Kindering News & Media Archives
Seattle Times: Kindering Helps Children with Special Needs — and their Parents — Live Better Lives – December 2021
Kindering is featured as one of 13 non-profit organizations that benefit from the Seattle Times Fund For Those in Need.
The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: How to Support Siblings of Children with Disabilities – March 2021
Emily Holl, Director of The Sibling Support Project, is interviewed on The Better Behavior Show podcast.
KUNS News: Interview with Mimi Siegel Fellow, Katherine Younger, about Kindering Virtual Play Pass – March 2021
Spanish-language news channel KUNS interviewed Kindering’s Mimi Siegel Fellow, Katherine Younger, about KVPP.
Once Upon a Gene Podcast: ‘The Importance of Early Intervention with Kindering CEO Lisa Greenwald’ – March 2021
Kindering CEO Dr. Lisa Greenwald is interviewed about early intervention on this episode of Once Upon a Gene, the podcast produced by a Kindering alum’s mom and local advocate for those with rare diseases.
Seattle Times: ‘Life-altering for everyone’, Kindering bridges the virtual gap to help kids with special needs – November 2020
Kindering is featured in The Seattle Times as part of the 2020 Fund for the Needy campaign.
Kindering Announces 2020 Mimi Siegel Fellowship Recipient – May 2020
Kindering is proud to announce Katherine Younger as their second Mimi Siegel Fellowship Recipient. Click Here for more.
Q13 News: Nonprofit Kindering Continues to Serve Children Amid Pandemic – April 2020
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Kindering has transitioned to 100% virtual services and since March 1, has offered over 4,500 tele-therapy sessions, along with finding new ways to connect with families and children with developmental delays.
Update on Kindering from CEO, Dr. Lisa Greenwald – March 2020
Lisa Greenwald, PhD, offers an update on Kindering, our response to COVID-19, and how anyone can make a difference for our kids. Read more here.
Mercer Island Reporter: “Pitch Your Peers passes out grants” – December 2019
Philanthropic group of Seattle women work together to fund grants to nonprofits. Kindering was one of the recipients for 2019.
Seattle Times: “Big strides for a little boy: Thankful parents see their son’s life opening up” – November 2019
Seattle Times Fund for the Needy campaign featuring a Kindering family and Kindering’s Spanish language programs.
Back to School Note from CEO Lisa Greenwald – September 2019
2019-2020 School Year Message from Kindering CEO Lisa Greenwald.
Seattle Times: For some Washington students with special needs, diagnosis is too late, help is too little – July 2019
Kindering is mentioned in this article about the state of special education and how families handle developmental delays in Washington state.
Redmond Reporter: Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor responds to press release about Kindering opening Redmond campus.
Puget Sound Business Journal: Jermaine Kearse gets Kindering crowd’s attention – April 2019
Patti Payne covers Kindering’s 25th Annual Auction Gala and surprise auction item from former Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse.
Redmond Reporter: Kindering to open fourth location – January 2019
Kindering Redmond campus, located in the Together Center, set to open this spring.
Kindering’s Sibling Support Project Trains Facilitators in VA – January 2019
Sibshops, a workshop run by Kindering’s Sibling Support Project, has offered workshops around the world. These fun-focused workshops encourage siblings of children with special needs. Now facilitators are being trained in Lynchburg, VA, in an effort to make Sibshops more readily available to their community.
Kindering Announces Redmond Campus – January 2019
Kindering Redmond campus set to open in spring 2019. Kindering served over 5,700 children and their families in 2018, and the fourth campus will allow the organization to serve even more in 2019.
Seattle Times: Fund for the Needy – December 2018
Seattle-area parents find help at Kindering after child was diagnosed with rare disease.
Seattle Business: Kindering Ties for Nonprofit of the Year – November 2018
2018 Community Impact Awards: Nonprofit of the Year | Kindering and Seattle Foundation tie for gold.
Redmond Reporter: Annual Luncheon raises more than $330,000 – October 17, 2018
Kindering raises more than $330,000 at annual luncheon. Kindering CEO retires after 40 years at the helm.
Community Leaders Raise $330,882 to Support, Celebrate Children with Special Needs
Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie keynoted Kindering’s 13th annual Salute to Courage Luncheon, a community celebration supporting the region’s most robust early intervention center in its service to children with disabilities, delays, and risk factors.
