Meet Leila

Leila’s Journey: How a 5-Year-Old with Rare Syndrome Inspires Growth, Kindness, and Perseverance for All of Us!

Meet Leila, a vibrant 5-year-old whose journey has inspired everyone at Discovery Learning Center. From the start, Leila faced significant developmental challenges. At just 9 months old, her parents noticed she wasn’t meeting milestones—she couldn’t roll over, sit up, or eat well. At her 12-month check-up, she was diagnosed with microcephaly, and despite interventions, she continued to struggle with eating. Her parents, concerned about her development, knew she needed extra care, which brought her to our school at 15 months.

At Discovery Learning Center, we adjusted to meet Leila’s unique needs. She was placed in a younger classroom, where dedicated teachers and a nurse provided the special care she needed, including help with feeding and medical concerns. In this nurturing environment, Leila began to thrive. She learned to crawl, pull herself up, and even take her first steps. Though she didn’t speak at the time, her joy was evident in her interactions with her friends, the music she loved, and her favorite toys.

JUST WEEKS AWAY! DON'T MISS THIS GALA!

Get Ready to Sparkle!

Join us for the

55th Annual Evening of Purpose Emerald Tie Gala

on Saturday, November 9th at the St. Petersburg Coliseum.

This year’s gala promises an unforgettable night of elegance, purpose, and celebration. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, sip on signature cocktails, and discover extraordinary auction items. Dance the night away to the infectious rhythms of Greg Billings and the Stay Up Lates band while being inspired by the heartwarming stories of the individuals we serve. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference! Partnerships and tickets are available now!

Purchase Tickets or a Partnership

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the incredible abilities and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome. It's an opportunity to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and advocate for the rights and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. Let’s join together to spread love, understanding, and support for those with Down syndrome and their families, recognizing the unique contributions they bring to our communities.

Parc Center for Disabilities is thrilled to welcome Marion White as Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Pam Peters as Assistant Vice President of Human Resources (AVP of HR).

Marion brings over 15 years of leadership experience and is known for her expertise in operational excellence and managing multi-year, multi-million-dollar projects. She previously served as Vice President of Operations at Maverick Sales and Marketing, where she collaborated with retail giants such as Lowe's and Home Depot, managed capital planning in excess of $1 million, and spearheaded successful eCommerce initiatives. In her three years at Parc, Marion has led various capital projects, secured million-dollar grants, and directed several of Parc's prestigious Black-Tie fundraising galas.

Pam Peters, with 25 years of leadership experience and a deep dedication to servant leadership, joins Parc to focus on talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Both Marion and Pam are excited to bring their expertise and passion to further Parc’s mission of serving individuals with disabilities and their families.

Last month from September 8th-14th, we joined the nationwide celebration of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the heart and soul of our organization.

Every day, our Direct Support Professionals demonstrate unwavering commitment, compassion, and care, making Parc a place Where Capabilities Shine. Their support helps make a difference in the lives of those we serve, and we couldn’t be more grateful for all that they do!

Click Here to Help Support Parc

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (1-800-435-7352) OR ONLINE AT WWW.FDACS.GOV. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NUMBER CH309.