Kinera Foundation

07/28/2025

07/17/2025

In 2024, we expanded our feeding therapy team with the addition of Katie Hird, a dedicated Pediatric Occupational Therapist specializing in feeding and sensory integration. Katie’s expertise has upleveled our feeding services, allowing us to meet the growing needs of our families.

Thanks to a generous grant from QAC, we’ve been able to support this growth—enhancing our ability to serve our community with excellence and compassion.

We remain committed to growing and learning, ensuring Kinera continues to be a place where families feel supported, understood, and empowered. Here is a recent testimonial shared from a family engaging in current feeding support with one of our therapists.

07/16/2025

📸 Seeing is believing! Look at these amazing moments—kids confidently exploring new foods in our feeding therapy sessions! 🧡 Every smile, every proud “I did it!” moment is a step toward joyful, confident mealtimes.

Feeding therapy isn’t just about eating—it’s about empowerment.

* It expands food variety through playful, sensory-rich activities
* Builds oral motor skills needed for safe chewing & swallowing
* Reduces stress for kids and families, making mealtime a peaceful, enjoyable routine
* Encourages independence & self-confidence around food

Our team guides children through each stage—touching, smelling, licking, tasting—with patience, praise, and support. And as the thriving photos show, real progress happens!

🍽️ You’re not alone—and it works.

“You are a saint! Thank you for always being so patient and positive. That’s no easy task… I think the smoothie popit might be a hit. :)”
- Parent testimonial

This mirrors what we see in our clinic each day—a gradual, joyful journey toward mealtime confidence and nutritional growth.

👨‍👩‍👧 Thinking your child might benefit?

Are mealtimes tense or limited to just a few foods?

Do you see stress, gagging, or sensory refusals around eating?

Would smoother, calmer family meals help everyone?

📞Contact us at 443-249-3126 or email info@kinera.org to chat with our front office about the opportunities at Kinera Foundation. Let’s support your child in loving food and family time—one bite at a time!

✔️ Family-tested • Therapist-supported • Progress-focused

💚🧡 Open slots available this month—tag a parent who'd love to see their child shine at mealtime! 🧡💚

07/16/2025

🧡💚 Congrats, Dave Funk Jr.! All of us at Kinera Foundation are rooting for you! 💚🧡

Dave Funk Jr. Scores as Captain of the QAC High School Hockey Team

You can read our interview with him online here: https://www.shoreupdate.com/athletes/

Our Athlete of the Month was brought to you by Patriot Pools MD!

07/16/2025

🌟 We're Hiring Interns! Join Kinera Foundation This Fall 🌟

Are you passionate about making a real difference for children with special healthcare needs and disabilities? Are you seeking a place where you can explore future career options? Kinera Foundation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is seeking dedicated Therapy Aide Interns and Admin Support Interns to join our team this fall!

About Us:
Kinera Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to enhancing the quality of life for children with special healthcare needs and their families—by offering OT, PT, speech therapy, care coordination, and family support programs.

Internship Opportunities:

✅ Therapy Aide Intern

Work alongside licensed OT/PT/Speech therapists

Assist in one-on-one and virtual therapy sessions

Support therapy activities and help prepare materials

Engage with children and families, making therapy fun and effective

✅ Administrative Support Intern

Help manage clinic operations: scheduling, data entry, communications

Work with our Office Coordinators and Office Manager to streamline processes

Plan and promote family/caregiver events, compile resource guides

Gain valuable nonprofit admin experience in a collaborative team environment

What We’re Looking For:

Compassion, professionalism, and strong communication skills

Enthusiasm to learn in a supportive, team-based environment

Availability from September through December (flexible scheduling)

Relevant coursework in health sciences, education, social work, or nonprofits encouraged. We welcome high school students as well!

Why Join Us?

Hands-on experience with real-world therapy and nonprofit operations

Mentorship from experienced professionals (many with 15+ years in pediatric therapy)

A chance to enrich your resume and build meaningful connections in the health and nonprofit sectors

How to Apply:
📧 Send your resume to info@kinera.org, with subject line “Fall Intern – [Therapy Aide/Admin Support].”
📅 Applications accepted until August 15, internships start in early September.
📍 Based at our clinic: 115 Sallitt Dr, Suite C, Stevensville, MD.

07/16/2025

LISS Update: We've attached an image below regarding further detail, but there are 2 important updates- Grants are maxed at $1000 and there is only 1 Round. Use this link to apply now: https://pcis.health.maryland.gov/liss-service/apply?fbclid=IwY2xjawLj4LBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkoBYt6NhCqPRJXQfe5er81UIsyPqZSucKDd4ouqnVgUU9DZH4Muzo9dUlNV_aem_YH739kLa17p5irH05iYJcw

**Email.info@kinera.org if you need assistance.**

07/14/2025

💚🧡At our clinic, every day is an opportunity to support, empower, and celebrate kids of all abilities. On Disability Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive care, accessible spaces, and helping every child reach their fullest potential. 💚🧡

07/10/2025

If you know Ms. Sandi, you know she loves her hair....BUT, she might love this sweet girl a little more!! 💚🧡

07/08/2025

🌊 Why Pediatric Aquatic Therapy? 💙

Aquatic therapy isn’t just fun—it’s incredibly effective for children receiving OT and PT! The water provides a safe, supportive environment where kids can build strength, improve motor skills, and gain confidence—all while having a blast! 🏊‍♂️

💧 Benefits include:
✔️ Reduced joint stress
✔️ Increased range of motion
✔️ Improved coordination & balance
✔️ Enhanced sensory integration
✔️ Boosted endurance & strength
✔️ Greater motivation through play-based movement

Whether your child is working on walking, fine motor skills, or building core strength, aquatic therapy offers a unique and engaging path to progress. 💦

07/08/2025

🧡💚 Why Pediatric Aquatic Therapy? 💚🧡

Aquatic therapy isn’t just fun—it’s incredibly effective for children receiving OT and PT! The water provides a safe, supportive environment where kids can build strength, improve motor skills, and gain confidence—all while having a blast!

💧 Benefits include:
✔️ Reduced joint stress
✔️ Increased range of motion
✔️ Improved coordination & balance
✔️ Enhanced sensory integration
✔️ Boosted endurance & strength
✔️ Greater motivation through play-based movement

Whether your child is working on coordination, movement, fine motor skills, sensory integration, or building core strength, aquatic therapy offers a unique and engaging path to progress. 💦