About UPward KidZ
About Us
At UPwardKidZ, we believe every child carries unique strengths, gifts, and potential waiting to be understood and nurtured.
Our work is centered on helping families gain clarity, direction, and confidence when questions arise about their child’s development.
Through thoughtful evaluation and family partnership, we seek to uncover not only what a child may be struggling with, but also the strengths that can guide them forward.
We provide comprehensive developmental evaluations for children and adolescents, grounded in over 30 years of combined occupational therapy experience and a whole-child perspective that considers emotional, physical, relational, and sensory development.
Our goal is simple: to help families better understand their child and move forward with confidence!
A Family-Centered Approach
We believe parents are the most powerful influence in a child’s life.
Rather than focusing only on diagnoses or labels, our approach looks at the whole picture of a child’s development and the environment that surrounds them.
We partner closely with families to identify patterns, understand challenges, and provide practical guidance that can support growth both at home and in school.
Our evaluations are designed to bring clarity, but also direction — helping families feel equipped with meaningful next steps.
Understanding the Whole Child
Over the past decade, many families have noticed increasing challenges related to attention, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, and social development.
While modern life brings many benefits, it also introduces new pressures and demands on children’s developing brains.
At UPwardKidZ, we take a thoughtful, root-focused approach. Rather than simply managing symptoms, we aim to understand why a child may be struggling and provide guidance that supports long-term development and resilience.
We believe real transformation happens when families are supported with practical insight, clear understanding, and a path forward!
Our Evaluation Process
Our comprehensive evaluations are structured and thoughtful while remaining compassionate and family-centered.
When clinically appropriate, evaluations may include:
• Structured parent interviews
• Standardized assessment tools
• Clinical observation
• Sensory and regulation insights
• The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2) when appropriate, widely considered the gold standard in autism assessment
• Practical recommendations for home and school
Evaluations are scheduled following a consultation and clinical determination to ensure the process is the right fit for each family.
Our Mission
Our heart to call out the GOLD in each child and see each child as a seed of investment to our future!
When children are understood, supported, and guided well, they grow into confident and capable individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world around them.
Our mission is to help children grow upward — and to support families along the journey!
Serving Families Across the Tri-State Area
Our evaluations are conducted in Hedgesville / Martinsburg, West Virginia
Families frequently travel to our location from West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and surrounding regions to access our services.
Business hours:
Thursdays & Fridays:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Services: In-person and hybrid options available
Serving families across
West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
Location: Hedgesville / Martinsburg, West Virginia
Phone number:
304-247-3300
Emails:
Stephanie@upwardkidz.com
Colleen@upwardkidz.com