Inspiring in Spring.
It’s the most beautiful time of year in Texas. Bluebonnets, paintbrushes and exceptional weather. We want our patients to experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring. When mobility is hard, the small, light Vivo 45 makes it easier to enjoy the natural wonders of Texas.
We provide ventilator based care in the home for pediatric patients, as well as nutritional supplies and support.
12, Issue 3
Publisher: Exceptional Kids, LLC
Owner & Managing Editor: Kameron Chicoine
Graphic & Art Design: Valor Design, Inc.
Website & Logo Design: Red Rattler Creative
For advertising information or copies of Exceptional Kids contact: Kameron Chicoine 210-867-7202 kameron.exceptionalkids@gmail.com
Charcuterie Board for Kids
Need snack board ideas for your next party or meal at home?
What is a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board is a platter of snacks for people to share that usually consists of a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, and nuts etc.
That was until themed party and holiday boards started trending and we can’t get enough of how amazing they look, and I bet they taste good too!
Charcuterie boards, aka snack boards, are a fun way to get the whole family involved in sharing food and socializing and are a super simple option for guests to graze on at a party.
How to make a kid-friendly charcuterie board
• Decide on a theme and colour scheme.
• Choose your board or platter. Round, square, rectangle etc.
• Decide if you want sweet or savoury eats or a bit of both.
• Make sure to include easy to eat finger food options for kids that aren’t too messy.
• Create focal points with cute dip dishes and containers. Fill these with small snacks or dips and place them on the board first in a fairly symmetrical pattern. This can be moved around as you go along.
• Create small groups of food items all over the board. Use smaller items to fill any gaps.
• Don’t worry about things looking a little messy because that’s the fun part. Use small forks and favor cups or plates and have your "Guests" make their own selection of snacks.
Continued on page 14
Helping Our Children Feel Safe: Creating Emotionally Supportive Spaces at Home and School
by Sabrina Estrada, MA, LPC, Outpatient Clinician, Clarity Child Guidance Center
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Outpatient Clinic at Clarity Child Guidance Center, I specialize in play therapy with children ages 3–10, and am currently pursuing my Registered Play Therapist credential. My work focuses on supporting children and families through trauma, adjustment and family issues, and neurodiversity—always with an emphasis on helping children feel seen, safe and understood. At Clarity, we believe children do well when they can, and it’s essential for the adults in their lives to support that growth with patience, guidance and connection. Below are a few practical ways to create emotionally supportive environments where children’s feelings can be expressed, explored and honored through play.
Why Emotional Support Matters
Emotional well-being is the foundation for healthy development, learning, and relationships. When children feel emotionally safe, they are better able to focus, engage in play, and build connections with others. When big emotions go unaddressed, children may struggle with behavior, confidence, and self-regulation. Creating emotionally supportive environments—both at home and school—means offering spaces where children feel safe, having daily opportunities to talk about their feelings, and are encouraged to use play to process emotional experiences.
Create
a Calm Corner
One effective way to support emotional regulation is by creating a calm corner—a designated space where children can take a break when they feel overwhelmed. Children often show us what helps them regulate through what they naturally gravitate toward during play. This may include art activities, building toys like Legos, sensory bins, movement, reading, or imaginative play. Including these preferred items in a calm space helps children feel more capable of soothing themselves. Adding visuals, such as an emotions chart or feelings thermometer can also support children in identifying emotions when words are hard to find. Adults may consider creating a similar quiet space at home or school where children know it’s okay to pause, reset, and try again.
Talk About Feelings Daily
Children learn emotional skills through observation and practice. Modeling calm behavior and healthy emotional expression helps children understand how to manage their own feelings. Everyday moments provide powerful opportunities to name and validate emotions.
Simple phrases such as, “I can see this is hard for you, and it makes sense to feel frustrated,” help children feel understood. Validation doesn’t mean approving of behavior, it means acknowledging emotions. Over time, this increases emotional awareness and teaches children that all feelings are normal and manageable.
Play Is Powerful
Play is how children make sense of their world. Through play, they communicate thoughts and emotions they may not yet have the words to express. By incorporating activities and materials that naturally support this process, adults can easily weave emotional learning into daily routines. Dolls, puppets, costumes, and figurines invite children to safely role-play reallife experiences. Creative outlets such as painting and crafting provide calm opportunities for selfexpression, while storytelling and books about feelings help children build language for their inner world. Movement-based activities like yoga poses, “Red Light - Green Light” and “Simon Says” support grounding and strengthen the mind–body connection, which is especially helpful for emotional regulation.
The Heart of It
Helping children manage emotions isn’t about doing things perfectly; it’s about being present. When we create safe spaces, model calm behavior, and invite children to express themselves, we give them confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs. Whether you’re a parent, educator or neighbor, you can help build a community where every child feels seen, heard and supported.
