Shine Therapy Services

**🚴‍♀️ Summer Fun with Riding Toys & Balance Bikes: Pediatric PT Tips! 🚴‍♂️**

Summer is the perfect time for kids to enjoy outdoor activities, and riding toys and balance bikes are fantastic for developing motor skills and balance. Here are some tips from our pediatric physical therapists to ensure your little ones get the most out of their summer rides safely and effectively!

🔹 **Choosing the Right Toy:**
- **Balance Bikes:** These are ideal for toddlers and young children as they help develop balance and coordination before transitioning to a pedal bike. Make sure the bike is the right size; your child should be able to place their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the saddle.

- **Scooters:** Great for older kids to work on balance and coordination. Look for sturdy, well-built models with adjustable handlebars to grow with your child.

- **Ride-On Toys:** Perfect for younger children to work on leg strength and coordination. Ensure they are age-appropriate and have a stable base to prevent tipping over.

🔹 **Safety First:**
- **Helmets:** Always ensure your child wears a properly fitting helmet to protect against head injuries. Helmets should sit level on the head, covering the forehead, and the straps should form a V under the ears.
- **Protective Gear:** Elbow and knee pads can prevent scrapes and bruises, especially for beginners.
- **Supervision:** Always supervise young children while they’re riding to ensure they stay safe and within a designated, safe area away from traffic and other hazards.

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✨3 Benefits of PLAY-ing with your children:
1️⃣: It helps them to others’ ideas and sets them up for unexpected situations!
2️⃣: Leads to better ! It gives them an age-appropriate outlet to express their emotions, leading to better self-regulation & understanding
3️⃣: Builds : it teaches them to try, try, try again!!!

This little lady and her mama have been participating in PLAY project therapy, which has been a great way to prepare them to take on NEW activities, like visiting their local library!!! 😍🥰💃

👟 When it comes to choosing shoes for kids with braces and orthotics, comfort and support are key! Look for features like:
- Wide toe box for wiggle room
- Firm heel counter for stability
- Removable insoles to accommodate orthotics
- Adjustable closures for a secure fit

👣

💡 ACTIVITY IDEA💡

Did you know magnatiles stick to muffin tins? Hiding objects can be a fun way to practice speech sounds, or add a surprise to target certain vocabulary! 🔎 This activity is easy enough for little ones to help set up and take a turn surprising their partner with objects as well. 🙌🏻

Do you have a unique way you use magnatiles!? Share with us in the comments ⬇️

Idea credit: The Type B SLP

This week’s therapy fun 🤩 ➡️ a birthday party!! The sessions were spent playing games, balloon fun, eating cupcakes and of course, singing! 🎶 Here at Shine, some of the best sessions are spent doing what the client loves and following the child’s (or teens) lead ♥️ we hope you have the best birthday!! 🥳🥳

🌟 PEEP some cuteness below! 🌟

This week we launched our summer session of Sensory Explorers 🎉

Our group is all about inclusivity, making sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable. We create a sensory-friendly environment that meets various needs, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for everyone.

🗣️At Shine, we are dedicated to being neuro-affirming, celebrating neurodiversity and fostering a community where everyone can thrive!!! 👏🏼🌈✨

🏃‍♂️👧 Attention parents and coaches! Want to ensure your kids train safely and effectively for athletics? Check out this insightful article on how much running, training, and conditioning is right for kids. It's crucial to strike the perfect balance between building strength and preventing injury.

Read more: https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/06/how-much-running-training-and-conditioning-is-right-for-kids?utm_medium=Organic&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=healthyatuh&utm_content=HowMuchRunning,TrainingandConditioningIsRightForKids&&utm_term=RunningKidsFB524&fbclid=IwAR3aFeErN4MbC4p-zwYMbB0yjxRGgloEy8UaNFpxTV7QZG8J9CrAhUEJgyg_aem_AbU6iDlI_HrLFny38urJsH8hrP-yNGEZAPWON7lEhYhOjt__uGKwf1mGP_PBdIMAOBEloJSUXXjE23zWeYIVLMtw&mibextid=WC7FNe

How Much Running, Training and Conditioning Is Right For Kids? Many youth sports injuries, particularly overuse injuries, happen not on the field of play, but because of poor training and conditioning. A key to avoiding injuries is good training.

