Skip to content
Refer a ChildDonateContact
Partners in Child Development Early Intervention Services
  • Services
  • Get Started
  • Common Concerns
    • Common Developmental Concerns
    • Sleep
    • Communication
    • Feeding
    • Motor Skills
    • Behavioral
    • Sensory
  • Impact Stories
  • About Us
  • Toddler Playgroups
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Blog
Graham’s Story: Navigating Down Syndrome with the Support of EI

Graham’s Story: Navigating Down Syndrome with the Support of EI

by rmplaskon | Mar 27, 2026

Impact Stories Graham’s Story: Navigating Down Syndrome with the Support of EI Background Christine and Mike were expecting their third child and at ten weeks in utero received the results of genetic testing that their baby would be born with Down syndrome. After...

Recent Posts

    Recent Comments

    No comments to show.
    Partners in Child Development Early Intervention Services

    Contact

    439 S. Union Street
    Bldg. 1, Suite 101
    Lawrence, MA 01843
    978-688-5070

    7 Technology Drive
    Suite 201
    Chelmsford, MA 01863
    978-710-9992

    earlyintervention@mypcd.org

    Quick Links

    • Home
    • Services
    • Get Started
    • Common Concerns
    • Impact Stories
    • About Us
    • Toddler Playgroups
    • Partners in Child Development
    • Careers
    • Contact

    Resources

    • Toddler Playgroup Calendar – English
    • Toddler Playground Calendar – Spanish
    • Blog
    • Resources
    • Privacy Policy

    Follow Us

    • Follow
    • Follow
    • Follow
    • Follow
    Donate
    Copyright © 2026 Partners in Child Development, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, EIN: 04-2800853. | All rights reserved. | Photos: Neil Ungerleider
    Website by For Marketing Matters

    Karen Purtschert, MSPT

    Program Director Greater Lawrence

    Karen Purtschert, MSPT
    Hello, and thank you for your interest in the Greater Lawrence Area Early Intervention Program!

    Partners in Child Development has been part of my life since 1999, when I moved to the area and began working as a physical therapist in the Early Intervention Program. Partners has undergone many changes and has grown tremendously since I started my career here, but one thing has never changed and that is our commitment to the children and families we serve. I have loved being a part of Partners in Child Development’s journey, and I feel fortunate that both of my children had the opportunity to attend playgroups through Early Intervention Services.

    As a physical therapist, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the most amazing children and their families. I have served as an assistant team leader and a team leader, and I was thrilled to be promoted to program director in September 2025. I am so proud of the important work that we, at Early Intervention Services, do and am grateful to be part of such an amazing team.

    Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

    Thank you,
    Karen

    Leslie Siciliano, MS, CEIS

    Program Director Greater Lowell

    Leslie Siciliano
    Welcome to Partners in Child Development’s Early Intervention Services!

    Research has shown that a child’s brain is 90% developed by the age of 5 which is why we believe it is so important to evaluate every child at risk for developmental delays as early as possible. Our skilled and nurturing staff partner with parents and caregivers to determine each child’s strengths and areas of need. If they are determined eligible for services, we develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), targeting specific outcomes developed with the family. Visits occur in the child’s natural environments to provide familiarity and stability and reflect the child’s and family’s priorities, culture and learning style.

    We strive to be flexible, creative, and innovative in our education and therapies to make sure each child reaches their full potential. If your child needs early intervention services, we will be honored to work with them alongside your family and caregivers for the best possible outcomes.

    Please reach out if you have any questions on how Early Intervention could partner with you to support your child and family.

    Thank you,
    Cheryl

    Cheryl Bruk, MS, CCC-SLP, CEIS

    Division Director

    Cheryl Bruk
    Hello and welcome to Early Intervention Services at Partners in Child Development.

    Research has shown that a child’s brain is 90% developed by the age of 5 which is why early intervention can be instrumental in attaining positive outcomes for a child and their family.

    Our skilled and nurturing staff partner with parents and caregivers to determine each child’s strengths and areas of need. If they are determined to be eligible for services, we develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), targeting specific outcomes developed with the family.

    Our therapeutic services occur in a child’s natural environments to provide familiarity and stability and reflect the child’s and family’s priorities, culture, and learning style.

    We strive to be flexible, creative, and innovative in our education and therapies to effect positive outcomes for each child and their family.

    If your child could benefit from our Early Intervention Services, we would be honored to work with them along with your family and caregivers.

    Please contact us if you have any questions on how we could partner with you to support your child and family.

    Thank you,
    Cheryl

    Brian Saad

    Program Director

    Brian Saad
    Brian started his teaching career in 2008, as a case manager and teacher at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in Southborough, Massachusetts. NECC is a residential school for students who have autism spectrum disorders. Brian then spent 11 years working as a Special Education Teacher and Transition Specialist in the Andover Public School System. Over those 11 years, Brian created and developed the Transition Opportunities Program which grew to 30+ students, three teachers, and 12 support staff. While performing out of district observations as part of his administration work, Brian had the great pleasure of observing at Anderson School and fell in love with the school’s culture. When the Program Director position became available, Brian could not pass up the opportunity to join Anderson School.

    Brian lives on the North Shore with his wife, Ashley, and two dogs, Luna and Rocky. He enjoys spending time on the beach, walking with their dogs, and cooking. Brian and his wife are huge Celtics fans and enjoy going to the TD Garden to cheer the team on. Brian is also the throwing coach at Andover High School for the track and field team.

    Classroom

    School wide support

    Education

    M.S. in Special Education from Simmons College
    B.A. in Psychology with a minor in sociology from Colby-Sawyer College
    Teacher Leadership Certification from Salem State University
    Transition Specialist Certification from University of Massachusetts Boston

    Professional Designations/Certifications

    Massachusetts Special Education Administrator, All Levels, Initial
    Massachusetts Severe Disabilities, All Levels, Professional
    Massachusetts Transition Specialist Endorsement
    Massachusetts Autism Endorsement
    WIDA Certificate of Completion Online ACCESS for ELLs: Administration
    First Aid and CPR

    I am honored to be the Director of Anderson School. I am a licensed Special Education Administrator, Transition Specialist, and Severe Special Education Teacher. I started my teaching career in 2008 as a case manager and teacher at the New England Center for Children in Southborough. NECC is a residential school for students who have Autism Spectrum disorders. For 11 years, I worked for Andover Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher and Transition Specialist. During that time, I created and developed the Transition Opportunities Program (TOP) which has since grown to 30+ students, three teachers, and 12 support staff. While performing out of district observations as part of my administration work, I had the great pleasure of observing the Anderson School. I enjoyed the observation and fell in love with the school and its culture. When the Program Director position became available, I could not pass up the opportunity of joining the Anderson School.

    When I am not teaching, I live in the North Shore with my wife, Ashley, and my two dogs, Colby and Luna. I enjoy spending time on the beach, taking walks with our dogs, and cooking. My wife and I are huge Celtics fans and enjoy going to the TD Garden to cheer on the C’s. I also coach Track and Field at Andover High School as the throwing coach. I look forward to the opportunity to introduce you to Anderson School and all it has to offer.