In Harmony Pediatric Therapy By Michelle Martin For the many children with special needs and developmental delays in Cherokee County and surrounding areas, In Harmony Pediatric Therapy in Canton provides a safe, fun, professional environment that combines learning and play. "Our goal is to work 'in harmony' with parents as they navigate with their children through the world of 'special needs,'" says Kristi Estes, co-owner of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. "We feel it's important to reach children where they are to help them develop the skills they need, so we provide an interdisciplinary approach of proven therapy techniques using a variety of fun learning tools." Kristi Estes, an occupational therapist, and Jennifer Puckett, a music therapist, came together in 2008 to open In Harmony. "We both live in Canton, so it was important for us to help our local community," Puckett says. "As our own home-based therapy clientele grew, we recognized the need for a designated center that incorporated all different types of therapy to address children's special needs and developmental delays." In Harmony Pediatric Therapy grew quickly, and in 2011 expanded to an 8,000-square-foot facility. Along with Estes and Puckett, In Harmony now includes 24 licensed, experienced therapists who provide Speech-Language Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Music Therapy for children from birth through adolescence. Estes and Puckett designed the new space with children and parents in mind. The large facility features wide hallways that can accommodate wheelchairs, a calming color scheme, and LED lights in therapy rooms, as opposed to fluorescent lights, which can cause seizures or negatively affect children. A large track encircling the space also allows children to work on gross motor skills using adaptive bikes, scooter boards, etc. Observation windows allow parents to observe their children's therapy sessions. In addition, the therapy areas include two sensory gyms for Occupational Therapy, a Physical Therapy gym, a fine motor room to work on handwriting and computer skills, five Music Therapy rooms, four Speech-Language Therapy rooms, a large room for music classes and group activities, and an evaluation room. In Harmony's interdisciplinary, research-based therapy programs use innovative techniques and tools to address such issues as Autism, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, torticollis, ADHD, fine and gross motor delays, speech and language disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding difficulties, among others. "Our goal is to help children build the skills they need to move out of the clinical environment and into society," Estes says. "We're here not only to provide clinical therapy for children, but also to support their parents and serve as a source of comfort and understanding." Adds Puckett, "It's important to remember that whatever the diagnosis, it doesn't define these children. We work together with parents to understand how their children learn, and adapt our techniques to fit their needs." As Estes and Puckett explain, Occupational Therapy focuses on sensory integration; fine motor skills and strengthening; coordinating both sides of the body together; adaptive skills, such as feeding and dressing; and visual perceptual and visual motor skills. Physical Therapy addresses gross motor movement limitations through activities designed to strengthen muscles, gain range of motion, and improve balance and coordination. Speech-Language Therapy helps children learn how to communicate effectively with words, signs, facial expressions or gestures. Speech-Language Therapy also works on articulation, feeding issues, and assistive technology to aid in communication. Music Therapy addresses fine and gross motor skills, communication skills, adaptive skills, social and emotional development skills, and cognitive skills. Individual and group classes help children through music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music. In each of the therapy areas, In Harmony can incorporate adapted equipment to meet children's individual needs if they are unable to crawl, walk, sit, or speak on their own. Therapy programs are customized according to children's individual needs, based either on a doctor's prescribed therapy or the licensed therapist's own evaluation. Most therapy sessions last 30 minutes to an hour, one to two times a week. Estes explains that some children may just need short-term therapy to help them better articulate their "R's," for example, while others may require extensive therapy to address critical developmental delays and long-term special needs. In Harmony therapists evaluate children's progress over time and meet regularly with parents to discuss their children's therapy goals, progress, and recommendations if modifications or extended therapy sessions are needed. "We believe in an open-door policy that encourages parents to ask questions," Estes says. "We want parents to be a part of their children's therapy so that we can provide the best treatment possible. "When kids come to In Harmony, they don't know they're coming to therapy; they just know that it's fun," Estes continues. "In Harmony Pediatric Therapy is like a big indoor playground for them but they're really building important developmental skills here." Puckett adds, "It's so rewarding to see the change in children here. The more they learn, the more confident they are to try new things in therapy and in everyday life." 4280 Hickory Flat Hwy., Suite 108, Canton770-345-2804InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Speech-Language Therapy Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Music Therapy Adaptive Music Lessons Aquatic Therapy Harmony Kids Music Classes (ages 0-7 for children of all abilities)
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