Loving Hands has now expanded to provide services to individuals with special needs. Once your child matures beyond the assistance that a Doula offers, we have qualified and trained professionals who can continue to provide support not only for the child, but for the entire family. We provide an array of services from respite type care to behavior support. The Loving Hands consultants have experience with a wide range of disabilities including Autism, Mental Retardation, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and rare disorders such as Landau-Kleffner Syndrome.

Loving Hands consultants embrace differences, as well as encourage and guide participants towards reaching their individual potentials. Our consultants have experience working with individuals with disabilities varying from ages 5 to 50. We pride ourselves in our creativity and ability to foster a safe and supporting environment for our clients.

Our Special Needs Services:

• Respite Care
  
• Family Support
  
• Positive Behavior Support
  
• Community Based Instruction
• Recreational Therapy Services targeting fine and gross motor skills enhancement

Alyssa Weiss

Alyssa Weiss has been caring for individuals with disabilities for over 8 years. She hails from North Carolina. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University in 2006 with a BS in Recreational Therapy. She has experience working with an array of special needs including developmental disabilities and physical impairments. In North Carolina, she was employed with the Autism Society, provided private care to families around the community, and completed a 480 hour internship at the Autism Center for Life Enrichment. During this comprehensive internship, she conducted daily individualized Recreational Therapy sessions at a habilitative Day Program for adults with Autism.

She has experience in such interventions as: Functional Fitness Activities, Sensory Integration, Positive Behavior Support, Social Skills development, Relaxation techniques, and cognitive and physical habilitation. Since living in San Diego, Alyssa has been employed with Stein Education Center starting as a classroom aide and advancing to a Recreation Supervisor, In Home Supportive Services, and San Diego Unified School District as a Behavior Support Assistant.

Certifications:

• CPR Certified-Adults and Infants
  
• First Aid Certified
  
• STOPP Certified
  
• Pro-ACT Certified
  
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Credential Pending
  
• BS Recreational Therapy