Shriners Children's Erie

03/06/2026

March is National Social Work Month and we are proud to recognize Penny Lindey, MSSA, LSW, CCM, C-SWHC.💛

Penny felt called to social work from a young age. Always “the listener,” she was drawn to helping others navigate crisis, trauma, poverty and systemic barriers. For Penny, social work is more than abstract support. It is advocacy, connecting families to resources, supporting healing and empowering change. Having faced difficult seasons in her own life, she strives to be the support she once needed. At its core, she believes social work is about honoring human dignity, meeting people where they are and believing change is possible even when systems are hard.

At Shriners Children's Erie, Penny lives out the organization’s core values of excellence, innovation, commitment, integrity, teamwork, stewardship and respect every day. While her work is often behind the scenes, she is constantly researching programs, making referrals, collaborating with providers, gathering mental health resources, assisting with events, supporting custody-related needs and so much more. Her mantra says it all: “If someone has a question, I have an answer.”

When she is not at Shriners Children's Erie, you can find Penny with her husband Pete, their blind dog and sassy kitty at their “little house on the hill,” or fishing and four-wheeling with their eight grandchildren at “the farm.”

Thank you, Penny, for the compassion, advocacy and heart you bring to our patients and families each and every day. 💕

03/04/2026

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Paisley, our newest patient ambassador at Shriners Children's Erie! 💛

Paisley has been a patient since 2018, when she received her very first prosthesis from our Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team. Since then, POPS has helped her express her personality with fun, creative prostheses, all while supporting her mobility, independence and growing confidence.

When she’s not busy inspiring us, Paisley loves swimming, playing softball and football, and spending time with horses. She’s also a huge fan of Taylor Swift and cheers loud and proud for the Buffalo Bills — go Bills!! 🏈

We’re so proud to have Paisley representing Shriners Children's Erie and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes! 💫

03/02/2026

As the region’s only orthotic and prosthetic program dedicated exclusively to children, Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) at Shriners Children's Erie is built entirely around the unique needs of growing kids.

Here, care goes beyond measurements and mechanics. Our certified orthotic and prosthetic practitioners specialize in infants, children and adolescents and understand how their bodies grow, change and develop at every stage.

POPS provides:
• Custom orthotic devices
• Off-the-shelf bracing
• Custom lower extremity prosthetic solutions
• Custom upper extremity prosthetic solutions

From evaluation and design to fitting and ongoing management, our team delivers personalized care that restores movement, supports strength, protects injuries and promotes independence, helping every child reach their full potential and pursue their dreams. 💛

Check out the website for more information: https://ow.ly/WL9950YocjP

03/01/2026

Strong necks start with early care 💛

Oakleigh is making great progress during physical therapy with Carrie Herrmann, PT, as she receives treatment for torticollis, a condition that causes a child’s head to tilt to one side due to tight neck muscles.

Torticollis is relatively common in infants and with early diagnosis and guided therapy, most children respond very well to treatment. At Shriners Children’s Erie, our care team works closely with families to create personalized therapy plans, combining in-clinic care with simple exercises parents can continue at home.

Through stretching, strengthening and lots of encouragement, Oakleigh is building mobility, comfort and confidence every step of the way.

✨ Early intervention can make a big difference and we’re proud to support patients like Oakleigh on their journey to healthy movement.

02/27/2026

Husband, father, grandpa and friend, Ronald Gilkinson was known for his quick jokes, great stories and, most of all, his willingness to help others. Even in passing, his legacy of kindness continues to make a difference.

We are incredibly grateful for the meaningful gift received in memory of Ronald. What a beautiful and lasting way to honor his life, by continuing to give and support children and families in need.

Thank you for allowing his spirit of generosity to live on and touch so many lives. 💛

02/24/2026

At Shriners Children’s Erie, our Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team provides individualized care plans that may include physical therapy or a cranial remolding helmet. Our custom-fit helmets gently support healthy head growth, helping babies grow comfortably and confidently.

We’re also proud to offer specialized equipment like the STARScanner, a cutting-edge, non-invasive laser scanner that quickly and accurately captures cranial measurements for our tiniest patients.

