Your child’s first visit to Esperanza is usually an initial evaluation appointment. This visit gives our therapists the chance to understand your concerns, learn about your child’s development, and determine if therapy services like speech, occupational, or physical therapy would be beneficial. We take a compassionate, family-centered approach to help your child thrive from day one. Why is the first evaluation important? The first visit is where everything begins. It’s not just about checking boxes—it’s about building trust and setting a foundation for your child’s care. Families are often referred by their medical provider, and they come to us looking for answers about their child’s development, behavior, or communication. During this visit, you’ll meet with one of our experienced therapists who will: Ask questions about your child’s medical and developmental history Talk with you about any concerns you have Observe your child in a supportive, play-based setting This evaluation helps us understand your child’s needs and whether therapy might support their growth and daily life. What happens during the evaluation? Evaluations are done in a relaxed, child-friendly environment—our specialized motor gyms and observation rooms are designed with kids in mind. The therapist will: Engage your child in simple, age-appropriate activities Observe how your child moves, plays, communicates, and interacts Listen closely to your questions and goals We take a whole-child approach—looking at everything from motor skills to social and emotional development. After the session, the therapist will share insights and discuss next steps with you. What should families expect after the first visit? After the evaluation, our therapist will review the results and determine if your child could benefit from ongoing therapy. If services are recommended, we’ll work with you to build a personalized treatment plan—often including speech, occupational, or physical therapy , depending on your child’s specific needs. We’ll also help you understand your insurance benefits and guide you through scheduling options that fit your routine, whether you live in Las Cruces, Anthony, or Chaparral . How does Esperanza support families through the process? We know it can feel overwhelming at first, but you’re not alone. At Esperanza, our bilingual staff and family-centered environment are here to support you every step of the way. We offer: Flexible weekday scheduling from 8 AM to 6 PM Bilingual therapists and culturally sensitive care Opportunities for you to observe therapy sessions Our goal is to help you feel confident and supported as your child grows. Ready to take the first step? If you’re wondering whether your child could benefit from therapy, we invite you to schedule an evaluation with us today . Call us at (575) 647-3773 —we’re here to help your child thrive.
When Adrianna was born in 2022, she went through all of the basic screenings that newborns undergo. It was during these routine tests that her parents discovered she was born with bilateral hearing loss. “The hearing test set off a red flag to have her evaluated to see if there was anything else that might be going on with her,” said her mother, Leticia. The team at MountainView Regional Medical Center referred her family to Aprendamos Family of Services for additional evaluations. “Originally, I thought that because of her hearing loss, we would just be working with a Speech Therapist,” said Leticia. “But after her initial evaluation, the team told me she was delayed in all aspects of her development.” Aside from bilateral hearing loss, Adrianna was also diagnosed with 8-P Inverted Duplication Deletion Syndrome, a rare chromosomal abnormality. Adrianna, who goes by Adri, began receiving early intervention services through Aprendamos. She was soon surrounded by a team that included a Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Nutritionist, Social Worker, and Family Service Coordinators. “We didn’t know what to expect because we had never been around anyone receiving early intervention services,” said Leticia. “I didn’t know this was a thing until Adri was born so I thought, well, if they can help Adri, then it’s a win in my book.” Soon after, Adri began thriving. She met the milestones set for her and her parents watched her transform into an independent toddler who is now talking, crawling, and playing with books, toys, and dolls. Adri’s father, Eligio, shared, “With the assistance from Aprendamos, it's been nice to let Adri be herself and learn those skills we worked hard on. She is her own little human, throwing tantrums, and saying hi and bye.” Leticia added, “Adri has become her own person – a sassy little girl who knows what she wants and is clear about what she doesn’t like.” After three years, Adri will soon be graduating from early intervention and continuing on with outpatient services from Esperanza Children’s Therapy. Leticia and Eligeo said, “We absolutely love everyone that has been a part of our team. They have proven so much to us and done so much for us, and they shared their concerns for our kid. We could see how much they wanted Adri to succeed.” When we asked them what advice they would give to parents considering early intervention programs for their children, they said, “Be strong advocates for yourself and your children and to find the right team for you because they are so important and will be intertwined into your whole life.” We look forward to welcoming Adri and her family into additional Aprendamos Family of Services programs and seeing Adri grow, thrive, and reach her full potential!
In 2007, Dolores Ramos joined Aprendamos Family of Services as a Billing Specialist — a role she continues to hold today with pride and dedication. Over the years, her path at Aprendamos has been anything but routine. Early in her career, she expanded her impact beyond the office by becoming an infant massage instructor, spending hands-on time with families before eventually returning full-time to billing. Reflecting on the early days, Dolores describes them as a time of discovery. “It was a very fun time learning what child therapies were all about,” she recalls. “Now, 17 years later, I am still learning.” That sense of continual growth and purpose is part of what’s kept her committed to Aprendamos for nearly two decades. Throughout her time here, Dolores has witnessed Aprendamos evolve to meet the growing and changing needs of the community. “When Aprendamos started, the need was big,” she says. “But now with all the different things happening to our moms, our services are very much needed.” She believes that ongoing training and support allow team members like her to grow and stay connected to the mission in meaningful ways. One story that has stayed with Dolores is from her time teaching infant massage. She worked with a young couple whose infant son wasn’t progressing as expected. After a month, they received a diagnosis: Muscular Dystrophy. “With all the help from Aprendamos, he is doing great,” she shares. “I still keep in contact with the family.” It’s that lasting connection and the ability to make a difference that makes her work so meaningful. When asked why she’s stayed with Aprendamos for so many years, Dolores doesn’t hesitate: “I enjoy what I do, and I continue to learn.” She also shared immense gratitude for her long career with our organization, stating, “I would like to thank God and Abel for giving me this opportunity.” We thank Dolores for her incredible service, compassion, and dedication throughout the years. Her impact continues to be felt across our entire Aprendamos family.
