It is with great excitement that we announce the Event Chairs for the 2011 Run, Walk & Roll!  We are delighted that Kathy and Tom Atkins (Cary, NC) will provide overall leadership and direction for our event this year.  The Atkins' family leads very full and blessed lives and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Run, Walk & Roll.

Tom and Kathy are blessed with 3 children; John Allen, 12, Luke, 8, and Joshua, 3.  John Allen has been a patient of Dr. Alexander's since October, 1998, when he was born at UNC Hospitals. Living with spina bifida, John Allen has received care at UNC for over 12 years.

Tom works in clinical and research project management for GlaxoSmithKline, and Kathy is a statistical programmer for Salix Pharmaceuticals.  Of course, their most important job is at home with the 3 boys and their dog, Daisy.

Tom graduated from UNC-Wilmington but having grown up in Chapel Hill, he returned  to work in administration at UNC Hospitals where he met Kathy, who was finishing school at UNC.  They married in 1993 in Chapel Hill, and moved to Apex in 1995.

Raleigh Little Theatre Youth Education Program offers an "Access Theatre Now" class on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 for ages 6-13.  This exciting class is for children who are faced with physical, emotional, learning and developmental challenges. Through collaboration with Pediatric Therapy Associates, Raleigh Little Theatre is offering scholarships to those who qualify.  Contact Kathleen Rudolph at 821-4579 ext 225 for more information and please mention Pediatric Therapy Associates when you call.

Literacy Development Therapy and Workshops:

Ave., Raleigh, Rooms 215 and 221)

Meetings are an informal gathering of parents who share their experiences an concerns, and answer questions for each other.  Guest Speakers, who are professionals in the field, are invited for presentations on relevant topics.

Childcare is provided by UNC Audiology students at no charge.  Prior notice of childcare need is required.

For more information, please click on the link above.

New Groups at Capitol City Speech Therapy

http://www.capitolcityspeechtherapy.com/

The Movement And Gestures Improve Communication (MAGIC) Group is for all kids 3-5 years of age.  It incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to enhancing social, emotional & intellectual growth.  The group is run by a developmental Therapist and speech therapy may be added to work with specific children.

The Playtime Developmental Enrighment Group is a play group for all children fro 18 mo=nths to 2 years and 11 months to help prepare them for pre-school.  Each group includes circle time, free play with sensory activity, clean up and snack time.  The group is run by a speech and developmental therapist who will speak with parents after each group to discuss how each child did.

New Groups from Voices Together

http://www.voicestogether.net/

New Raleigh Groups for Aspergers / High Functioning Autism 

The Teen Group is opening in Raleigh for ages 14-19 (approximate).  This group is specifically geared toward individuals with Aspergers / High Functioning Autism.  Goals in this group will be to:

1) Increase social interaction skills through conversation
2) Identify, connect, and understand emotions (emotional expression)
3) Offer a safe place to share perspectives, learn from each other and build community
4) Increase leadership skills

The Adult Group is opening in Chapel Hill for adults (ages 18 and up).  This group meets on Thursday at 4:15 and will focus on:

1) Teaching and practicing initiating and answering questions

2) Understanding and expressing thoughts and feelings

3) Listening to others