Clarity Child Guidance Center is the only nonprofit mental health treatment center in South Texas offering a full continuum of care for children ages 3 to 17 and their families. It provides comprehensive, compassionate treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions—from depression and anxiety to suicidal ideation. Serving an average of 6,000+ children and teens annually, Clarity offers a 74-bed inpatient mental health hospital; 24/7 walk-in Crisis Services department for children experiencing a mental health emergency; intensive daily treatment through partial hospitalization program; outpatient therapy; psychological assessments; care coordination; and recreational therapy. When a child is in crisis, Clarity works with families to get much needed treatment, regardless of their ability to pay. https://www. claritycgc.org/
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com ◆Donate◆
ABA THERAPY
Centria Autism Pg 5
210-293-7714
1920 Grandstand Drive www.centriahealthcare.com info@centriahealthcare.com
Mindcolor Autism
833-646-3222
8507 Culebra Rd Suite 101 info@mindcolorautism www.mindcolorautism.com
Shelby May Behavioral Consulting 210-239-7181
shelbynunn@maybehavior.com www.maybehavior.com
ACUTE/SKILLED CARE
LifeSpan Home Health Pg 2 877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
ADAPTIVE SPORTS (COMPETITIVE & RECREATIONAL)
◆Kinetic Kids Pg 12
210-748-5860
11931 Starcrest Dr info@kinetickidstx.org www.kinetickidstx.org
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Brain Therapy Clinic -San Antonio 210-926-7847
901 NE Loop 410 Suite 405 www.mipcare.com
Brain Therapy Clinic - Houston 832-271-4775
2200 North Loop West Suite 106, Houston www.mipcare.com
◆Pathways Youth & Family Services 210-733-7117
1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Clarity Child Guidance Center Pg 5 210-616-0300
8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
COUNSELING PROVIDERS
Catholic Charities 210-377-1133
San Fernando Community Center 231 W Commerce
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Wave Healthcare
Pg 3 866-935-9283
121 Interpark Blvd #300 www.wavehealthcare.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
EDUCATION ADVOCACY RESOURCES
uHoly Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm
210-577-6500
150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
A.I.M. Educate
210-838-5351
10127 Morocco St #202 privateclinic@aimeducate.com aimeducate.com
Texas School, Community & Public Policy Liaison TBI SOS 4 Kids Project Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT)
University of Oregon cmagrane@uoregon.edu
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Catholic Charities
210-293-1009
202 W. French Place www.ccaosa.org
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
www.unitedwaysatx.org
2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
City of San Antonio - Utility Assistance 210-207-7830
Hill Country MHDD Centers
358 Landa Street, Suite 300, New Braunfels 888-315-3277
http://www.hillcountry.org
Kerr County MH Center 955 Water Street, Kerrville 888-445-5232
http://www.hillcountry.org
Clarity Child Guidance Center Pg 5 210-616-0300 8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
Project Warm - Bexar County Dept of Community Assistance 210-335-3666
Salvation Army 210-226-2291 226 Nolan St
San Antonio Food Bank 210-337-3663 5200 Old Hwy 90 West
Society of St. Vincent de Paul 210-225-7837 WIC Program 210-207-4906
MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
CDS in Texas Pg 2 210-798-3779 Toll Free 866-675-7331 www.cdstexas.com
CLASS - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
DBMD-Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877-438-5658
Disability Services of the Southwest 210-798-0123
6243 IH-10 West Suite 114 www.dsswtx.org
HCS - Home & Community-Based Services Program 210-832-5020
MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
LifeSpan Home Health Pg 2 877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
Texas Home Living Waiver 210-832-5020
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Red Cross 210-224-5151
Cerebral Palsy Foundation ucp.org 210-520-1686
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 800-572-1717
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), SA 210-734-3349
National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 www.ndss.org
Scleroderma Foundation www.Sclerodema.org
Spinal Bifida Association Texas Chapter 972-238-8755
Williams Syndrome 800-806-1871 www.Williams-syndrome.org
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MGA Homecare 210-200-8928 9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 15 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
Children's Home Health 806-367-6612 1612 S Van Buren - Amarillo www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
Children's Home Health
361-204-2198
301 Texas Trail Suite 1, Corpus Christi www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Health
915-955-9797
1250 East Cliff Dr 5C - El Paso www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 915-955-9797
5225 S Loop 289 Suite 126, Lubbock www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 972-661-3737
901 Waterfall Way Suite 105, Richardson www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 210-530-1098 / 737-320-5887
8418 Fountain Circle, San Antonio/Austin www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 903-348-9020
293 W Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 512-532-4800
2921 Steck Ave A-120, Austin www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 469-753-4901
7929 Brookriver Dr Suite 640, Dallas www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 915-343-7744
1790 Lee Trevino Dr Ste 202, El Paso www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 682-450-2495
2001 Beach St, Suite 102, Fort Worth www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
713-597-1230
2626 South Loop West Suite 325, Houston www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Page 16 956-449-1818
6826 Springfield Ave #204A, Laredo www.entrustedphc.com
16 469-827-7500
275 W Campbell Rd, Suite 255, Richardson www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 210-447-1650
