Family Testimonials
Over the years, a number of A Place To be clients have been featured in news and media, sharing their own stories and advocating for others. Here are just some of their stories.
Parker B.

Music therapy through A Place To Be has been the most impactful activity in our son Parker’s life. Through music therapy, we have learned that Parker’s receptive language is so much more expansive than we likely would have known otherwise. Music therapy has also given Parker a voice – literally – as it has evoked words and sounds from Parker in ways that other interventions haven’t yet done.
Parker and our family are so appreciative of A Place To Be’s talented and caring music therapists and staff, and we look forward to many more years of music therapy!
College & Career Skills
Ryan Lowry, a long time client, currently studies animation after working with A Place To Be’s production team. What started as a passion soon developed into a job letter that attracted international attention. Ryan’s story has been featured locally and internationally, with features from ABC, Today, People Magazine, Fox, CNN, The New York Post, The Daily Mail, and countless others.
Veronica Brown starred in many of our productions over the years, often taking on lead roles. For many audience members, this was the first time they had seen an actress with Down syndrome front and center in a production.
We believe this sort of visibility is highly important to creating an inclusive world, and is especially impactful to the young audiences for which we perform. Veronica continues to challenge the stigmas put on those living with Down syndrome, as she went on study theatre and receive a college education at George Mason University and she now works as a teaching assistant.

Social Connections
Ethan T.

APTB has been so amazing for Ethan’s confidence, socialization and enrichment. It is thrilling to see his excitement and willingness to join in during singalong group, get onstage during karaoke and sit in front of a room filled with people to sing and drum.
Ethan’s talented and compassionate therapists have brought so much happiness and hope to our family and a sense of profound belonging to Ethan. We look forward to many years with the APTB team! Thank you from the Thompson’s