Children require a wide range of learning experiences in order to gain skills and abilities that will help them to grow. Our early intervention (EI) specialists typically work with children from infancy to age three in order to address any needs or delays in their developmental process.
Children in Innovative Services NW’s Early Intervention Program receive treatment from graduate level Teachers and licensed Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, each having expertise in child development and experience working with young children with special needs and their families.
Because research suggests that young children learn best in their natural environment, our EI Specialists travel to the family home or meet in a community setting to enhance cognitive, social, speech, and motor development through play and daily routines. Our EI specialists provide education and training to families and caregivers in an effort to promote skill acquisition across all areas of development. Children in our EI program may also receive services from our Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists as appropriate according to each child’s plan.
Meet our specialists and educators
Trisha Purner
ECE, FRC
Early Childhood Educator & Family Resource Coordinator
With Innovative since July 2015, Trisha holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Human Development and Psychology from Washington State University. She specializes in home visits for Early Intervention and working closely with families and children.
Emily Castor
M ED
Early Intervention Specialist & Family Resource Coordinator; Clinic Manager
With Innovative since September 2016, Emily holds a Master’s of Education from Northern Arizona University, Bachelor’s of Science in Biology (Microbiology) and German from Humboldt State University, and an Early Intervention/Early Childhood Education certificate from Portland State University. She specializes in Early Childhood Special Education, Early Invention, and parent coaching and consulting. Emily is also the manager of our Pediatric Therapy clinic.
Judith Aurora Sotelo de Gomez
AAS
Early Childhood Educator & Family Resource Coordinator
Judith has been with Innovative since September 2014. She holds an Associate’s of Administration from Westhill University and an Associate’s of Early Childhood Education from Clark College. She is an Early Childhood Educator for children ages birth to three in pediatric therapy, a swimming coach, and promoter of Hispanic culture.