STATE COLLEGE — Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania will host the sixth annual Walk with Me Centre County event on Saturday, June 27 at Penn’s Prairie Park, 2400 Upper Brush Valley Road, Centre Hall. The community can join in and walk, stroll, or wheel one mile to support individuals living with disabilities. All funds raised will help the organization continue to provide vital services, including supporting the children enrolled at the Easterseals Child Development Center in State College.
Easterseals Child Development Center, located at 383 Rolling Ridge Drive, provides inclusive childcare and preschool services for children of all abilities. This year’s walk ambassadors highlight Easterseals Child Development Center staff, Willow Bierly, a 19-year-old classroom assistant and former student, and Brandy Prebble, a teacher, who has spent several years helping children of all abilities reach their full potential.
Bierly and Prebble currently work together at Easterseals Child Development Center, but their paths to get there have been very different. They first met when Bierly was just 4-years-old as a student in Prebble’s classroom. Diagnosed with autism at age 3, Bierly became an Easterseals student, receiving speech and occupational therapy, as well as classroom instruction. Once Easterseals Child Development Center became part of her daily routine, she truly flourished.
“We will never forget how those early years shaped her life. Without the services Easterseals provided, I’m not sure Willow would be who she is today,” said Courtney Bierly, Willow’s mother.
“It’s thanks to teachers like Brandy who provided a foundation for her to grow, thrive, and learn.”
In addition to Easterseals helping to build the foundation for Willow’s success in school, it’s now helping lay the foundation for her career. “It’s truly amazing that she’s been able to return to where it all started for her and support children who are experiencing some of the same challenges she once did. It’s a full circle moment and such a great story,” said Courtney. Willow Bierly added, “I love my job. It’s a lot of fun interacting with the kids. I’m happy to go to work every day and see the kids’ smiles when I walk in the door.”
Prebble’s journey with the Easterseals Child Development Center began 20 years ago, when her son, Gareth, enrolled in the program. Gareth, who had cerebral palsy and significant medical needs, thrived in Easterseals’ supportive and inclusive preschool environment. Her son Collin, who is typically developing, also benefited from the program’s strong social and academic foundation. Following Gareth’s loss, Prebble’s connection to Easterseals became deeply
personal. “Giving back to the community that once supported my family brings me immense joy,” Prebble said.
To register or donate to the Walk with Me Centre County event, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/6awwmcc/ or reach out to Colleen at 412-281-7244 Ext. 1263. For more information about Easterseals Child Development Center, contact the director, Carrie Johnson, at 814-238-4434.
