Get to know us and our philosophy

MISSION

Our mission is to enhance the optimal growth and development of children's cognitive, social, emotional, and sensory motor abilities through play-based learning and educational groups.

VISION

Our vision is to create a caring and inclusive play and learning environment that enhances the diverse developmental needs of children within our community. We strive to provide a safe and nurturing space where children feel valued, respected, and understood as individuals and can develop fundamental skills for lifelong learning through intentional play and small educational groups.

OUR APPROACH

Play-Based Learning

Play is the essence of childhood. It is how we first learn and develop foundational, lifelong skills. Children naturally learn through active engagement and exploration in order to make sense of the world around them. Through play, children engage their imagination, take risks, and learn problem solving to support their innate curiosity. Play enhances children’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth. During play not only are fine and gross motor skills developed and refined, but children learn to communicate, self-regulate, and build their self-confidence. Play is powerful, purposeful, and is the means for child development.

At FUNdamentals, we value and support the natural development and progression of play. Our experienced staff provide learning opportunities through guided play, games, and high interest context.

Why Choose FUNdamentals?

Did you know that 90% of brain development occurs before kindergarten? The skills gained in a child’s earliest years are key predictors of school readiness, future achievement and positive life outcomes. Children, now more than ever, are in dire need of social communication, executive functioning, and self-regulation skill building and support.

We are not your average play place. At FUNdamentals our staff has extensive training, experience, and knowledge in childhood development. Our play spaces and educational groups are designed to promote the necessary skills and opportunities children need in order to develop foundational skills for lifelong learning.

My child doesn't need special services

Although we do not offer 1:1 therapeutic services, our team uses their professional knowledge and a neuroaffirming approach to provide a safe haven for play and learning that meets the needs of ALL young children. Here caregivers can come to a place free of judgment, connect with other families, and discover how to maximize their child's potential. At FUNdamentals the sky's the limit!

Meet Our Team

Paula Kelly, M.ED.

Special Educator

Mother

Paula has over 17 years of experience within the education and special education field working in various roles as a classroom teacher, learning specialist, and administration. In addition, Paula has served on many committees involving curriculum development, social-emotional learning, strategic planning and enrollment, and institutional advancement. She has invaluable knowledge and experience working with all ages of typically developing children and those with complex learning profiles, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning challenges. Paula’s passions include creating a relationship-driven approach and providing collaborative, fun, and engaging activities to help students (and families) recognize and capitalize on their strengths and abilities to be successful and confident in life!

Kelly McDonald, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Mother

Kelly has over 18 years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum, those with sensory processing, and developmental disorders, in addition to complex learning profiles. She has extensive experience working with children and families within the educational setting and holds certifications in the delivery of multiple therapeutic programs. She has taught numerous workshops on a wide range of topics including sensory processing disorders, self regulation, and complex learning needs. Additionally, Kelly has served on multiple committees involving strategic planning, and curriculum development. Her professional passions include sensory integration, executive function skills and social emotional education. She believes that all children can thrive when given the proper tools, supports, and opportunities.

Kristyn Sequeira, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

Mother

Kristyn has over 12 years of experience working with children of all ages, both neurotypical and children with receptive/ expressive communication disorders, speech delays, executive function challenges, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kristyn has spoken at multiple conferences discussing the topics of executive function and social emotional skills, where she has helped educators and parents gain deeper insight into strategies that can help their children thrive. In addition, she has presented at the American Speech and Hearing Association conferences. She is passionate about connecting with children and their families, and enjoys using a play-based approach to foster their language and social emotional development. She loves nothing more than watching children experience the joy that comes with learning a new skill!

Our team holds a wide variety of certifications, licenses, and training that enhance our services to the fullest potential. All staff members hold state licenses and national certifications in their respective fields. We participate in regular continuing education to build upon our knowledge and expertise.

Highlighted certifications and trainings include: