ChildServe

Believing in the spirit of a child... that's something Dr. Fred Klingbeil has done his entire career. 💜

After 33 years in the field of pediatric rehabilitation, ChildServe‘s beloved pediatric physiatrist, Dr. Fred Klingbeil, will be moving on to a well-deserved retirement in December 2024. In recognition of the last 10 years of his career spent changing the lives of children with special healthcare needs in Iowa, we're excited to announce Dr. Fred has received one of ChildServe‘s most prestigious awards – the Spirit of ChildServe award! Learn more about Dr. Fred's recognition and retirement at https://bit.ly/DrFredChildServeAward/. 🎉

Looking to say “Thank you” to Dr. Fred for making an impact on your family? Submit thank you messages or stories of impact to [email protected] by Oct. 1, 2024.

After a national search, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Rachel Blankenship as Dr. Fred Klingbeil’s successor. Learn more about the Des Moines native returning to the area to help bring our mission to life! ➡️ https://bit.ly/WelcomeDrBlankenship.

Image: ChildServe kid, Rylie, poses with Dr. Fred Klingbeil as he receives the Spirit of ChildServe award.

Sending your timeline a Monday morning reminder from your friends at ChildServe! 💜 Wherever you're at in your journey, know that you are brave, strong, smart and loved every step of the way.

Grief is a topic many of the families we serve face in different ways. It's hard to process, talk about and accept, but knowing you are not alone in this journey can be the first step. 💜

As the mom of a teenager with special healthcare needs, Joy Harris has years of experience on the journey of grief and joy – which are often closely intertwined. Read about what Joy, a member of ChildServe’s Family Advisory Council, has to say about her personal story with grief, gratitude and all of the pieces of joy that have come with her family's journey. ➡️ https://bit.ly/ChildServeGriefBlog

Dealing with Grief | Parents of Children with Special Healthcare Needs - ChildServe Dealing with grief as a parent of a child with special needs often comes in waves. ChildServe mom Joy Harris shares her perspective.

Three-year-old Rosa displays a remarkable amount of strength and courage. From facing unique hardships at birth to her adoption that moved her across the world to become part of a brand-new family, little Rosa has overcome many obstacles and had unique experiences most of us won’t face in a lifetime.

In October 2023, Rosa moved from Bulgaria to Iowa after being adopted. She was welcomed with an amazing support system and family unit, ready to help care for her.Shortly after, Rosa’s family found ChildServe, where Rosa began specialty outpatient therapy services at ChildServe – Des Moines.

“ChildServe has been so supportive in dedicating their efforts to Rosa’s care,” Josh, Rosa’s dad said. “It was tough knowing what she needed because we had no history with her, and the medical system in Bulgaria wasn't able to help her. There were a lot of unknowns bringing a two-year-old home with special healthcare needs who didn't speak English. Thankfully, ChildServe has been able to get her care started quickly, adapt with us, and be flexible with her care as we all learn things about her and her needs.”

Rosa has several complex medical needs including Grand Mal Seizures and hyperkinetic activity (high levels of motor activity and restlessness) that have delayed her development. Her medical complexities make it challenging for her to complete different tasks due to limitations in her mobility and neurological processing. A few of these challenges include difficulty walking, making accurate movements with her hands, communicating and learning new concepts.

After settling Rosa into her new life, the family’s biggest goals for her were to gain skills to live more independently, complete daily tasks and progress in her development. Rosa’s occupational and physical therapists at ChildServe work together to create a treatment plan unique to her diagnosis and personality.

“Rosa has increased her physical strength and is now walking, running, and climbing more efficiently, which lowers her risk of falling and getting hurt and improves her confidence level,” Josh said. “We've seen her progress in therapy help her work harder, learn patience and perseverance, and achieve daily tasks.”

In the last few months, Rosa’s life has been completely transformed with the help of her family and the therapy team at ChildServe. Even through an incredible life-changing transition, Rosa’s joyful and positive attitude continues to shine.

“Our partnership with ChildServe has truly been crucial to Rosa’s progress,” said Josh. “While it has been heartbreaking to know Rosa experienced so many difficulties before coming to the U.S., somehow she is always joyful. We’re so proud of Rosa for her happy heart and perseverance."

Keep up the awesome work, Rosa! Your ChildServe team is rooting for you every step of the way. Learn more about ChildServe’s outpatient therapy program at
https://www.childserve.org/.


Images: Photos of Rosa during therapy at ChildServe – Des Moines.

Join us in giving a spirited ChildServe welcome to Dr. Rachel Blankenship! 💜 🎉

On July 1, Dr. Blankenship, one of the few Pediatric Physiatrists in Iowa, joined the ChildServe team as Medical Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine.

“I am honored to join the team at ChildServe. I look forward to partnering with the rehabilitation team to continue to develop the programs that are currently in place and seek new ways to meet the needs of the community together," said Dr. Blankenship. "I look forward to getting to know each of the team members and working together to further the mission to help kids and young adults in Iowa live a !"

Dr. Blankenship attended medical school at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also completed a pre-graduate fellowship in Osteopathic Manual Medicine and pursued a master's degree in public health. She completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Cincinnati and a fellowship in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. After completing her training, Dr. Blankenship moved to Oklahoma City to practice at Bethany Children's Health Center, where she served as the Associate Medical Director of Spinal Cord Neurorehabilitation.

Dr. Blankenship's connection to our mission has shown brightly during her first few weeks with us. We're ecstatic to welcome Dr. Blankenship and to see her radiating passion for pediatric health make a difference for individuals across Iowa!

Learn more at https://www.childserve.org/dr-blankenship-joins-childserve-2024/.

On a SCALE of 1-10, how much fun did we have with our reptile friends from Spock's Sanctuary? 🐍

A 10 for sure! Snakes, turtles, and lizards appeared at ChildServe's Development Center where kids got to learn all about these unique creatures. Kids got a close-up view of the animals and had the opportunity to pet them. Thanks to Spock's Sanctuary for providing the kids we serve with this exciting firsthand experience!

Images: Kids at ChildServe petting animals and listing to a presentation from Spock's Sanctuary.

Become part of something bigger as a ChildServe Respiratory Therapist! As a respiratory therapist at ChildServe, you'll have the opportunity to get to know a diverse patient population of children and young adults from birth to 30 years old. You'll provide care at ChildServe's Inpatient Complex Medical Care program and the only free-standing Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit in Iowa.

We’re seeking skilled and compassionate respiratory therapists to join our dynamic team and make a difference for the families we serve! Apply now at https://bit.ly/ChildServeRTCareers.

We made a big splash at the Johnston Town Center! 💦 ☀️ Kids from Camp ChildServe had a blast running, playing and splashing at the splash pad. Thank you to our ChildServe team members for helping make moments like these possible and to the City of Johnston Government for giving us a place to cool off this summer!

To find out more about ChildServe's respite programs, visit https://bit.ly/ChildServeRespite.

Images: Kids and team members playing at the splash pad.

Have you ever wondered how to support your family member or friend who is a caregiver of a child with special needs?

Everyone could use help, and even the smallest gift of time or support can go a long way. Check out the 16 ways ChildServe’s Family Advisory Council suggests to help a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs. https://bit.ly/16WaysToHelpCaregivers

ChildServe‘s Day Habilitation program helps young adults with special healthcare needs transition into adulthood. Through individual goals and activities, young adults gain and retain skills they need for greater independence and community integration.

Check out what the individuals and our team members in our Day Habilitation program have been up to this summer! Learn more about this program at https://bit.ly/ChildServeDayHabilitation.

Image: Photos of individuals in ChildServe's Day Habilitation program enjoying summer activities in the community.

Sgt. Grandon from the Johnston Police Department-Iowa brought his police car and lots of smiles to a recent visit to the ChildServe Developmental Center! 😁 🚓

Kids from the Developmental Center were able to hear directly from the source about what it’s like being a police officer and what their role is in our community. They had the chance to sit inside the police car, admire the flashing lights, and most importantly, proudly show off their new stickers!

Thank you to Sgt. Grandon for taking the time to come out and answer all of our questions!

Images: Kids interacting with Sgt. Grandon.

Sensory processing is a term you might have heard or read about, but what does it mean? For every child and family, sensory processing and sensory regulation can look different.

ChildServe occupational therapists, Danielle Hubby and Katie McCabe, will present on what sensory processing is and how difficulties and differences in sensory regulation can impact children and young adults. They will present on common misconceptions about sensory regulation, what signs to look out for, and when to partner with healthcare professionals for extra support.

To register and receive the Zoom link, please email [email protected].

Nominate a ChildServe nurse for a DAISY Award! 🌼

The DAISY Award is an international award program that celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care provided by nurses. As a proud DAISY Award partner, ChildServe recognizes multiple nurses each year with this very special honor.

If you have seen or experienced an extraordinary ChildServe nurse giving excellent care to a child we would love to hear how they made an impact through a DAISY Award nomination!

Make your nomination here: https://childserve.co1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_cIkPxWAKLfi51Ge.

Image: Photo of nurses at ChildServe.

Hold your horses! 🐴 Camp ChildServe has brought loads of fun-filled memories to life this summer! ChildServe team members and campers recently had a fun afternoon meeting some furry friends thanks to McFable Farm. Thank you to our ChildServe team members for helping kids find opportunities to learn and explore all summer long!

To find out more about ChildServe's respite programs, visit https://bit.ly/ChildServeRespite.

Images: Campers visiting the farm and petting animals.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services needs your input! They are conducting the Title V Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment Survey. This survey is designed to gather valuable insights and feedback from residents to help shape programs and services that support the health of mothers, children and families in Iowa.

By sharing your experiences and opinions, you can help identify the most pressing health needs and ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed. The survey is anonymous and takes only a few minutes to complete. The survey will close on Friday, July 14, 2024.

Take the survey in English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TV2024NA

Take the survey in Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TV2024NASpanish

Is your family looking for a sensory-friendly way to beat the heat this summer? 🤿 You now have options at three different Des Moines aquatic centers! The weekly swim sessions are planned as a more relaxing swimming experience, without music playing or jets. Check out this article by KCCI to learn more: https://bit.ly/DSMSensorySwims.

