Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids

03/26/2026

⭐️NEW⭐️ to Beyond Boundaries: SLP, McKenna O'Rourke!

"Hi! My name is McKenna O’Rourke. I am a speech-language pathologist and have been working in the field since I graduated from Nazareth College in 2022. I have worked primarily with school-aged children in agencies and school districts since moving back to Buffalo, and I am excited to work with early intervention and preschool-aged children again! I have a background in autism and I love working with children with ASD. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, and taking trips to new places!"

Welcome, McKenna!! 🤗

03/24/2026

🗓️☑️

ALL parents and caregivers in New York State welcome! Join us for a state budget teach-in with a panel of Kids Can’t Wait Campaign leaders and policy experts!
March 26th at 6:30 PM Online.
Register at https://secure.everyaction.com/DjO5lzAgwECzN_3hVchQxA2

03/24/2026

Social Work Month Series: A Day in the Life 💼🧸

Ever wonder what a pediatric social worker’s day looks like?

It’s not just a job — it’s heart ❤️ work.

"March is National Social Workers Month and it is a good time to reflect on a day in the life of a social worker.

One thing I know about myself is that I need variety. Social work allows me to wear many hats throughout the day. I continue to carry a small caseload while also managing the practice, which means my days can look very different from one hour to the next.

My day might include playtime on the floor with a child, helping them build skills through connection and movement. Soon after, I may be meeting with our mighty office team, planning upcoming professional development opportunities, or supporting the wonderful providers who work with families every day.

Social work is about relationships, problem solving, advocacy, and showing up for people when it matters most. I feel grateful to be part of a profession filled with people who care deeply about helping others grow and thrive." -Mary Frances Bayer, LMSW

03/23/2026

Social Work Month Series: A Day in the Life 💼🧸

Ever wonder what a pediatric social worker’s day looks like?

It’s not just a job — it’s heart ❤️ work.

"A day in the life of a social worker in preschool is never a typical/boring day! Each day is a new day filled with joy, excitement, surprises, and unfortunately even tears. Kiddos at this age have big feelings that they’re learning to navigate, so each day I am working with the children to identify those feelings, help them understand them more, and teach/practice calming strategies that will help them in the future. There is SO much reward in seeing a child putting these strategies into practice all on their own!

However, one of my favorite parts of the job is that I get to play with kids all day! I love seeing children learn more about themselves and navigate the world through the power of play!

When I’m not supporting the kiddos, I’m also providing support to teachers and parents. I research and provide various resources; whether that be connections in the community, resources for the classroom, visual schedules, or even just a listening ear to those in need (just to name a few)! I feel so lucky that this is my job, but it’s more than just a job, it really is a passion :)" - Samantha Zalewska, LMSW

03/19/2026

It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week — and we’re here to help families Lead It Go. 💛

Lead exposure is preventable, and early action makes all the difference. Our Lead It Go Program is dedicated to supporting children and families with education, resources, and guidance to keep homes safe and healthy.

✔️ Learn the risks
✔️ Get your child tested
✔️ Take simple steps to reduce exposure

Together, we can protect growing minds and create safer environments for every child.

If you have questions or want to learn more about how we can help, reach out — we’re here for you!

https://www.beyondboundariestherapy.org/lead-it-go

03/17/2026

Calling all soon-to-be SLP grads 👋

Ready to start your Clinical Fellowship somewhere that truly supports you? At Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids, you’ll get real mentorship, a collaborative team, and meaningful work with little ones and their families 💛

We’re hiring four Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellows and interviewing in April!

Come grow with us 🌱

📧 jobs@beyondboundariestherapy.org

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! 🍀🌈

03/16/2026

Social Work Month Series: A Day in the Life 💼🧸

Ever wonder what a pediatric social worker’s day looks like?

It’s not just a job — it’s heart ❤️ work.

Stay tuned as we ✨spotlight✨ our amazing team all month long!

"A day in the life:

I might bring my bag(s) of toys and activities, ready with a "lesson plan" for our session that may include a book about emotions, a game or two, a craft project, or sensory toys and items to practice self regulation and coping/calming strategies. Or, when I arrive to the classroom, the teacher is getting ready for the class to engage in an activity that my friend won't want to miss, so we stay in the classroom and I help him follow the directions, rules and routines in his classroom. Sometimes we play a game with a peer, and learn how to take turns, wait our turn, and be able to handle game outcomes appropriately by saying "good game" and realizing that it's all about playing the game and having fun, win or lose!
Later, I meet with parents and we work together to come up with ideas for ways to help support their child and family. This may look like creating a visual/picture schedule or sticker chart for their child to use for tasks at home, making a referral for additional services or community support, or explaining and walking them through the sometimes new or confusing Early Intervention/Preschool Special Education processes 🙂

Every day is different, and there is never a dull moment as a Social Worker!" -Jessica Filjones, LMSW

03/12/2026

💥 TONIGHT! 💥

Graduate Students,

Join pediatric speech-language pathologists Melannie Joslin and Sarah Gallivan for a dynamic and interactive discussion!
Discover what it’s like to work beyond the clinic, explore the rewards and challenges of home and community-based therapy, and bring your questions. Expect a fun and insightful session filled with real-world stories, expert advice, and opportunities to connect.
📅 Date: Thursday, March 12
⏰ Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Google Meet
🔗 Link: https://meet.google.com/jsd-kfiu-zvv

There is no need to RSVP. This session is open to all graduate speech-language pathology students.

If you are interested in shadowing one of our SLPs, please email Mary Fran Bayer at bayermf@beyondboundariestherapy.org.

We look forward to sharing our experiences from the field. CF interviews will begin in late March.

03/10/2026

Social Work Month: 💥Myth vs. Fact💥

❌ "Myth: Social Workers base their work on feelings.

✔️ Fact: We integrate evidence based approaches into an individualized plan for each student." -Pam Rouse, LMSW

In pediatric therapy, social workers are often the bridge between home, school, and community.

We are so proud of the impact they make every single day. 💙

03/09/2026

Early Intervention is life-changing when families have access to timely and comprehensive services!

03/05/2026

Graduate Students,

Join pediatric speech-language pathologists Melannie Joslin and Sarah Gallivan for a dynamic and interactive discussion!
Discover what it’s like to work beyond the clinic, explore the rewards and challenges of home and community-based therapy, and bring your questions. Expect a fun and insightful session filled with real-world stories, expert advice, and opportunities to connect.

📅 Date: Thursday, March 12
⏰ Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Google Meet
🔗 Link: https://meet.google.com/jsd-kfiu-zvv

There is no need to RSVP. This session is open to all graduate speech-language pathology students.

If you are interested in shadowing one of our SLPs, please email Mary Fran Bayer at bayermf@beyondboundariestherapy.org.
We look forward to sharing our experiences from the field. CF interviews will begin in late March.