Professional Endorsements

Hear what professionals from around the country have to say about Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

I do not hesitate to refer families to the Horizons Developmental Resource Center

“The program offered at Horizons is reputable, evidence based, and far superior to the other recognized approaches used to remediate autistic children. My son has been able to reach meaningful developmental milestones as a program participant, and I now have confidence that he will become independent and thrive as an adult.  I do not hesitate to refer families to the Horizons Developmental Resource Center.”

Dr. Kevin Foley, MD, FACP

The information and strategies provided in this program have been invaluable to me in my work with parents and professionals

“The information and strategies provided in this program have been invaluable to me in my work with parents and professionals. I have used the material I learned through this program as the basis for parent training sessions as well as an in-service for our special education teachers. Both groups have responded well and left the sessions with simple and useful things to do at home and in their classrooms that made their kids with ASD’s more available for cooperative activities and new learning.”

Joe Baker, School Social Worker | Adrian, Michigan

With the Horizons Developmental Resource Center I know I always have a team ready to support me!

“Horizons Developmental Resource Center continues to be a valuable resource for me. I am a special education teacher and I work with many different children with varying neurological impairments such as: Down Syndrome, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Brain Injuries and more.  I have attended workshops at Horizons, which provide me with strategies to take back to my classroom and use the next day. I know that the information presented from Horizons staff is current, research based and effective with children because they are using it daily in their practice.

I have also worked directly with the Horizons staff via their consultation services to get specific strategies for children in my classroom. The feedback I have received via phone calls, email, and personal meetings has been so beneficial to my students and to me as a professional.

I owe much of my own professional growth and knowledge to Nicole Beurkens. Nicole has supported me as an educator for over 11 years, and I know that I can always contact her and the staff she works with to find support. The field of special education often puts educators in a position to “do their own thing”.  I am the only one in my building who teaches these types of students, and I have no one within my district to turn to for advice and support. With the Horizons Developmental Resource Center I know I always have a team ready to support me!”

Betty Jo Brege, Special Education Teacher  | Grant, Michigan

We have seen a great reduction in aggression and frustration in our students

“One of the major things I took away from this workshop was shifting my perspective on student behaviors. By understanding behaviors from this new perspective I am better able help my students to feel calm and safe as opposed to engaging in challenging behaviors.

The idea that “silence is golden” was emphasized at the workshop. We have now utilized this quiet approach throughout the day. We have seen a great reduction in aggression and frustration in our students. When staff members are quiet and more aware of how much they are prompting, it significantly increases the success of the student.”

Ben Woiwode, Special Education Teacher | Ottawa Area School District

They care deeply about their work and have achieved exemplary results with children.

“I am very impressed with the staff members at Horizons Developmental Resource Center for their commitment to learning and implementing Rhythmic Movement Training™ as part of their comprehensive offerings to help children with challenges.

As a Rhythmic Movement Training™ instructor, it has been delightful to work with Nicole Beurkens and her dedicated staff. Because they care deeply about their work, they have achieved exemplary results with children.

It is gratifying to see that children with autism, developmental delays and sensory challenges are benefitting in profound ways. Because of the training they’ve received at Horizons, there is newfound calm and maturity in the neuro-sensory-motor system. Their lives are easier and more enjoyable now. I look forward to the day when we can offer this to all children who can benefit.

Thank you Nicole Beurkens, Erin Roon, Michelle VanderHeide and Courtney Kowalczyk!

Sonia Story, www.moveplaythrive.com | Chimacum, Washington

This conference has allowed me to create a greater number of teachable moments with my students

“As a participant in the July 2009, Extreme Makeover: Autism Education Edition Workshop, I was challenged to make a paradigm shift in my overall thinking toward EVERY approach that I use with students with special needs. As an occupational therapist with 33 years experience, I continue to “grow and learn”, just as our students do. The information presented in this conference has allowed me to create a greater number of teachable moments with my students.

The techniques shared on how to address challenging behaviors were also very helpful. The strategies are practical and safe for everyone involved. I have had great success using these techniques, and they are easy to share with other staff members.

This course is filled with valuable information presented in a professional, yet fun, format. I highly recommend it to professionals and parents!”

Mary Cay Puska, OT | Newaygo RESA

Questions that I had felt for years about reaching students with autism, but I somehow was unable to put into words, were answered

“Dear Nicole, Erin and Courtney,

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your Extreme Makeover Workshop! Questions that I had felt for years about reaching students with autism, but I somehow was unable to put into words, were answered. Techniques and actions were presented to help reach my students with autism. Possibilities were opened up. Goals were set with clear paths on how to achieve them.

The most amazing part is most of this can be accomplished by changing how I think, speak and feel. This workshop was an eye opener on how my attitude and actions affects students. I would recommend this workshop for anyone who works with children on the spectrum.

Thanks Again.”

Vicky Roys, Paraprofessional | Caledonia Community Schools

It was incredibly enlightening in so many ways, and completely changed the way I think about children living with autism

“Hi Nicole,

Where to start … I’ve been living with autism for 15 years and thought I was doing everything I could possibly be doing right – until I attended your seminar. It was incredibly enlightening in so many ways, and completely changed the way I think about children living with autism.

I loved it! I cannot say enough about how enlightening this entire seminar was. It was well thought out, full of incredible information and concrete ideas to take home to implement, and gave me a much deeper understanding of how and why children with autism operate as they do. This information needs to be shouted from the mountain tops, and I would recommend this seminar to anybody working with children, whether parent or educator. Awesome – thanks!”

Donna Goyette, Special Education Teacher | Grand Blanc Schools