Kindering Gala Launches a Big Promise to the Littlest Among Us – March 2018
Business and philanthropic leaders from Seattle and the greater Eastside came together on March 24, in record-breaking support of some of the most fragile, vulnerable members of the community. Attendees of Kindering’s 24th annual Auction Gala raised more than $1 million to bolster the nonprofit’s mission to provide life-changing early intervention therapies and special education to infants and toddlers with an array of developmental disabilities, delays and other risk factors.
See press coverage of this unforgettable night in the Bellevue Reporter, Bothell-Kenmore Reporter, and Puget Sound Business Journal
The Seattle Times: Fund for the Needy – November 23, 2017
When Elsa and Rodrigo Calvo’s son Franco was born with Down syndrome, they embraced their baby with love, joy — and concern for his future. Franco started with Kindering at two months old, and was doing well — until the seizures started. After setbacks, victories, and an array of Kindering services, Elsa says “I don’t know where we would be without them.”
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Community raises more than $400,000 to support Kindering – October 2, 2017
Guests donated more than $400,000 to Kindering at the 12th annual Salute to Courage Luncheon on September 29, 2017. Local basketball legend Lenny Wilkens, who is known for raising and reinvesting millions in accessible, affordable health care for children and families, was the keynote speaker. Wilkens’ message of inspiration was bolstered by event host Lauren Silvernail, an alumni parent of Kindering’s Early Intervention programs, who shared a moving firsthand account of the obstacles overcome by her children with the help of Kindering.
Read more: ‘Community raises more than $400,000 to support Bellevue-based Kindering’
Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club donates $20,000 to Kindering – September 8, 2017
“We are thrilled to support Kindering, as our main All in for Autism event beneficiary, with this $20,000 contribution,” the club’s President Kaj Pederson said. “Mimi Siegel and Kindering have been stalwart partners the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club’s All in for Autism event from the beginning and we enjoy supporting them. Kindering really provides a tremendous service in supporting families and children affected with autism in our community, which is key to our partnership.”
Read more: ‘Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club donates $20,000 to Kindering’
ParentMap: This Preschool Graduation Will Make You Smile – August 18, 2017
For many parents, high school or college graduations are the most important ceremonies they’ll attend with their kids. But for parents like Destiney and David Noor of Redmond, their son Benton’s graduation from early intervention services this week was an even more meaningful milestone. During the graduation, Destiney and David spoke about how their son’s therapists and staff were fully committed to helping him reach his greatest potential, and supported the whole family along the way.
Read more: This Preschool Graduation Will Make You Smile
Kindering is One of Washington’s Best Workplaces – June 23, 2017
Kindering was named one of Washington’s Best Workplaces in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2017 list. Employees from hundreds of companies throughout Washington State were surveyed to find out what makes their office special. We’re proud that employee feedback on working at Kindering and staff survey participation levels earned Kindering a designation as one of Washington’s best.
Read more: ‘Happy employees work here: Washington’s Best Workplaces revealed’
King County Council News – May 22, 2017
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci awarded Kindering Executive Director Mimi Siegel the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service for her work in ensuring that infants and children with special needs and their families have a place to turn when they need crucial early intervention therapies. The medal recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in communities across King County. “Mimi’s work has dramatically improved the lives of countless very young infants and children and their families. She has ensured that Kindering remained vibrant and strong – a place to go for families facing uncertainty, an agency providing caring, expert therapy to ensure their precious babies and young children can thrive.”
Watch below, or at: Mimi Siegel receives the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service
The Seattle Times – December 3, 2016
On a fetal monitor in the hospital delivery room, Sara and Troy Hyatt saw their unborn baby’s heartbeat plunge. Their daughter Hattie experienced brain damage at birth, and was referred to Kindering at four and a half months old. A few years and a host of services later, Sara says “they’ve been our lifeline.”
Read more: ‘My first glimmer of hope’: Kindering lifts special-needs children and their families
King County Ambassador Blog – October 11, 2016
Katie and her son Tommy, a recent Kindering grad, visited the King County Employee Giving Program’s Annual Giving Drive kick-off and shared with the legislative branch about the all-encompassing care their family received from Kindering from the day Tommy turned 6 weeks old. “There were 25-30 of us in that room and about 5 were familiar with Kindering’s work prior to Katie and Tommy’s visit. When we left – we were all incredibly touched, some of us changed forever, and now we know about the incredible work they do and can share it.”
