20 YEARS AND GOING — Jennifer Orlando, development specialist for the early intervention program at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, marked her 20th year being with the JCBDD June 23. Orlando has assisted approximately 300 children ages birth to 3, including client Stone Villa, 2, son of Dom and Jerrica Vella of Stratton. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — There is nothing more meaningful for Jennifer Orlando than helping little ones grow, thrive. And she has had that privilege for the last 20 years.

The development specialist with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Early Intervention program marked 20 years working with an estimated 300 children between the ages of birth to 3. She considers it her favorite thing to do.

“I love working with the babies,” Orlando stated. “It’s absolutely the best job in the world. I play with babies all day.”

She started out as a preschool and kindergarten teacher at St. Agnes Catholic School in Mingo Junction.

Five years later, she followed a different path, entering the field of early intervention. She became interested in working with families to help prepare their children for success as they transition to school.

When the opportunity became available to work as a service coordinator through the Jefferson County Community Action Council, Orlando said yes.

“I was intrigued with the fact I could work with parents and give them resources, help match them with programs and become a voice for their doctor,” she commented.

Orlando collaborated with development specialist Mary Jo Kasko of JCBDD, and took on her position when Kasko left the agency.

She was the only development specialist in the county, assisting youth with their speech and motor skills.

“At one point, I was responsible for overseeing 30 to 35 children on my own,” Orlando remembered. “I had an office in the motor gym at the School of Bright Promise where I conducted play groups that lasted for an hour and a half. I received assistance with assessments from the school nurse, principal and therapists.”

The EI staff has grown to 12 people, with Orlando currently having 18 children in her caseload. She spends her days visiting infants and toddlers with personal, social, adaptive, language, motor and cognitive delays. She has seen innumerable success stories, watching children she has helped find their voices and the strength to succeed in school and the community.

“It’s the kids with autism who are the biggest success stories,” Orlando continued. “When I first worked with them, we focused on communication and regulation. I’d help kids with picture cards and sign language to speak.” She has seen her former clients grow into active teenagers and adults. Some have gone on to attend school with her own children and grandchildren.

“I’ve seen them grow up through the school system, and now they are thriving,” Orlando noted. “They graduated on time with their peers.” She described a child who attends school with one of her grandchildren, and who is involved in extracurricular activities. She talked about the little ones with Down Syndrome who have gone on to work in the community and reach their own personal goals.

“It is way more amazing not seeing where they are at age 3, but at age 15, 18 or older,” Orlando said. “I like looking out for them and seeing their success. I’ve always focused services on kids closer to age 3. I’d meet them at school, sit in their classroom and talk to their teachers and therapists, helping the child become more comfortable. Transition is the most important job in early intervention.”

Orlando said working with the JCBDD has given her perspective on those having different abilities. It is something her children and grandchildren share as well. Several attended Bright Promise’s preschool program and interact with peers having developmental disabilities. Yet, they all have compassion and an understanding of others, she noted. Orlando earned praise from her colleagues, who said she has shown plenty of dedication over the past two decades.

“Jen is so knowledgeable,” stated EI Supervisor Neysa Rogers. “She researches anything she’s not 100 percent on. She’s been doing that so long that we go to her for advice.”

“She is so compassionate, and the families keep in touch with her long after,” added Service Coordinator Nan Neary. “She truly loves her job.”