Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development

04/07/2026

When Schreiber dad Andy Powell told his son’s physical therapist, Laurie, about a design for a 3D-printed toddler mobility device he had found, she shared how meaningful something like that could be for the kids in our PT gym.

A few months later, Andrew returned with a fully printed and assembled mobility trainer, after nearly 300 hours of work. He created the device at Make717 Innovation Center, a local nonprofit makerspace, using their 3D printers. When Andrew shared what he was working on, the team at Make717 even generously donated half of the filament needed to bring the project to life.

The device is lightweight, low to the ground, and designed to support independence and exploration. In the PT gym, that means kiddos can interact more freely with their therapists and participate more fully in their sessions. With features like an adjustable footrest and a handle for adult support, it can also be used at home, preschool, daycare, or indoor play spaces to help kids feel more in charge of how they move and engage with the world around them.

We’re so grateful to Andrew for turning an idea into something that will make a real difference for the children we serve and to Make717 for helping make it possible!

04/07/2026

This year, Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is celebrating it's 90th anniversary. Some may be surprised to learn that the ODC and Schreiber have had a long history together.

The ODC is now in its 77th year, and Edna Schreiber was one of the original board members from when we opened in 1949. She was a key individual in the establishment of the Child Development Center, before we became the Occupational Development Center. At the time, Schreiber, a nurse, was the founder of the Lancaster County Society for Crippled Children, which later became Easter Seals, and then Schreiber Pediatric.

Recently, the folks from Schreiber sat down at the ODC with our Participant Mike K. and his sister Sue to discuss his time at the Easter Seals preschool. You can read about Mike's journey below.

This is why we use the tagline "Creating Opportunity Through Community," because our partnerships are a big part of what we do.

Congrats to Schreiber on their 90 years of service to our community!

04/06/2026

April is Occupational Therapy Month, and throughout the month our Occupational Therapists are sharing insights, strategies, and answers to common questions we hear from families.

From our Occupational Therapy team:

Mealtime can feel complicated for some families, but it doesn’t have to.

In therapy, we often remind parents that feeding is a journey. It starts with helping children feel safe and comfortable at the table.

One way we support feeding is through a sensory approach. That means giving children opportunities to explore food before we ever expect them to eat it.

Touching. Squishing. Smelling. Playing.

When children can explore without the pressure of taking a bite, they begin to build trust and confidence. Exploration is progress.

We also recommend helping to “prep the body” before meals. Simple activities like blowing bubbles can support breathing, oral-motor strength, and regulation — all important for sitting at the table and trying new foods.

Pro Tip: Start small. Try placing one new food on the table without any pressure to eat it. Even looking at or touching the food is a step forward. Over time, those small steps can turn mealtimes into moments of connection instead of stress.

04/03/2026

It’s hard to put 90 years into words, but these past and current Schreiber kids say it better than we ever could as they share what Schreiber has meant to them, what they’ve learned here, and how it’s helped shape who they are today.

In 1936, Edna Schreiber created a place where children with disabilities could receive care and support at a time when few services existed for them. A nurse...

04/02/2026

When your child is first diagnosed, it can feel like everything changes.

For families of children on the autism spectrum, that moment can come with a lot of questions, uncertainty, and emotions that are hard to put into words.

But over time, what stands out isn’t the diagnosis, it’s who your child is.

It’s kids like Grayson, who is still fully himself, growing and thriving with the right support; Graeme, whose communication has grown in ways his family once only hoped for; and Jack, who has found confidence and freedom in places that once felt uncertain.

Their stories are all different, but they all deserve to be understood, supported, and given the space to grow in their own way. And we’re glad we get to be part of that.

04/01/2026

Spring is full of fun opportunities to connect and celebrate we’d love for you to be part of them!

April 14 – ASPIE & Partners Live Art Auction
4:30–8:00 PM
The Barn at Paradise Station, Ronks
In partnership with ASPIE of Lancaster and InSight Arts of York, this inspiring evening will feature artist meet-and-greets, a reception, and a live auction of original artwork created by artists with disabilities. Bidding will be available in person, by phone, and online.

April 22 – Edna’s Angels Annual Grant Luncheon
11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Bachman Center at Homestead Village
Edna’s Angels members are invited to review and vote on grant proposals that will shape the year ahead while enjoying a catered luncheon. RSVP required. Not a member yet? Learn how you can become an Edna’s Angel and join us.