This 🙌⬇️
Most people do not know that pediatric OTs help with social emotional regulation. This begins at a parent to child co-regulation level, with the birth to three population in early intervention. This is also a major target area in school aged kids as well!

☀️‼️It’s the last day for better hearing and speech month. We love our speech therapists at Shine and wanted to take an extra moment to thank them for all they do to serve their clients and families! You are all so dedicated to making the lives of littles better and amazing at what you do!💛

Please help me with one last celebration by sharing a favorite memory or a thanks! 🥰

IL Early Intervention for infants and toddlers with diagnosed delays: CFC14 covers Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties, and has the highest percentage of service delays in the State of IL- currently at 35% of families waiting for therapy services beyond 30 days. WAYYYYYY beyond 30 days...we are talking months of waiting...over a year of waiting...turning 3 without having received services. The reason for this = lack of investment in the program between 2000-2022. The FY25 budget does not allow for program improvements.

The budget has been signed. Despite a coordinated media effort (that included multiple agencies and associations working together) alongside many other advocacy strategies, we were not successful in communicating the urgent need for more funding in the budget for Early Intervention. Early Intervention was allocated a $6 million increase to support caseload increases in FY25.

The way forward must include exposing the truth of the current waitlists in early intervention. Without a full and true picture of the current functioning of the EI system, advocacy efforts are hampered. Numbers talk. We must all move beyond concerns about placing blame/feeling shame. ALL PARTS OF OUR EI SYSTEM ARE CURRENTLY UNDER PRESSURE AND UNDER FUNDED. Whether your role is as a provider, service coordinator, CFC manager, grant holder or a family in the EI system- we are all struggling. Now is the time to be transparent, so that we can improve Illinois Early Intervention for everyone.

Links to studies referenced in this statement:
https://shorturl.at/SzF2r
https://shorturl.at/u5GlG

Governor JB Pritzker Start Early

Our final speechie to celebrate at SHINE for Speech Language and Hearing Month!! Meet ALEX!! ☀️

Get ready - this 🐥 really loves her career…. Alex works full time as a clinical supervisor for the graduate program at Augustana, she is a Speech Therapist who works weekends at a hospital, and carries a caseload, seeing older kids primarily online through Shine! 🤯🥹 She sees ALL the ages and stages for speech!

WHAT KEEPS YOU IN THIS CAREER ⬇️
Alex says she loves the challenge that comes along with the role. She compares it to solving a 🧩 - it’s both mentally stimulating and emotionally rewarding!

IN HER FREE TIME ⬇️
…. Well, the girl competes in triathalons and long distance bike rides 🏃🏾‍♀️🙀🚴🏾‍♀️….. If she’s not competing or working… she loves to travel! ✈️ She’s traveled to Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, France, Germany, Guatemala anddddd is currently on a trip adding Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia to her list!!! 👏🏼

WHY SHINE?!☀️
“I love the leadership at Shine. I appreciate the collaborative environment Shine provides. Working with talented and supportive colleagues not only boosts our productivity but also makes each day enjoyable.

Alex - the Shine team loves staying connected and watching you transform lives 💛. You inspire us ALL. THE. TIME. Happy speech language and hearing month!! 👏🏼👏🏼

….Continuing on with our celebration of
🌟 Speech Language Hearing Month! 🌟

🥁 Introducing….. MISS RACHEL
😘💃🏼😂

She is another of our incredible Speech Therapist who prioritizes FUN with an amazing way of helping parents feel at ease and supported! She is inspired daily by the parents she works with, their willingness to do what’s necessary to help improve their child’s communication, and she especially loves being greeted by adorable smiles at the start of each therapy session!

