Central Indiana First Steps

REMINDER: The Hamilton County Resource & Health Fair is this Friday, June 5th!

The public is encouraged to join us for this exciting free event to empower and engage the community and foster a stronger, more informed Hamilton County.

The Resource & Health Fair will bring together about 1,200 attendees. You can explore 120 vendor booths (a record!) that will offer food, clothing, baby supplies, and social services. Many nonprofits, businesses, and local organizations will be present to share programs and services that support families in Hamilton County and improve their quality of life.

Bring the entire family for an afternoon filled with learning, fun, and connection. Whether you’re looking for guidance, support, or just a fun way to spend your Saturday, this event has something for everyone.

- Explore resources for families, health, food, finances, education, and community services
- Enjoy face painting, balloon sculptures, caricature drawings, and a mobile petting farm
- Meet local organizations ready to help and engage

Discover invaluable resources, explore volunteer opportunities, and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference.

Learn more via the link in the comment section.

If you have concerns about your child's development, contact us for an evaluation at no cost to you. https://www.cibaby.org/make-a-referral

Congratulations to the LPCC Friends of First Steps Physician Award winners: Dr. Randall Stoesz, Dr. Rachel Fundenberger, and Dr. Shanna Bowman. These physicians were nominated by families in their practices for their patience, follow through, and responsiveness. Doctors play an integral role in recognizing the need for early intervention services and taking the steps to get children evaluated and enrolled in the First Steps program. Dr. Stoesz, Dr. Fundenberger, and Dr. Bowman exemplify the "best of the best" and we are honored to recognize them for their hard work each and every day! Ascension Franciscan Health Down Syndrome Indiana Carmel Pediatrics

Congratulations to our amazing team members who are celebrating their work anniversaries! We appreciate all you do for our staff as well as the families in our program.

We were sad to learn about the passing of long time First Steps physical therapist Amy Peterson. Please keep Amy’s family, friends, colleagues and First Steps families in your thoughts and prayers.

Amy Sue Peterson Obituary May 15, 2026 - Flanner Buchanan Funeral Centers View Amy Sue Peterson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Congratulations to our SPOE staff who were recognized for their amazing work at our Annual Meeting. Sierra, Ashley, Emily, Mary, Jessica, Kay, Lizzy, Tracy, Sarah, and Rachel (not pictured) - we appreciate you and your dedication to the families you serve! You are rock stars and leaders each and every day!

We are excited to share that ProKids has been named an IndyStar Top Workplace for the 3rd year in a row! From our Managers, to our Administrative Staff, to our Service Coordinators, to our Ed Team, we are proud of the contributions from each person to make ProKids the incredible organization it is. Their efforts every day are the reason we have achieved this recognition! !

Congratulations to the winners of our "Outstanding Provider Award"! Having skilled, creative, and devoted providers deliver the therapies that help the children in First Steps reach their goals is what makes our program so special! This year's recipients include: Megan Smith (SLP) with K1ds Count Therapy and Autism Services, Jill Norris (PT) with PediPlay, Katelyn Dickson (PT) with Pediatric Specialty Associates, Nalin Suriyanarayanan (PT) with Easterseals Crossroads, Christina Turner (SLP) with St. Joseph Hearing + Speech, Erika Pearson (DT) with Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, Shannon Bothwell (SLP) with Collaborating For Kids, LLC, Angie Kost (OT) with Children's Therapy Connection, Mary Wells (DT) with Accord Children's Therapy, Katelyn Everhart (OT) with Noble, Cheryl Wallace (Blind/Low Vision Specialist) with VIPS, and Amy Peterson (PT) with Talking Time Learning Center.

We are very thankful to have the input for the First Steps program from amazing parents. Congratulations to the following parents who received the "Parents of Power" award at the Annual Meeting this year: Alexandra Hall, Lesa Redwine Paddack, Tiffney Vivo, Sarah Bailey, and (not pictured) Donna Olsen, Jennifer Foley, Willaine St. Pierre Sandy, Terri Holmes, Mariana Barquet, Sarah Ellis, Kimberly WIlber, and Jennifer Sitzman. We appreciate your voice and the time you devote to First Steps!

Our cups were filled thanks to the time we spent with our awesome provider and SPOE award winners, agency representatives, community members, and parents at our Cluster G Annual Meeting! Special thanks to Kacey Poynter for sharing her story.
Oh, the places you'll go!
Link to Kacey's speech:
http://bit.ly/4eHUAqq