PEYTON
At five-years-old, Peyton has an extraordinary sense of self. She knows what she wants and masterfully balances her charm, intelligence and razor-sharp wit to get it. Peyton has a very rare form of Muscular Spinal Atrophy. Because of her mom’s fierce advocacy, she has far surpassed what doctors said was possible. Before she started attending Easterseals, her brother Dominic set up a communication device for her. Pretty impressive for a 14-year-old! She seamlessly moves between talking, signing and using her device, to be sure she is being heard and understood. Always adding the perfect amount of sass and sarcasm to bring a smile. Since she started the APS program in Bucks County, Peyton has become much more social and is using her communication device even more. When she’s not at school, she’s happy watching or listening to anything from Gabby’s Dollhouse. She loves books and is always angling to lengthen the bedtime reading line-up. There are few family pets, but she shares a special relationship with her cat Callie. She also has two hermit crabs, both named Floyd after a character in Gabby’s Dollhouse. Did we mention she’s hilarious? We can’t wait for you to meet her!
JAMESON
Jameson is a charming four-year-old with a gentle energy that is captivating. When his mom noticed changes in his milestone achievements, she trusted her instincts and pushed to have him evaluated for autism. With an official diagnosis a few months before he turned three, his parents were able to begin turning obstacles into opportunities. He moved from a daycare setting to the Easterseals Approved Private School, and his teacher, therapists and family look toward what is possible for Jameson. With that perspective, he has become much more social and is learning to use a communication device. He loves coming to school and especially loves the playground. He also loves to dance and has an eclectic musical taste that ranges from Andrea Bocelli and Ed Sheeran to Tyler The Creator Christmas songs. His true passion is trains. He puts them everywhere and has a fun tradition of following them in the car with his grandparents. Of course, riding the trains in Phillipsburg and Strasburg is the ultimate adventure. At home he loves being with big sister Molly, jumping off the couch onto his crash pad and water play. In the summer, he really enjoys going to Bethany Beach with his family. When you meet him, you’ll see why it’s so easy to hop on the Jameson train to see the journey ahead for him.
CHARLI
Five-year-old Charli possesses a confidence well beyond her years. Charli has autism and a mom who is an extraordinary advocate. Getting an official diagnosis and services can be a tough process, even when there isn’t a pandemic. Her mom, Tamara, has approached every potential obstacle as challenge. This helped her navigate therapeutic services during the pandemic and is what ultimately led Charli to Easterseals. After multiple recommendations, and a tour, it was clear the autistic support program was perfect for Charli. From the very first day of school, she has been doing amazing things. Her communication skills have improved, which has helped reduce frustrations and challenges both at home and in school. She can focus for longer periods, allowing her to do things like enjoy meals at the table and spending less time on screens and more time playing. When she’s not at school, she loves being with her family, especially her brother and sister, Jeremiah and Journey. Charli loves books, Bluey, and Sonic the Hedgehog. She really loves all types of pretend play, especially dress up! With the support of her family and Easterseals, Charli’s fun-loving personality can shine.
JONATHAN
Jonathan is a dynamic five-year-old who sees the best in everyone and possesses a confidence that allows him to be the most vibrant and colorful version of himself. Jonathan has autism and when his parents felt he needed more services, they turned to Easterseals. He attends the Friendship Academy, our inclusive preschool program and receives occupational and speech therapies. Since he started, his communication skills have grown tremendously. Jonathan has become more social and has learned to identify when he’s feeling overwhelmed and how to share that with his teachers, therapists, and family. When he’s not at school, Jonathan volunteers with his mom to hand out food to families in his community facing food insecurity. This community has watched him grow and celebrated every success. He also loves to pretend to be a mechanic and watch anything related to cars. Jonathan is everything wonderful a five-year-old boy can be. He is energetic, fun-loving, kind and an amazing snuggler! And of course, he loves Paw Patrol!
MATTEO
Matteo also known as Matty is an adorable, and incredibly sweet, four-year-old who loves to learn and is an avid sports fan. He has a very rare neurodevelopmental disorder which can affect speech development and cause severe low muscle tone. Matty’s parents chose Easterseals for center-based programming because it is the perfect place to feed his passion for learning with the therapeutic support he needs. Since he began attending Easterseals, his awareness of the world around him has increased, and he is learning to use an assistive technology device and sign language to communicate. When he’s not at school Matty loves watching sports. This includes watching his twin brother Nico play soccer or heading to South Philly for a baseball or hockey game. Outside of sports, he loves hanging out with his twin cousins and all things Sesame Street. Matty has found the perfect balance of enjoying the world around him and learning everything he can. We can’t wait to see where his passion for learning takes him!
LOGAN
WELCOME BACK LOGAN! We are thrilled to have Logan return as a Walk With Me Ambassador in 2024. Logan captures hearts and smiles.