Melissa Shell, the medical services director at Franciscan Health Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation, recently welcomed a move to a new facility designed specifically for children in need of therapy. The new location, located in the former Ace Hardware store at 18410 Governors Highway in Cherry Creek, boasts bright and cheerful spaces aimed at making therapy enjoyable.
After the staff moved in on February 28, treatments resumed by March 3, allowing for a smooth transition to the clinic’s larger new home.
‘The new space has allowed us to expand to nine individual treatment rooms, including a sensory room thanks to a generous donation of $10,000 from the Circle of 1875,’ Shell said. The Circle of 1875, which supports community programs, holds historical significance, as it commemorates the year the first Franciscan hospital opened.
The rehabilitation center features a cozy waiting area filled with children’s books alongside a vibrant gym that offers slides, colorful mats, and various toys designed for play-based therapy. ‘It is a fun and engaging area to help children develop skills while making therapy enjoyable,’ Shell noted.
The clinic serves children from less than a year old up to 18 years and provides various therapies, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. ‘We do encourage family and caregiver engagement in sessions,’ Shell stated, emphasizing the importance of support from loved ones during therapy.
For those seeking assistance, children may be referred to the clinic by doctors, or parents may bring them if concerns arise about their development. ‘If a child isn’t hitting certain milestones, we work on enhancing those development skills,’ Shell explained.
Family members’ engagement plays a pivotal role in therapy success, adding an element of support and education in sessions.
For more information on the clinic’s services, community members can call 708-852-2535.
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