When she’s not speechin’ it up, there’s a good chance you can find her at a sporting/musical event supporting one of her SIX (incredible) children or helping her Hubby out on their farm! In the rest of her spare time, she enjoys reading historical fiction or lovin’ on her energetic pup, Roscoe. 💁🏻‍♀️📚🐶

Fun fact: Rachel chose Shine after being inspired by the mission and heart of Shine’s leaders, Sarah Z and Kristin F. She loves how she is empowered to not only do what she loves as her career, but while being highly supported to keep a balance at work with the responsibilities of home life 🌽🌾🚜

Join us in honoring Miss Rachel as we celebrate our Speechies this month! 🎉💬

Meet Sarah! Dedicated CEO of Shine, Speech and Developmental therapist. We’re celebrating her this May for Speech, Language and Hearing Month! 💛

Here’s why Sarah is one to celebrate ⬇️
She is inspired by families at Shine, and has a passion for delivering them the best possible therapies along their journey! She loves providing a supportive team environment for Shine employees, and is working (through advocacy efforts) to improve reimbursement in Early Intervention (and in the insurance world!) so that therapists can see increased wages and better working environments. The team at Shine inspires her through their own passion for excellence. We have a group of "forever learners" here at Shine- therapists who are open to new ideas and collaborations.

When she’s not working hard on projects for Shine or advocacy, you can find Sarah…
Enjoying gardening and landscaping. Maybe she will dabble into the world of food gardening in the future!? She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her kids, who are all young adults now (age 17, 20, 22). She also loves reading and true crime documentaries. Currently, favorites are The Jinx on HBO (season 2 is coming out!!) and OJ: Made in America (now on Netflix!). And of course, she proudly wears the title of crazy cat lady! 🐈🐈‍⬛

A fun story about Shine from Sarah:
“Myself and co-owner Kristin are lifelong friends. My family moved to her neighborhood when I was 3. I don't remember a time when I didn't know her! She was my childhood friend and was my official ride during the high school years :) Kristin is such a support to me in every way, and we have been able to navigate many situations by leaning on one another. Women supporting women is such an invaluable resource, and my circle of female friends has gotten me through so many tough situations.”

Please help us in showing Sarah our love and appreciation! ☀️😻

Our friendly group still has a couple openings and starts in JUNE! ☀️
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Tuesdays 8️⃣3️⃣0️⃣ AND 2️⃣3️⃣0️⃣.
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📲 Check the deets out on our site! 💻

Another speechie to celebrate for Speech Language and Hearing Month!! Meet Leslee!! ☀️

WHY EARLY INTERVENTION?! ⬇️
Leslee loves working in Early Intervention due to the holistic approach to therapy as well as being able to work with the family as a unit to meet their goals, instead of targeting what a child "should" be doing.

In Leslee’s free time ⬇️
…. She is an aspiring gardener and for a non-crafty SLP, a surprisingly good flower arranger. But, her absolute favorite thing is going on adventures with her adorable toddler!♥️

WHY SHINE?!☀️
“I love Shine because they have supported me as a professional, but most importantly as a person, above and beyond what I could have imagined from a workplace.”

The Shine team is so thankful for all of the work and dedication you put into your families as a speech therapist. 💛 Happy speech language and hearing month, Leslee!!

🌟 Celebrating Stephanie this Speech Therapy Month! 🌟

Meet Stephanie, a dedicated speech therapist at Shine who brings passion and expertise to her role every day. When asked what inspires her as a therapist, Stephanie shared, "I love building relationships with the kids and getting to hear them share their thoughts and feelings more as their confidence and communication skills grow. It's also why I love AAC, since many kids can communicate more clearly and easily when they have the opportunity to learn a communication device."

