Dr. Gumbiner explained that the Florissa Center serves as the children’s division of Kreider Services. While many people in the Sauk Valley recognize Kreider Services for its longstanding work supporting adults with developmental disabilities, fewer realize that Florissa was created to specifically support children and families.
The center was formed more than a decade ago after local organizations recognized a growing need for autism screenings, developmental evaluations, and pediatric behavioral health services in the Sauk Valley. Families were often forced to travel long distances to places like Chicago, Iowa City, Peoria, or Rockford to access specialized care. Community organizations, schools, medical providers, and local leaders collaborated to secure federal funding through an HRSA grant, ultimately establishing Florissa in Dixon.
Today, Florissa provides a wide range of services focused on helping children thrive. Dr. Gumbiner described the center’s “bread and butter” as comprehensive diagnostic evaluations that involve multiple sources of information, including parents, schools, daycare providers, records, observations, and testing. Depending on the child’s needs, evaluations may involve psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, or pediatricians working together to build a complete understanding of the child’s development and challenges.
In addition to evaluations, Florissa offers therapy services, parent coaching, school consultations, graduate student training programs, and community education opportunities. Dr. Gumbiner also highlighted an upcoming summer social group designed for tweens and teens with neurodivergence, offering structured social opportunities and peer interaction in a supportive environment.
One of the most memorable stories shared during the episode involved selective mutism, an anxiety disorder where children are physically unable to speak in certain settings despite speaking comfortably in others. Dr. Gumbiner explained how Florissa clinicians worked closely with schools and teachers to gradually help one child overcome severe anxiety through structured exposure therapy. By the end of the process, the child was communicating with peers, participating in school, and functioning successfully in the classroom environment.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gumbiner emphasized the importance of collaboration between Florissa, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. She explained that children do not grow and develop in isolation, making strong partnerships essential to helping families flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
The episode also highlighted several opportunities for community involvement, including Florissa’s upcoming 5K event at Sauk Valley Community College as part of a four-part brain health series. The event is designed to be accessible for families, walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs, with activities for children and options to participate through donations.
Dr. Gumbiner additionally discussed her current grant-funded work educating organizations and providers about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, a condition she noted is more common than many people realize. Through training programs and educational outreach, Florissa continues expanding awareness and resources throughout the region.
For families seeking support, developmental evaluations, therapy resources, or additional information, Dr. Gumbiner encouraged listeners to contact the Florissa Center directly or visit their website at florissacenter.org.
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