Our Blogs – In Other Words

Let’s get personal! Learn more about the thoughts and reflections of Five Counties Children’s Centre staff, as they go about their daily work supporting children and their families in our communities.

We’re pleased to partner with Kawartha Now on these blogs.

Click below to read the latest blogs, as well as previous posts.

The Latest

• Arthur is Proof That Big Happiness Really Does Come in the Tiniest Packages – By Lyn Giles, , CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Learn about Arthur’s story, and how Five Counties is assisting this 2-year-old dynamo regain his mobility.

Archived Posts

• Words Really Do Matter: Why It’s Time to Leave the R-Word in the Past – By Scott Pepin, Director of Fund Development, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Reflecting on how our choice of words can inform  and inspire… or injure and do harm
• A Legacy in Paint That Continues to Delight – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Created in 2002, Pat Calvert’s giant water-themed mural continues to delight kids/clients and families
• Therapy Happens Everywhere – by Ashley Parsons, Occupational Therapist, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • The new ‘Rethink Therapy’ campaign seeks to highlight to families how everyday moments, from mealtime to toothbrushing, help build a child’s abilities, confidence and independence.
• How Five Counties Changed the Life of the White Family – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • ‘Hope means you have a future.’ So say Glen and Suzette White, who credit Five Counties for helping their son, Adam (diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant in 1978), succeed in life
• How Early Support at Five Counties Helped Jordie Become a Hospital Hero – by Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development, Five Counties
  • As Five Counties marks its 50th anniversary, Jordie’s story shows how early childhood therapy can shape a lifetime of confidence, compassion and community service.
• Rotary’s Starring Role in Establishing Five Counties Children’s Centre – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties
  • “Five Counties Children’s Centre would not be here without the central role played by local Rotary Clubs. And fittingly, it’s in a roomful of Rotary Club members meeting in Peterborough in 1970 where our story begins.”
• Family Says Thank You to Five Counties For Changing the Course of Their Young Son’s Life – by Tony and Kelly Doyle
  • “‘Whenever we share Max’s health journey with others, we make sure people understand the level of support Five Counties extends to families,” the Doyles write
• Wall Mural Leaves Lasting Impression for Five Counties Families – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator
  • Sharon Pearsall’s artistic flair doesn’t rub off, and that’s good for children and families who have enjoyed her colourful mural handiwork for decades at Five Counties Children’s Centre.
• Why Marking Disability Pride Month Matters Every Day of the Year – by Hayley Hodges, Client and Family Engagement Lead
  • July is Disability Pride Month, and Five Counties staff member Hayley Hodges shares her own experiences as a person with a disability and explains why changing our perceptions about disability issues can help us achieve true respect, equity and inclusion for all.
• Field of Dreams Becomes an Amazing, Accessible Reality – by Scott Pepin, CEO
  • Over the past three years, a vacant parcel of land at Five Counties site in Cobourg has been transformed into a safe, fully accessible outdoor space for kids and families. Here’s how it was done, and how it will transform lives.
• Cause for Applause: Why Being Accredited Matters to Five Counties Families – by Scott Pepin, CEO
  • ‘We’re not perfect. We can always improve. And that’s why Five Counties chooses to go through the intensive accreditation process every three years’ as a sign of approval for our families.
• Five Counties Has Been ‘a Huge Blessing’ for Emira and Her Family – by Darlene Callan, Director of Clinical Services, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • This success story is one example of the life-changing services that Five Counties has provided to local families for the past 50 years.
• Five Counties Helps with Student Success Through its School-Based Services – by Jennifer Camenzuli, Program Manager, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • The school-based rehabilitation program supports student success by providing treatment services directly in local schools.
• For Black History Month, One Family’s Story on Battling Slavery and Racism – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Slavery — the ownership of a person by another — may seem a universe away, but for Five Counties staff member Yvette Virgin, it hits close to home.
• Marking a Milestone: Mike’s Story Tells the Tale of Five Counties’ Impact over 50 Years – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • ‘Five Counties changed my life,’ says former child client,  showing the impact the Centre has had over the years.
• ‘Smiles Index’ Really Does Provide a Measure of Success – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • While it’s not an official performance indicator, the smiles of kids and families receiving treatment provide instant feedback.
• Kids of All Abilities Get into the Swing of North America’s Fastest-Growing Sport – by Caitlin Ivany, Recreation Therapist, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Pickleball For All program partnership with pro pickleball player Jennie Davis allowing Five Counties clients to try out a new and fast-growing sport.
• Putting Our ‘All’ Into Halloween For a More Inclusive Experience – by Hayley Hodges, Client and Family Engagement Lead, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • While Halloween is supposed to be scary, for some children it can be downright frightening for all the wrong reasons. That’s why there is value to taking steps to make it more inclusive and accessible for all.
• No Tip-Toeing Around For These Kids Involved in Heel-Toe Express Group – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • A recent physiotherapy program at Five Counties is helping kids who walk on their toes hit their proper stride by making treatment fun.
• Five Counties Swears by the 6 F-Words of Child Development – by Ashley Parsons, Occupational Therapist, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • If you hear F-words being used at Five Counties Children’s Centre, it’s a good thing. They’re not F-bombs, but words of wisdom we urge families to share with their kids.
• High-Fives All Around to Those Who Share Vision of Inclusion – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Five Counties salutes the 2024 winners of its High-Five Community Recognition Awards for their commitment to inclusion in the community.
