Nora and Katie

Meet the dynamic duo of Nora and Katie, two-year-old twins on a mission to explore everything in their sight.

During this high risk pregnancy, these first time parents were often told “worse case” scenarios regarding their babies developmental outcomes. That’s where Southwest Human Development’s Side by Side program entered the picture. From their birth, Lindsay and Brent Barentine, were supported by a Parent Coach who provided them support in their transition from the neonatal intensive care unit to home.

During this high risk pregnancy, these first time parents were often told “worse case” scenarios regarding their babies developmental outcomes. That’s where Southwest Human Development’s Side by Side program entered the picture. From their birth, Lindsay and Brent Barentine, were supported by a Parent Coach who provided them support in their transition from the neonatal intensive care unit to home.

As the family settled in at home, Nora and Katie’s parents expressed concerns around communication, feeding and sensory issues. Working in tandem with other early childhood specialists, such as a Speech Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist, their Parent Coach provided ideas and activities to support the twin’s communication and sensory development.

Not knowing what to expect with twins, nor the developmental milestones they may need assistance with, Lindsay and Brent found comfort in the team that supported not only their babies but them as parents. Being available to guide new parents with newborns and children at risk of delays is exactly what the Side by Side program is there for. Parent Coaches are there to lend an ear, answer questions and facilitate screenings and interventions as needed. It’s a true partnership that provides a circle of support to the families it serves. The family will continue to receive support until the twins reach five years of age.

Today, the twins are full of energy and displaying typical toddler behaviors. Nora tends to be more stubborn and takes the lead, while Katie is more deliberate and quiet in her personality. They have a special bond as twins, but they are also learning to gain independence as they grow.

Their parents are so grateful for their care team and believe they simply would have been lost without the Side by Side program. Southwest Human Development has provided peace of mind knowing that they are doing the right thing and Nora and Katie’s development is on the right track.