2025 Report to the Community

In recognition of our 20th anniversary, the heart of this report features 20 snapshots and 20 stories from our extraordinary team who give their all every day to provide exceptional care for our residents.

Your continued generosity makes these memories and milestones possible!

Renee's story ›››

“As a pediatric nurse, it’s hard to choose just one memorable moment because every child leaves an impact. From playing outside to experiencing snow for the first time, each moment is meaningful. Seeing children accomplish things they were once not expected to do is incredibly moving, and those milestones — big or small — are what make this work so special.”

— Renee S

Karlee's story ›››

"A memory that sticks with me after all these years at ECC would be of one of our kids with a ventilator. We worked for so long to get him to be without his vent and I remember the first time he was able to be without it. It gave me such a sense of pride, that this is what it's all about: watching firsthand, the progress being made. I was so proud of him and remember constantly asking him, 'Are you ok?' and him replying with his sarcastic grin, ‘Yes, Mrs. Karlee. I got this.’ As time went by he was able to do his favorite activity, swing on the swings. He looked so free.” — Karlee M

Megan's story ›››

“Walking through the Philadelphia airport with a resident, vent in hand, was a moment I’ll never forget. Before boarding our flight to Disney World, he proudly stretched his legs and explored the terminal with newfound independence. His eyes sparkled as he gazed out the windows, waved enthusiastically to passersby, and embraced the freedom of moving through his world on his own—it was pure joy in motion.”

— Megan H

Physical Therapy Hours

Exceptional Care for Children 20 Snapshots 20 Stories

Occupational Therapy Hours

A Smile That Says It All:

An Update on Walker’s Journey

Walker post-surgery

Since we last shared Walker’s story, this “little fighter” has been busy proving that no obstacle is too large for a five-year-old with a big personality. While the past year and a half has been filled with clinical milestones, it is Walker’s growing ability to share his thoughts and joys that has truly defined this chapter of his life.

Finding His Voice

The most significant breakthrough has been in communication and vocalization. For a long time, Walker’s airway was restricted by scar tissue, which limited his ability to vocalize or move toward removing his tracheostomy tube. However, following a successful airway reconstruction surgery, his vocal cords are finally open.

While his team works with him to find his voice, Walker isn’t waiting to be heard. He currently uses:

Picture Choice Boards: He uses these to clearly communicate his needs and preferences to staff and family.
The Movie Board: In a true display of independence, his mom says Walker scans a board in his room to “pick the movies he wants to watch instead of us picking for him.”
Classroom Engagement: During school, Walker has been “spot on” with answering questions, showing an eagerness to participate that his mother describes as “amazing to watch.”

A "Big Year" on the Horizon

Walker is currently at a turning point. With his airway now clear, the next major hurdle is a complex spinal fusion surgery scheduled for later this year to address his scoliosis. His curvature has increased significantly over the last year, making it difficult and uncomfortable for him to sit up.

“I knew this year was going to be huge for us,” his mom says, noting that once his back is straight, it will be “life-changing” for his mobility and lung capacity. Once he recovers from this surgery, the ultimate goal is decannulation (removing his trach).

The Power of a Village

Throughout these surgeries and long recovery periods, Walker’s “home” at Exceptional Care for Children has provided a critical sense of stability. Sydney describes the staff as a “village” that supports not just Walker’s physical needs, but the emotional well-being of the entire family.

The bond is undeniable. When Walker returned to ECC after his recent surgery, he lit up the moment he entered the elevator—he knew exactly where he was and that he was safe among friends.

Looking Toward the Future

Walker with his parents

While the road ahead is long and ambitious, the vision is clear. Following his back surgery and successful decannulation, the family’s ultimate goal is to ‘graduate’ from ECC. More than just a homecoming, having him back in his own room will finally make their home complete. For now, Walker continues to defy the odds and exceed goals.

When asked what she would want a donor or supporter to know about her son, his mom kept it simple: “He’s doing amazing. His smile says it all every day”.

Speech Language Therapy Hours

of kids age 3+ attend school

Participated in standing 3-5 times/week

Help enrich our medically fragile kids lives each and every month.

