Know Your Neighbor: Amber Ohlinger learns to advocate for herself, her child
Christmas parties remain a popular part of the holiday season, and the Ensueños y los Angelitos Development Center-sponsored party is one of the most-talked-about events in town. More than 100 people joined in the festivities, and the staff completed the necessary tasks, much to everyone’s enjoyment.
The center’s early childhood development director, Amber Ohlinger, spoke about the special event and the work of Ensueños y los Angelitos during a recent interview. The Christmas party occurred the afternoon of Dec. 9 at the center located at 1030 Salazar Road (next to the MVD).
“One of our main goals is to include family members. We also work with young children and adults. Our guest list included all of the people with whom we work. We had music, an art project [decorating a frame] and food [Frito pies, green chile stew, posole, etc.]. Santa Claus arrived and produced a gift for each child and adult,” Ohlinger said. Clients unable to attend need not fear because staff members plan to distribute gifts to each client.
The center’s program
The interview continued with a glimpse of the Ensueños y los Angelitos program. The early intervention aspect of the program services children aged 0 to 3 years old for youngsters with developmental delays, at risk for delays and for those who possess a condition that could cause developmental delays. Many of the adults who receive services have done so for many years.
The mission statements of youth and adults include providing quality individual services from birth to the entire lifespan of those with special needs; they advocate for the developmentally disabled – and their families – through a specialized team of professionals. The early childhood development component focuses on the enhancement and supportive development of children and their families with an emphasis on their potential. The center also assists families with a smooth and seamless transition to other aspects of their lives. No other agency in the community offers an early intervention program. The agency serves all of Taos County and works at the family’s home sites, offering such services as physical therapy, speech therapy and family therapy. “All situations are different. We’re geared toward individual needs,” explained Ohlinger.
Ensueños y los Angelitos serves as a nonprofit agency, so fundraising remains an important part of daily operations. The most current needs are upgrading the fire alarm system for the building at an ultimate goal of $25,000 for this project. The board and staff already completed a pancake breakfast. “Fundraising is new to director Diane Romero and me, but we’re currently brainstorming. We’re thinking of a radiothon. If anyone wants to donate to our cause, we’ll gladly accept. All donations are tax deductible,” said Ohlinger. She added, “Our governing board is wonderful. They’re a great group of people, very supportive and dedicated.”
Background preparation and education
Ohlinger’s involvement in her current position did not occur by accident. As a single parent of daughter Angel Pacheco, 11, she quit college to care for the child’s condition of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bones. Her support system of 13-year-old son Jeremy Pacheco and her parents, Patrick and Anita Ohlinger, remains invaluable. Ohlinger considers herself fortunate for the services of Ensueños y los Angelitos. “I really learned the importance of raising awareness and learning to advocate for myself and my child, something we try to teach our families/clients,” she said.
Ohlinger coached gymnastics for the Special Olympics until the state of New Mexico cancelled the sport because of low participation. However, swimming and track and field still exist as part of Taos’ Special Olympics participation.
Eventually, Ohlinger returned to college and graduated three years ago summa cum laude from University of New Mexico-Taos with a degree in early childhood multicultural education. “I could have gone into classroom teaching. However, I wanted to give back to those who helped me with my daughter. It was a parallel process; someone helped me, so I help someone,” she said.
Professional participation
The young graduate began her work with Ensueños y los Angelitos as an early childhood development worker three years ago. Her job description changed when she became the director of the program. She now oversees the incorporating of groups of all ages by sharing activities, such as a firetruck visit to the center, parties, etc. Ohlinger continues to carry a caseload and wouldn’t be happy without participating in the total process.
The philosophy of Ensueños y los Angelitos greatly pleases Ohlinger. Relationship-based assistance impact on families and advocacy skills for parents enhances development. The compassionate worker believes very much in the center’s work.
Personal details
On a personal level, Ohlinger doesn’t experience much spare time. She keeps busy, involved in participation with her children. She enjoys the outdoors and reading material slated to help her learn “something new.” Her musical tastes favor live performances — concerts that feature country and other music.
Her upcoming Christmas holiday will no doubt include special time with family. The recent Christmas party at Ensueños y los Angelitos is merely the beginning of the holiday season for Ohlinger and her friends and relatives.
