Monica and Mike Kreider were certified for foster care with Pressley Ridge in March 2022, and Tobias came into their home shortly after. As their treatment coordinator, I immediately connected with the entire Kreider family. Monica, Mike, and their two biological children have a way about them that make everyone feel comfortable, and I knew it would be a good fit for Tobias.
In the beginning, we did not know all the trauma that Tobias had experienced. In fact, we still don’t know all the trauma that he has been through. As the months went by, Tobias’ behaviors increased. Nicole Mulholland, Treatment Foster Care Program Director, completed a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) assessment on Tobias. This clinical tool from Dr. Bruce Perry helped everyone understand how Tobias’ brain functions and at what level. I remember sitting with Monica and Nicole as we reviewed the results of the NMT assessment. Suddenly, Tobias’ previously unexplainable behaviors seemed to make sense, and a plan was developed to help Tobias. Nicole even testified at the next court hearing about the findings of the NMT assessment, which led to decreased visitation due to the trauma that was causing him.
Throughout the case, Monica has had a family-first approach, trying to build a relationship with the birth mother and keep her involved in Tobias’ milestones. The birth mother even testified to the kindness that Monica had shown her. Monica also understands how important sibling relationships are and found time for Tobias to see his siblings, who were also in care. The Kreiders have continuously proven they will do anything to help Tobias.
Monica traveled to Philadelphia for an appointment with the best provider, who confirmed that Tobias’ issues are trauma related and recommended trauma therapy. When the Kreiders discovered that wait lists for a trauma therapist who accepted the state insurance were six to nine months, they chose to pay out of pocket for the best trauma therapist in the area.
So, it did not surprise me that when Tobias was finally going to be adopted, two years and one month after he was placed, the family decided to give back instead of throwing a party. Monica created an Amazon wish list with items that she wished she had when Tobias was placed. These items would be donated to the Pressley Ridge foster care closet for other kids coming into care. The items included: weighted blankets, sound machines, night lights, art kits, origami books (in honor of Tobias’ brother), books, soccer balls, games, dolls, diapers, wipes, Legos, and other toys.
Donations came in by the box load. Monica and everyone at the Pressley Ridge Lancaster office was overwhelmed by the number of gifts and so thankful for all who donated.
Monica is a fierce proponent of Pressley Ridge. She has shared her journey openly, although careful not to give a lot of details, but wanting people to know that there are kids who need homes. An acquaintance of Monica’s shared the story with her employer, who donated $2,500 to Pressley Ridge. Between the donation and the gifts, the generosity of so many has helped with the hard days and lifted so many of us workers. The Kreiders are a wonderful family, and Pressley Ridge is lucky to have them.