Amanda's story ›››

“I started here at ECC a little over 4 years ago. My favorite thing to see is all the progress each of the kids have made over the years. Kids that couldn’t even sit up on their own are now sitting up all by themselves or even walking the halls!”

— Amanda B

Stacey's story ›››

"Accompanying a teenage resident to his Make-A-Wish event , a rap concert, was an unforgettable experience. From the meet-and-greet to watching the concert alongside his mom, the pure joy on his face as he soaked in every second of the music was priceless.”

— Stacey W

Megan's story ›››

“After weeks of practicing staff recognition and building social connections, hearing a resident proudly say, 'Hi, Megan!' was a breakthrough moment. He beamed from ear to ear, soaking in the excitement as he heard himself say my name—it was pure magic!”

— Megan H

2025 Financials

Total Revenue
$20,150,098

Total Expenses
$18,247,145

Change In Net Assets
$1,902,953

Total Assets
$47,608,846

Total Liabilities
$9,556,048

Total Net Assets
$38,052,798

Program Service Revenue
$17,938,814

Contributions and Grants
$782,736

Investment Income
$215,315

Other Revenue
$1,213,233

Amy's story ›››

“One of my favorite memories, over and over again, is hearing a child’s voice for the very first time after airway surgery when we place a Passy Muir valve. There is nothing like the moment a child who has only communicated through eyes, gestures, sign language, or a communication device suddenly fills the room with their own sound. It’s not just a voice — it’s personality, connection, and possibility all at once. In those moments, you can see their world expand, and everyone around them feels it too.”

— Amy H

Denée's story ›››

“In over a decade of working with ECC, pinpointing memorable moments is difficult in the best way. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many developmental achievements by ECC kids that were deemed impossible. But in particular, I recall with pride the times a resident would master his communication skills - thanks to ECC staff and specialists and volunteers. When we first met, he was nonverbal. Together, we have worked on his sign language, typing, handwriting, and ultimately speaking in his own voice. For those who love him, his ability to express his emotions, humor and intelligence is the greatest gift!” — Denée C

Holly's story ›››

"Seeing the pure excitement on the kids' faces during ECC special events, such as the petting zoo and Santa's visit. It’s all about those moments of seeing a child who rarely smiles finally light up when Santa visits or the animals arrive. These moments create joy and connection that stays with you long after the event ends.”

— Holly F

Stacey's story ›››

“Saying 'Yes' to Sledding: During a massive snowstorm a decade ago, the team chose to ignore the 'It's too difficult' mindset and took one of our trach/ventilator residents sledding. The team saw an opportunity for a child to experience a rite of passage. Hearing his squeals of joy as he flew down the hill proved that making the 'impossible' happen is always worth the effort.”

— Stacey W

Fran's story ›››

“Volunteering here is so rewarding because of the children. Seeing their eyes sparkle, watching a smile spread across their faces, or helping them reach for a toy in play therapy is a joy. I also love working alongside the staff; the people here make the experience truly special."

— Fran B

Primary Enrichment Funds Snapshot

Primary Support Funds

Annual Fund This is our most flexible resource, consisting of unrestricted donations that allow Exceptional Care for Children to address our most urgent needs. By contributing to this fund, you empower ECC to allocate resources wherever they can make the greatest immediate impact on our residents’ care and facility operations.

Music Therapy Fund Music is a powerful tool for development, helping our residents build confidence and reach physical milestones. This thriving program brings a certified music therapist to ECC weekly, using song and rhythm to encourage non-verbal expression, purposeful movement, and positive reinforcement for children working on goals like walking or reaching.

Mobility & Access Fund Since Medicaid does not cover wheelchairs or specialized mobility devices, this fund is vital for providing the adaptive equipment—such as walkers, standers, and seating—that our medically complex children require. Because our residents quickly outgrow their equipment, these funds ensure every child has the tools needed to maintain their bone health, circulation, and the freedom to engage in social activities.

