Cindie Silmon is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist with previous experience working for Communities In Schools and DCCCA Family Preservation before joining the Rainbows’ team. She earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University and came to Rainbows United as a Mental Health Specialist in 2014. Rainbows’mental health professionals help smooth rough edges and mend torn bonds by enhancing the social, emotional, and behavioral development of young children to create happy homes and child care classrooms. Cindie has been placed at TOP South Learning Center for a year and a half. Her typical work day includes classroom and child observations, interventions, coordination with staff and other agencies to ensure children’s needs are met, and making referrals as necessary. “Because I really enjoy what I do, it motivates me to learn more and more each day so that I can have a positive impact,” Cindie says.
She enjoys working with at-risk children and families because she believes that early intervention can provide the tools needed for children to have more success as they grow. “I love the innocence and possibilities of children and believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to have the best start in life possible,” she says. Cindie finds fulfillment in successfully providing understanding of a child’s behaviors to the adults they interact with. “My biggest accomplishment is when I can help a teacher realize the function of a child’s negative behavior which allows them to empathize, and motivates them to change their responses to meet the child’s social emotional need,” says Cindie.
She thoroughly enjoys being a member of Rainbows’ Mental Health team, and it’s safe to say the feeling is mutual. Audra Kenneson, Cindie’s direct supervisor, could not be more complimentary of her efforts. “Cindie is a valuable member of our Mental Health team. She is an ambassador for Rainbows as she supports the children and teachers at TOP South,” says Audra. “She consistently treats others with dignity, respect and compassion.”
In her spare time, Cindie enjoys traveling and stays busy with her four sons, spending time with them and keeping up with all the sports they participate in.
