Laughlin Children's Center

10/09/2025

Laughlin Children's Center Psychology Department was out and about in September!

✨ Gail Mangan shared information and resources at Dot Day, helping families learn more about our amazing programs at LCC.
✨ Corie connected with mothers at St. Stephen’s Church’s “Side by Side”—a mission supporting young moms.
Here’s what their group leader, Barb Johns, had to say:

“Corie did a wonderful job… She gave the moms helpful background info on various conditions and how to recognize potential problems. I’m so grateful to Laughlin Center for the help you’ve given our moms.”

We’re so proud of our team for representing Laughlin Children’s Center in the community this month! 💙

📚 And coming up in October…
Be sure to stop by The Penguin Bookstore on Beaver Street on October 11th, where Kristie Zoller will be signing her brand-new book! Details are on our website and social media—don’t miss it!

09/27/2025

October workshops you should not miss! -

Join us at Laughlin Children’s Center for an eye-opening event designed to help you better understand the daily challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia.

09/24/2025

Laughlin Childrens Center - UPCOMING EVENTS -

09/24/2025

🍂✨ Fall is in full swing at Laughlin Children’s Center! This October, we’re celebrating with a lineup of fun and meaningful events for kids, families, and our community. From art activities to parent training opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned and join us as we make this autumn unforgettable! 🍁🎃

Find all of our event registrations here: https://laughlincenter.org/events/list/

09/18/2025

Meet our occupational therapy staff!

Our OTs are excited to help your child thrive by helping them learn how to do the "occupations" of their day as a kid (dressing, feeding, writing, playing, etc.!)

Emily Weingartner is our hardworking and talented Occupational Therapy Manager! She holds a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy, as well as a bachelor’s in health sciences with a minor in special education from Duquesne University. Emily is trained in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding therapy. Emily has experience working with children of all ages and abilities, using fun & therapeutic activities to help them achieve their maximum potential!

Kristen Schulke, is one of our amazing occupational therapists at Laughlin Center. She completed her degree as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy at Slippery Rock University and prior to that completed four years at Purdue University where she earned her Bachelors in Kinesiology. Kristen has always enjoyed working with kids and for that reason completed her capstone in early intervention occupational therapy where she administered education to parents on feeding. In addition to that, she completed her fieldwork at a pediatric outpatient center where she learned valuable skills and tools that she looks forward to utilizing as she begins this new journey with Laughlin Children’s Center.

Need an occupational therapy evaluation? Visit https://laughlincenter.org/ot-evaluations/

09/16/2025

Join us at Laughlin Children's Center for a fun and engaging Sensory Art Workshop with Sweetwater Center of the Arts! This special event gives children of all ages the chance to explore creativity, expression, and hands-on learning while guided by one of Sweetwater’s extraordinary instructors.

Every child will create a unique take-home piece of art, making it a memorable afternoon for the whole family. Caregivers are welcome to attend, especially if their child requires additional supervision.

📅 Thursday, October 16th
🕓 4:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Laughlin Children's Center

Scan the QR code or visit this link to register: https://laughlincenter.org/event/art-workshop-with-sweetwater-center-of-the-arts/

09/11/2025

Join Dr. Kristie Zoller, neuropsychologist at Laughlin Children’s Center, for a special book signing at Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley!

🗓️ October 11
🕛 12 PM – 2 PM
📍Penguin Bookshop, Sewickley, PA


Come grab a signed copy of How to Be Kind, chat with Dr. Zoller, and learn more about the inspiration behind her work. Don’t miss this chance to connect with a local expert making a real impact! Her book is available to purchase through Penguin Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble if you are unable to attend the event.

09/03/2025

One of our favorite books from our psychology staff for parents is Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare is a must-read for understanding and supporting executive functioning in kids and teens. 🙌

Whether your child struggles with organization, focus, emotional control, or follow-through, this book offers practical strategies rooted in science and is full of real-life, doable advice.

Learn more about all of Laughlin Children's Centers' counseling and psychology services here: https://laughlincenter.org/psychology-services/

08/29/2025

Join us at Laughlin Children's Center to gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia and experience firsthand the challenges of living with dyslexia. The immersive event gives you the opportunity to step into the shoes of someone who struggles daily with reading, writing, and processing language.

The event will take place at Laughlin Children's Center on Wednesday, October 8th from 6- 8:30 PM.

Register here: https://laughlincenter.org/event/experience-dyslexia-a-simulation-event/

08/26/2025

Did you know that everyday places around Pittsburgh are perfect for supporting speech and language development? 🌟

🏞️ Playgrounds, 🏛️ museums, and 📚 libraries aren’t just fun — they’re full of opportunities to practice:

🔹 Joint attention
🔹 Turn-taking
🔹 Vocabulary
🔹 Descriptive language (color, size, location, function!)
🔹 Basic concepts like on the swing, down the slide, or in the tunnel

Whether you're exploring a local museum or playing at the park, these moments offer natural chances to grow communication skills through play and connection.

08/21/2025

CARE training includes an educational component and active practice for general use by adults who interact with children of all ages in a variety of settings.

Unlock Stronger Connections with Children: The CARE Workshop facilitated by psychologist, Dr. Gail Mangan.

Are you ready to simplify your interactions with children? Look no further than our Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) Workshop!

What Is CARE? CARE isn’t therapy—it’s a dynamic, informative, and engaging set of skills for adults who interact with children and teens.

Who Can Benefit? CARE suits a diverse range of roles:

Parents and Foster parents
Clinicians
Receptionists
Preschool teachers
Daycare providers
Medical professionals

Hands-On Techniques The CARE workshop provides adults with practical and effective techniques for building positive connections with children and teens:

3 P’s: Master the art of Praise, Paraphrase, and Point Out to connect with kids.
Effective Commands: Learn how to make compliance and following directions easier for children and teens. Selective Ignoring: Redirect problematic behaviors with finesse.

Act 48 Hours for Educators Calling all educators! Attend our CARE Workshop and earn Act 48 hours.
Here’s what you need to know:
-Bring Your PPID: Don’t forget your Professional Personnel Identification number for record-keeping.

Join us at the CARE Workshop—you and the children in your life will be glad you did!
Sign up here or using the link in our stories: https://laughlincenter.org/event/care-training-workshop-thursday-october-9-and-october-23-am/