Communication & Connection Fund Many of our residents are non-verbal but have plenty to say. This fund provides high-tech communication devices, eye-gaze systems, and speech-generating tools that give our children a voice for the very first time. Your support helps us move away from temporary rentals, ensuring every child has a permanent, reliable way to share their feelings, needs, and joy with the world.

Quality of Life & Specialized Care

Birthday Fund Birthdays are a major milestone at ECC! This fund allows us to celebrate each of our 46 residents by purchasing much-desired gifts, hosting entertainers, and planning special outings. Your contribution helps us create lasting, joyful memories for every child on their special day.

Field Trip Fund We believe every child deserves a “day in the life” experience filled with discovery. This fund covers the cost of community outings—such as visits to the grocery store, movies, or local attractions—staffed by licensed professionals. These trips help residents develop social and life skills, like budgeting and independence, in a safe and supportive environment.

Palliative Care Fund Dedicated to supporting children with serious or terminal illnesses, this fund focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than prognosis. It provides specialized training for staff and essential resources for families, including counseling, comfort items, and assistance with funeral expenses, ensuring a haven of dignity and support during the most difficult transitions.

The Bridge Unit Fund As medically fragile children approach adulthood, they often face a “cliff” where pediatric care ends. The Bridge Unit is our innovative solution—a specialized facility designed to provide clinical support, advocacy, and adaptive technology for young adults, helping them transition into the next stage of life while maintaining their independence and stability.

Professional & Operational Funds

Edward & Joyce Kee Clinical Excellence Fund To provide the best quality of care, our staff must have access to continuous learning. This fund empowers ECC employees through professional development, advanced educational opportunities, and specialized clinical training to ensure our team remains at the forefront of pediatric medical care.

Supplemental Care Funds We also maintain dedicated funds for the essential pillars of our daily operations. These include the Skilled Nursing Care Fund and Respiratory Therapy Fund for direct medical support, the Nutritional & Dietetic Care Fund for specialized feeding needs, and the Facilities & Equipment Fund to maintain a safe, modern environment for our residents.

Megan's story ›››

“During Occupational Therapy, a resident lit up the room while playing the magnet bells game—every successful bell she snagged was followed by her triumphant shout, 'Yeah, baby!' Her joy was absolutely contagious!”

— Megan H

Lynn's story ›››

“One of my best memories is from when we took a couple of kiddos to a restaurant for the first time. The looks on their faces when the waitress came over to take their orders, and then when she brought them their food, was priceless.”

— Lynn H

Holly's story ›››

“A more recent highlight involving a field trip to see the Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie with one of the girls who is a huge Swiftie. Seeing her true excitement and knowing she was having the best time made the whole trip worth it.”

— Holly F

Thank you, Donors!!

Stacey's story ›››

“The Magic of Disney: Over the years, three separate trips to Disney World stand out as highlights. These weren't just vacations; they were opportunities for deep staff bonding and creating magical experiences for the children in a world built for wonder.”

— Stacey W

Megan's story ›››

“Each evening at the Contemporary Resort in Disney World, we had the most magical view—fireworks bursting brilliantly right outside our living room window. Sitting together with a group of children, we watched the sky explode in color, and seeing their faces glow with awe and wonder made the experience even more breathtaking than the show itself.”

— Megan H

Jerrica's story ›››

“There are so many fun and unforgettable moments that I've had here at ECC. Too many to pick a specific memory to call my favorite. One of these memories that has always felt special to me was being able to see some of our children graduate from ECC and go to live at home with their guardians. It is a bittersweet moment saying goodbye, but I am very proud of all the obstacles the child has gone through to get to that special moment and to be a part of that moment warms my heart every time. The children here at ECC are the toughest kids I know and will continue to do their best to beat the odds!"

