Entire Family Engagement

Unlike more traditional service delivery models, PACE Place provides a family with the rare opportunity for both parents to listen to the same information, at the same time.  This gives both parents the opportunity to ask questions, share their own perspectives, and filter the discussions through their understanding of their unique relationship with their child.  This is a very powerful difference between PACE Place and other services.  With traditional hourly therapy sessions, one parent usually attends therapy appointments and conferences while the other parent cares for the child or goes to work.  Thus, one parent typically carries the burden of having new information that must be disseminated to the other parent.  Conversely, one parent can often feel disconnected from the child and uncertain what his/her role can be.  PACE Place is the great equalizer, allowing each parent to contribute, learn, and develop a level of understanding based on a uniquely shared experience.  Imagine having seen the Grand Canyon for the first time.  Later, you try to describe what you saw to your spouse.  Your description can only go so far in conveying what the experience was like.  Like many things in life, “you just had to be there.”  At PACE Place, you can be there.

PACE Place can be particularly empowering for fathers. 

The field of social services tends to be well populated by female professionals.  We are fortunate to have a balanced staff of two males (Eric Hamblen and Steve Ryan) and one female (Kathi Calouri) who support families at PACE Place.  Thus, a family benefits from the teaching styles and interactions with three different professionals.  Fathers who attend PACE Place are often particularly comfortable and inspired after working with two men who demonstrate unique adult-child interactions, following male interests.  For very important reasons, Moms and Dads have different natural styles that influence how they interact with their children.  For very important reasons, any two parents can have different concerns, expectations, and accommodations for their children.  At PACE Place, parents meet three individuals, each with a common goal, but with differing perspectives and styles of engagement.  In short, both parents have three professionals from whom to learn.