Special Needs Families

"Looking for and encouraging our children's strengths can make all the difference"- Michele Gentile, MA, OTR, Strengths Based Practitioner

In a world focused on deficits and fixing flaws, a strengths based approach can be a refreshing and empowering change. A strengths based approach looks for and nourishes a child's natural abilities- those traits that will serve them well in their lives. A strengths based approach fosters resilience, self esteem, motivation, focused behavior, hope and connection with others.

What are the main concepts of Special Treasures? 

There are 7 Keys in Special Treasures. One of the keys is finding, using and sharing our strengths. The other keys, represented by the animal characters, are choices and tools to use to be happy and successful- whatever that may mean to a person. These keys include: Self Care, Self Worth, Positive Action Steps, Healthy Friendships, Focus on Goals, and Mindfulness.

Special Treasures workshops are led by Michele Gentile, a pediatric occupational therapist, has training in a strengths based approach to autism and ADHD. Alyson Parilla, MS, ED. is a Special Education teacher and a mindfulness practitioner. Both are parents of grown children, and can bring the best of their experiences to you. 

We all have areas in which we can improve and grow, but no one ever became a success by focusing on building up their weaknesses. Our power as humans comes from recognizing those things that light us up, and using our strengths to grow with them. To do this, we have to know what our strengths are. Special Treasures introduces this idea to children at a young age and becomes a guide to grow with. Adults can benefit from. it too!