Read more: ‘Everyday Superheroes: Impact Story’
KIRO News – August 25, 2016
This episode of Seattle Morning News with Dave Ross includes a special segment about Sensory Shopping Night at Whole Foods Market. In partnership with Kindering, the store offers a low-sensory shopping experience geared toward families whose kiddos have sensory processing difficulties, such as children on the autism spectrum. Take a listen to hear from a Kindering parent about this event and the difference it makes for children who would otherwise find a trip to the grocery store an overwhelming experience.
Listen here: ‘August 25, 2016: Seattle’s Morning News’
Woodinville Weekly – August 15, 2016
Kindering serves over 4,000 children and families per year at two different campuses in Bellevue and Bothell and employs about 200 staff members. Funding an organization of that size and reach requires a great deal of support from the community. Kindering receives about 25 percent of its revenue through fundraising.
One recent fundraiser, the first inaugural August Nights, was hosted by McMenamins Anderson School in Bothell and raised thousands of dollars for the organization.
Read more: ‘Kindering and McMenamins Partner to Raise Funds for Special Needs Education’
KIRO News – July 21, 2016
This episode of Seattle Morning News with Dave Ross includes a special segment about Kindering’s autism programming featuring an interview with one of our graduates (now a thriving 15 year old!) and his mom. “To see him today and think about how far he’s come, we owe a lot to Kindering. He is an ‘A’ student, his teachers love him, he’s incredibly talented as an artist and he’s also got a great imagination. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without Kindering.”
Listen here: ‘Bellevue Organization Working Wonders for Children with Disabilities’
Bellevue Reporter – April 22, 2016
Braden Sanchez is a happy little boy with a beaming smile, a faithful dog and an unrepentant love of “Star Wars” and Legos. Braden is also autistic. Thanks to a series of lucky breaks, patient family members and services at Kindering, the 11-year-old and those around him have adjusted to the disorder.
Read more: ‘A blessing and a curse: Autism changes family’s life forever’
Bellevue Reporter – April 22, 2016
The Bellevue Breakfast Rotary’s All in for Autism Run is more than just a fun way for the whole family to get outside and be active together; it’s also an opportunity for our community to come together in support of children with autism. This year, we at Kindering are fortunate to receive proceeds from the event, which will go to support children with autism and other disabilities, as well as their families.
Read more: ‘All in for Autism on Sunday to benefit Bellevue organizations’
Puget Sound Business Journal – March 11, 2016
The next generation of philanthropic leadership was front and center at Kindering’s 22nd Annual Auction Gala, held at the Grand Hyatt Seattle on March 5. The event, which raised over $570,000, was chaired by Karyl Alvord, Cristina Christiani and Effie True Gleason, all young community leaders and professionals.
Read more: ‘Next generation of philanthropy on display at Kindering gala’
Bothell Reporter – February 5, 2016
Kindering is continuing the legacy of service that was started in Bellevue 54 years ago. “We meet the families where they’re at in the home, or in the community,” said Bothell Programs Manager Kim Gerdes.
Read more: ‘Bothell Kindering brings legacy of service’
The Seattle Times – December 26, 2015
Savannah Slone was alarmed when her toddler Oliver stopped responding to his name and stopped making eye contact. But then everything changed when she found Kindering.
Read more: ‘If he keeps improving I see only good’
Local News Coverage of Kindering’s Graduation – August 2015
On Aug. 13, children from all around the Greater Seattle Area walked across the stage to celebrate graduation from Kindering Center in Bellevue. This year Kindering celebrated the largest graduating class to date with more than 725 three-year-old graduates, thanks, in large part, to the center’s ability to serve more children and their families in the newly expanded second campus in Bothell.
Read more: Bothell Reporter- August 16, 2015
Read more: Redmond Reporter- August 18, 2015
Read more: Woodinville Weekly- August 24, 2015
KOMO News – July 20, 2015
KOMO 4 News Anchor Jeff Burnside’s special report on the importance of early intervention highlights Kindering and King County Executive Dow Constantine’s sweeping new Best Starts for Kids initiative, which seeks to help very young children with impediments to a normal development reach their full potential. “It is an obligation,” said an emphatic Constantine last week during a visit to Kindering in Bellevue that would be the model for some of the Best Starts program. “It is an obligation. Now that we’re armed with the knowledge that something can be done, we’re compelled to do it.”
See the video: KOMO 4 News- July 20, 2015
The Seattle Times – January 5, 2015
Just about the time McKenna Smith reached the age of 6 months, her parents noticed something odd. “She was army-crawling,” recalled her mother, Sonya Smith, who began to worry about tightness in McKenna’s hips, a condition found earlier in the girl’s cousin. But the pediatrician wondered if deeper obstacles were slowing McKenna.
