Kerry

Kerry
Kerry Young 2

An Early Intervention Success Story

MEET KERRY: 

A story of hope for a child with Down syndrome, who has mastered skills once thought unthinkable – starting with Early Intervention.

Kerry was diagnosed with Down Syndrome in 1986 and began to receive Early Intervention services from teli (St. Peter’s Child Development Center at the time) when she was 5 months old. Early intervention services were described by her mother, Sheila Cannon , as the most important piece of hope for our family. “You want your child to have the same opportunities that other kids have.” Kerry received services through teli through age 5 in Preschool and Early Education and believes teli had a role in helping her be the person she is today. Recognized at the teli 50th Gala with Awards of Possibilities, Kerry reflected,

“The teli staff helped me and supported me to be confident in myself. I have tons of experience in the workforce, I am a hard worker, and in the future I plan on getting my own place to live….I love my life and I love being confident in myself and that is the way I am!”

Kerry is now 26 years old and leads a very active life, working at Children’s in the University of Pittsburgh LEND program, as well as volunteering at Children’s on a weekly basis. She explores her love of theater and music by attending Friday evening musical theater productions and works with a personal trainer twice a week to insure she is pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Sheila reflects on her daughter‘s accomplishments.

“She has not only mastered a set of skills to have a job with the dignity and respect it brings, but she realizes the importance of being a good member of the community and that is very important to our family.”