Outside of her incredible work, Stephanie enjoys crocheting, reading, and staying active with exercise. Her personal interests bring a unique and relatable touch to her professional life, making her a well-rounded and compassionate therapist.

Why does Stephanie love Shine? "First and foremost, I so appreciate the supportive work environment - I feel genuinely valued as a team member and person. I also appreciate that we are encouraged to pursue our specific areas of interest in the field."

Join us in honoring Stephanie and all the amazing speech therapists making a difference this month! 🎉💬

Great Cicada Event 2024 Update: they are emerging in Brimfield, IL! Covered a young tree (protect trees less than 5 years old if you feel attached 😊) with netting as well as a couple young bushes.

Still no emergence in Peoria, from what we have heard. Any out in your area? Share below 👇

May is National Speech, Language and Hearing Month. Here at Shine, we’re loving celebrating each of our SLPs who make Shine so special. Today, we celebrate one of put fearless leaders: feeding and speech therapist, Kristin!

🍽️ As a therapist, Kristin has a passion for helping children and families learn to bring enjoyment at mealtimes. It gives her incredible purpose to be involved in a child’s journey with meals ….whether it is helping a child learn to safely take their first bite of food or helping a selective eater discover the love of a new food.

When Kristin isn’t at work you can find her….
🏃🏻‍♀️🥾 On the field or court watching my children play sports, outside running, hiking, or kayaking. She finds joy in digging in the dirt in my garden, creating meals for her family, discovering a new restaurant, or reading (are three book clubs too many to be in?)

Why Shine?
💛 “I have had the privilege of working in a variety of settings throughout my 25 year career. The ability to connect and collaborate with the incredible team at Shine is one of the many things that sets Shine apart from others. The vast knowledge base of our team members coupled with the incredible passion for what they do, makes working at Shine truly an honor. The ability to connect and help families and their children in their mealtime journeys in their own homes is also an invaluable privilege (and why I love what I do).”

Join us in giving Kristin some extra 💛 this May!

🎤 drop.

❤️

We’re always hiring experienced therapists. We would love to hear from you!

Message or Email us ([email protected]) to find out more! Www.shinetherapyservices.com

Shine Therapy Services We are a multidisciplinary pediatric private practice offering speech/feeding, nutrition, occupationa

THEY’RE HERE! Let the Great Cicada Event of 2024 commence!

**in case you hadn’t heard, central IL is experiencing TWO cicada species emerging together this year. Scientists are watching to see if they cross-breed. We are living in a science experiment!**

Who’s grossed out? Who’s loving this? Will we be crunching cicada shells as we walk and using our windshield wipers while driving? Tell us your thoughts ⬇️

🗓️May: the month where we celebrate the power of words, the beauty of communication, and the gift of hearing! Let's raise our voices in appreciation for all the speech therapists, audiologists, and individuals making a difference in the world of speech, language, and hearing. 🎉🗣️👂

Anddd…Here’s another of Shine’s very own!!!!
💁🏼‍♀️Meet Sara Stout! 👋🏼
((And her hubby!!))

❤️As a therapist, what inspires me? The families that I work with inspire me everyday. It is wonderful to get to witness families learning and implementing strategies for speech and feeding in every day activities and making learning fun! I love to see how the families I work with celebrate all the accomplishments along the way to big goals.
❤️Outside of work I love to run, read, do yardwork/garden, watch baseball and hang out with my dog and my husband ((is it bad I said my dog first 😅🐶))
❤️Why Shine? I love that at Shine there is an entire team of therapists who are working together to help each child to reach their full potential. I love that we are each given the support to focus on areas in our practice that we are the most passionate about!

Meet Casey, our dedicated speech therapist! 🌟

This month is Speech Language & Hearing Month, so we want you to meet our staff! Here is more from Casey!