• JumpBall Program is a Slam Dunk with Kids and Families – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • A basketball skills-building program run in partnership with Peterborough Youth Basketball Association is opening doors to a sport some kids might now otherwise play.
• Why Five Counties’ Backyard Summer Social is Much More Than Fun and Games – by Lyn Giles, Fund Development Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Annual adults-only fundraiser has meaning, in that it supports high-demand kids’ treatment services in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes,  Northumberland and Haliburton.
• Hayley Hodges Comes Full Circle at Five Counties – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • A former child client at the Centre, Hayley is now our new Client and Family Experience Lead.
• Why Parents Play an Essential Role in a Child’s Treatment Success – by Darlene Callan, Clinical Services Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “While Five Counties employs amazing highly skilled clinicians, parents and caregivers are often a child’s best therapist.
• Forging New Partnerships to Offer More Sports Opportunities for Kids with Special Needs – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “This is perfect example of how partnerships can break down barriers to help more kids enjoy recreational opportunities.”
• Seating Clinic Helps to ‘Prescribe’ Inclusion and Participation for All Kids – by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  •  Five Counties’ seating clinic is designed to support children and youth who have difficulties with movement and require equipment like specialized strollers and wheelchairs.
• Plenty of Gratitude to Go Around Every Day – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • At Five Counties, there’s plenty of gratitude and thanks to go around any day of the year. Here are four great examples to show how the power of giving inspires all of us.
• Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat for Kids of All Ages and Abilities – by Elizabeth Carmichael, Program Manager, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Breaking down barriers to make Halloween more inclusive for all kids doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes are a few simple actions to make the day great for everyone!
• Helping Families More Easily Access Services to Support Their Child’s Developmental Needs – by Alex Cranfield, Program Manager, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Navigating the system to find support is challenging at the best of times, but more so if families are worried about a child’s ability to speak, move around, or get along with others. That’s where the new SmartStart Hub at Five Counties can help families connect to care that’s close to home.
• Accessible and Inclusive Playgrounds Benefit Kids of All Ages and Abilities – by Colleen Ristok and Caitlin Ivany, Recreation Therapists at Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “Playgrounds are more than child’s play. In many ways, they help lay the building blocks for life. Play is how kids learn, and unstructured play opportunities — like those on playgrounds — benefit children in many ways. That’s why ensuring playgrounds are accessible and inclusive are good for kids of all ages and abilities.”
• Why ‘Real Time’ is Much Better than Screen Time for Kids’ Development – by Ida Lloyd, Speech Language Pathologist + Jessica McGrath, Occupational Therapist, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “Left to their own devices, it’s easy for kids to spend too much time in front of screens. With direction, let’s help them realize real time has so much more to offer than screen time!”
• If There’s a Face to Five Counties, It’s Adam White – by Darlene Callan, Director of Clinical Services, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • A client for many years as a child, Adam has become a strong advocate for the work done at Five Counties, including becoming a long-time volunteer and Board of Directors member. 
• Backyard Provides Value-Added Space for Important Treatment Services – by Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • How the backyard space at Five Counties location in Peterborough was transformed into an outdoor treatment and therapy space that benefits kids, clients, families and staff.
• Volunteering an Opinion: ‘You Get Just as Much Back as You Give’ – by Linsey Kampf, Annual Giving Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • ‘Five Counties is fortunate to again have dozens of volunteers supporting our clinical services and fundraising efforts… It’s inspiring to work with Bob, Pam, Jackie, Judy and others who volunteer. (They) tend to downplay their role and work, but what they do is significant…’
• Infant Hearing Checks are a ‘Sound Investment’ in Your Child – by Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “Hush little baby, don’t say a word, we’re going to check your hearing and see how it works.” While the lyrics in our version of ‘Hush Little Baby’ are slightly different than those of the traditional lullaby, the words should be just as soothing to new parents who can get their baby’s hearing screened in the days and weeks after birth.
• A ‘Wait-y’ Issue: Even as We Make Progress, There is Always More to Do – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “In 2022/23, Five Counties is on track to support more than 6,000 kids/youth and their families in our region…. Even as we make progress to provide more speech, physio and occupational therapy…, the cold, hard fact remains… too many kids are waiting too long for services.”
• Good Sports: The Power of Recreation to Heal is Real – by Colleen Ristok and Caitlin Ivany, Recreation Therapists, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “Many of us take part in sports and recreation programs. We know these activities are important…. Take away or put up barriers to participating, and the power of play and its benefits are lost for good. Every person has the right to and need for recreation. At Five Counties Children’s Centre, we take this to heart.”
• Shortchanged? Let’s See the Value of Registered Early Childhood Educators – by Shannon Cattoni, Program Manager, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “We need to open our eyes to the important work being done by registered early childhood educators. We shortchange their work at our own peril, given that the value they provide our children is worth its weight in gold.”
• In the Season of Giving, The Need is Never Greater – by Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “My role at Five Counties isn’t just a profession — it’s also a personal mission. I know firsthand the important work Five Counties does with children and their families because my own child got help here…”
• Our Life-Changing Work Continues to Awe and Amaze – by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • “There are times in this job at Five Counties Children’s Centre when you need to pick your jaw off the ground…”