4502 Centerview Dr, Suite 233, San Antonio www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 832-280-8500
24624 Interstate 45 N Suite 241, Spring www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
254-935-0450
2027 S 61st Street, Suite 121, Temple www.entrustedphc.com
MGA Homecare 210-200-8928
9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
15 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
PHYSICAL THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months
Easy to refer, no medical referral needed
Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MGA Homecare
210-200-8928
9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 15 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department 210-207-3018
PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CAR CENTER (PPECC)
Health Care for Kids
210-951-4840
16019 Nacogdoches Rd Suite 119 www.healthcareforkids.com
Sunshine Pediatric Day Center 210-759-9720
5802 Medina Base Road www.sunshinepediatricdaycenter.com
SPECIAL EDUCATION/504 ADVOCATE
uHoly Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm 210-577-6500
150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
SPECIAL NEEDS ADULTS
uMarbridge Foundation
512-282-1144
2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca TX info@marbridge.org Marbridge.org
SPEECH THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MGA Homecare 210-200-8928 9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
Pg 15 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
STATE ORGANIZATIONS
Customer Service Line (Ombudsman) 877-787-8999 www.hhsc.state.tx.us
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services NOW Texas Work Force www.twc.state.tx.us
North Field Office 210-561-8600 12000 Network Blvd #210
West Field Office 210-522-8010 5309 Wurzbach, Suite 102
Northeast Field Office 210-590-5740 10303 Nacogdoches
South Field Office 210-927-8300 1011 Ada St
Adapted Equipment
Specialized Accessories
dapted pecialized
Sensory Products
Therapy Services
Educational Opportunities Camps... AND MORE!
Cornerstone Christian Schools 17702 NW Military Hwy | San Antonio, TX 78257 10a-2p
10-11a | Sensory Friendly Hour 10a-1:30p | Kids’ Corner & Sno Cones
“I “I spent months trying to find an occupational therapist months an therapist fo f r my son who would take our insurance. I fi f nally for son our finally found a provider at EXPO! I’m very grateful for the way at I’m for Kinetic Kids makes resources available for parents ” Kinetic Kids available parents.” - Parent at EXPO at EXPO I or finally Kids resources Parent
Charcuterie Board for Kids
Here are a few ideas:
San Rafael Healthcare: Where Care Meets Connection
For families caring for children with complex medical needs, home can feel like both a sanctuary and a hospital all at once. Between medical equipment, appointments, and constant vigilance, parents often nd themselves carrying an emotional and physical weight that few others fully understand.
at’s where San Rafael Healthcare steps in.
As one of San Antonio’s most trusted pediatric home health providers, San Rafael specializes in high-acuity care for children with serious medical conditions. Rather than asking families to adjust their lives around healthcare, San Rafael brings expert, compassionate care directly into the home — where children are most comfortable and families can remain together.
One mother recently re ected on her experience:
“Before San Rafael, I felt like I was constantly on edge — afraid to sleep, afraid to leave the room, afraid to make a mistake. eir nurses didn’t just care for my son; they taught me, supported me, and helped me breathe again.”
San Rafael’s highly trained nursing team works closely with families to develop individualized care plans that re ect each child’s unique medical and emotional needs. From ventilator support and tracheostomy care to feeding tube management and medication
administration, their nurses provide critical, lifesustaining services with skill and empathy.
But their role goes far beyond medical tasks.
Parents consistently describe San Rafael’s team as partners — professionals who listen, advocate, and truly become part of the family’s support system. Whether it’s answering late-night questions, coordinating with physicians, or simply o ering reassurance during di cult moments, San Rafael ensures families are never alone in their journey.
For many parents, the presence of San Rafael means something priceless: peace of mind. Knowing their child is receiving expert care at home allows families to focus less on medical logistics and more on what truly matters — time together, small milestones, and moments of joy.
Every child’s medical journey is di erent, but San Rafael’s commitment remains constant: to provide the highest quality pediatric care in the place children feel safest — home.
If your family is navigating the complexities of highacuity care, San Rafael Healthcare is here to walk beside you. Visit their website to learn how they can support your child and your family with compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication.
Providing Private Duty Nursing Services for infants, children, and adults across Central Texas.
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care is the leading provider of pediatric nursing services in Texas. Our clinical team works with physicians and case managers to ensure children transition safely home from the hospital. Whether it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or a few &hour shifts per week, we have you covered. Our comprehensive approach to care includes coordinating with your team of medical professionals to implement the best possible outcomes for your child.
"You guys make an amazing team and are changing families' lives for the good! We could not be more thankful for all the e ort you put in to making the transition to Entrusted go so smoothly. Not only that, but y'all hit the ball WAY out of the park finding us excellent nursing sta . Thank you for all of the many hours in the o ce and on call that it takes to make our lives better. We couldn't be happier to call Entrusted our family."
-Erica S
