Abilis Offers Free Parent Workshop on Supporting Young Children’s Development

Abilis, the nonprofit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Fairfield County, is offering a very special program for parents entitled, “Supporting Your Young Child’s Development: A Parent Workshop,” to be held on Sunday, January 25, rom 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center in Stamford, Connecticut. This workshop offers parents and caregivers practical guidance and trusted information as they navigate developmental concerns, new diagnoses and key transitions for young children with developmental disabilities. The workshop is free and open to the public with advance registration; on-site babysitting is provided for $25. Those interested can register at abilis.us/workshop.

Designed for families of young children who may have developmental questions, are receiving a new diagnosis, or are preparing for important transitions, the workshop will cover what to expect from early concerns through evaluation, diagnosis and supports. Families will learn about the role of developmental pediatricians, when additional testing may be recommended, and how to access resources and services.

The Workshop will also explore the importance of secure relationships and social connections, as well as providing guidance on transitioning from Birth to Three services to preschool and school-based supports. Presenters will share practical strategies for potty training and managing challenging behaviors as well.

The program will be led by Abilis staff experts from across the organization’s leadership and therapeutic teams, including Abilis CEO and president Amy Montimurro, Jennifer Miklautsch, MEd, director of Abilis Therapeutic Services, Sharon Hoffner, PT, DPT, an Abilis pediatric physical therapist, and Chelsea Soares, BCBA, LBA, a board-certified behavior analysis with her master’s degree in analysis and autism. The speakers will also include Dr. Jacqueline Steele, a primary care pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center.

Dr. Jacqueline Steele is a Greenwich native. She earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and completed her pediatrics residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, with a focus on helping families transition from early intervention to school-based services. Amy Montimurro, president and CEO of Abilis, has spent her entire career providing comprehensive lifespan services and supports for individuals with disabilities and their families. A nonprofit leader for more than three decades, she holds a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University and is recognized for advancing Abilis’ mission and community impact. Jennifer “Jennie” Miklautsch, MEd, runs the Therapy Center at Abilis located in Stamford, and is director of therapeutic services, overseeing the Abilis Early Learners Birth to Three program. With Abilis since 1999, she holds a master’s degree in early childhood special education, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a postgraduate certificate in assistive technology from New York Medical College. Sharon Hoffner, PT, DPT, is assistant director of the Therapy Center at Abilis and a pediatric physical therapist with more than 29 years of clinical experience and more than 40 years working with children of all abilities. She holds a master’s degree from Duquesne University and a doctorate in physical therapy from Arcadia University, and earned APTA credentialing as a board-certified health care executive in 2025. Chelsea Soares, BCBA, LBA, is a board-certified and licensed behavior analyst with a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and autism and more than 12 years of experience in the field. She has worked with Abilis for the past 11 years where she specializes in evidence-based strategies to assess and reduce challenging behaviors and support meaningful, lasting behavior change.