Miracle Workers Recognized

The Exceptional Needs Foundation (ENF) celebrated its first annual Miracle Workers Appreciation Night by honoring the work and achievements of 21 extraordinary individuals that have made a lasting, positive impact in the lives of children with special needs. These miracle workers" were nominated by the parents of the children they work with or by their peers in the field.

Philadelphia, Pa. (PRWEB) May 5, 2004 --- The Exceptional Needs Foundation (ENF) celebrated its first annual Miracle Workers Appreciation Night by honoring the work and achievements of 21 extraordinary individuals that have made a lasting, positive impact in the lives of children with special needs. These miracle workers" were nominated by the parents of the children they work with or by their peers in the field.

Taking care of special needs children takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of dedication. It takes a lot of heart. The people who devote so much of themselves to bring light to a childs life rarely get the recognition they deserve," said Beth Roberts-Pacchione, co-Director of ENF. And for a night, we turned the spotlight on them."

The event was held at the Hedgerow Theatre, in Media, Pennsylvania, who donated a special preview of William Gibsons play Miracle Worker." The production revolves around the courageous Annie Sullivan who works with Helen Keller to unlock her potential.

We wanted an event that would allow the parents to nominate the 'miracle workers in their own childrens lives," said Ruth Herron-Ross, co-Director of ENF. These individuals serve as the hope and the inspiration to all of us that want to make a difference. It was humbling being in the presence of these exceptional women and men."

This years list of honorees is:

Adena Sternthal, Oreland, PA - Special Education Teacher

Amy Wertkin, Merion, PA - Therapy Support Services and Special Education

Barb Zimmerman, Drexel Hill, PA - Family Advocate, Parents Involved Network (PIN)

Caryl Oberman, Elkins Park, PA - Special Education Attorney

Celia Litman, Harleysville, PA - Autism Resource Connection and Parent Advocate

Chasity Leopanto, Philadelphia, PA - Lead Teacher, The Colors Learning Center

Chaya Herzberg, Dresher, PA - Pediatric Optometrist

Eileen O'Shaughnessy-Coleman, Newark, DE -- Founder, Heal Autism Now Delaware (HAND)

Jona Harvey, Media, PA - Parent and ENF Volunteer

Linda Heller, Merion, PA - Special Education Advocate

Lisa Smith, Philadelphia, PA - PDD Autism Parent Group of Philadelphia

Lisa Turner, Collegeville, PA - Therapist

Mashea Banks, Philadelphia, PA - Therapy Support Services

Maude Le Roux, Aston, PA -- Occupational Therapist, A Total Approach

Maxine Young, Broomall, PA - Audiologist

Meg deMoll, Wallingford, PA - Teacher

Mike Dinda, Wayne, PA - The Talk School

Rita Henderson, Lafayette Hills, PA - Therapy Support Services

Scott Timm, Aston, PA - Teacher

Susan Chaplick, Upper Dublin, PA - Speech and Language Pathologist

Yvonne Young, Bensalem, PA - Case Manager

About Exceptional Needs Foundation

The Exceptional Needs Foundation (ENF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, information and networking services to those caring for special needs children. The organization offers educational therapies, information, training and counseling through their Therapy Services Center and Information Network.

http://www.exceptionalneeds.org

Contacts

Beth Roberts-Pacchione

Director, Exceptional Needs Foundation

(610) 853-2898

Ruth Herron-Ross

Director, Exceptional Needs Foundation

(610) 853-2898

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