Boost Camp

Posted by Rich Randolph

on Apr 03, 2016

Boost Camp Boosts Hopes

Katie Lightfoot is the Director of BOOST Conductive Education, United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay's premier summer mobility clinic.

Ms. Lightfoot has nimbly guided hundreds of children and teens to increased mobility, independence and self esteem. Since 2003 when she was an eager teenager exploring career options, Katie has discovered her calling and transformed her vision into a fully functional education based rehabilitation program.

Boost Conductive Education Camp in Santa Rosa, is an intensive, six-week therapeutic movement program for children and teens with cerebral palsy and motor disabilities. Participants use repetitive motions to improve tasks from grasping utensils to taking first steps.

BOOST began in 2001 after two Sonoma County moms vowed to find an easier way than traveling out-of-state to help their daughters with cerebral palsy get the care and support they needed to progress. Since that time, BOOST has helped children by using the practice of Conductive Education (CE) to maximize participants’ independence and quality of life, and to improve the confidence and psychological well-being of both BOOST participants and their families. Every day at BOOST, students are taught motor skills and their families learn how to integrate the practices of CE into all aspects of daily life. BOOST serves up to 20 participants in 3 classrooms, and each room is staffed with conductor-teachers, participants, parents, and volunteers. Participants’ results and improvements range from sitting independently, to catching a ball, and to taking first steps. The results are life changing for BOOST participants and their families.

Ms. Lightfoot recently competed her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon and has been accepted to Medical School at St George's University in the Caribbean. Her dream continues to grow, and envisions a year-round BOOST program with recognition from insurance carriers, providing extensive life enhancing benefits.

BOOST would love to invite anyone interested to come and see the program this summer at Spring Creek Elementary School. The dates for BOOST are June 20 through July 29. Mark your calendar for the BOOST graduation July 28 at noon.

As with Rotary Exchange programs hosting is an amazing experience. BOOST has two hosting openings still for this summer's program. Please contact Katie at 707.569.4412 or klightfoot@ucpnb.org

Go Katie: Your BOOST energy has bundles of BOUNCE, a prescription for SUCCESS!!