- Abilities First
"Team work makes the dream work!"
Meet Emalyne (Emma), Sif, & Michelle...
A winning team! Emma is an 11 year old student who just completed the fifth grade. Sif is a Golden Doodle service dog.
In 2006, Emma was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epileptic encephalopathy. Only 3 other cases were known in Ohio at the time of her diagnosis. According to Emma’s mom Michelle, the family raised $15,000 to get Sif for Emma. The pair have been together for one year. “When Emma is out in public, she is tethered to Sif with a special vest with a D ring,” Michelle said.
Abilities First Physical Therapist Lynne Hauser, Abilities First Speech Therapist Michelle Moran, and Abilities First Occupational Therapist Hillary Fritz, work with Emma and Sif on a regular basis. To improve Emma’s feelings of safety, and self-confidence, the sessions focus on seizure alerts and behavior disruptions. Building Emma’s sense of independence is the goal.
Like other children her age, Emma has a morning routine: Get dressed and get out of the house with enough time to get to her favorite restaurant for scrambled eggs and hash browns before school. She also enjoys grocery shopping with her mother and buying her ten favorite things. That’s Potential Made Possible!
We are so grateful to this community for embracing Abilities First and supporting our mission for the past 59 years – helping our children and adults achieve success.
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The Friends in STEP (Social Thinking, Executive function, Physical fitness) group collaborated to earn money for a visit to Kings Island. Michael delivered ice cream to customers who pre-ordered sundaes. Participating in a fund raiser is just one way for Friends in STEP participants to practice team work, social skills, counting money, and much more. Thanks to our therapists for facilitating the groups. Contact 