— Jericca O

Benefactors
$10,000+

American Endowment Foundation
Bancroft Construction Inc.
Newark New Century Club
State of Delaware – Grant In Aid

Supporters
$500-$1000

Albireo Energy LLC
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
Artisans’ Bank
BAYADA
Bobs Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation
Brooke Kelly
Carol Young
Chris Burkhard
Credence Management Solutions LLC
Delaware Cedar Foundation
Del-One Federal Credit Union
Eugene Reiss
Harry Zackowitz
Holly Feret
John Maguire
Karen Maloy
Kelly Bednarz
Lang Cares Foundation
Norma & Christopher Locke
NRG Energy Inc
Pace Electrical & Generator Services
Patricia & Mark Bertelson
Patrick Callihan
Raising Cane’s
Renaissance Charitable Foundation
Renee’ Smallwood
Scott Johnson
State Employees Charitable Campaign
The Wawa Foundation
Tri-Med Medical Supplies Inc.
University of Delaware Chi Omega
WSFS Bank
Zeta Phi Beta

Advocates - $200-$499

Alexi Viets
Amy Pacchioli
Barbara Lee
BrandSwan
Christina Hales
Christina Willis
Dana Petersen
David Goddess Fund
Debbie Doherty
Donna Rickoski
Doretha Foster
Gary LaFontaine
Giselle Guadarrama
Harvey Shapiro
Home Grown Cafe
Jason A. Cimini
Jeff Bonis
Jessica Stanley
Joann Stephan
JP Morgan Chase Foundation
Julia Collins
Karen Dunn
Kerry Hickok
Lisa Chieffo
Lucy Powers
Lynn Hayes
Lynn Marie Lyle
Mary Maslar
Maryjean Liter
Matthews Dental Associates
Maureen & Michael Rhodes
Melissa Anyona
Merle Fields
Michael Tanielian
Michelle Croft
Michelle Reed
Natalie Boldurian
Sally Miller
Shana Turner
Shirley Glanden
Sierra Hayden
St Joseph On The Brandywine
Stephen Gioioso
Supreme Loyalty Cheer
Susan Connelly
Terri Fox
The Kenny Family Foundation (Shop Rite)
The New Ark United Church of Christ
Theresa Brams
Tina Hall
United Way of Delaware
Universalist Unitarian Fellowship

Your donation to Exceptional Care for Children transforms lives and futures with every dollar.

Give Today

Total kids participating in Field trips

On-Site Field Trips:

Lilo & Stitch Movie Party
Mini Melts
Kona Ice
Taylor Swift Tribute Concert
Mister Softee

Off-Site Field Trips:

Camden Adventure Aquarium (x2)
Delaware Children’s Museum
Mid County Lanes Bowling
Brandywine Zoo
Christiana Mall
Natural Nest Play Café (x2)
Milburn Orchard

Our Board of Directors

Stephen J. Falchek, MD
Chairman & Medical Director
President
TIDAL HEALTH, DELAWARE

Nancy Reilly Michener
Finance Committee Chair
Treasurer
MARON, MARVEL, BRADLEY & ANDERSON, LLC

Lisa Barton, Esquire
Secretary
BAZELON, LESS & FELDMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Donald A. Girard, MD, FACG
GIRARD GASTRO

Scott David Johnson
JOHNSON COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Jeffrey Malatack, MD
THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Jim Maron, Esquire
General Counsel
MARON, MARVEL, BRADLEY & ANDERSON, PA

Lily Tran, MD
NEMOURS

Donald Tyson
CATALYST INSIGHT GROUP

Hours of Music Therapy per week

Total 2025 Volunteers

Play Date Volunteers

Interns

Volunteer Groups (both on-site and off-site)

Want to be part of making the magic happen? Volunteer today!

Find out more

Our Team

Executive
Director
John L. White, LNHA

Director of
Clinical Services

Heather Casile, MSN RN

Associate Executive Director/ Comptroller
Michelle Brayman Campbell, LNHA

Administrative Receptionist
Cynthia Armstrong

Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Melissa Anyona

Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Michelle Croft

Assistant Director of Plant Operations
John Bennett

Assistant Nurse Director of Quality Improvement and MDS Coordination
Stacey Wilson, RN

