October: What's New

 

Encompass It All: Pediatric Therapy Services

“To be able to communicate with Fox ... before, I was always worried. ‘What is he thinking? What does he need?’ And now that he’s a better communicator through all the tools he’s received here at Encompass – it’s a game-changer for our family.”

                                                                                    -Briaan Wilson, Encompass Parent

 

Our latest Encompass It All episode places the focus on our comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services program.


Working with children and families from birth through elementary school, our services are designed to support happy, healthy, thriving children.


We offer occupational, mental health, physical, speech and language, and relational skills therapies, providing over 2000 visits each month in homes, our clinic, our classrooms, our mobile therapy unit, and across Snoqualmie Valley preschools and childcare centers. Our therapies are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child to help them reach their developmental milestones in a supportive environment. 

Parent Talks Podcast: Encompass Pediatric Therapy

Continuing the focus on Encompass Pediatric Therapy Services, in our latest episode of our Parent Talks podcast, we take a deeper dive with members of our Pediatric Therapy team: Occupational Therapy Supervisor Lisa Krejci, Speech-Language Supervisor Jim Engracia, and Child and Family Therapist Amber Eckert. Together, they give insight into the challenges kids might be facing when they seek services, what therapy sessions look like, the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration, the importance of family partnership, and more.


Telehealth: Helping Your Child Thrive - From Home!

Bad weather? Is someone in the family sick? Are schedules too tight to make it to the clinic?


We get it. Life happens. But here’s the great news. With Encompass, therapy can still happen. Telehealth gives you options so your child can keep making progress—even when leaving the house isn’t possible.


In our latest blog, our Pediatric Therapy team provides insight on telehealth services at Encompass – offering tips for smooth sessions, sharing what they might look like, and why your child might even make greater gains at home!

Honoring Senator Bill Ramos

Encompass recently planted a tree in the protected wetland area of our Child Development Center in memory of Senator Bill Ramos. We were honored to share the tree and commemorative plaque with his wife, King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, during her recent visit.


Bill was a warm, giving, and dedicated member of the community and lived a life of service. He was a longtime friend and supporter of Encompass and served on the Encompass Board of Directors in the late 90s.


He believed in building strong foundations—through education, through support, and through love and engagement with his community. He taught us that leadership is not about power—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up, listening deeply, and acting with integrity. And above all, it’s about love. 


Bill’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the policies he shaped, and the community he helped build. 

Secure Your Encompass Gala Tickets by October 24

Ticket sales for our Superhero Soiree close on Friday, October 24!


We hope you will join us for an evening of elegance, shared passion, and generosity in support of Encompass programs and services.


Our largest fundraiser of the year, the Annual Gala features a champagne reception, silent auction, wine pull, multi-course dinner, family speaker, fund-a-dream, live auction, and after-party. We bring together more than 400 of our community’s strongest advocates who share our vision of a community where ALL children thrive.



Make It a Weekend Getaway. Encompass Gala guests receive a special room rate of $195 (plus tax) for the night of our event. Click here to reserve your room.

 

For questions about being a table captain or for more information about sponsorship

levels and benefits, contact kim.horn@encompassnw.org. 


There are only nine days left to purchase your tickets! Learn more or register using the link below.

ParentChild+ Celebrates Another Graduate!

"My favorite thing about the ParentChild+ program has been the measurable successes and milestones I've seen my daughter achieve and the relationship we've developed with (Early Literacy Specialist) Erin."

- Sara, Parent


"My favorite thing about Erin coming over is all our new toys." - Chloe, program participant


Participants in our 2-year ParentChild+ program receive 92 visits from their Early Learning Specialist, along with 24 books and 22 toys, as well as craft and learning extension activities. Through parent coaching, caregivers learn to use these tools in ways that help prepare children for school. By engaging in activities that foster vocabulary, pre-literacy skills, and social-emotional development, ParentChild+ graduates are 50 percent more likely to be prepared for kindergarten than their socio-economic peers, and have a 30 percent higher graduation rate.

 

Now Enrolling!

 

Every time a student graduates from our program, a space opens up for a new lucky student! The Encompass ParentChild+ program serves families living within the boundaries of the Snoqualmie Valley, Riverview, and Issaquah School Districts. Children must be between 16 months and 30 months old at the time of enrollment. The program is offered in both English and Spanish, and eligibility is determined by income, age, and other factors.

Encompass All-Staff Meeting

Last month, we had the opportunity to gather the Encompass team for our Fall All-Staff meeting. This special time of connection, learning, and collaboration provides so much fuel for our work with children and families. Grateful!


Special thanks to Jerry Blackburn, M.Ed., SUDP, for leading our time together and to the Riverview School District for hosting us!

Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition

Following the response to our popular Back-to-School Confidence Camp, Encompass is pleased to offer a fun Halloween edition!



Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition

Thursday, October 30, 4:15-5:15 pm 𝐎𝐑

Friday, October 31, 2:00-3:00 pm

Choose one date

Encompass Child Development Center


We invite elementary-aged kids to a fun, light-hearted one-hour therapeutic group designed to help build confidence for Halloween.


Children will practice:

1. Trick-or-treating skills (verbal, AAC, and sign communication)

2. Reaching into the candy bowl and choosing one treat (fine motor and sensory play)

3. Coping with spooky decorations in a safe and supportive environment

4. Checking in with a safe adult and setting boundaries



Facilitated by Encompass therapists in Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy.


Learn more or register at the link below.


To learn more about what took place at the Back-to-School edition of Confidence Camp, we invite you to check out our blog post for highlights.

Nela Cumming Joins Snoqualmie Valley Rotary

Encompass is pleased to announce that Executive Director Nela Cumming recently joined the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley.


