The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh

Psychiatrist Dr. Rebecca Kurzweil talks about autism and the importance of nutrition in our latest video. https://lnkd.in/eKNEdKpp

To wrap up OT month, we celebrate the Occupational Therapists across our locations and teams who put their expertise to work every day to transform the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults. Thank you from all of us at The Children’s Institute!

Communication doesn’t stop after speech therapy sessions. It continues at home with caregivers. In this blog, Speech-Language Pathologist Teresa Klaber explores child-directed play as part of a neurodivergent-affirming approach to speech therapy. She shares how following a child’s lead, honoring all forms of communication, and using movement and sensory-based strategies can support language development in natural, engaging ways. The blog also offers guidance for supporting communication at home and highlights services, including neurodivergent-affirming social skills groups and LEGO® Brick Club, which foster social engagement and communication through structured, strengths-based activities. Read the full article to learn how we can support children in building communication skills through connection, play, and caregiver partnership. https://lnkd.in/eQ9WibGJ

Join our Physical Health team! We’re hiring physical therapists who are passionate about helping children build strength, confidence, and independence through movement and play. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact alongside a collaborative, supportive team, click the link below to apply and learn more. https://lnkd.in/gfM4YsCD

Today is Doctors’ Day, and we’re sending a big thank you to the amazing physicians at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. Every day, they bring expertise, compassion, and teamwork to the care they provide, supporting children, youth, and families in ways that truly make a difference. We are so grateful for the dedication and impact they bring to our mission. Dr. Johanna Vidal-Phelan, our President and CEO, leads with a pediatrician’s perspective and a mission-driven approach. She brings empathy, compassion, and thoughtfulness to every decision and interaction, with a steady focus on the well-being of children and families. Her leadership helps create meaningful moments of comfort, trust, and hope for the families we serve, while inspiring teams to think differently, lead with purpose, and bring our mission to life each day. Dr. Salim Chowdhury, Medical Director of Behavioral Health, provides patient-centered psychiatric care with calm, insight, and compassion. Working closely with adolescents, young adults, and their families, he helps create thoughtful, individualized treatment plans while staying connected to the Pittsburgh psychiatry community. Dr. Becca Kurzweil, Psychiatrist, collaborates closely with our counseling team to strengthen and inform clinical care. Known for her open and curious approach, she takes a whole-person view of mental health, considering factors such as sleep, nutrition, and screen time to support each patient’s goals. Thank you to all of our physicians for everything you do!

During National Developmental Disabilities Month, students transformed the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh into a vibrant, multi-sensory Street Art Extravaganza, celebrating creativity, self-expression, and diverse abilities. This inclusive exhibit, Bridging Perceptions, brought together students from The Day School at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, and St. Anthony School Programs. Within a welcoming space, students expressed themselves through murals, graffiti, and tactile experiences inspired by global street art. This initiative continues to advance conversations around accessibility, inclusion, and the impact of creative expression.

We’re hiring a Director of Learning & Development! 📚🌟 This role will lead the strategy and execution of learning initiatives that strengthen team skills and foster excellence across our organization. It’s all about building a culture of continuous learning—providing our team members with the tools, training, resources, and coaching they need to enhance performance, support professional growth, and advance The Children’s Institute’s mission. Ready to help shape the future of learning at The Children’s Institute? Apply now ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eEqf3FxE

Join us for an art exhibit unlike any other! 🎨 On Saturday, March 21, you're invited to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh for a collaborative creative experience. The Day School at The Children's Institute is joining DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, and St. Anthony School Programs to present Street Art Extravaganza: A Collaborative Multisensory Art Exhibit. 🫟🖼️ The event features art created by students from all four schools, and the event is free and open to the public.

📚 During #ReadAcrossAmericaWeek, we launched The Early Literacy Initiative to foster a love of reading in the families we serve, one story at a time. As part of the project, we unveiled 9 reading nooks across our locations in Squirrell Hill, Bridgeville, Norwin, Beaver and Washington County. Led by President & CEO Johanna V., the initiative is inspired by growing evidence from the American Academy of Pediatrics showing that reading aloud with young children supports language development and emotional regulation. Currently, the program has 300 books housed across its locations, including diverse titles celebrating the students, children and families we serve. The program is supported by the Keefe Ellis Memorial Fund, which is sustained through contributions from many donors in memory of J. Keefe Ellis, Jr., a late board member of 15 years. Current board member Stacy Ellis has provided continued partnership and support in advancing and inspiring this work. On March 5, the Institute hosted a private event to celebrate the contributions of the Keefe Ellis Memorial Fund for The Early Literacy Initiative with the Ellis family.

Enjoy this video message from President & CEO Johanna V. on #TeamMemberAppreciationDay!