Business Office Clerk
Destiny Hill

Business Office Supervisor
Holly Feret

Clinical Specialist and Case Manager
Christina Willis

Development Manager
Autumn Majewski

Director of Child Advocacy & Volunteerism
Emily Holcombe, CTRS

Director of Food Services
Lisa Ricketts, CDM

Director of Human Resources
Maria Taylor

Director of Life Enrichment and Play
Rahmira Bates, ADC, LPN

Director of Plant Operations
Luis Amaro

Director of Programs & Transitions, Bridge Unit
Melissa Henry

Director of Therapy Services
Amy Hynson, MS, CCC-SLP

Environmental Services
Mariela Arreola-Garcia
Jennifer Crippen
Jennifer Gillispie
Jamesetta Meekins
Antoinette Taylor
April Tisinger
Shirron White

Facilities/Maintenance
Javin Amaro
Kent Buckson Jr.
Kareem Henry
Francis Hibberd
Nathaniel Lomas
William Ludlam
John Obey Jr
Darrell Peterson
Ian Peterson
Ralph Simpers
John Young III

CNAs
Shanoy Alexander
Tiara Allan
Katina Bailey
Dasia Barnes
Donna Beatty
Amie Bittaye
Chemise Cameron
Urvina Cruz
Brittany DeHart
Trinity Dennis
Kendra Dixon
Tete Farley
Sophia Francis
Trina Gale
Giana Gallagher
Nina Guria
Georgette Higgin
Cynthia Holmes
Markedia Johnson
Kelsi Jolliff
Caroline Kelly
Janai Lucas-Norman
Cynthia Maddrey
George Makau
Madison Maley
Melissa May Mincey
Kiesha McKenzie
Jacqueline Mclaren
Sallema Miller
Samera Miller
Elexis Mingo
Lauren Montgomery
Michaela Murph
Samiyah Murphy
Desiree Perez
Sarah Price
Dorothy Reynolds
Aliyah Richmond
Damaris Rios-Sifuentes
Kayla Rosa-Scott
Naim Scruggs
Mindi Smith
Lakaisia Stewart
Tessa Stroble
Jazmine Sutton
Tashika Townsend
Keyara Turner
Leonica Winward
Michelle Xoco-Uribe
Ella Yancey

Food Service
Christina Carr
Andrew Granda
Darius Hale

Human Resources Assistant
Cheyenne Davis

Infection Control/
QAPI Coordinator
Gina Liter

IT Administrative Support
Reilly Casile

Lead CNA
Tina Hall

LPNs
Susan Adams
Julianna Bradham
Kaitlin Brown
Amparo Castaneda Ocampo
Minghua Chen
Brianna Childs
Gabriella Clark
Latoria Cooper
Lateisha Garnett
Shasta Gaver
Kathleen Hayden
Melida Isidro-Agustin
Endreya Jones
Tiara Laureano
Ashley Lawler
Alyssa Martinez
Donna Mullen
Jericca Orellana
Alexandra Pascual
Jacqueline Payne
Cierra Pope
Blanca Romero
Isis Sanjurjo
Alexis Smith
Deja Stanford
Adelaide Tatuli
Joslyn Thomas
Shanna Thompson
Tamara Washington
Shanekqua Willis

Medical Secretary
Marcia Novack

Nightshift Nursing Supervisor
Jackline Vidal

Occupational Therapists
Megan Hiller
Delaney Kelly Fisher

Physical Therapists
Kellie Dougherty
Kristina Krawczyk
Natashja Udzella

Play Therapists
Anita Crawford
Shakiera Dorsey
Alora Miller

Play/School Nurses
Leslie Gill
Karlee McGinnis
Shannon Smedley

Receptionists
Amadala Plymyer
Raydonna Sylvester
Thereisa Williams

Respiratory Supervisor
Amy Dusak

Respiratory Therapists
Dionisia Colon
Salimata Doumbia
Jaime Haelle
Jesse Hughes
Candy Little
Nicole Massaro
Sinmou Ngolo Ouattara
Cara Roberts
Matthew Simmons
Melissa Strockbine
Chana Williams
Yasmin Williams
Than Yem