The Rotary Club brings together local business owners, professionals, and change-makers who work together toward a common purpose – making a positive, sustainable impact on Snoqualmie Valley, on the region, and on the world.


Nela was admitted along with Christy Lake, Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Museum, and Mary Miller, Mayor of North Bend. Also pictured is Rotary Club President Leesa McKean.


Congratulations, Nela!

Get Involved

Workshops and Groups

For Kids


Flourish Fridays: Fridays, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Encompass Early Learning Center.


Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition, Thursday, October 30, or Friday, October 31, Encompass Child Development Center.


Story Group: Thursdays, October 9 - November 20, 5:00-6:00 pm, Encompass Child Development Center


Shine on Stage: Express, Reflect, and Grow: Wednesdays, September 17 -

November 12, 4:30-5:30 pm, Encompass Child Development Center


For Kids and Caregivers


Play and Learn Playgroups: Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00 am at the Encompass Early Learning Center, North Bend; Fridays, 9:00-10:30 am at Tolt Congregational Church, Carnation.


Infant Feeding Group: Wednesdays, October 29 - November 19, 2:45-3:45 pm at The Village Project North Bend.


Virtual Infant Massage: Wednesdays, November 5 - November 19, 3:00-3:45 pm on Zoom.


Lactation Support Circle: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, October 8 - December 10,

11:00 am-12:30 pm, Maple Valley Community Center.


For Parents and Caregivers


Brave and Balanced: Brain-Based Parenting for Big Feelings: Wednesdays, October 29 - November 19, 5:30-6:30 pm on Zoom.


Monthly Workshops and Groups


Kinship Support Groups: Monthly meetings in Carnation, Snoqualmie, and North Bend. Weekly meetings on Zoom. See the link for details.


Neurodiversity-Affirming Support Group for Parents and Caregivers: A virtual gathering on the first Monday of each month, 12:00 pm.

 

American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Class for Childcare Providers: First Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm. Email cchc@encompassnw.org for more information or to register. Please note: This class is for childcare providers, preschool teachers, and non-parent caregivers working in the Snoqualmie Valley.


Reflective Consultation Meeting for Early Learning Professionals: A virtual professional development opportunity on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 1:00 pm.

Make an Impact

Make a Lasting Impact with Recurring Giving

At Encompass, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive. Families in our community turn to us for critical services: developmental screening and support for infants and toddlers; pediatric therapy for children struggling with speech or motor skills; mental health support for a foster child; or access to quality early learning.  

 

The need is growing. Sustained financial support ensures we can be there for every child who needs us. A recurring gift—whether it’s $25 a month or $250 a quarter—helps Encompass provide life-changing programs and resources all year long. 


Why give on a recurring basis?


Ensures funding stability. Consistent support creates a strong foundation for success.

Expands impact. Smaller, regular contributions add up to drive lasting change.

Makes giving simple. Easy to set up, with a meaningful effect over time.

Maximizes generosity. Many employers offer recurring giving options—and matching donations double the impact.

 

Join us in building a stronger future by setting up your recurring gift today! 

Volunteer Corner

2025 Gala Volunteer 

Saturday, November 1, 2025 

3:30 - 11:30 pm (shifts available) 

Hyatt Regency Bellevue    

 

Calling all heroes! Help make our 2025 Annual Gala a night to remember! We’re looking for volunteers of all powers and abilities to join our team, helping us raise vital funds to support kids and families in our community. From greeting guests with your charisma, speeding around the live auction, and swooping in at the after-party, we’ll need your help to make the night unforgettable.

 

No cape needed–just your enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to help.  


Snack & Meal Prep Volunteer  

Monday - Thursdays from 9:00 – 11:00 am  

Carnation Preschool  

 

Help fuel learning, growth, and play! Support our preschool classrooms by helping prepare healthy, nutritious meals and snacks for our young students. Thanks to our amazing volunteers, we have had great success with this role and are excited to open more volunteer opportunities to help ensure children are getting plenty of whole fruit and veggies.  Volunteers should be able to commit to at least one shift a week.


To sign up or for more information about these and other volunteer opportunities, drop an email to volunteer@encompassnw.org.

Acknowledgements

Seattle Foundation Funds Essential Therapy Tools and Equipment

Encompass recently received a grant from the Seattle Foundation Medical Funds to support the purchase of therapy tools and equipment for use in our pediatric therapy and mental health services. We appreciate this much-needed funding. Therapy tools and equipment are essential resources for our work with children and families. We are grateful to the Seattle Foundation for its ongoing support.  

Jobs At at Encompass

 
 

Encompass is looking for passionate people to join our dynamic team! We are currently hiring for the following positions:



Work where you live and make a difference in your community!


Click on the link below to view the job postings and learn more about how to apply.

 
Community Corner

In addition to Encompass events, check out these other great opportunities happening in our community!

Pumpkin Patch Guide

October

Around the Snoqualmie Valley

October is pumpkin patch season, and Macaroni Kid has you covered with a complete guide to the best patches and U-pick farms in the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond.

Learn More


Little Artists: Friday Art Studio

Friday, October 24, 11:00 am-12:30 pm

Issaquah Library

The Issaquah Library hosts monthly hands-on craft activities for kids aged 3-8 years.

October 24: Halloween Fun

November 14: Artsy Autumn

December 19: Winter Wonderland

Learn More


Paddington! Movie

Sunday, November 9, 12:00 pm

North Bend Theatre

In celebration of Kindness Month, our friends at Empower Youth Network are hosting a free matinee showing of Paddington! With the motto, "Please look after this bear," viewers will recognize messages of compassion and empathy. The movie is free and open to all families, but please register at the link below.

Learn More

Share With Others!

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