PEDIATRIC VIEW PRACTICE Newsletter A Message from Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy

REFLECTIONS ON A YEAR AT THE CHILDREN’S HOME

In September 2021, I began the work of Pediatric VIEW at a new site, The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center. My expectations were high, but my goals were modest I was so grateful to have a place to continue to meet with families and assess children with CVI Beyond that, I had no expectations. But I have learned that the administrators had a different vision for Pediatric VIEW, one that was more far reaching than anything I could have imagined

Pediatric VIEW is now a multi-person program with an administrator and an additional practitioner In January 2022, Traci Ziemkiewicz, OTR/L began her role as the Director of Pediatric VIEW Traci is a talented Occupational Therapist (OT) with specific expertise in feeding. I can say that initially I was seriously confused by her presence For over 30 years I had assistance with scheduling but was otherwise on my own.

If you suspect your child has Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a CVI Range Assessment can help support a diagnosis, provide insight into your child’s functional vision, and guide your child’s educational team and family to better support the use of vision.

Then along came Traci who was charged with directing me and the greater program, which of course was no small task But Traci has put her arms around our now shared mission to make Pediatric VIEW an asset to families and the greater community. I have learned to trust, rely, and appreciate Traci’s insights and her plans for growth.

One of the goals for Pediatric VIEW is to shorten the wait time for appointments To this end, we found it necessary to hire an additional practitioner. Jonathan Graves joined us in June 2022. He is a TVI (Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired) with the qualifications we sought to deliver direct and remote services to families and school districts He was “hand-picked” from a very short list of individuals who have the knowledge, expertise, and passion required for our mission at Pediatric VIEW.

So now we are three. Last year at this time, I could not have imagined such a thing I must credit Pam Keen, CEO, and Stacy Schesler, COO, for having the foresight I could not have envisioned Pediatric VIEW has new breath and will not just survive, it will thrive. The Children’s Home has long had a reputation of addressing the unmet needs of children who have complicated profiles including those who are impacted by CVI I am grateful for the honor to continue to serve families who seek excellence and opportunity for their children with CVI We will always do our best for you

Christine Roman-Lantzy, Ph.D. Chief Officer / Founder Pediatric VIEW Practice The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center