Pools around Des Moines to offer sensory-friendly sessions this summer Sensory Swim Time will be held from noon-12:45 each Sunday this summer at three Des Moines aquatic centers.

We've got festive feet in ChildServe Childcare! Last week, kids made red, white and blue footprint crafts with help from their ChildServe team members. They were so excited to share the patriotic creations with their families! 🇺🇸 👣

Images: Childcare kids making 4th of July crafts.

Smiling big and shining bright in red, white and blue! We hope everyone has a fun-filled, safe holiday full of family, food and fireworks. Happy 4th of July from all of your friends at ChildServe! 🇺🇸

Image: Photo of Kylie from ChildServe's Day Habilitation program smiling during their recent visit to the Capitol.

Red, white and woof! 🐾 ❤️ 💙

Caribou is feeling PAWsitively patriotic for the 4th of July tomorrow!

Image: ChildServe's facility dog, Caribou, dressed up in 4th of July party attire.

ChildServe is seeking a strategic Director of Revenue Cycle! This leadership role will lead and inspire a dynamic team focused on helping children and families across Iowa access exceptional, life-changing care. This role will spearhead our billing, collections and insurance policies.

Make a difference as a leader at ChildServe. Join us in transforming lives! ➡️ https://bit.ly/CSDirectorRevenueCycle

University of Northern Iowa senior, Ava Smithson, is making a difference at ChildServe this summer as a classroom lead in our unique Medical Childcare program. Between heartwarming moments helping kids with complex medical needs create moments, Ava continues to gain valuable experience to enhance her education. 💜

“Some of the greatest moments I've experienced at ChildServe include witnessing children graduate from Medical Childcare after dedicating themselves to therapy, and seeing their perseverance and resilience shine through,” said Ava. “I recently saw a child who struggled with communication use sign language to express ‘I love you’ as I left a room. There is nothing like the joy of receiving hugs, high fives, and smiles from the kids when I do something silly to make them happy.”

As an involved student at UNI, Ava is majoring in biology, and minoring in chemistry and psychology. By spending summers home from college working at ChildServe, Ava has gained an immense amount of knowledge and experience, that has shaped her studies and future career goals.

“I have learned effective strategies to support and engage children who have different abilities so they can feel heard and valued,” Ava said. “This experience has also contributed to helping me develop problem-solving skills, patience, and the ability to adapt to each child's unique needs.”

In addition to gaining valuable experience in pediatrics, Ava sees the impact that ChildServe services have on kids and their families firsthand. Through her passion and commitment in her work, Ava lives out ChildServe’s mission every day.

“Our mission and values resonate deeply with me. They emphasize acceptance, love, trust, collaboration, integrity, and commitment to excellence,” said Ava. “This inspires me to contribute meaningfully and passionately to the well-being and development of the children we serve.”

To learn more about working at ChildServe, visit https://bit.ly/ChildServeCareerOpportunities.

Image: Photo of Ava on the playground at ChildServe – Des Moines.

Mark your calendars! For the third year in a row, ChildServe is proud to present the 2024 Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair! 🎡 🌭 🐮

The Sensory-Friendly Morning has grown in popularity with special programming modifications, designated educational areas, clear directional signage and trained volunteers throughout the Fairgrounds. Extra consideration has been given to environmental factors at the Fair that might contribute to sensory overload, including sounds and lights, tastes, touches and smells for the morning.

The goal for the morning is to enable individuals with special healthcare needs and their families to visit, explore and enjoy the Fair!

Learn more at https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/sensory-friendly-morning.

At Sibshops, ChildServe’s Behavioral Health team creates lesson plans that engage siblings through unique activities, foster open conversations, and provide a supportive space to share and explore their experiences of having a sibling with special healthcare needs.

Our next session of SibShops will be held on July 27, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at ChildServe - Johnston. Families can register at https://www.childserve.org/sibshops-7-27-24/.

Tasty, pre-packaged treats are waiting for you at the ChildServe Snack Shack! The Snack Shack is a mobile cart filled with snacks available for purchase.

With the help of ChildServe team members, individuals in our Day Habilitation and Autism Life Skills programs are given the opportunity to practice business skills like communication, making transactions, purchasing inventory and restocking! The Snack Shack can be found outside the Welcome Center A elevators.

⏰: Mondays: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
⏰: Tuesdays: 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Learn more about the Snack Shack at https://www.childserve.org/the-snack-shack-at-childserve/.

Images: ChildServe team members and individuals working at the Snack Shack.

Coming up this Friday, ChildServe families are invited to the Des Moines Children's Museum for their Sensory-Friendly Play Time, featuring a few special guests from the Iowa State Football program! 🏈

Iowa State Football players will be interacting with children and their families while they play and explore at the museum. The sensory hour is free to attend and gives children a quiet and calmer environment. All regular exhibits will be open. Sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space will be available.

Learn more about this event at https://www.facebook.com/share/j1WvgmoKKQdQjuoW/.