Two providers have been recognized by the Birth to 3 Connections Program for their work with infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. The two providers are Kathy Wollmann, special education director for the Menno School District, and Dr. Steven Benn, a pediatrician at Black Hills Pediatrics in Rapid City.

Each year, the program’s service coordinators nominate one physician and one early intervention provider.

Nominator Marilyn Kokesh, service coordinator for River Birth to 3, said of Wollmann: “She goes above and beyond the call of duty for families. Kathy is an advocate for families, making them feel at ease during meetings and setting up services. She especially makes the transition process smooth for families who have children moving from Part C to the Part B program.”

Nominator Bonnie Christensen, service coordinator for Black Hills Birth to 3, said of Dr. Benn: “He takes time to discuss the needs of his patients and develop solutions when they arise. We get many referrals from Dr. Benn, and he invites the service coordinator to be part of the hospital team for care conferences.” 

The department’s Birth to 3 Connections Program thanks Kathy Wollmann and Dr. Steven Benn for their hard work and dedication!

Children ages 0-3 who may be experiencing developmental delays or disabilities can be referred to the Birth to 3 program. If a family is referred to Birth to 3 and it is determined that the child in question requires early intervention services, Birth to 3 Connections provides services at no cost to the family.

Early intervention services offered through the program include: audiology; assistive technology; family training, counseling and home visits; health services; medical services for evaluation; nursing; nutrition; occupational therapy; physical therapy; psychological services; social work services; service coordination; special instruction; speech and language therapy; transportation; vision; and other services as identified.