The Smiths brought her to the Kindering Center, where she undergoes a weekly dose of playful therapy to develop her right side, and also receives many hugs. “McKenna is not only seen as an individual, but as family. That’s how I knew we were at the right place,” her mother said.
Read more: At Kindering, toddler playtime has a purpose
Bothell Reporter – April 25, 2014
One of Kindering’s original founders, Morey Wetherald, helped celebrate Kindering Bothell’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, tours, refreshments and fun.
Read more: A new school for disabled children opens in Bothell
Woodinville Weekly – April 1, 2014
The Woodinville Weekly covered Kindering Bothell’s grand opening.
Read more: School for young children with special needs opens in Bothell
Bothell Reporter – March 13, 2014
Kindering Bothell opened its doors to students and families on March 3, 2014. The Bothell Reporter covered this exciting event.
Read more: School for special needs children opens in Bothell
The Seattle Times – November 27, 2013
December is a big month for Colton Kivela.
He’ll be turning 3, “graduating” from Kindering Center and starting preschool at Lake Washington School District through its Ready Start program. “It`s been amazing, the progress he’s made so far,” said Colton’s mom, Jamie Kivela, on a recent day, as she watched her son raise his hands in class and play with other kids.
Read more: Kindering Center helps parents find a path for special needs kids
425 Magazine – September 2013
If there is one thing you can do to change the destiny of a child and the community for the better, it`s this: prepare that child for kindergarten. The reason is in the numbers.
United Way of King County says 50 percent of children entering kindergarten in Washington state are being identified as not ready to succeed and are starting school as much as two years behind in language and learning skills.
Read more: Kindergarten: Why it’s important we prepare kids
ParentMap Magazine – April 2013
Mimi Siegel’s parenting journey began in 1972 with the premature birth of her daughter. At the time, available avenues of support for a new parent caring for a preemie proved depressingly difficult to find.
Years later, when Siegel and her family moved to the Seattle area, she applied for a part-time job at Kindering, a not-for-profit neurodevelopmental center founded in 1962 by five Eastside mothers of preschoolers with disabilities.
Read more: 2013 Superheroes for Washington Families
Mercer Island Reporter – March 27, 2013
Marking one of his Seattle public appearances as Washington state’s 23rd governor, Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, helped raise more than $525,000 at Kindering’s 19th Annual Auction and Gala on March 2.
The Inslees joined Tom and Lesley Todaro, event chairs, at the annual benefit for Bellevue-based Kindering, a nonprofit that provides early intervention therapies for infants and children with special needs.
Read more: Governor Helps Raise More than $525,000 for Kindering
Bellevue Reporter – March 14, 2013
Marking one of his first Seattle public appearances as Washington’s 23rd governor, Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, helped raise more than $525,000 at Kindering’s 19th Annual Auction and Gala on March 2.
The Inslees joined Tom and Lesley Todaro, event chairs, at the annual benefit for Bellevue-based Kindering, a non-profit that provides early intervention therapies for infants and children with special needs.
Read more: Gov. Inslee helps raise more than $525,000 for Kindering
The Seattle Times – December 1, 2012
The Bellevue-based Kindering Center, one of the largest neurodevelopment centers in the country, is finding success using iPads to help children with autism.
Read more: Program, iPad help 3-year-old to communicate and share
Redmond Reporter – October 18, 2012
As Seattle Sounders FC soccer players watched, 3-year-old Vallory Hurlimann first booted a soccer ball with gusto and then ran up the field as fast as her little legs would go.
Lisa Hurlimann kept a close eye on her daughter, who has Down syndrome, and rooted her on the whole way during last Sunday’s afternoon of celebration for young athletes with disabilities at Arena Sports in Redmond. For three hours, Kindering – a Bellevue-based nonprofit helping infants and children with special needs – Special Olympics Washington and Starbucks formed a hat trick of organizations that brought families together on the athletic field to play and visit with each other.
Read more: Seattle Sounders FC players lend a hand at play day for special-needs athletes
Bellevue Reporter – October 15, 2012
Four generations of the philanthropic Alhadeff family were celebrated Friday, Oct. 5, as part of the 50th Anniversary Salute to Courage Luncheon, benefitting Kindering.
The luncheon, which was sponsored by Kindering and Pediatrics Associates Inc., took place at the Bellevue Westin Hotel. Representing the Alhadeff family as 2012 Salute to Courage event chairs were Krista & Charles Grinstein and Dina Alhadeff & Jason Long.
