For over the past 25 years, The Sammy Center founder, Maria Soter (RBT/CCW/SSW), has gone to bed and woken up with your kids on her mind.
Because the first five years of development are prime for raising well-rounded and healthy adults, our dedicated community member is on a mission:
“I really believe with all my heart that every child is amazing and should reach their fullest potential,” she exclaims.
Which is why she created The Sammy Center—to ensure your child’s developmental needs are met. She and her team teach young children (between ages two and five) how to manage their emotions, self-regulate, and harmoniously interact with others.
After the pandemic, she saw numerous kids struggle with basic social skills, and she’s determined to get them up to speed in these prime years.
“The first five years of a child's life are the most important time of their lives, when 92% of their brain is developed. And it's vital that we become educated as a society and recognize that this is a very, very important time in a child's life,” she explains.
It doesn’t matter how “different” they are, whether they have ADHD, depression, anxiety, struggle with big feelings, or are considered normal. In Maria’s experience, when a child is met in their uniqueness, their potential is limitless.
“Everybody’s different, and it’s okay. We can’t put children in a box,” she says. “Celebrate differences and then meet them where they're at.”
This is the very philosophy and practice that has brought the children and families who come through her doors such peace.
The kids may arrive kicking and screaming, but they leave engaged, interacting confidently with peers, and ready to reach for the stars.
As the proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Maria Soter and The Sammy Center are that village.
If you feel inspired to donate or want to learn more, visit thesammycenter.com.
“I believe with all my heart, every child is amazing and should reach their potential.”