and even grandparents getting involved in her therapy.
“Curative gives us suggestions about games we can try at home to work on Stella’s dexterity, which has been really helpful,” explains Steve. “They have also clued us in to a lot of outside resources.”
The team effort has definitely paid off for Stella. She has made great strides since starting at CNBT.
“When she first started with physical therapy at Curative, Stella had a walker and she wasn’t bearing much weight on her feet,” adds Sarah. “And now she is working on independent standing and independent walking. It is pretty impressive!”