Center for Pediatric Therapies

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Distractions disappear in the sensory room

A multi-sensory room for children with autism provides a stimulating yet calming, therapeutic atmosphere.  Over-responsive children can be calmed, while under-responsive children become interested.  Distractions of the outside world disappear as children explore and develop their senses in a sensory room.

Building Blocks offers a multi-sensory room that utilizes the near senses:  tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive. This  helps our students stimulate, develop and balance their individual sensory systems. We find that our students become interested in the environment around them, allowing themselves to calm and de-stress during designated sensory breaks.

Sensory rooms can be wonderful for all children, whether they have an autism spectrum disorder or not.  Here are some key ingredients for constructing a sensory room at home:
  • Dark paint on the walls and ceiling
  • Low-lighting
  • Bean bag
  • Foam crash pad
  • Rubber ball pit

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Kamryn East, Assistant Special Education Teacher

Kamryn East, Special Education Teacher Assistant at Building Blocks Center for Autism in Danville, VirginiaKamryn East is an Special Education Teacher Assistant at Building Blocks Center for Autism.

Prior to joining the Building Blocks team in 2009, Kamryn earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from James Madison University.  She also holds a Certificate of Completion for the Autism Spectrum Disorders for Paraprofessionals course offered by the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE). [Read more…]

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Brandie Kendrick, Teacher

Brandie Kendrick, Behavioral Aide at Building Blocks Center for Autism in Danville, VirginiaBrandie Kendrick is a Special Education Teacher Assistant at Building Blocks Center for Autism, a Division of Center for Pediatric Therapies in Danville, Virginia. Brandie provides educational and case management services for students who attend Building Blocks.

Brandie earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Averett University in Danville, Virginia.  She has been working with children with autism for since 2006.  Her career started as an in-home behavioral aide for children with special needs.  She has been a part of the Building Blocks team since 2007.

Outside of work, Brandie enjoys being a part of youth ministry at Crosspoint Church.  She also enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog Charlie.

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Bethany Hilliard, MSEd, Lead Teacher

Bethany Hilliard, MSEd, Lead Teacher at Building Blocks Center for Autism in Danville, VirginiaBethany Hilliard, MSEd, is the Lead Teacher at Building Blocks Center for Autism, a Division of Center for Pediatric Therapies in Danville, Virginia. Bethany provides educational and case management services for students who attend Building Blocks.

Bethany  earned a Master of Science in Special Education from Old Dominion University. Bethany has been a part of the Building Blocks team since 2008 and is licensed in Special Education K-12.

Bethany resides in Danville. Outside of work, she enjoys singing, traveling and supporting the New Orleans Saints. Most of all, Bethany loves spending time with her husband, son and two cats.

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Marcus Wilson, MAT, Teacher

Marcus Wilson, Teacher at Building Blocks Center for Children with AutismMarcus Wilson is a teacher at Building Blocks Center for Autism in Danville, Virginia. Marcus earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Liberty University. He is licensed in Elementary Education Pre-K – 6. Marcus has been a part of the Building Blocks team since 2010. Outside of work, Marcus enjoys spending time with family and friends.