10 Trudeau Truths with EI Educator and Service Coordinator Sherry Phillips

You know them as the educators, caregivers and leaders who work to keep everything running smoothly so that our clients at the Trudeau Memorial Center can have the best experience possible. But what are they like when they’re off the clock? 

Here’s a chance to get a more personal look at the people who make up the team at Trudeau… 10 questions at a time.

10 Trudeau Truths with Sherry Phillips

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in human services?

For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed working with young children. As soon as I was old enough, I started babysitting, and then began working in a daycare center, while I pursued my degree (Master of art and Teacher certification). I met several Trudeau Early Intervention workers who placed their children at my center for childcare, who convinced me to apply to be an educator at Trudeau. That was 33 years ago!

2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?

One of my favorite parts of my position is running groups out in the community. One group in particular is a music group at the Pilgrim Senior Center. The seniors really enjoy seeing the little ones, and the children light up as they hear their favorite songs and explore a variety of instruments and rhythms. It is such an enriching program that truly enhances a young child’s development. I enjoy seeing them go from having little to no words, to filling in words to familiar songs and finger plays. I coach families with music strategies to help them engage with their children. Actually just seeing their smiles and parents having fun with their children just makes my day.

I also run a community pool group that incorporates all areas of development. The medium of the pool provides the sensory input many children need to be available to learn and engage. I focus on teaching water safety as well as many children on the autism spectrum are at increased risk of drowning, and I truly believe education can change this and prevent this.

Another aspect I find rewarding in EI is coaching families to assist their children in meeting their goals they have set in a variety of settings. I enjoy assisting families in problem-solving strategies, and being in a position to think on my feet. Every case is different and every family as well and it keeps me on my toes always learning. I love being able to collaborate with other therapist and gain new skills to assist the children I am working with. We laugh and share stories of success and offer each other support with difficult cases.

3. Can you describe a memorable moment or success story from your time working at Trudeau?

There have been numerous happy successful stories of children overcoming significant medical issues as well as different abilities. I love working with a variety of diagnoses and being able to assist them in reaching their full potential. It’s hard to think of just one because I see every child as a success story, as every child in EI makes strives.

4. What’s something about people with differing abilities (or working with them) that you wish other people knew or better understood?

I really wish that funding to our program was made to be a priority as research shows children who received early intervention services do far better than children who receive services well after the age of three.

Education of the importance of early intervention based on research needs to be a priority as we are seeing children during the fastest period of brain development and can help create new pathways. In early intervention, we have the opportunity to enhance cognitive motor and social emotional outcomes. We can also enhance family confidence and eliminate the need for future special education services. Many children who enter EI for services with delays can then be discharged at three with no need for further services or intervention.

5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

My favorite way to spend a weekend would be crafting and making fun unique things to either wear or display. I love Mickey mouse and figment. You may see me driving around from house to house in my purple dragon (jeep). I enjoy singing in my church choir as well as singing karaoke or playing the drums with other musicians. I have also started an a cappella group and will be singing in a concert on June 7. I enjoy thrifting and finding unique articles of clothing that I can add to.

6. Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show.

I consider myself to be more active and would rather spend my time crafting, singing, or playing the drums then sitting and reading a book or watching TV. I have however, watched Stranger Things and Yellowjackets. I do also enjoy watching ancient aliens to relax before bed.

7. Do you have any pets?

I have three children, two of which came through early intervention many years ago, and I am forever grateful for the services they received from Trudeau.

My oldest is working in the Providence school system with special needs children Mandy. My middle child works in our ABA program and absolutely loves it and plans to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. My youngest has autism and attends the program during the day and is taking two art classes at CCRI.

I also have two dogs, Jada and buns and two cats Poe and rogue. We also have a registered reptile sanctuary in my home. We take in rescues as well as surrenders and nurse them back to health and then adopt them back out. We have several species of reptiles, including a Tegu, iguana, veiled chameleon, Tokay, gecko, day gecko, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and a variety of snakes.

8. What’s your favorite food?

I consider myself a very picky eater who likes kid, friendly foods like chicken tenders, and pizza.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would probably go to Australia to see their wildlife. I’m not one for the city and would probably sit on the beach overlooking the water, or enjoy physically snorkeling to view the sea life.

10. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

A fun fact, people may not know about me is that I performed for the queen in Royal Albert Hall in London at the 1991 New Year’s Day spectacular it was a trip of a lifetime.

I will leave you with one of my grandmother’s favorite quotes that has always stuck with me. “The skies the limit!” and that’s how I live my life.