Alice Boutz
Mental Health Specialist Alice Boutz has always had a passion for early childhood and early interventions. “I’ve had two family members that have received early childhood interventions in the Kansas City area,” she said. “After first hearing about Rainbows when I moved to Wichita in 2012, I felt like it was the place I wanted […]
Family Support Services
Before joining the Rainbows’ team, Teresa Shackelford had no previous experience working alongside children with special needs. Teresa had moved back to Wichita and was looking for a job where she felt she could make a difference rather than working sales. Her daughter worked for Rainbows and suggested she give Rainbows a try. “She said […]
A Family Legacy
Samantha Ritchie is continuing the legacy of the Ritchie family’s tradition as a friend to Rainbows. “My family has been involved with Rainbows for a long time and my older sister volunteered at Rainbows when she was in high school,” said Sammie. Her great grandfather supported Rainbows in the early years and many family members, […]
Ayah and Fritz
Kelly and Scott have two children. Both have received Rainbows’ services in their home. Kelly says she has appreciated having Rainbows’ Physical Therapist, Rhonda come to their home over the last 18 months. “Having Rhonda come to our home has been great,” said Kelly. “I find her visits so supportive as a parent learning how […]
Seth Russell
From Infant/Toddler Services to Early Care and Education to Targeted Case Management to Latchkey and Camp Woodchuck, Rainbows has been a part of Seth Russell’s life for 14 years. “Seth came to us through adoption,” said Robyn, Seth’s mom. “Seth is one of 5 kids, 4 of whom are adopted, in the Russell family.” “Seth’s […]
Christy Hutto
As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to recognize this year’s Prism Award honoree: Christy Hutto, Program Assistant for Connecting Point. “With so many long-term passionate staff members, it’s fitting to honor someone who has interacted with so many Rainbows’ families at a time when they are seeking help,” […]
Rainbows United
Rainbows’ Annual Meeting was held on Tuesday, December 10 at Textron Aviation Activity Center hosted by Board of Director’s Chair Janeen Hughes and her husband Robert. Janeen shared many milestones for the past year and set the course with goals for 2020. As part of the evening’s events Rainbows’ friend Donna Bunk was recognized for […]
Learning Activities
We’ve had such fun this holiday season with fun learning activities in our early care and education center. The amazing Kids’ Point Lead Classroom Teachers each chose an ornament for children in their classroom to create and hang on the tree in the lobby. Each Lead Teacher uses her advanced early childhood training to make […]
Written by Sara Schaller
Practicum Student with Rainbows’ Early Childhood Mental Health Team, Sara Schaller, shares her experience over the course of 6 months. When I started my second and final year of graduate school, I began to experience a whole new level of anxiety; one that far exceeded the previously experienced bouts of panic and disorientation. The reality […]
Sam Haines
Three-year-old Samuel Haines is known for his high fives, knuckle bumps and hugs. “Even when he is in the hospital, Sam will high five the doctors and nurses and steal everyone’s hearts,” said Heather, Sam’s mom. “He is happy and outgoing and spreads love wherever he goes.” Sam has Spina Bifida, Hydrocephelus, Chiari Malformation 2 […]