May 2 – Lititz Pretzel Fest
11:00 AM–4:00 PM
18 Broad Street, Lititz
Hosted by the Lititz Kiwanis Club, this beloved community tradition supports programs for children throughout our community, including at Schreiber. Tickets are $35 and sell out every year.

May 30 – Kids Softball Game
10:00AM
350 W. Main St., Mountville
All-Inclusive Kids Game for children of all abilities, ages 12 and under. After the game, stick around for a mini carnival featuring emergency vehicles, music, face painting, a dunk tank, and snacks for the kids.

Visit our website to learn more about all our upcoming events and how to join us! https://www.schreiberpediatric.org/join-us/special-events/

03/31/2026

This March, we’re celebrating seven team members who help keep Schreiber running and growing in all the right ways for our kiddos and families.

For twelve years, Misty Caldwell has been the one making therapy schedules come together day after day—coordinating appointments, managing changes, and making sure kids can get in for the services they need. When scheduling works the way it should, families can focus on what matters most, and kids can stay consistent with the therapies that help them make progress.

For the past three years, Michael DePorter, Director of Finance, has been helping make sure the numbers line up so our programs can keep going strong. By carefully managing budgets and resources, his work helps ensure that more kids can access therapy, early education, and support without barriers getting in the way.

In her first year, Stephanie Soukas is helping our kiddos build early skills in communication, play, and independence as a teacher in our Circle of Friends Academy. The work happening in her classroom creates a foundation that supports everything that comes next for these kids.

Working behind the scenes, Deanna Jones has spent the past year as our Accounting Assistant, helping keep the financial side of Schreiber organized and steady. Her attention to the day-to-day details helps ensure our programs can continue serving families without interruption.

For the past year, our occupational therapist, Anna Fostik, has been helping kiddos build the everyday skills they need to participate more fully at home, in school, and in their communities. Her sessions focus on real-life progress that helps children gain confidence and independence over time.

Jazlyn Rodriguez, COFA teacher, has spent the past year creating a classroom where our youngest kiddos can learn, explore, and grow in confidence. She helps support those early developmental moments that are so important in shaping future success.

For the past year, our speech-language pathologist, Nicole Schmauk, has been helping our kiddos strengthen communication skills that allow them to express their needs and connect with others. Her work helps open doors for kids to be better understood in their everyday lives.

Please join us in celebrating these team members and all they do to support Schreiber kids.

Want to be part of this kind of work? Learn more about joining our team: https://www.schreiberpediatric.org/join-us/career-opportunities/

03/30/2026

Meet Kennedy, Josiah, Cora, and Tristin, our 2026 Schreiber Ambassadors!

Though their journeys are different, they share something powerful in common. Each began therapy at Schreiber early in their lives. Each faced challenges that required time, patience, and steady support. And each continues to grow in confidence and independence because of the commitment of their families and the consistency of care over the years.

Their stories reflect what years of showing up and putting in the hard work to build lifelong skills looks like. Their progress is possible because of you.

We look forward to sharing more of their journeys throughout the year.

03/29/2026

I had a great night celebrating Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development’s 9️⃣0️⃣th anniversary last night.

A wonderful group of people helping thousands of Susquehanna Valley children with congenital or acquired challenges every year.

Watch for their WAKE UP CALL tomorrow morning on News 8 Today!

03/29/2026

What a night.

Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, bid, and raised a paddle at Schreiber’s 90th Anniversary Diamond Gala.

Because of your generosity, we can continue covering the $2.3 million in uncompensated care costs that allow us to never turn away a child for financial reasons.

For 90 years, this community has shown up for kids. And last night was a powerful reminder that that commitment is stronger than ever.

We are deeply grateful to all of you.

03/28/2026

Tonight, we’re celebrating 90 years of empowering abilities with deep gratitude for the sponsors who make this evening possible.

Your generosity helps bridge the gap between insurance reimbursement and the true cost of therapy services. Because of you, nearly 2,000 children each year can access the care they need.

Thank you for standing with Schreiber and the families we serve.

03/27/2026

Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes of Gala Prep!!

Tables are being set. Silent auction packages are being organized. is on-site creating the full gala experience: stage, lighting, sound, and more!Volunteers and staff are busy putting the finishing touches on a night you won’t soon forget. We can’t wait to celebrate 90 years of empowering abilities with the community that makes it all possible.

See you tomorrow at 5PM!