Sponsored By Visions Eye Care
This feature was printed in the April 2025 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this feature in print, check out our digital issue!
When Hendrix Halbersma began struggling in kindergarten, his parents, Kayci and Matt, were eager to find answers. Hendrix was falling behind in reading, writing, and comprehension. Simple tasks like copying from the board became daily challenges. His teacher observed that there might be a disconnect between what Hendrix saw and how his brain processes the information. This was the first step towards vision therapy.
Vision Therapy
A trusted friend recommended Visions Eye Care + Therapy Center. After an initial assessment with Dr. Ashley Gentrup, it became clear that vision therapy could significantly impact Hendrix. The evaluation process was detailed and informative, and for Kayci, it was also emotional. “Hearing that your child doesn’t learn like a ‘typical’ child can be overwhelming,” she shares. “But Dr. Gentrup reassured us that we were in the right place and that we had done nothing wrong as parents.”
Hendrix’s therapy journey began with weekly sessions with his dedicated therapist, Brenda. From the start, Brenda’s compassion and expertise stood out. She tailored each activity to Hendrix’s learning style and made homework both fun and purposeful. “He never complained,” says Kayci. “Working hard for Miss Brenda was so important to him.”
Vision Therapy Graduate
The results of vision therapy have been incredible. Hendrix’s reading fluency and comprehension have improved. His handwriting is exponentially neater, along with a huge improvement in fine motor skills. Not only has Hendrix shown gains in measurable skills, but his confidence has soared. His attitude about school has changed; he even plays school at home! “He’s gone from a lot of negative self-talk to saying positive affirmations daily,” says Kayci.
The Halbersmas wholeheartedly encourage others to look into therapy at Visions Eye Care + Therapy Center. “Every single staff member we encountered at Visions was top-notch. These are people who love what they are doing, and it shows. We are extremely pleased with the results!” Their story shows how the right support can unlock a child’s full potential.
If your child is struggling, Visions Eye Care + Therapy Center could be the partner your family needs.
To learn more, visit us online at sdvisions.com or call us at 605.271.7100
