Cecelia is a speech-language pathologist in CTC’s Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program.
What do you enjoy and value most about working at CTC?
I hugely value the opportunity to support the entire families of the children I see, rather than a clinical model of direct intervention where families are often excluded. I see again and again how empowering it is for families to take the lead in being their child’s guide, teacher, and advocate, all within the context of unconditional love for the child. It is an honor to witness families growing together as they learn to nurture their child in new ways, and gives me enormous hope for wellness of the coming generations.
What is your favorite activity to share with families?
There is nothing I love more than being outside with little ones! Nature provides unlimited opportunities for connection, communication, and exploration. We can guide children towards noticing patterns in the shapes of different leaves, imitating the sounds of different birds they hear, problem solving when their sleeves get wet as they dig in the mud, inventing songs together about the sun and the earth. There is a ceaseless bounty available to our children the moment we step outside, if we follow their lead with openness to seeing the world through a child’s curious eyes.
About Me:
I live in Seattle with my beautiful rabbit Paloma. I grew up in Seattle but have lived in San Francisco, Portland, and rural Montana; I moved home to the Seattle area in 2021 to be nearer to my large family. When I’m not at work, I love to create in all different ways, whether it’s painting, sewing, tending to my plants, writing poetry, or baking my weekly loaf of traditional sourdough bread. At CTC, I’m grateful for the opportunity to facilitate our staff affinity group for LGBTQ+ staff and expand CTC’s commitment to fostering an environment of openness, safety, and wellness for all people.