Susan Ventura, Chief Executive Officer at Easter Seals Florida, believes the investment in the health and well being of infants and toddlers is the best investment imaginable. As she says, “children represent our future and tapping into these early years result in the best growth and learning of their lifetimes. The opportunity for success is so high and sets the pace for the child’s lifetime.”
“Investing in services such as therapy and early special education for children who have disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but it makes economic sense,” she continues.
Children enter public schools ready to learn and grow into adults who are less dependent on health care and social services and become tax-paying working adults.
Ventura recalls a nine-month-old girl living with cerebral palsy, and the speech and physical disabilities that come with the diagnosis. The child was enrolled in intensive early intervention and speech, occupational and physical therapy programs, all funded by the state of Florida. By the time she turned three and entered the public school system, she was walking, talking and making wonderful developmental strides. She remained in therapy and worked hard throughout her life. Today, she has graduated from high school and works with special needs children. She texts, travels and enjoys Facebook as anyone else her age does.
Ventura has worked for over 26 years at Easter Seals Florida. As CEO, she is responsible to ensure programs are responsive to families and their needs.Ventura’s training began in college; upon graduation she received her Certified Rehabilitation Counseling credential, as well as QA-2 designation as a sign language interpreter. Ventura was honored in 2010 as being one of the top Women-Led Businesses in Florida and is a graduate of the Florida International University’s Leading Decisions leadership development program.
Ventura earned a Master of Science Degree from Florida State University in Rehabilitation Counseling.
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