Aria’s Story: Finding Connection and Confidence at Cheshire Fitness Zone
When Aria and her mom first came to Cheshire Fitness Zone, they were hopeful but also nervous about what to expect. Starting therapy was new territory, filled with questions and uncertainty. But from the very first visit, something felt different.
Aria was teamed up with Ms. Kristina Detweiler, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Ms. Amanda Casey, COTA/L, Occupational Therapy Assistant. It quickly became clear that a special connection was forming between Aria, her mom, and her therapy team.
“What started off as an anxiety-inducing experience for Aria and me quickly turned into an incredibly positive one,” her mom recalls. “The staff’s understanding, guidance, and overall welcoming demeanor immediately helped ease any discomfort or embarrassment we were feeling.”
Every smile, every word of encouragement, and every thoughtful explanation helped turn that early uncertainty into trust. Soon, the therapy room felt less like a clinic and more like a place where Aria could truly be herself. Aria’s team encouraged her mom to take part in sessions, offering strategies, reassurance, and collaboration every step of the way.
A Special Connection With Her Therapists
“When we first met her speech and occupational therapists, it was evident there was a unique chemistry there,” her mom says. “Kristina had this exceptional way with kids. She was able to join Aria’s world in a way I never thought possible. And through Amanda’s patience and grace, a beautiful connection was born.”
Building Communication, One Step at a Time
When Aria began therapy, she wasn’t speaking or even babbling. Her family spent each day guessing what she wanted or needed, often facing frustration and tears. Attempts to teach sign language and picture communication didn’t click.
But once she started therapy at CFZ, things slowly began to shift. With Kristina and Amanda’s support, Aria’s mom learned more about communication, from schedules and visual supports to tools like the AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device that would change everything. Through therapy, her mom also learned how much structure and predictability supported Aria’s success. With help from Kristina and Amanda, she began using visual schedules and timers at home to build consistency and confidence.
Through consistent therapy, Aria began making eye contact, forming early sounds, and using her AAC device to request and comment. Today, she even uses it to ask to come to therapy on days she’s not scheduled.
They Saw Her Potential, and Helped Her Reach It
“At the time, I thought I was asking for something completely unreasonable,” her mom admits. “Help me teach Aria to talk, help us with meltdowns, teach her to follow instructions, and help her play with family. But Kristina and Amanda didn’t see it that way. They saw Aria’s potential and built a plan to help her reach it.”
“Though she’s still pre-speaking, she now looks at our mouths, tries to make the shapes with hers, and says a few words,” her mom says. “She puts on her own socks and shoes, uses her potty button, and asks for help when she needs it. It’s been slow-going, but I’m seeing the rewards of all the effort.”
Growth That Reaches Home, School, and Beyond
Therapy has made an impact far beyond the walls of CFZ. It has transformed family life, school routines, and community outings. Aria’s grandparents, who her mom lovingly calls “old school,” now use the AAC device to talk with her.
At preschool, Aria participates in circle time and classroom routines. She can follow one-step directions, request breaks, and use the bathroom independently.
“She’s more confident everywhere”
“We used to avoid going out in public, but now she walks through stores and points to things she wants to take home. Watching her become more comfortable in public places is such a blessing.”
At home, playtime has come alive. Aria enjoys puzzles, Legos, and caring for her dolls. She joins her sister and cousins in play and even uses her AAC to express when she needs a break, like this Halloween when she told her parents she needed some time alone.
“Before therapy, that moment would have ended much differently,” her mom says. “Now she can tell us what she needs.”
The Little Moments That Mean the Most
If you ask Aria what her favorite part of therapy is, there’s no hesitation: the big gym. The trampoline quickly won her heart, and each week she grows braver, exploring the swings, ball pit, and hang bar with Amanda’s gentle encouragement.
For her mom, one special moment stands above the rest: the day Aria didn’t want to use her AAC during a session. Kristina smiled and told her, “That’s okay. However you want to communicate, I’m here for you.”
“Aria hugged her tight, as if to say, ‘Thank God, you can hear me,’” her mom remembers. “In that moment, I knew we were right where we needed to be.”
A Message to Other Families
“These therapies aren’t just for your child. You’ll both gain tools and confidence along the way. Asking for help takes courage, and it’s one of the best choices we’ve ever made.”
Words of Support
“To the families who might be wondering if Cheshire Fitness Zone is the right place, early intervention is so important. It’s okay to be nervous; this is something new and unknown. But remember, an evaluation isn’t a test; it’s a starting point.”
She reminds other parents that asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s an act of courage, and one their children will thank them for.
A Story of Growth
Aria’s journey is filled with patience, progress, and moments of connection that shine bright. From finding her voice to building confidence in every setting, she continues to show what’s possible with the right support and care.
“Cheshire Fitness Zone didn’t just help Aria find her voice,” her mom says. “They helped me find mine, too.”
Meet The Team
Kristina Detweiler, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist
Kristina graduated from Southern Connecticut State University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She has been practicing since 2016, and joined Cheshire Fitness Zone in 2024! In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, hiking, spending time with her 2 cats, and going to the beach!
Amanda Casey, COTA/L, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Amanda attended CCSU with a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science and graduated from Goodwin University with an Associate’s in OTA. Amanda joined Cheshire Fitness Zone in April of 2022. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys singing and listening to music, playing with her dog named Ollie, and spending time with friends and family.
