Developing Kids One Step at a Time

By Sue Gannis

“Helping children grow one milestone at a time” – an achievable goal and the mission of a new pediatric center specializing in developmental therapies for all children.

Stepping Stones Therapy Center, located at 165 South Memorial Highway (Route 309) in Trucksville, is a premier facility that combines occupational and physical therapy techniques to assist in developmental needs of children from birth to age 21. Dr. Cheryl Bolesta is the occupational therapist, and Brandon Jayne, MSPT is the physical therapist in this distinctive partnering of specialties focusing on pediatric therapy. Their services reach beyond the scope of typical OT/PT development.

Extending beyond special developmental needs of their patients, Stepping Stones is unveiling a new program that tackles a national epidemic—childhood obesity. The Healthy Bodies/Healthy Lives Program is open to any child with a weight management issue. Each customized program combines physical activity, healthy eating, and lifestyle changes adaptable for the child and family. “Obesity is not merely a cosmetic problem as some health professionals and parents believe,” asserts Dr. Bolesta. The breakthrough program challenges the decades-old social perception about obesity. “A child can be chunky but very healthy, and a skinny kid can be really unhealthy,” explains Dr. Bolesta.

By concentrating on a strategy of moderation, a complete plan is devised for each child. “The main thing we teach the children is to use the techniques that we teach them to make life changes they can easily include in their lifestyles,” explains Dr. Bolesta. Mr. Jayne added, “Our program is really unique in that we focus on prevention. Part of the Healthy Bodies/Healthy Lives Program is to identify and prevent those at risk for obesity.”

The Stepping Stones facility in the Pendragon Centre in Trucksville is a spacious, modern center with new equipment continually being added. They specialize on the personal factor for each child and family by maintaining a private, one-on-one approach within their programs and services. For a consultation, evaluation, information and rates, or to tour the facility, call 696-2359.