Our Approach
Our Story
Pamela Orf, CBRS/ITDS/ITFS. Graduating from University of Florida with a degree in special and regular education, I obtained a teaching certificate for pre-K through grade-three education, and trained in early intervention; completed a master’s level program at University of Central Florida to become a certified Infant & Toddler Developmental Specialist as well as an Infant, Toddler, and Family Specialist. I have taught Kindergarten, second grade, and have been working in the infant and toddler program as a special instruction teacher/CBRS since 2004. In 2010 I became certified as a PLAY project home consultant to be able to work with families after their child ages out of the Infant and Toddler Program. I’m now a member of the council for Exceptional Children, I have founded Learning Connections Unlimited and trained CBRS providers working with me since 2006. We have a special interest and have been very successful working with children with autism and speech delays. We provide in-person PLAY-therapy as well as tele-PLAY remotely. I also created the 'Inclusive Play Program (IPP)' at SonShine preschool which helps children learn to play and socialize in a nurturing environment supported by developmental specialists.
Meet the Team
All providers must be certified as Infant Toddler and Family Specialist. Backgrounds much be bachelors in education, child development, psychology, social work.
Karen Thomas
I have a bachelor's degree in Speech & Language Pathology and Audiology and AA in Sign Language Interpreting/Deaf Studies.
I have 17 years of work experience with children birth through 3. I've been working with LCU as CBRS Service provider for 4 months. My areas of expertise include: Hearing Loss, Speech and Language Development, Sign Language. Specific trainings: Listening and Spoken Language Intervention, ASL.
Maureen Brand
I earned my Master of Science degree in Special Education with a concentration in second language learners and cultural issues; Prior to that, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in literacy. Both degrees were received from Drexel University. I have extensive training in ABA, DIR Floortime, early childhood development birth to three, and sensory processing
challenges.
I have 20 years of experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and other developmental delays. Originally from New York, I earned teaching certifications in elementary education, students with disabilities birth to two, and Pre-k through sixth grade. I was a lead classroom teacher for children ages three through 11. I worked as an early intervention specialist and itinerant teacher for several agencies throughout Orange County New York for six years before I moved to South Carolina. I taught social skills and helped develop an academic multisensory program for elementary aged children with ASD. I volunteered as an educational advocate for PULSES New York, helping families obtain the services and appropriate educational environment their child needed through the local
school district.
My career is dedicated to the empowerment of all children and their families. I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to teach a diverse group of children including those with ADD/ADHD, Autism, Asperger syndrome, speech delays, behavior challenges, learning disabilities, second language learners, as well as those with physical challenges. These experiences have taught me to meet each individual where they
are, and consider the family and child’s unique goals, needs and interests.
When not working, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family doing anything outdoors!
Heather S
CBRS/Infant Toddler and Family Specialist
Erica Robinson
Erica Robinson, ITDS, is a developmental specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting children and families in early childhood development and early intervention. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood Education and has worked across home-based therapy, community outreach, and public early intervention programs. This is her first year working with Mecklenburg CDSA.
Erica works with children from infancy through elementary age, supporting play, sensory regulation, feeding, as well as social-emotional, expressive, and receptive language development. She is known for her playful, engaging approach that helps children feel safe, confident, and excited, making learning feel fun and achievable.
Erica is also a teacher in the Learning Connections Inclusive Play Program, a preschool classroom where she helps create individualized learning plans for each child while supporting families as they navigate developmental differences. She is passionate about inclusion, collaboration, and helping every child reach their fullest potential in a creative and joyful way.
Kimberleigh Hogan-Lee
My name is Kimberly Hogan-Lee, I graduated from La Salle University in Pennsylvania with a master of arts degree in special education. I also completed a one-year masters level certification program in infant toddler mental health from Arcadia University. I worked as a behavioral consultant with children and adolescents in inner-city Philadelphia with mental health diagnosis and developmental delay such as autism for 17 years before transitioning into early intervention for the past seven years. I was trained as an ITSE, (infant, toddler, social
I believe that every child is unique and born with incredible potential. My role as a therapist is to help families unlock it and what better way to do it than through play.
With a Master’s degree in Special Education from La Salle University and specialized training in Infant Toddler Mental Health from Arcadia University, I’ve spent over 25 years working alongside children and families.
My journey began in Philadelphia, where I spent 17 years supporting children and adolescents, before finding my true passion in Early Intervention over the last nine years. As a trained ITSE (Infant Toddler Social Emotional) coordinator, I focused on the whole child supporting social and emotional growth, building play skills, and ensuring that the families that I served had access to the right resources and support systems.
I have a special interest and extensive experience working with children with autism and those who may have experienced early trauma. My favorite moments are the "breakthroughs" when we move past hearing a diagnosis and discovering the amazing child underneath. I am passionate about showing families that a label is just that and it does not define a child’s future.
I bring more than just professional experience to the table. I’ve been a wife for over 22 years and a mom to an amazing daughter who is now in college. Raising my own child has been my greatest teacher, and it gives me a deep appreciation for the journey you are on with your little ones.
My promise to you is simple: I will help you set the bar high for your child, and then cheer you on as they reach it. Let’s work together to build a foundation of confidence, connection, and joy.
Franzi Galloway
Hi! My name is Franzi Galloway and I have been with Learning Connections for about 4 years. I graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and from West Virginia University with a Masters in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education. I have taught in the public school system for 10 years in a variety of classrooms, but truly love working with young children and their families! In my free time, I volunteer at CMPD Animal Care & Control and with several rescue organizations, exercising, or cheering on my favorite sports teams.
Next Steps...
Our team has many years of experience and they're ready to support you on your journey.