Category Archives: Blog

Laughlin Children’s Center Celebrates its 68 Legacy of Service

Laughlin Children’s Center Celebrates its 68 Legacy of Service and Commitment to Children’s Education and Well-Being in Sewickley and the surrounding area.

Sewickley, PA – November 2024 – Since its founding in 1956, Laughlin Children’s Center has been dedicated to providing clinical and educational support services to children from preschool through high school. Rooted in a long legacy of philanthropy and care for children, the Center continues to fulfill its mission with a wide range of services aimed at enhancing the academic and personal development of young learners.

The Laughlin Children’s Center traces its origins to the Sewickley Fresh Air Home, established in 1897 by Mary and Alexander Laughlin. The Laughlin family’s commitment to children’s welfare grew after the passing of Mary Laughlin in 1953, when the Sewickley Fresh Air Home merged with the Child Counseling Center of Sewickley to form the Mary & Alexander Laughlin Children’s Center.

At Laughlin Children’s Center, we believe in nurturing the potential of every child, and we are honored to play a role in their educational journey and emotional growth.

Laughlin Children’s Center offers a comprehensive array of services, including:

  • Academic Evaluation and Instruction: Tailored one-on-one and small group instruction to support children’s academic progress from preschool through high school.
  • Dyslexia Tutoring: Specialized tutoring designed to support children with dyslexia and learning differences.
  • Psychological Testing and Therapy: Individual and family therapy, along with psychological assessments to support emotional well-being.
  • Speech-Language Therapy: Helping children develop effective communication skills.
  • Occupational Therapy: Enhancing children’s motor skills and daily functional abilities.

NAEYC-Accredited The Village Preschool: A high-quality preschool program that nurtures early childhood development in a safe and supportive environment.

Screenings and Evaluations: Convenient and timely evaluations to assess a child’s academic and developmental needs.

The Center’s multidisciplinary approach and commitment to personalized care make it a trusted resource for families in the community. By combining education, therapy, and early intervention, Laughlin Children’s Center empowers children to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

As Laughlin Children’s Center continues to serve children and families in the Sewickley region and beyond, its focus remains on providing the highest standard of care and support for children of all backgrounds and abilities.

For more information about Laughlin Children’s Center and the services it offers, please contact Jerry Gaughan at [email protected].

About Laughlin Children’s Center


Founded in 1956, Laughlin Children’s Center is a leading provider of educational and therapeutic services for children in the Sewickley area. The Center offers a range of academic support, psychological services, and early childhood education programs, all designed to help children reach their fullest potential. With a long history rooted in the mission of the Laughlin family, the Center continues to serve the community with dedication and compassion.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jerry Gaughan

Development Director
[email protected]

Counseling & Psychology Services at Laughlin Children’s Center

At Laughlin Children’s Center, we understand that every child’s journey to success can be filled with unique challenges. That’s why our Psychology Department is here to help! We provide expert services to children and their families to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.

Our highly qualified professionals — with years of experience and certifications in learning issues, developmental and clinical psychology, and professional counseling — are dedicated to supporting your child in every way possible. We focus on the “whole child” approach, ensuring a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.

Our primary services include: 🔍 Diagnostic Evaluation – Helping identify and address learning issues such as:
• Difficulty focusing attention
• Struggles with learning school concepts
• Test-related anxiety

💡 Mental Health Assessment & Treatment – Supporting emotional well-being with:
• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Social challenges with peers and family

If your child is facing challenges in school or emotional struggles, our team is here to support them every step of the way. We believe in empowering children to overcome obstacles and thrive academically and personally! 🌱✨

📞 Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your child succeed!

#ChildPsychology #FamilySupport #MentalHealthMatters #LearningSuccess #LaughlinChildrensCenter

Laughlin Children’s Center – Empowering the Next Generation

At Laughlin Children’s Center, our mission is simple but powerful: to empower children with the skills they need to be successful in life. Through compassionate care, educational support, and tailored programs, we help children build the confidence, resilience, and skills to thrive—both now and in the future.

As we approach the season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who supports our work. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or simply shared our mission, you’ve made a difference in the lives of so many children.

If you feel thankful for the opportunities we have in life, please consider giving back. Your donation—no matter the size—helps us continue providing critical resources and opportunities to children in need. Together, we can make an even bigger impact and help more children succeed!

👉 Donate today and be a part of something truly special: Donate Here!
Thank you for helping us shape a brighter future for these incredible kids! 💙

#LaughlinChildrensCenter #EmpowerChildren #DonateNow #GratitudeInAction #MakingADifference

Meet Our New Orton Gillingham Tutor: Sarah Simmons

We’re thrilled to introduce Sarah Simmons, our newest Orton Gillingham tutor! With a passion for literacy and dyslexia advocacy, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our team. Let’s get to know her better:

BACKGROUND:

  • Born in Washington, DC, Sarah has called western Pennsylvania home since college.
  • She holds a BFA in Fine Arts and Art Education from Edinboro University, where her love for creativity and education intersected.
  • Sarah earned her dyslexia practitioner certificate from the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Western Pennsylvania.

ARTISTIC JOURNEY:

  • Sarah is a mixed-media sculptor who regularly exhibits her work. Her artistic sensibilities and eye for detail enrich her teaching approach.
  • Her unique blend of creativity and pedagogy makes her an exceptional Orton Gillingham tutor.

LIBRARY LEGACY:

  • For over a decade, Sarah was an integral part of the Moon Township Public Library. Her commitment to community learning shines through her work.
  • As a tutor, she draws on her library experience to connect her students with engaging books that foster their love of reading.

