2026- Lamb Family
Bethany and Paul Lamb welcomed their twins, Willow and Brooks, on May 5, 2023, after a tiring but otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy that ended at 37 weeks. The twins arrived via C-section following Bethany’s experience with pre-eclampsia, and from the very beginning, they were surrounded by love, determination, and big dreams for their future.
For a while, everything felt like the normal chaos of parenting twins—until around 15 months, when a routine developmental milestone form changed everything. As Bethany began checking boxes, she realized most of them remained blank. What followed was a wave of worry every parent knows too well—the fear that maybe, somehow, they weren’t doing enough.
Their pediatrician, Dr. Hill of Morris Hospital, offered reassurance but also something even more powerful: validation. Trust your instincts, she said—and he shared the contact information for Starved Rock Regional Center (SRRC).
Bethany called the very next day.
By 16 months, Willow and Brooks began Early Intervention services through SRRC, and the impact was immediate and profound. While neither child has a current diagnosis, Brooks is now being evaluated for autism, and both children receive exactly the support they need—right when it matters most.
Willow began speech therapy, and her growth has been incredible. Words came more easily. Confidence followed. Her personality blossomed, revealing a strong-willed, joyful little girl eager to express herself.
Brooks receives speech, occupational, and developmental therapy, and his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Where he once struggled to focus on an activity, he can now sit and play. Where big emotions once overwhelmed him—sometimes leading to self-harm when he was upset—he has learned to manage those feelings and even guide his parents through his emotions. Brooks didn’t just gain skills; he gained peace.
Today, both children are happier versions of themselves—curious, engaged, and excited to learn new words and explore the world.
Behind every milestone stands an incredible team.
Paula, often the first point of contact, became a calming presence during one of the most overwhelming seasons of Bethany’s life. She spoke not as a professional checking boxes, but as family—radiating positivity, love, and reassurance when it was needed most.
Kelly, with her gentle smile, instantly captured the twins’ hearts. The bond was immediate and lasting. She has become part of their everyday lives, celebrating progress alongside the family and receiving videos of new words and accomplishments like a proud relative.
Sammi, the occupational therapist, stepped in seamlessly—guiding Brooks through new challenges with warmth and skill, helping him reach goals that once felt out of reach.
And Miss Emma, the speech therapist for both Willow and Brooks, has been there for every big milestone and every quiet victory. She celebrates, listens, comforts, and knows the twins not just as patients—but as individuals, each with their own favorite songs, foods, toys, and personalities. From day one, Willow and Brooks trusted her, and she met that trust with unwavering care.
For Bethany and Paul, SRRC didn’t just help their children—it helped them. They learned how to teach their kids in ways that their children understand, building confidence not just in Willow and Brooks, but in themselves as parents.
When asked what they would have done without SRRC, their answer is simple and honest:
“We would have been terrified.”
Because of Starved Rock Regional Center, fear was replaced with hope. Questions were met with answers. Worry turned into progress. And two little lives were given the support they needed at the moment it mattered most.
Their only long-term goal now?
For Willow and Brooks to be the happiest they can be.
For a while, everything felt like the normal chaos of parenting twins—until around 15 months, when a routine developmental milestone form changed everything. As Bethany began checking boxes, she realized most of them remained blank. What followed was a wave of worry every parent knows too well—the fear that maybe, somehow, they weren’t doing enough.
Their pediatrician, Dr. Hill of Morris Hospital, offered reassurance but also something even more powerful: validation. Trust your instincts, she said—and he shared the contact information for Starved Rock Regional Center (SRRC).
Bethany called the very next day.
By 16 months, Willow and Brooks began Early Intervention services through SRRC, and the impact was immediate and profound. While neither child has a current diagnosis, Brooks is now being evaluated for autism, and both children receive exactly the support they need—right when it matters most.
Willow began speech therapy, and her growth has been incredible. Words came more easily. Confidence followed. Her personality blossomed, revealing a strong-willed, joyful little girl eager to express herself.
Brooks receives speech, occupational, and developmental therapy, and his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Where he once struggled to focus on an activity, he can now sit and play. Where big emotions once overwhelmed him—sometimes leading to self-harm when he was upset—he has learned to manage those feelings and even guide his parents through his emotions. Brooks didn’t just gain skills; he gained peace.
Today, both children are happier versions of themselves—curious, engaged, and excited to learn new words and explore the world.
Behind every milestone stands an incredible team.
Paula, often the first point of contact, became a calming presence during one of the most overwhelming seasons of Bethany’s life. She spoke not as a professional checking boxes, but as family—radiating positivity, love, and reassurance when it was needed most.
Kelly, with her gentle smile, instantly captured the twins’ hearts. The bond was immediate and lasting. She has become part of their everyday lives, celebrating progress alongside the family and receiving videos of new words and accomplishments like a proud relative.
Sammi, the occupational therapist, stepped in seamlessly—guiding Brooks through new challenges with warmth and skill, helping him reach goals that once felt out of reach.
And Miss Emma, the speech therapist for both Willow and Brooks, has been there for every big milestone and every quiet victory. She celebrates, listens, comforts, and knows the twins not just as patients—but as individuals, each with their own favorite songs, foods, toys, and personalities. From day one, Willow and Brooks trusted her, and she met that trust with unwavering care.
For Bethany and Paul, SRRC didn’t just help their children—it helped them. They learned how to teach their kids in ways that their children understand, building confidence not just in Willow and Brooks, but in themselves as parents.
When asked what they would have done without SRRC, their answer is simple and honest:
“We would have been terrified.”
Because of Starved Rock Regional Center, fear was replaced with hope. Questions were met with answers. Worry turned into progress. And two little lives were given the support they needed at the moment it mattered most.
Their only long-term goal now?
For Willow and Brooks to be the happiest they can be.
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