❤️As a therapist, what drives me? It's the profound connections I build with the families I work with. Understanding their journey on a deeper level keeps me inspired and fuels my passion each day!
❤️Beyond therapy, I thrive on savoring delicious meals with loved ones, staying active through walks and sports (golf has become a recent favorite!), and soaking up quality time in the yard with my family. My ideal day starts with a hot coffee, getting fresh air and enjoying time in the yard with my family, and finishing the day with late night sushi on my couch.
❤️Why Shine? Even after being at Shine for over two years, I am still consistently disarmed by how I am seen equally as a person AND a therapist. Sarah, Kristin, and their team care deeply about me and my family, which is how I get to show up for my work with so much to give to other families. I can't believe a work environment this supportive exists.

Tactile Sensory Play!

What is the tactile system?
The tactile system, or sense of touch, refers to the information we receive about our environment through the receptors of our skin including pain, temperature, texture, shape, and size!

Why is it important to provide opportunities for tactile play?
Tactile play in kids allows them to feel secure in their body as well as explore the environment around us. A healthy child with a healthy tactile system can get messy, explore the outdoors (sand, dirt, grass, etc.), explore a variety of food with their hands, tolerate all types of clothing, and understand concepts (age-appropriate) such as hot and cold.

How can I provide tactile experiences for my child?
Tactile sensory play is commonly completed using tactile sensory bins or exploring outdoor environments. Tactile sensory bins may include the following ingredients:
☀️Dry textures: rice, beans, oats, cotton balls or pompoms, dry noodles, bird seed, leaves, packing peanuts, craft feathers, scraps of fabric or paper, sand
☀️Not-wet textures: play dough, kinetic sand, putty, cookie dough/flour dough
☀️Wet textures: cooked noodles, jell-O/pudding, shaving cream, whipped cream, Cornstarch and Water mixed (Oobleck), Homemade Snow (baking soda/shaving cream), soap and water

‼️Things to be aware of!‼️
*Choking hazards, if your child is still putting everything into their mouth, be mindful of what you are putting into the bin.
*Some textures have a shelf life, you may need to recycle or replenish some textures.
*Never force your kid’s hand into a texture. If they don’t like it or are having a hard time touching it, respect that and don’t force it. Encourage and proceed slowly. Use a scoop or a shovel so the child doesn’t have to touch it
*Have towels ready for wet textures and let them know the towel is there in case they need it. It will help them feel more comfortable touching the texture

Tips to play!
😄Playing outside, on a towel/blanket, or in the tub help with mess clean up
😄Provide kids with a variety of tools to use during play (scoops, bowls, toys, etc.)
😄Utilize hands AND feet
😄Hide objects in the sensory bin!
😄Draw or write in the sensory bins: shapes, letters, numbers, etc.!
😄Include language: “Up”, “Down”, “In”, “Out”, “Open”, “Close”

🌳🌱 Outdoor Activity Idea:
If you’re out on a walk, go on a hunt for small sticks! Have your little one collect them, bring them home, and get some craft stuff out to decorate! A great way to enjoy creative play. When ready, take the sticks outside and have your little one try to figure out where the sticks go in the ground easiest. They will love seeing their little touches decorating the outside! 🚩

IS a child’s work! 🤸‍♀️ 🚂 👧🏽 👶🏼

Matching a child’s developmental stage with their interest is KEY for what they will find meaningful.
By this - don’t take their physical age into account - instead, think about their developmental STAGE!

⬇️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️⬇️

Functional Developmental types of PLAY!:
1️⃣Sensory Motor (physical play!!!)
2️⃣Cause/Effect (Pop up toys, Lights on/off, up/down play!!)
3️⃣Sequences (Blowing a balloon up and letting it fly around the room, kiddos brings it back for more!!)
4️⃣Simple pretend (Putting a phone to their ear and pretend talking!!)
5️⃣Pretend play with 1 theme! (Playing mommy to a baby - rocking it, feeding, changing diaper!!)
6️⃣Pretend play with MULTIPLE themes!! (Playing mommy to baby, baby gets sick and need to take baby to the doctor!!)