Read more: Benefit luncheon raises record-breaking funds for Kindering
KOMO News – October 5, 2012
Alycia and Jackson Gerlach of Bellevue greeted guests at today`s Kindering “Salute to Courage” 50th Anniversary Luncheon at the Bellevue Westin.
Born with amniotic band syndrome with a cleft lip, cleft palette, club feet and missing fingers and toes, three-year-old Jackson recently graduated from Kindering and is well on his way to attending regular preschool and kindergarten.
Read more: Kindering benefit luncheon attracts packed house
KOMO News – October 2, 2012
If you have or know a tot with special needs, chances are you have heard about the near-miraculous turn-arounds the Bellevue-based Kindering staff have helped thousands of Eastside children experience during the past half-century.
And if you are aware of the Kindering, you may want to attend its 50th Anniversary Salute to Courage Luncheon at the Bellevue Westin Hotel on Friday from 11:45 a.m. -1 p.m. At the luncheon four generations of the philanthropic Alhadeff family will be celebrated. These are the descendents of Charlie Alhadeff, one of the agency`s first donors.”
Read more: Benefit luncheon showcases Kindering’s program, philanthropists
KOMO News – June 11, 2012
“The aim of the program is to promote parents` awareness that they are their child`s first teacher,” said Hannah Locke, program coordinator of the Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP). “We want to empower parents.”
Locke described the program at the End of Year Celebration at a get together for kids, families and staff at Bellevue-based Kindering on Saturday. It celebrated the first year of the intensive school readiness program for 2-to 4-year olds and parents. This year the program served 30 families in Bellevue and Redmond. Starting in the fall, PCHP will double that number to serve 60 families on the Eastside.
Read more: Early learning program celebrates first year
ParentMap Magazine – May 18, 2012
The year 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Kindering, a not-for-profit neurodevelopmental center founded in 1962 by five Eastside mothers of preschoolers with disabilities. In the five decades Kindering has been providing early intervention services and support, the number of children helped has grown from that original five to over 30,000.
Read more: Kindering Celebrates 50 Years of Providing Essential Early Intervention Services
Bellevue Reporter – April 27, 2012
Joshua Santes dives into the playpen like a cannonball, and a splash of feathers spin around his feet. With a toss, his teacher triples the flurry, and an odd new texture surrounds the boy. Seeing Joshua`s smile undone by curiosity, the teacher pinches a feather and tickles the 3-year-old`s cheek. For a child in Joshua`s position, it`s a push. Joshua has autism, which often comes with an aversion to unusual textures. They`re as irritating as fingernails on a chalkboard.
Read more: Kindering helps special needs babies on the Eastside for 50 years
Bellevue Reporter – March 25, 2012
Kindering’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and Auction on March 3 saw more than 430 guests raise $674,151 for infants and children with special needs. The event, at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, featured host Dennis Bounds of KING-TV.
Read more: Kindering gala raises $674,151
The Seattle Times – February 24, 2012
ONE in 12 American families has a child with a disability. Critical resources such as the Kindering Center are needed in every neighborhood.
For five decades the Bellevue nonprofit has provided therapeutic services to special-needs children, helping with everything from walking, talking and feeding themselves.
Read more: Sustaining work at Kindering Center
Bellevue Reporter – December 23, 2011
Parks and Police Department officials from the City of Bellevue recently met with Kindering staff to discuss ways to help ensure safety for them and the children with special needs they serve.
Kindering is a nonprofit neurodevelopmental center for children ages birth to three, with special needs.
Read more: Bellevue Parks and Police help Kindering
Childrens Voice – May/June 2011
Many infants placed in foster care begin their fetal development influenced by prenatal drug and alcohol exposure, which often results in neurological damage. When it comes to addressing potential neurological damage in infants, early intervention is critical because adequate intervention may assuage the damage and place the babies back on track developmentally.
Read more: Cherishing Children: Early intervention helps brain development in traumatized babies
The Seattle Times – December 7, 2011
It was 4 in the afternoon when the driver of an SUV – talking on her cellphone and wearing an ankle cast that got stuck in the accelerator – plowed through a wall of a Redmond day care.
Three toddlers were hurt in the Aug. 3, 2009 crash with injuries ranging from a rug burn to those suffered by Sterling Metz, who was all of 3 ½ months. He was pulled out from under the Toyota Rav 4’s front bumper.
At 2 ½, Sterling is making progress and recently had taken his 1st steps without his walker.
Read more: Bellevue’s Kindering is oasis for special-needs kids
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