RNs
Rachel Ackerman
Tiffany Anderson
Shannon Bailey
Amanda Birowski
Autumn Boyd
Kerstin Cain
Kaitlyn Carey
Brandilyn Cavanaugh
Zachary DeBoda
Chinwe Dike
Kylie Drupieski
Kelsy Era
Melinda Fish
Emily Gambino
Olivia Goodman
Kayla Green
Sierra Hayden
Morgan Hayden
Lorielle Hayes
Erica Kilpatrick-Galbreath
Taraya King
Janet Kucera
Dawn Lawrence
Todd Long
Saundra Love
Keri Maisano
Kaila Miller
Eileen Rose
Magdalen Sceski
Michele Smith
Sandra Smith
Patricia Sorace
Heather Spinazzola
William Stevens
Amber Sudler
Viviana Sumner Campos
Lauren Uhrick
Naderra Walker
Kristin Wilhide
Blandy Wilson

Speech Language Pathologist
Christine Ostrowski

Therapy Aides
Jaime Faber
Dawn Keenan
Jasmine Wilson

Transport Nurses
Kathlyn Hayes
Renee’ Smallwood

Your monthly donation allows us to take a planned, long-term approach. As a monthly donor, you work side-by-side with us, making long-lasting improvements to medically fragile children’s lives.

Become a Champion

Kerstin's story ›››

“My favorite ECC memories are honestly the small things—a hug from a resident, a fist pump in the hallway, or the random comedy you never see coming. I still laugh thinking about the time a resident called me 'shortie' and informed me (very confidently) that he was taller than me. Moments like that are why ECC feels special: we’re not just providing clinical care—we’re building a home and making it a place the kids can be kids!”

— Kerstin C

Megan's story ›››

"Once everything was set up, I watched in awe as one resident independently pushed a dump truck back and forth for the very first time using his shoulder movements. The session blossomed as we added blocks to knock down, load into the truck, and dump out with a simple touch. Seeing his face light up, his smile stretch wide, and his belly shake with laughter is a moment I will treasure forever!”

— Megan H

Marcia's story ›››

“My fondest memory is growing from just the patient building and having one floor and three children to now having three floors with 46 children. Now after 20 years of being here and seeing all the progress ECC staff has made from administration to patient care, another building being ready to open in April makes me proud.”

— Marcia N

2025 Report to the Community

In recognition of our 20th anniversary, the heart of this report features 20 snapshots and 20 stories from our extraordinary team who give their all every day to provide exceptional care for our residents.

Your continued generosity makes these memories and milestones possible!

Renee's story ›››

Karlee's story ›››

Megan's story ›››

Physical Therapy Hours

Occupational Therapy Hours

A Smile That Says It All:

Finding His Voice

A "Big Year" on the Horizon

The Power of a Village

Looking Toward the Future

Speech Language Therapy Hours

of kids age 3+ attend school

Participated in standing 3-5 times/week

Help enrich our medically fragile kids lives each and every month.

Amanda's story ›››

Stacey's story ›››

Megan's story ›››

2025 Financials

Amy's story ›››

Denée's story ›››

Holly's story ›››

Stacey's story ›››

Fran's story ›››

Primary Enrichment Funds Snapshot

Primary Support Funds

Quality of Life & Specialized Care

Professional & Operational Funds

Megan's story ›››

Lynn's story ›››

Holly's story ›››

Thank you, Donors!!

Stacey's story ›››

Megan's story ›››

Jerrica's story ›››

Benefactors$10,000+

Signature Partners$1001-$9,999

Supporters$500-$1000

Advocates - $200-$499

Friends - $25-$199

Your donation to Exceptional Care for Children transforms lives and futures with every dollar.

Total kids participating in Field trips

On-Site Field Trips:

Off-Site Field Trips:

Our Board of Directors

Hours of Music Therapy per week

Total 2025 Volunteers

Play Date Volunteers

Interns

Volunteer Groups (both on-site and off-site)

Want to be part of making the magic happen? Volunteer today!

Our Team

Your monthly donation allows us to take a planned, long-term approach. As a monthly donor, you work side-by-side with us, making long-lasting improvements to medically fragile children’s lives.

Kerstin's story ›››

Megan's story ›››

Marcia's story ›››

Benefactors
$10,000+

Signature Partners
$1001-$9,999

Supporters
$500-$1000