St. David's Center for Child and Family Development

Every child’s path is unique—and so is the support that helps them grow. This Autism Appreciation Month, we’re honoring the diverse strengths of children with autism, as well as the evidence-based approaches that support them on their journey. At St. David’s Center, we offer Greenspan Floortime, a relationship-based model that celebrates connection, curiosity, and child-led learning. We also honor the value that ABA brings many families, and are proud to also offer families options for care. When professionals collaborate across approaches—and meet each child where they are—everyone benefits. Read our side-by-side overview of these two models on our blog: https://ow.ly/avSc50VxOko #AutismAppreciationMonth #StDavidsCenter #Floortime #ABA #Inclusion #WholeChildApproach #Neurodiversity #SupportIsNotOneSize

Stronger Together For the third year, children from our Harman Center therapeutic programs collaborated (in spirit!) with Westminster Presbyterian’s Sunday School to create a beautiful art piece—this year on the theme of Solidarity. With painted hands, the strength of wooden slices, and a whole lot of heart, the children built something beautiful: five connected panels reminding us that even in a divided world, we are stronger when we come together. One young artist put it best: “My heart feels calm and happy when I paint.” This annual project continues to grow in meaning and the joy it brings. Take a moment to experience the magic of their work as we kick off Autism Appreciation Month by checking out the backstory of this beautiful work: https://ow.ly/OMag50Vsuoj

St. David’s went to the Capitol! Yesterday, our CEO Julie Sjordal continued to build bipartisan support while testifying before the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee and shared our bonding request, necessary to expand access to care for thousands more children and families! We are grateful to the chief authors of this bill, Representative @Katie Jones and Senator Scott Dibble and to our growing list of supporters, including Representative Bernie Perryman, for standing alongside our most vulnerable neighbors, and helping build the infrastructure that will ensure every child succeeds. And we loved to hear Representative @Andrew Myers' enthusiasm for the important work that continues every day at our Minnetonka location! This investment would allow St. David’s to renovate and expand our critical Early Childhood Assessment, Intervention, and Training Center—right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis— at a time when the crisis in children’s development and mental health continues to deepen across Minnesota. As the bill moves through the legislative process, we’ll keep you, the friends of St. David’s Center, connected with this exciting process, and with ways you can help. Because expanding access to critical services takes all of us! You can replay yesterday's hearing on the MN House YouTube Channel: https://ow.ly/HyUH50VpeGJ

This morning, members of our St. David’s team joined ARRM and advocates from across Minnesota for #DACMN2025, Disability Services Day at the Capitol! Together, we amplified the voices of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones with unique needs... not to mention their families, and the dedicated professionals who support them. We showed up to champion investment in critical services, and to remind legislators that compassion deserves compensation, so that everyone can live, work, and thrive in our communities. We were proud to stand alongside so many passionate voices to share a message of hope. Check out some snapshots from the day! #ConnectingPaths #NurturingGrowth

Our Make Them Shine Gala has officially started! We're looking forward to a wonderful evening celebrating all things St. David's Center. #makethemshineSDC

February is Therapeutic Recreation Month! This month, we celebrate the power of recreation therapy in improving physical, emotional, and social well-being. Therapeutic Recreation provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enhance their quality of life through meaningful activities. Let's take a moment to recognize the incredible impact of our Therapeutic Recreation programs here at St Davids Center and the difference our coordinators and staff make in helping people reach their fullest potential! #TherapeuticRecreationMonth #RecreationTherapy #Wellness #Celebrating #TR

Sign up for our virtual silent auction here: https://lnkd.in/dkR__aQ to get access to bid on these and over 100 other fabulous prizes during our Gala on March 8. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on offer. Stay tuned, more to come next week: 1) Bid to watch the @MNTimberwolves face off against the San Antonio Spurs on March 9 from four premium lower-level seats with a front row seat to every dunk and pass. Hit up the hardwood pregame and take home a signed jersey! An unforgettable night for any Basketball Fan! 2) Host 5 of your friends at an unforgettable meal at the North Loop's premier @noloskitchen Bar! Let Chef Peter Hoff treat you to your new favorites with his irresistible refined comfort foods & love of local ingredients. 3) Treat your child and four friends to a spa day from @adorablekidsparties designed just for them! Soothing treatments, refreshing facials and a relaxing mani-pedi combo makes your little one and their friends feel like VIPs! 4) Our Seafood Paella package for 12 brings the luxury of Spain to you. Crafted by Le Cordon Bleu Chef Monica Hoflack this foodie-friendly dish makes every bite memorable for a culinary experience that’s both comforting and delicious. A big thank you to Fox and Willow for their sponsorship of our Silent Auction! #MakeThemShineSDC #MakeThemShineSilentAuction

“When kids see someone who looks like them, they connect faster. It makes a difference.” This Black History Month, we’re highlighting the essential role of Black mental health professionals in creating meaningful connections and providing culturally responsive care. Edwina Vah, MSW, LGSW, a clinician at St. David’s Center, shares how her experiences—from immigrating to the U.S. to finding mentorship from Black professors, supervisors, and clinicians—shaped her path in mental health. Her story reinforces the need for greater representation in the field, not only for the children and families we serve but for the next generation of clinicians. Learn more about Edwina's story here: https://lnkd.in/g7cYYwZj and join us in celebrating the impact of Black clinicians in shaping a more inclusive future. #BlackHistoryMonth #CulturallyResponsiveCare #MentalHealthProfessionals and join us in celebrating the impact of Black clinicians in shaping a more inclusive future. #BlackHistoryMonth #CulturallyResponsiveCare #MentalHealthProfessionals

“When kids see someone who looks like them, they connect faster. It makes a difference.” This Black History Month, we’re highlighting the essential role of Black mental health professionals in creating meaningful connections and providing culturally responsive care. Edwina Vah, MSW, LGSW, a clinician at St. David’s Center, shares how her experiences—from immigrating to the U.S. to finding mentorship from Black professors, supervisors, and clinicians—shaped her path in mental health. Her story reinforces the need for greater representation in the field, not only for the children and families we serve but for the next generation of clinicians. Learn more about Edwina's story here: https://lnkd.in/g7cYYwZj and join us in celebrating the impact of Black clinicians in shaping a more inclusive future. #BlackHistoryMonth #CulturallyResponsiveCare #MentalHealthProfessionals and join us in celebrating the impact of Black clinicians in shaping a more inclusive future. #BlackHistoryMonth #CulturallyResponsiveCare #MentalHealthProfessionals

Today, we were honored to host Representative Kelly Morrison and her team at our new Nicollet Mall location, to share all the ways we're stepping into the gap and dramatically expanding access to therapeutic services for children 0-8. Thank you, Representative Morrison, for your commitment to improving the lives of all our community's children and for so clearly seeing the value of investing during the crucial early years. And thank you to our team of rock stars who so beautifully brought our work to life! Julie Sjordal, Megan Weber, @Lulu Garcia-Arrendando and @Mel Williams.