Joyful Connections

Parent mentoring and advocacy for the neurodiverse family. Providing home-based interventions and ongoing parent coaching for young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, SPD, or related developmental concerns.

Lansdale

610-850-5938

kerri@joyfulconnectionsfamily.com

Connect:

Ages We Work With:

Age 1- 11 Years Old

Price Range:

Intake Evaluation $400 (90 Minute Home Session)
In-Home or Community Visits $160 per hour

Payments Accepted:

Private Pay
Sliding Scale

Meeting Clients:

Virtually, In-Home

Waitlist:

No

With over 22 years of experience working as an OT practitioner in Early Intervention, Autistic Support, and parent-coaching in the community, Kerri has developed a unique approach that focuses on the relationship between the parent/caregiver and the child as the foundation for skill progression. The Joyful Connections method is based on the transdisciplinary model of early intervention and includes aspects of Floortime therapy, sensory techniques, behavioral strategies, and picture-exchange communication, to name a few. We believe that parents are the experts on their children and that connecting through meaningful, joyful interactions while incorporating therapeutic interventions creates the most effective path for progress, and improves the quality of life for the family.

The Joyful Connections program starts with an intake evaluation (written report with scores) that can be shared with doctors, related service providers, teachers, or other support services to document the current levels of functioning, as well as identify possible symptoms of ASD. Following the evaluation, child & family goals are established and we provide home-based interventions for 6 weeks (1-2 hours/week). After 6 weeks, we continue to provide ongoing mentoring and advocacy either virtually or in person, whatever best meets the needs of the family. With Joyful Connections, you have a family advocate who knows your child well and understands your family's priorities, concerns, and values.

A huge part of raising a neurodiverse child is understanding how to advocate for the best support services available through medical, allied health, and educational systems. Being the proud momma of two neurodiverse kiddos herself, Kerri has first-hand experience with what is attainable when you navigate through all of the bureaucracy. The long-term goal for Joyful Connections is to meet the needs of the neurodiverse community by providing resources and empowering families to become their own agents of change.

Kerri Carpenter, COTA/L, MSOTS

Owner/Interventionist

Experienced with:

* ADHD
* Autism Spectrum Disorder
* Sensory Processing Disorder

* Advocacy
* Assessment
* Behavior Support
* Early Intervention
* Parent Coaching
* Play Therapy
* Sensory Strategies
 

Testimonials

"It was a pleasure to work side by side with Kerri in a school setting. She is an excellent problem solver and communicator. She collaborates with parents and teachers to help every child reach their potential. She gathers information about the child and their environment to develop strategies focused on helping the child interact more fully in their daily routines. Kerri values research based strategies and is always up to date on the latest trends. Kerri became a resource to me when my own son started kindergarten. Her experience as a mom to neurodiverse children allows her to connect and share what she has learned along the way. I would recommend Kerri to any family that is searching for a compassionate advocate for their child."

-L. B.

"I met Kerri about 18 years ago when my son, then 18 months old was referred to Easter Seals in Delaware. Our pediatrician noticed that my son was not communicating the way a toddler should at that age. My son was non verbal and with the help of sign language, we were finally able to communicate with our son! Kerri worked on sensory issues and developmental delays that our son had at the time. With Kerri's sweet demeanor and dedication to working with our son every week and my husband and I diligently doing our homework that Kerri gave us, our son graduated Easter Seals by the age of 3! Kerri left a lasting impression, that we would frequently go back to Easter Seals just to say hi! My son went into the school system and had an IEP that followed him until 4th grade. Our son graduated high school with a 4.46 two years ago and he is currently in his second year of college. With his hard work in high school, he earned enough college credits to skip his sophomore year! I am forever grateful for Kerri all those years ago, for giving us and our - the foundation we needed for success! I am very excited to hear about Kerri's new venture and have no doubt that she will be able to help so many other families like she did ours!"

- B. B.

"Kerri is an incredible occupational therapist whom I had the privilege to work with for several years as part of a multidisciplinary team in the public schools. We cotreated several elementary age students and worked together with team members (teachers, speech therapists, feeding teams, behavioral therapists and administrators) and their families to find solutions to meet their educational and therapeutic needs. Kerri is engaging, compassionate, creative and driven to find solutions for her students. She is a wonderful and positive communicator and a leader by nature. I also became friendly with Kerri outside of work and was able to witness her become an amazing mother and advocate for her own fabulous neurodiverse children! I was also so impressed with Kerri's ingenuity during the challenging Covid pandemic as she provided educational and sensory based supports for her own children and several others in her own home (creating cubicles that were safely separated) and by creating outdoor play areas utilizing nature, creating forts, swings, and obstacle courses that were impressive and enjoyed by all! I would highly recommend contacting Kerri as a valued resource and advocate to meet the needs of your child and family!"

-L.O.

"Kerri has provided an incredible experience for my children with Autism. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a plethora of information to share and implement. She applies all of her knowledge base into her work and it can be seen with the success of the children. She individualizes to the child’s needs and the family’s needs as well. Kerri takes the time to build positive relationships and rapport with the children she works with and their families. She provides incredibly helpful techniques and strategies that are research based and effective. Kerri shows ingenuity in order to help even the more challenging needs of children. Not only does she help on the ground by modeling and guidance with the child; but she is sure to help the adult working with the child to understand how to carry out the strategies in order to ensure long lasting effects. It has been an incredible opportunity to have worked with her and I give my greatest recommendation to any future families."

- D. A.

"I was lucky enough to work alongside Kerri in early intervention. She loves what she does and has an amazing gift to work with her clients and their families. Her intervention is guided by the whole child and his/her family’s needs. She is truly an amazing OT and interventionist."

- K. B.

"Kerri is amazing!! My 20 year old daughter has Cerebral Palsy, Cortical Vision Impairment and POTS. Kerri worked with her from 6 months old up until we moved when my daughter was 2.5. When you hear a doctor say your child will never walk, feed herself and so much more it guts you. When we worked with Kerri she was always full of hope and encouragement. She poured her heart into Faith and every other kiddo she worked with. She defiantly has found her calling and is living it out. I am so proud of her and all she does for these kiddos in need and the support she lends the families. I owe so much to her and the other therapists that worked with Faith back then. Faith walks with a walker, eats on her own, can get dressed with assistance, types away on her computer and is full of life. She even directed her own documentary called Faith's World which aired on PBS in 2021 and is shown in schools along with curriculum. When I look at how far my daughter has come Kerri comes to mind."

- K. G.


"Kerri has been a fantastic resource over the past several years. My 8-year-old son has autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. Kerri has always been, and still is, willing to listen and provide practical suggestions on how to help my son. Conversation with her flows effortlessly as she truly "gets it". She sincerely cares plus has the background and experience to support others. Not only is Kerri an amazing occupational therapist but she has a passion for continual learning on best practices and helping families as she is pursuing her master's degree at Thomas Jefferson University. I highly recommend working with Kerri and Joyful Connections!"

- N. M.

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