March 2026 Newsletter
ED-itorial Notes ðŸ’
Spring has a gentle way of inviting us back to one another. As the days grow longer and the light lingers into the evening, many families find themselves stepping outside a little more, lingering a little longer at the dinner table, or simply noticing the world waking up again. And yet this season is arriving at a time when many families are carrying a lot, quietly holding questions about what the future may bring. In moments like these, the simple act of being together can become something steady and grounding.
In our work alongside families, we often see that the simplest routines become the places where connection grows. An evening walk while the sky is still bright. Music playing while dinner is made together. A regular moment to sit on the floor and build, draw, or read side by side. Predictable rhythms help everyone settle. In these small, shared moments, children and caregivers begin to regulate together, and both can find space to breathe.
These shared moments do more than pass the time. They strengthen relationships, and it is within those relationships that children find the safety and support they need to grow. When adults slow down, bring curiosity, and offer a calm presence, children often begin to settle too. Joy does not have to be big or perfectly planned. It might look like laughter over a silly game, planting something in a pot by the window, or spreading a blanket in the grass after dinner just to watch the sky change colors.
Even when the world feels uncertain, the relationships we build with one another can become steady ground. In families, in classrooms, and across our community, we keep showing up for one another. And in those small, everyday moments of connection, children begin to feel something essential: that they are safe, valued, and that they belong.
PAC Learning Series: Upcoming March and April Sessions
PCDA’s PAC Learning Series offers free, virtual workshops for families and professionals focused on supporting children’s development. This month’s session on Thursday, March 26 will explore ways to foster socio-emotional skills in neurodivergent youth.
Each clinician led PAC session is designed to provide actionable strategies, guided by evidence-based practices and PCDA’s strengths-based, relationship-driven approach. Participants will gain insights, ask questions, and connect with other families and caregivers who share similar experiences.
Upcoming sessions:
March 26 @ 12pm - Building Resilience with Neurodivergent Youth from a Regulation Perspective - Led by Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook, Clinical Psychologist
📅 Zoom link
April 23 @ 12pm - Executive Functioning in Children and Teens - Led by Anna Hasbun, Educational Therapist and Owner/Director of Stepping Stones to Learning
📅 Zoom link
Meet Our New Developmental Interventionists!
Our Developmental Interventionists are the heartbeat of the PCDA team, helping bring connection, creativity, and confidence to our peer group programs. We are excited to welcome Kayson Capati, Callie Dochterman, and Audrey Weaver as the newest members of our team! Working alongside our clinicians, they help facilitate engaging group sessions that encourage self-expression, social-emotional growth, and authentic peer relationships. We are thrilled to have them join PCDA and look forward to the energy, care, and creativity they will bring to the young people and families we serve.
Zoë Jones has joined PCDA as our new Development Assistant! A graduate of UCSB with a degree in Communications and Professional Writing, Zoë brings fund development experience from organizations including Pasadena Symphony & POPS and JFLA. She is passionate about uplifting her community through her work in the arts and nonprofit sector.
Zoë looks forward to connecting with our donors and getting to know the dedicated individuals who help PCDA thrive. Get in touch at zoe@pcdateam.org.
PCDA’s mission comes to life through the experiences of our community. For The Heart of PCDA campaign, we invite families to share reflections on their journey with our programs. We would love for you to tell us about a meaningful breakthrough in therapy, a special family tradition supported by PCDA, or the ways your child has grown in confidence, independence, or communication.
Each story encourages other families, educators, and supporters while illustrating the meaningful impact of our work and the strong network of care that surrounds our children. Sharing is simple, and every submission allows us to celebrate the moments of progress, connection, and joy that make this work so meaningful.
To learn more, please contact our Development Team at development@pcdateam.org.
Last month, PCDA supporters gathered at the home of Board member Catherine Dávila for a warm and welcoming evening of connection and purpose at A Taste of PCDA. Our guests enjoyed light bites, a lively silent auction, and opportunities to engage more deeply with our programs.
From interactive food demonstrations to hands-on group activities, each experience reflected the personalized, relationship-based approach we bring to supporting our families every day. Events like A Taste of PCDA play an essential role in sustaining the care that empowers young people with Autism and developmental disabilities to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Strong, dependable funding allows PCDA’s programs to thrive year-round. That’s why we created the Circle of Care, our monthly giving program that provides the steady foundation children and families rely on every day. Recurring gifts of any amount create stability, ensuring children continue to receive individualized services without disruption, families have access to coaching and resources when challenges arise, and our programs can evolve to meet emerging needs.
By becoming a Circle of Care supporter, you join a dedicated network of donors who make it possible for our clinicians and staff to focus on each child’s unique strengths and walk alongside families at every stage of their journey. Your ongoing generosity helps PCDA plan ahead, strengthen existing services, and expand access to care for the families who need it most.
To learn more, please contact Development Manager Kristine Seranio at development@pcdateam.org.
Support PCDA: Join Our Village
Your support helps ensure that children and families at PCDA can continue accessing the services, expertise, and personalized care that help them grow and succeed. Ongoing generosity strengthens our programs, expands resources for families, and increases the reach of our services throughout the broader community.
Each contribution, whether a one-time gift, a monthly commitment, or a donation from our Wish List, creates a meaningful and lasting impact for the families we serve.
We are truly grateful for your generosity!