June 2024 Parent Connections

Information for parents and caregivers to help children thrive!

WORKING TO IMPROVE CARE AND SERVICES

At DFX, we work continually to build our capacity to serve your family more effectively and efficiently. Here are some examples:

  • We are developing a new website that will enable you to access the information you need more easily. Watch for our new site to go live this summer!
  • Hannah Wallace has joined our team as Client Coordinator and is currently learning the ropes from Maya Stackhouse, who will begin studying for a master's in social work later this summer. Maya will remain on the team as our financial assistant.
  • The clinical team engages in on-going professional development and reflective supervision. Below we describe our current training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.

Increasing the capacity of DFX's clinical team to support mental health

Photo of a woman sitting on blue mats with a video screen behind her, she is smiling and has brown hair pulled back in a pony tail. She is wearing a black and white patterned shirt and a beige sweater

Starting in December 2023, the DFX clinical team had an amazing opportunity to dive into Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) training with the fantastic Dafna Lender, thanks to a generous grant from Caring for Denver. Since then, we've been meeting with Dafna every month to keep honing our skills and deepening our understanding of this incredible therapy model.

DDP is all about supporting the mental health of children and families. As we put our new knowledge into practice, you might notice your therapist focusing on some key DDP principles, such as:

  • Building Strong Relationships: We emphasize strengthening the bond between you and your child to help you achieve your goals together.
  • Understanding Attachment and Trauma: We acknowledge how these factors affect the therapy process, allowing us to better attune to the needs of your child and family.

We’re thrilled about this opportunity from Caring for Denver to work closely with Dafna and integrate DDP into our “Therapy that fits” approach. We look forward to continuing to support your family on a deeper level!

White man with brown hair wearing a white sweater, sitting on a couch with young white girl who has her arms crossed and looks grumpy

The PACE Attitude: A Guide for Parents

In this article by Dafna Lender, she offers suggestions for how to employ playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy (PACE) when navigating a challenging discussion with your child


Click here to read the article

Welcome Hannah Wallace, Client Coordinator!

Photo of a young person wearing a black and white shirt and black shorts with their arms up in the air, standing in front of a black and white background

Hannah (she/they) grew up in southeastern Michigan before heading out to Colorado. They received a BA in Physiology and Health Science and Spanish Language from Alma College. She has significant professional experience in social service roles by means of connecting folks to resources, including experience with AmeriCorps service work with the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County and case management at The Gathering Place.

Dark green rectangle with lighter green text box and text detailing the benefits of outdoor play for children

Welcome Summertime! Here's our annual PSA about the importance of taking your children outside to play. Outdoor play promotes exploration & creativity; executive functioning skills; sensory integration; motor skills; relaxation & emotional regulation; healthy risk-taking; socialization; and an appreciation of nature. DFX has created an Outdoor Parks & Play Guide and Guide to 8 Denver Parks that include nature bingo cards and lots of ideas for ways to enjoy the outdoors.

SUMMER RESOURCES

DFX has created these Guides to help you navigate travel and outdoor play time this summer. Click on the images or links below to view the Guides.

Photo of Denver International Airport - cover of DFX DEN Guide for Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities

The DFX DEN Guide offers families tips for reducing the stress of travel, links to resources, visual schedules, and much, much more.

Outdoor Play: A Denver Parks and Play Guide offers fun ideas for outdoor activities that can help children practice important developmental skills.

Cover of DFX Annual Report, titled "Stories to Carry with You" including colorful photos and purple, green, and black rectangles. Also has DFX mission statement and contact information.

Have you read DFX's Annual Report yet? We are excited to share stories from two DFX families and one school partner as well as information on our financials, research collaborations, and the populations we reach. Click on the QR code or this link to read the full report

QR code
Light purple background with swirly gold and brown motif at the bottom, text advertising DFX's September Soiree, Sept 26 at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Click here for information on Sponsorships and Tickets

Save the Date: September 26



DFX's second annual September Soiree will be on Thursday, Sept 26 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Our theme this year is "Innovating to Build Engaged Belonging" and we've got a fun evening planned. We hope you will join us to enjoy delicious food and drinks, and opportunities to learn more about our work and support us through a silent auction and a paddle raiser.

Sponsorship Opportunities!


Thank you to Denver International Airport (DEN) for supporting DFX as an event sponsor! We'd love to have your business as a sponsor. For information, email Susan Kramer at susan@developmentalfx.org or Click here for sponsorship benefits and levels.

Logo for Denver International Airport - violet background with letters "DEN" and graphic of the tented white tops of the main terminal
X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email

Connect with DFX

DFX is working to create systemic change by establishing a culture of engaged belonging in which children of all abilities and backgrounds will thrive.


Click on the links on the right to access our website, email us, or make a contribution; you can also use the QR code to make a donation.


Please consider sharing your story with us - let us know how working with DFX has impacted your family and how else we can help you.

Visit Our Website

Email DFX

Donate to DFX

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn