Building Blocks EI is an Early Intervention practice in the District of Columbia. We provide therapeutic services for the DC Strong Start program for children from birth to age 5. If you believe your child would benefit from early intervention, please contact Strong Start directly at 202-727-3664.
Building Blocks has provided early intervention services to the families in the District since 2015. Prior to April 2021, Building Blocks Therapy operated as both a private clinic and an early intervention provider. The company split into two companies in April 2021. Kirsten Metzger-Gilbert maintains ownership of the Early Intervention portion, now known as Building Blocks EI. Building Blocks EI is excited to be fully committed to providing the families of the District with quality and equitable therapy service. The private clinic is now owned by FUNdamentals Pediatric Therapy and operates as Building Blocks Therapy. For private referrals, please visit their website directly at www.buildingblockstherapy.com
Our Director, Kirsten, is a Speech Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor with over 20 years professional experience. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and Master’s degree from George Washington University. Kirsten enjoys working with children with dyspraxia, developmental delays, and specializes in infant/
Our Director, Kirsten, is a Speech Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor with over 20 years professional experience. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and Master’s degree from George Washington University. Kirsten enjoys working with children with dyspraxia, developmental delays, and specializes in infant/toddler feeding and swallowing challenges. Kirsten works with a variety of feeding disorders and challenges including, but not limited to: children with g-tubes, tongue tie, latching, bottle aversion, oral motor weakness, and picky eating. Kirsten completed her Certification in Lactation Counseling (CLC) in July 2021.
Kirsten has also received training in PROMPT, TalkTools Oral Placement Therapy, the SOS Approach to Feeding, Beckman Oral Motor Therapy, and Dynamic & Postural Reflex Pattern Integration course; a foundational course for the MNRI (Musgatova) Method. In 2024, she completed courses on Oral-Facial Reflex Integration and Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding.
She lives in DC with her husband and 2 kids (ages 13 and 10) and enjoys hiking, running, reading, and traveling!
Bianca received her Bachelor’s degree from the Florida State University where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She earned a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from University of South Florida. Since beginning her career, Bianca has worked with children of all ages with a wide range of speech, language, and
Bianca received her Bachelor’s degree from the Florida State University where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She earned a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from University of South Florida. Since beginning her career, Bianca has worked with children of all ages with a wide range of speech, language, and swallowing disorders including articulation, phonological disorders, receptive-expressive language delays, autism spectrum disorder, motor speech disorders, AAC, fluency, and oral motor, sensory-motor, and behavioral feeding disorders. Bianca has also taken the Introduction to PROMPT: Technique and other continuing education courses focused on speech and language domains. In her free time, Bianca and her husband enjoy walking their dog, Luka. They enjoy exploring new parks, restaurants, and museums in the DMV. Bianca also enjoys running, traveling, and is an avid reader.
Sydney received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland where she majored in Hearing and Speech Sciences. She graduated with a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Towson University. Sydney has worked with children of all ages with a wide range of speech, language, and feeding disorders including articulation,
Sydney received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland where she majored in Hearing and Speech Sciences. She graduated with a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Towson University. Sydney has worked with children of all ages with a wide range of speech, language, and feeding disorders including articulation, phonological disorders, receptive-expressive language delays, autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, AAC, fluency, oral motor, and medically complex feeding disorders. Sydney’s passion lies with early intervention services for children with mixed receptive-expressive language disorders, as well providing social skills intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. In her free time, Sydney enjoys exploring D.C., trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Rebecca has been practicing Occupational Therapy since graduating with her Master’s degree from Howard University in 2012. She joined the Building Blocks EI team in 2018. Rebecca is trained in early intervention and Natural Learning Environment Practices and specializes in feeding. She has completed the SOS Approach to Feeding.
Jan is a Developmental therapist who has been providing services to children of the District since 2013. She joined the Building Blocks EI team in 2017. Jan has a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from George Washington University and a Professional Certificate of Early Intervention from Georgetown University.
Bess is a Developmental therapist who has been providing services to children of the District since 2013. She joined the Building Blocks EI team in 2017. Bess has a Master’s in Special Education from Brooklyn College and a Professional Certificate of Early Intervention from Georgetown University.
Rachel is a Speech Language Pathologist who has been providing services to children in the District since 2020. Rachel joined the Building Blocks EI team after graduating with her Master's degree from George Washington University in May 2020. She completed her Certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University in 2020.
Remi earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from George Washington University, as well as a certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University. She has experience working with children of all ages in areas including articulation, autism spectrum disorder, develo
Remi earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from George Washington University, as well as a certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University. She has experience working with children of all ages in areas including articulation, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, fluency, AAC, and specifically enjoys working with young children on receptive/expressive language and feeding. Originally from Massachusetts, Remi loves trips to the beach, trying new coffee shops, and regularly teaches group fitness classes in the DMV.
Katter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders at the University of Alabama and a Master of Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Mississippi. Katter completed her graduate externships at Bramlett Elementary School and the University of Mississippi Speech and Hearing clinic in Oxford, MS where she gained
Katter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders at the University of Alabama and a Master of Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Mississippi. Katter completed her graduate externships at Bramlett Elementary School and the University of Mississippi Speech and Hearing clinic in Oxford, MS where she gained clinical experience working with the pediatric population in both a preschool and outpatient clinic. She has clinical experience working with children with articulation, language, and developmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. Katter’s main career goal is to make a continuous positive difference in the lives of children and the families of children with speech and language disorders.
Kristina earned a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Her expertise spans a diverse spectrum of diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, fine motor delay, developmental delay, visual motor delay, sensory-motor dysfunction, and social skills delays. She has honed her skills through comprehensive training in renowned programs such
Kristina earned a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Her expertise spans a diverse spectrum of diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, fine motor delay, developmental delay, visual motor delay, sensory-motor dysfunction, and social skills delays. She has honed her skills through comprehensive training in renowned programs such as Learning Without Tears, The Print Tool, and the Zones of Regulation. Continuously dedicated to her professional growth, Kristina has actively pursued additional education in specialized areas like feeding and oral motor skills. When she's not at work, Kristina thrives in the great outdoors. Whether it's running, playing sports, conquering mountains, or embarking on adventures to new destinations.
We are looking for energetic, flexible PT, OT, DT, and SLP providers who enjoy working with our youngest population and who are interested in being part of a team. Our providers enjoy opportunities to collaborate virtually and in person with other professionals on our team as we work to support each other and the families we serve.
New to coaching? We are ready to support you in learning how to help families implement your recommended strategies into various settings. Our team works directly with the child’s family or childcare providers in a routines-based intervention style, meaning we help families find daily opportunities to practice their goals. We serve all 8 Wards of the District and our providers drive to various parts of the city.
If you have concerns about your child's development, you may learn more about DC Strong Start at
Strong Start DC Early Intervention Program (DC EIP)
INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN EARLY INTERVENTION? Contact us at careers@buildingblocksei.com for more information regarding an Early Intervention position.