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
Kirsten is a speech pathologist and the Director of Building Blocks EI. Kirsten received a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and Master’s degree from George Washington University. Kirsten became interested in working with kids with special needs after having a cousin diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kirsten enjoys wo
Kirsten is a speech pathologist and the Director of Building Blocks EI. Kirsten received a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and Master’s degree from George Washington University. Kirsten became interested in working with kids with special needs after having a cousin diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kirsten enjoys working with children with dyspraxia, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and feeding and swallowing challenges. Kirsten has received training in PROMPT, TalkTools Oral Placement Therapy, the SOS Approach to Feeding, and Beckman Oral Motor Therapy. Kirsten recently completed the Dynamic & Postural Reflex Pattern Integration course; a foundational course for the MNRI (Musgatova) Method. In her spare time, (now non-existent with a 11 year old and 9 year old!) she loves watching college basketball, the Red Sox, Nationals, and Patriots, 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.
Amy is a Board Certified Physical Therapist. She received her Doctoral degree from Long Island University. Amy has been passionate about working with children since becoming a pre-school teacher prior to returning to school to pursue her doctorate in Physical Therapy. Amy has previous experience working in pediatrics and is DMI certified.
Amy is a Board Certified Physical Therapist. She received her Doctoral degree from Long Island University. Amy has been passionate about working with children since becoming a pre-school teacher prior to returning to school to pursue her doctorate in Physical Therapy. Amy has previous experience working in pediatrics and is DMI certified.
Amy’s approach to Physical Therapy with children is to look at the whole child and develop a treatment plan that is specific to them while building a strong rapport that is unique to their social and emotional needs. In her free time Amy loves her 5am spin class, reading, and traveling.
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.
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.
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