DYSLEXIA ADVOCACY:

Dyslexia runs in Sarah’s family, fueling her dedication to helping struggling readers.

With four years of experience as an Orton Gillingham tutor, she’s well-equipped to make a difference in the lives of those she teaches.

Speech department news Laughlin Children’s Center now offers early language & literacy evaluations (ELLE)

We receive many calls from concerned parents about their pre-K or kindergarten child who has trouble reciting the alphabet, learning letter names, or matching sounds to letters. They may also share that there is a family history of reading struggles or dyslexia. If a child demonstrates delays in their early literacy development and has a family history of learning issues, future reading problems will likely arise. Now is the time to address this possible language-based challenge and consider language and literacy testing through the Laughlin Children’s Center speech department. Our Early Language & Literacy Evaluations (ELLE) allow us to identify those children ages 5-7 at risk for reading difficulties or dyslexia. Early identification and treatment bring favorable outcomes, and we offer several evidence-based therapy options.

SCREENINGS

Our speech-language-hearing screenings wrapped up a great year thanks to the collaborative efforts of parents, educators, and our team! We continue to visit area preschools, partnering with teachers to identify children ages 3-5 with communication delays. We screen over 1,000 children each year, working toward our early detection and remediation goal. Speech-language deficits are the most common of childhood disabilities and affect about 1 in 12 preschool children. Through this community outreach program, we all work together to help children build the skills they need to reach their highest potential.

This fall, Laughlin Children’s Center is partnering with the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation and the Hillman Foundation to provide 250 screenings at $5.00. To set up a screening for your child, email us at [email protected]

Five-year-old foster finds his voice: a journey from speech sound disorder to success

Foster is five years old and attends Laughlin Children’s Center for weekly speech therapy. Foster participated in our outreach screening program, On the SPOT, which identifies if a child needs speech or occupational therapy. Annually, we provide these early intervention screenings at over 40 regional preschools and grade schools.

Laughlin Children’s Center speech therapist Amanda Byerly tested Foster at his preschool in North Fayette, and he was recommended for further testing. After his comprehensive Speech & Language Evaluation, he was diagnosed with a moderate speech sound disorder. Foster’s family shared that he had difficulty saying his brothers’ names and could be frustrated when he had to repeat himself. He began speech therapy in the Fall of 2023 and works hard each week to improve his communication skills. Foster practices at home and does his best every week!

Thanks to early identification through the On the SPOT screening program, Foster will graduate from speech therapy soon. He is ready for kindergarten and loves saying his and his brothers’ names!

Thank you, Kristie!

PA Attorney General Michelle Henry recently met with a dozen McKeesport Senior High School students to discuss the impact and toll of gun violence on the student’s mental health and well-being.

Kristie Zoller, one of our psychologists at Laughlin, supported the important roundtable discussion on the impact of gun violence on children.

Thank you, Kristie, for your willingness to participate and for all of the positive impact of your work!

New Occupational Therapy Department Therapists

Dr. Emily Weingartner, OTD, OTR/L

Emily is a licensed occupational therapist with experience working with children of all ages and abilities in various settings, including preschools, early intervention, outpatient, and more. She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University, with a minor in Special Education.

Emily is passionate about helping children achieve their maximum potential and independence through fun and therapeutic activities! In addition, she enjoys using a collaborative approach with parents, caregivers, and other disciplines to promote goal achievement.

Catherine Colpoys, MS, OTR/L

Cat recently graduated from Duquesne University, receiving her Master’s in Occupational Therapy, minoring in Assistive Technology. Currently, she works with pediatric and geriatric populations. She is excited to expand her skills and perspective as a therapist while exploring different studies, including equine therapy, yoga, and holistic health practices. She is currently trained in reiki and pursuing a teaching degree in yoga. Outside of OT, she loves to paint, cook, and read and is a music fanatic. She loves what she does as an OT and looks forward to all the exciting experiences this field offers.

Abby celebrates her graduation from Laughlin Children’s Center Dyslexia Program

Abby is like many eleven-year-old girls. She is adventurous, curious, and affectionate. She loves camping and reading.

When Abby was eight, her parents noticed she had trouble with schoolwork. It was difficult for her to carry out a sequence of directions, and she had difficulty with reading, spelling, and completing assignments. Her teacher indicated she had hit a roadblock with her reading and decoding.

Abby celebrates her graduation from Laughlin Children’s Center Dyslexia Program with Laughlin tutor Susan Wright.

Abby’s parents, Roger and Marcia, sought out a neuropsychological evaluation to learn more about Abby’s reading difficulties. The assessment indicated that Abby has dyslexia, and the neuropsychologist recommended Laughlin Children’s Center for Orton-Gillingham intervention. Abby was paired with one of our certified Orton-Gillingham tutors, Susan Wright.

At Laughlin Children’s Center, our tutors utilize the Orton-Gillingham method of instruction for students with dyslexia. The Orton-Gillingham approach is a structured and systematic method for teaching reading and spelling, which aligns with the current body of research on reading development. Our students enjoy using multisensory techniques to practice phonics, language structure, spelling, and phonemic awareness. The approach is diagnostic and personalized and aims to build confidence and competence in reading skills.

Abby and Susan worked together for three years to improve Abby’s skills, and in May, she graduated from our program at Laughlin Children’s Center. In the fall, Abby will enter 5th grade and is more confident in her reading abilities than ever.

Abby’s parents were ecstatic about her progress utilizing the Orton-Gillingham program at Laughlin Children’s Center.

If your child, grandchild, or a child you know is having trouble in school, Laughlin Children’s Center can help with an evaluation and plan to help that child improve their academic skills and overall confidence.