Behind the Scenes: 2018 West Lafayette Expansion

This spring, the West Lafayette location opened a new side of the building and expanded the facility another 5,000 square feet. The incremental space provided the opportunity to redesign the lobby and front entrance experience for families and guests, and allow for additional treatment rooms for our growing clientele. Clinical Director and BCBA Alicia Pearson explains the moving process and takes us behind the scenes of the West Lafayette expansion.

“As a team, we had to make sure we were communicating effectively to each other,” said Pearson. “This was to ensure each room was set up the way we wanted, to serve our clients best. Additionally, the team prioritized tasks and worked on pieces of the design prior to officially moving into the new space. The finishing touches were added in the days nearing the open house to as we prepared to share the new space with families.”

Cornerstone’s leadership team addressed the need to add more rooms that would focus on teaching life skills, such as folding clothes and making a bed, and address desensitization programs. Some of the desensitization areas include stations for haircuts, dentist visits or doctor appointment—experiences that are typically very challenging for our clients. The plan also had to include a space that mimics the setup of a general education classroom, for those clients who are nearing a transition back into a school setting. Treatment rooms, arts and crafts area, quiet spaces for sensory breaks and a dedicated speech and language therapy area round out the offerings.

“Our goal with the expansion was to use the space in a way that would benefit our clients as they prepare for their next transition in life, whether that means going back to a classroom or into the community,” said Pearson. “In addition, the new entrance now allows for a better experience for guests visiting our center, with comfortable lobby seating and meeting rooms just steps away.”

The West Lafayette team has enjoyed watching the clients explore the space. Clients have especially loved the craft area and life skills room. The expansion has been a positive addition for the families and staff in West Lafayette. If you are interested in scheduling a tour to see our new space, call our center today at (765) 838-3547.

You can watch our tour video to see a preview of some of our rooms by clicking here.

Last updated by Morgan McClellan at June 11, 2018.