✨ Why it matters:
💛 Less time scanning = more comfort for babies and families
💛 More precision = better fit and better outcomes
💛 High-tech + heartfelt care = the Shriners Children’s way

If you’ve noticed head flattening or your baby favors one side, our physical therapists and POPS orthotic specialists are here to provide a comprehensive evaluation. While some children may benefit from helmet care, many do not. Our team creates a plan that’s right for your little one.

We’re proud to bring ✨The Most Amazing✨ pediatric orthotic care and technology help your child thrive and reach their full potential.

02/23/2026

Straw drinking does more than hydrate, it helps strengthen oral and facial muscles, promote lip closure and encourage independence.

At Shriners Children’s Erie, our occupational therapy team, including occupational therapist Stephanie Mbouck, OTR/L, provides specialized care to support each child’s feeding skills and overall development. Families can expect a supportive, engaging and individualized experience from start to finish.

If you have concerns about your child’s development related to straw drinking or other feeding skills, please call 814-875-8800 to learn more.

02/20/2026

Flat spots on a baby’s head are more common than many parents realize and early care can make a big difference. 💖

At Shriners Children’s Erie, we offer individualized care plans that may include physical therapy or a cranial remolding helmet. Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) provide custom-fit helmets to gently support healthy head growth.

If you’ve noticed head flattening or your baby favors one side, our POPS orthotic specialists are here to provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized helmet care, helping your child grow comfortably and confidently.

02/19/2026

Thank you to all the incredible supporters of our 13th Annual Telethon!

Because of your generosity, we raised an amazing $41,835, surpassing our $30,000 goal! We could not have achieved this without your support.

We were especially proud to have our patient ambassadors, Ava and Savannah, in attendance, sharing their stories and representing the heart of our mission. Fezzy and so many dedicated Shriners supporters also joined us to make the day even more special.

Together, you are helping us provide life-changing care to the children and families we serve. Thank you for believing in our mission! 💛

02/18/2026

Meet Winter, a true fighter at just nine years old!

At six, a severe case of strep throat led to a condition that affected her muscles and nerves, making simple daily tasks like writing or brushing her hair a challenge. “She couldn’t straighten her elbows… I remember telling myself, ‘This might be it,’” shared her mom, Amber.

But Winter didn’t give up. With the support of Shriners Children’s Erie, she’s gradually regaining strength and range of motion. When she’s not in therapy, she’s just like any other kid, enjoying soccer, sled-riding and playing with her cats. 🐾

From struggling to give a thumbs up to now writing and brushing her hair independently, Winter’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. 💜

Her story was featured during Shriners Children’s Erie’s 13th annual Telethon last night, showing how community support truly changes lives.

Winter Wozniak was only six years old when a bad case of strep throat led to a complex condition impacting her muscles and nerves. After several treatments and skin graft surgery, Winter made it ho…

02/18/2026

🎉 The Mighty Otters are celebrating 30 years of sled hockey! Founded in 1996 by Shriners nurse Sue Birkmire, they brought this incredible sport to the U.S. for the first time and it’s grown into a Paralympic powerhouse. 🏒🥇

Chayse, a double amputee patient at Shriners Children’s Erie, has been part of Shriners programs like sled hockey and wheelchair basketball for years. From learning tricks to making lifelong friends, these programs are about more than sports. They boost confidence and create lasting memories.

“Just overall fun, meeting friends, making relationships with people,” Chayse said. 💜

Chayse’s inspiring journey was shared during Shriners Children’s Erie’s 13th annual Telethon last night, showing how your support truly changes lives! ✨

For decades, Shriners Children’s Erie has been committed to giving their patients the best care possible — that includes giving them the chance to stay active. Shriners offers programs …

02/18/2026

At just two years old, Allie faced a severe diagnosis of infantile scoliosis with a curve of nearly 100 degrees.

Thanks to the care she receives at Shriners Children’s Erie, Allie now has a bright future ahead. She is currently treated with growing rods that are gently adjusted every four months to keep pace with her growth, helping her stay active and thriving.

Allie’s inspiring journey was featured during Shriners Children’s Erie’s 13th annual Telethon last night, reminding us how support from our community changes lives every day. 💕

In the United States, 2% to 5% of children develop scoliosis, where the spine curves to make a “C” or “S” shape rather than grow in a straight line. Shriners has award-winni…