The Chase’s Place Difference
In 2015, we began offering a curriculum for adults. We piloted the program with our student Sam, who is still with us.
We met Sam in 2014 when he was 21 years old. We introduced him into the classroom as a student volunteer. Sam has limited mobility and can communicate only by using an augmentative communication device. Despite this, Sam led the class through their daily calendar time. Perhaps the most amazing part of this whole experiment was the interaction between Sam and the kids.
We found that Sam was able to capture the students’ attention better than anyone. Students that on most days could not sit without assistance longer than 3 or 4 minutes were now sitting and attentive for a full activity.
With the success of Sam as a volunteer, we decided to create a new adult enrichment program for young adults like Sam.
It is a full day program and takes place 5 days a week. The program focuses on daily living skills, community training, and language. Each student attends sessions on life skills and then is immersed for 2 hours each day in our intense language curriculum. In addition, the student leads a language activity for students in our day school.
For additional information and to schedule a tour, please contact us.
Meet our Therapists
Jessica Mevius, Occupational Therapist
Jessica Mevius is an Occupational Therapist who joined Chase's Place in August 2018. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Texas Woman's University, majoring in Child Development with an emphasis on Occupational Therapy.
Jessica is certified in Sensory Integration techniques and is nationally certified with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
She splits most of her time between Chase’s Place, McKinney Christian Academy, and treats children in their home setting. Jessica is passionate about enriching the lives of others through meaningful occupation, which is reflected in her unique and relatable approach.
Melinda Powell, Speech Therapist
Melinda Valentine Powell is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 45 years of experience working primarily with pediatric populations. She has expertise in oral motor/feeding development, augmentative/assistive technology, swallowing disorders, and language disorders.
Melinda is certified in Neuro-Development Treatment (NDT) and American Sign Language (ASL) and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is licensed by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology of Texas and holds a teaching certificate for speech-language pathology in the States of Oklahoma and Texas.
Melinda's passion is working with pediatric special needs populations.
