THE HERD PROGRAMS

Therapy that gets kids out into the world

Our community programs go beyond the therapy room. Kids build real communication skills in real situations — at the farm, in the kitchen, and out in the community. There is nothing else like this in Central Florida.

  • Scenic landscape with a lake, green hills, and mountains under a cloudy sky.

    Second Friday Social Club

    Monthly Adventures

    Second Friday Social Club

    Once a month, kids go somewhere new — falconry, a PBS station tour, a holiday train ride, ninja training. Each outing builds communication and social skills in real, unpredictable situations. That is where the real growth happens.

    Second Friday of each month, 12:30-2:30 PM

    August through May

    Neurodiversity-affirming, low-pressure

    Central Florida locations

    Your team

    Julia Gerhard, DMA CCC-SLP + Rose, MS CCC-SLP, Curriculum Coordinator

    See PROGRAM EVENTS for more information.

    Register Here
  • Scenic view of snow-capped mountains in the background, rolling hills in the foreground, and a modern building in the middle distance.

    Kitchen Ready

    Cooking + Communication

    Kitchen Ready

    Kids collaborate in the kitchen to build communication, teamwork, and independence. By the end of the semester, they will have prepared a meal for their parents, made treats for the community, and sold their creations at a local Kids Market.

    1st and 3rd Mondays and Fridays, 12:30-2:30 PM

    Hosted at Young Chef's Academy Oviedo

    10 spots per semester

    Your team

    Julia Gerhard, DMA CCC-SLP + Vicki Perez, MEd, Culinary Specialist + Joyce Schmidt, MEd, Art Therapist

    See PROGRAM EVENTS for more information.

    Register Here
  • A modern wooden building with a large glass window, set against a backdrop of grassy mountains with rocky peaks.

    Cheyne Ranch Social Club

    Outdoor Social Group

    Cheyne Ranch Social Club

    Horses have a way of making every child feel welcome. This small-group program at Cheyne Ranch in Oviedo builds social skills, group participation, and confidence in kids who are just getting used to being part of a group.

    Six-week sessions, Thursdays 1-2 PM

    Under 10 children per group

    Parents never separated before they are ready

    Oviedo, FL

    Your team

    Julia Gerhard, DMA CCC-SLP + Rose Perkins, MS CCC-SLP, Orton-Gillingham Specialist

    See PROGRAM EVENTS for more information.

    Register Here

A REAL TEAM OF SPECIALISTS

  • Julia Gerhard, DMA, CCC-SLP

    CLINICAL LEAD

    DMA, CCC-SLP. 6 years in private practice. Specialist in early language and social communication.

    Culinary Specialist

    MEd. Owner of Young Chef's Academy Oviedo. Expert in culinary education for children.

    All programs

  • Rosalie Perkins

    CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

    MS, CCC-SLP. Former homeschool mom. Orton-Gillingham Specialized reading specialist.

    Second Friday and Cheyne Ranch Social Clubs

  • Vicki Perez

    CULINARY SPECIALIST

    MEd. Owner of Young Chef's Academy Oviedo. Expert in culinary education for children.

    Kitchen Ready

  • Joyce Schmidt

    ART THERAPIST

    MEd. Owner of Beau-Q Creations. Brings creativity, craft, and community to every session.

    Kitchen Ready

  • Allison Pennington

    SLP ASSISTANT

    Kitchen Ready

Find out more!