Our Story
Simmons Early Intervention Therapy (SEIT) was founded in 2006,
by owner Mrs. Simmons. SEIT began as a small agency providing therapy to children in one small county. During this time,
Mrs. Simmons was the only therapist providing services for the agency and she often struggled to fit all of the clients into her weekly schedule. After continuously being requested by numerous families, Mrs. Simmons began to expand her agency by hiring well-qualified therapist as well as offering therapy services in other counties. In doing this, the agency continued to flourish and grow. We are proud to say that we now provide therapy services to many counties throughout the state of NC!
SEIT feels that all children deserve a fair chance in life regardless of their needs or circumstances.
Our Mission Statement
We Put The Child FIRST!
F
I
R
S
T
Family Interaction and Involvement
Individual Children Have
Individual Needs
Respecting The Fact That All Children Learn Differently
Supporting Your Child's Growth & Development
Taking The Time Out of Your Life To Give Your Child What They Need To Succeed
Our Mission
SEIT feels that all children deserve a fair chance in life regardless of their needs or circumstances. By providing therapy services to children at such
a young age, SEIT will give them that opportunity. Through play, children will engage in activities and interact with others in their natural environment while learning essential tools they need to help them grow and develop. Through family interactions and modeling therapist are able to assist the “whole family” with important skills and techniques that can be implemented throughout daily routines to better assist the child.
We assist the "whole family".
Meet a Few of our Therapists
Meet Brooke King
Brooke King holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Meredith College and a Master’s Degree in Education focused in Early Intervention and Family Support from UNC-Chapel Hill. She also holds a NC Birth-Kindergarten teaching license. Brooke has worked as a Pre-K teacher in the Wayne County Public School system as well as the Master Preschool Teacher at East Carolina University. In addition to providing services as a Developmental Therapist with Simmons Early Intervention, she is currently the Chief Operations Officer for the Child Development Division at Skill Creations, Inc. and is the acting Director for one of their child care centers: Creative Academy Early Learning Center. Brooke is also an adjunct instructor for the Early Childhood Education Department at the University of Mount Olive. Brooke has served on the NC Child Care Commission in Raleigh and currently serves on several committees including the Wayne County Local Interagency Coordinating Council and the NC Association for Developmental Day Directors.
Meet Valerie Wallace
Valerie Wallace is a graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Child Development and Family Relations and a minor in Special Education. She has worked and advocated for young children throughout her career, starting on the frontline as a classroom teacher and now serving as the Executive Director for the Partnership for Children of Wayne County. In addition to her nearly 20 years at the Partnership, she has worked as a childcare center supervisor, infant-toddler specialist, and education coordinator with Early Head Start and Head Start. Valerie believes in the importance of a child’s early years. “There are only 2000 days from the time a child is born until they enter kindergarten; what better time to make a difference in a child’s life.”
Meet Angela Frady
Angela is an advocate for children, especially those with unique learning and developmental needs. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University and a Master’s Degree in Child Development with a concentration in Special Education. Angela has extensive experience in working with children including working at an Air Force Child Care Center in England, WAGES Head Start for over 18 years, and also currently serves as a home visitor/Program Specialist with the Partnership for Children of Wayne County. She is a certified instructor in the following programs: Parents as Teachers, Triple P Parenting, and Incredible Years. Angela has a daughter and is guardian to two grandsons, one of which has Autism. She enjoys working one-on-one with children to help them learn and develop to their full potential.
Meet Ulaonda Parham
Ulaonda Parham has a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Ashford University and an Infant Toddler and Family Specialist certification. She is an Author and an Early Intervention Therapist.
Ulaonda has a strong passion for teaching and building confidence in youth, adults, families, and future leaders. She has extensive experience teaching children with developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing difficulties, behavioral/social emotional challenges, fine motor delays, and cognitive delays. She is dedicated to sharing in the child/family learning experience, working with diverse populations, and discovering ways that best meet an individual’s learning needs.
Ulaonda believes, “Success and walking in purpose comes from making an effort; and these efforts include creating a balance of effectiveness in both our personal and professional life.”
Meet Christina Allen
Christina Allen holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas in Arlington. She began her career as a Conservatorship Specialist for Child Protective Services. After relocating to NC, she has continued to work with children. She has a passion for helping children reach their optimal potential and helping families better work together. Christina enjoys the work that she does and knows she is making a difference every day.
Meet Anai Hernandez
Anai Hernandez holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Pima Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Studies from Ashford University, and Master’s in Human Relations from University of Oklahoma. She has fifteen years of experience working in a variety of capacities with children from 1 month to 5 years of age. Much of her work has been associated with the US Air Force bases, where she has been afforded the opportunity to live in various states and around the world. Anai is a bilingual therapist and works with English-speaking and Spanish-speaking families. She has a passion for supporting children’s developmental needs and learning styles.
Meet Kristi Crumpler
Kristi Crumpler holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lenoir Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from East Carolina University. She has worked as a More at Four teacher at Early Head Start. Kristi began her journey in developmental therapy after delivering her daughter at 23 weeks, which prompted her to learn more about special needs and how she could help other families that needed resources. Kristi strongly believes that the families we serve should come first in decision making for their children.
Meet Darlene Branson
Darlene has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive and will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support from UNC in the spring of 2021. She has served as a teacher in infant through pre-k classrooms and in a developmental day program for children with developmental delays and disabilities. She has also worked as an ABA therapist for children on the autism spectrum in both school and home settings. Currently, in addition to her role as a therapist with Simmons Early Intervention, Darlene serves as an Assistant Director in a childcare center operated by Skill Creations. She has experience working with children with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory-processing disorders, hearing impairments, and behavior challenges.
Darlene also has a personal connection to children with developmental delays and disabilities as a mother, sister, aunt, and caregiver. She is passionate about giving children the help and resources to help them live their best lives and supporting families, as they know their child best. “My hope is to promote the importance of early assessment and intervention for young children and advocate for programs to assist children and families in need.”
Meet Carrie Scruggs
Carrie Scruggs has over 25 years of experience working in the early childhood field. She holds a Masters in School Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, a Bachelor’s in Organizational Theory from the University of Wisconsin, and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Pierce College. She has experience in teaching, management, and consulting in the industry. She finds working as a Developmental Therapist extremely fulfilling in helping children to achieve their individual goals. She also believes in planning play experiences that match each child’s interest.
