Parent Testimonials

The Yehuda family

The Rella family

The Matinale family

"Hello Dr. T,

This is mara Hargarther. That's right, Corey and Casey's mom. I just wanted to let you know that Corey and Casey will be graduating from High School this June. We moved to Florida ten years ago. The boys are doing great. I thought I would take a few minutes and fill you in.

Corey was accepted at the University of South Florida in Tempa. He will be the recipient of a 75% Bright Futures Scholarship for Academic achievement plus a merit scholarship. He is planning to study Economics and Accounting. He currently has a part time job working as a cashier for Publix supermarkets.

Casey was accepted at Florida State University of Jacksonville. He excels in computers and is planning to study Forensic Computing. He did an internship at the Independent Living Resource Center in Jacksonville. They help people with Disabilities get employment. This past summer he interned at a CPA firm in NYC. He also has a small lawn business.

The boys have matured into sweet young men. They are very caring, sensitive and kind hearted. They both have a love for travel and for visiting foreign countries. I will never forget the day I walked into your office for the first time. The boys just turned two years old and were not even testable. You gave us hope. You and your staff became a part of our extended family. They put up with the biting, door compulsions (do you remember that?), nebulizers, etc. I remember when they turned the 12:1:1 class ratio into a 6:1:1 because they needed it. I remember it all.

We feel so blessed that SLCD was there when we needed it. I wanted to share our success stories with you. Thank you for the Early Intervention that helped to bring our sons to where they are today. Corey and Casey have climbed the Eiffel Tower, the Arche de Triumphe, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But their greatest challenge, learning to communicate with the help of SLCD, brought them to the highest of heights. Thank you for all you have done, and for all that you do. We never forgot.

Wishing you and yours all of the best."

- received via email, March 2009

"I wanted to drop a quick line and inform you of my happiness with Troy's progress to date in ELA...

I particularly wanted to let you know that the literary/writing component has exceeded my own personal expectations.

Troy has been working with Ms. Shrek for English & Language Arts. She is performing a miracle with Troy. Troy is reading better , he is writing complete sentences and he is even spelling better. He is writing paragraphs and open letters. More important his self confidence is at an all-time high.

As you may be aware Troy is an Asperger child. He tends to be shy, passive and keeps to himself. He does, however, love nature and animals and is very versed in these subjects. I firmly believe that as Troy becomes more literate he will become more confident in his socialization skills.

I know that he has a long way to go and that there may be some stumbles along the way. However I firmly believe that Troy is in the right situation for his learning style. I am glad that Ms. Shrek and the other teachers at SLCD are understanding of his learning style and I hope that they continue to be patient with him as he progresses academically at SLCD."

- Troy Gaskin, January 2009

"I just wanted to thank you for another successful school year for my child. He has amazed me, my friends and family this year. I compared his handwriting from September until now and it's hard to believe it is the same child. He is reading and is much more focused. His team has been wonderful. I thank them so much too.

I attended the play yesterday and needless to say was thrilled. (Not only at his performance, but that of all the children.) For the fact that my son could wear that lion costume, get up there and sign and speak clearly on the microphone without going into sensory overload is nothing short of miraculous!

Another parent and I were discussing you after the show back at the classroom, and the same word popped out of our mouth simultaneously - that was - relentless.

You have a remarkable, unbelievable determination for our children that is truly unprecedented. How can we ever thank you??"

- The Entire Moller Family, June 2008

"My son, Lucas has been a student at SLCD in the pre-kindergarten program for the past two years. He entered in the fall of 2006 with minimal language skills and with a growing frustration to be heard. Lucas wanted to engage in conversation, express his ideas and thoughts and to interact socially with his peers, but hadn't developed the skills necessary to achieve these goals. I credit your professionals for opening the doors for Lucas. Lucas has had such wonderful classroom teachers, but he has also had the great fortune of having incredibly dedicated and hard working service providers and aides/teacher assistants. It is often said in business, that you are ony as good as your staff. I believe this wholeheartedly and can say confidently that I know your staff is phenomenal. We have only had wonderful experiences with each member that has crossed our path. We have had terrific classroom teachers, but have also been fortunate enough to have has incredible service providers and aides/teacher assistants.

As Lucas takes the next step in his academic career, I am saddened by the idea that he has to leave SLCD. Acceptance to SLCD was the first step on the path to Lucas becoming the remarkably expressive child that he is today. I cannot truly express my appreciation to you, and most importantly to your staff for helping make this wish come true.

Again, we thank you, and your staff for giving Lucas the tools he needed to find his voice."

- Lisa Castle, June 2008

"SLCD has helped my son in many different ways. My son literally hated going to school before he started going to SLCD, but that changed right away. My son was in a baseball accident where he got hit in the mouth with an aluminum bat. Two of his front teeth were broken off, and one of his permanent front teeth was lost. He had and still has many dental appointments, but he wants his appointments scheduled for late afternoon so he won't miss school. Not only has his interest in attending school dramatically improved, but his interest in his school work has also improved. Before attending SLCD my son could not read, his handwriting needed help and he disliked math; but now he reads small books, his handwriting has improved and he loves math. As a parent, I like the attention the teachers from SLCD give my son and they keep me informed of his progress more so than any other school he has attended. Keep up the good work SLCD - we love you all."

-The Scotland Family