Services offered by EBS: Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Behavioral Therapy, Evaluation, Treatment, Education, Counseling, and Wraparound Services
Written By: Jill Lupine
Photography By: Jody Robinson
We recently sat down with Wayne A. Secord, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, a Senior Lecturer at The Ohio State University and Instructor at Northern Arizona University. An ASHA Fellow and Honors recipient, Dr. Secord has authored or co-authored more than 90 publications and served as the editor of Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools. His publications and other innovations have helped millions of children and empowered thousands of professionals in the field. Dr. Secord is a nationally recognized expert on clinical and educational assessment and the delivery of school-based and clinical services. He has been a long-time partner with EBS, the nation’s leader in birth to 21 year-old services. Recently, EBS opened a children’s therapy center in Chester County. We talked to Dr. Secord about his experiences and to learn more about this unique organization.
Dr. Secord, How did a renowned university professor like yourself become affiliated with EBS and what sets them apart from other companies providing educational and therapy services for children?
EBS provides the highest quality of pediatric services across the nation. I saw what they were doing and the difference they were making in children’s lives across the country. I was so impressed with the talented group of individuals that make up EBS. The EBS team is like the “Who’s Who” of therapy, behavior, education and all birth to 21 services. More than 40 top university professors and researchers, work with EBS to bring the latest research into therapy practices. EBS also has a distinguished team of directors, who have received various awards and recognitions, provide presentations and trainings across the nation, and always are passionate about what they do. This team includes Kim McGinley, the knowledgeable and highly-skilled director of EBS Children’s Institute right here in Chester County.
EBS’ commitment to the field is unparalleled, not only in the quality of direct services, but in research, program and product development, and evidence-based, best practices—all things we strive to instill in our young professionals learning the field. It’s a perfect match for me. EBS is passionate about keeping current in the latest research and techniques. This translates to being a company that provides high-quality educational opportunities to speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and other special service professionals. Nationwide, EBS has served families, schools, and communities through this ongoing commitment to learning and achieving. They have a network of associations with universities and other professors in the field, like myself, that allow for the dissemination and implementation of all the latest teachings. The projects we are working on will change the face of how services will be delivered and increase quality all-around.
EBS has a very impressive presence in the fields of therapy and education. How did they become so successful?
Well, for EBS, it was never about being the largest. The most important aspect of what they do is to provide the best services possible to improve the lives of the children and families they serve. That is the number one goal – EBS always puts families and children first. When you have such a committed and talented team like EBS, you become the largest because everyone wants the best for their children, and that’s what you get when you see an EBS professional, whether it’s in early intervention, center-based or school-based environments. This consistent expectation of therapeutic compassion and pursuit of excellence is what has made EBS the nation’s largest provider and leader in speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental therapy and behavioral therapy. They treat children in almost every state!
It sounds like EBS is a pioneer in the world of therapy and education through direct services, research, training and mentorship. What does that mean to the local community?
EBS is an organization that looks out for its community. In Chester County, people were asking for, and EBS delivered, a state-of-the-art children’s center with the top behavior specialists, SLPs, OTs, PTs and Psychologists. If there’s a need, EBS finds a way to support that area. I have partnered with EBS for many years and I continue to be impressed with the dedication and creativity of the EBS team. They have no equal in the excellence of services they provide. They have an incredible team of speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavior specialists, special education specialists, psychologists, and more. With EBS Children’s Institute, Chester County families can access top specialists, right here in West Chester.
You mentioned EBS as being a ‘total service provider.’ Can you elaborate a little more on what that means?
Absolutely! EBS provides evaluation, treatment, education, and counseling from early intervention to school-aged students to the transition into adulthood. They offer services in school-based, home-based, community-based, and center-based environments. EBS reaches out to make positive changes in the lives of those who require therapy and educational services. A part of being the total solution provider means offering wraparound services so that students get continuity between home, center, and school environments.
Tell us more about EBS Children’s Institute.
From the moment you enter the building, you know you’ve come to a place of unparalleled quality. This is part of the reason why top pediatricians refer families to EBS. Families from several states and counties have come to EBS Children’s Institute to receive services. Kim McGinley and her exceptional team embrace families and children they serve in a comfortable and exceptional environment. Children with varying types of needs come for assessment and treatment. Because they believe that consistency is of the utmost importance, EBS matches each family with a therapist in order to develop a close relationship that is maintained throughout the child’s treatment. EBS is different on every level. It is extremely rare to find an organization that supports the community with such passion, commitment and talent. Talent plus commitment equals results. EBS has proven that time and again.
How do families get connected to EBS Children’s Institute?
Go see them! EBS Children’s Institute is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania and the team is excited to meet with any family interested in services. EBS is where you will find the best service providers who will be matched with and dedicated to your family throughout your experience. EBS Children’s Institute supports and encourages families as they learn about their children’s challenges. When you visit the multi-purpose room, sensory gym with a rock wall and ball pit, fine and gross motor rooms, individual therapy rooms, and fully functioning kitchen for Activities of Daily Living, you will see there is no other place you’d want your child and family to be for making those improvements and changes they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Featured in Suburban Life Magazine, November 2014 Issue