Helping Children and Families Find Their Path Forward
Crossroads EIT is a nonprofit organization based on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We offer developmental screening/testing, school readiness, parenting support, play therapy, and occupational therapy for children, which is made possible through state and local funding, as well as private donors.
The Beginning
The Child & Family Center (CFC) was created by Dr. Adeline Tryon in 2005. For nearly two decades, CFC has provided comprehensive assessments and evidence-based treatment to children, teens, and adults in our community.
"Early support changes the course of a child's development — and strengthens the path forward for families."
Recognizing a Growing Need
Over the past decade, the mental health needs of children and families on the Eastern Shore have intensified. Factors such as the pandemic, social media, intergenerational trauma, and limited access to providers have created significant barriers to care.
Limited insurance coverage
Long waitlists for services
Few local developmental assessment providers
A healthcare system focused on reaction rather than prevention
A Preventative Approach
In 2022, the CFC was awarded grant funding through the Wicomico County Local Management Board to provide developmental evaluations for children birth through five who had experienced or who were at risk of experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The referrals started coming in quickly, and a new challenge arose: almost every child being evaluated needed a wide range of early intervention services that did not exist or required multiple appointments per week in several different locations.
Further, many of these children needed intervention services, which would require a formal diagnosis to obtain. Thus, the CFC quickly began expanding to meet the needs of these children in a preventative way.
Developmental Evaluations to identify strengths and weaknesses
An interdisciplinary team of providers to offer early intervention services in one location
Focus on prevention, early intervention, and a strengths-based perspective
Holistic, evidence-based intervention strategies individually-tailored to meet the needs of every child and family
The Creation of Crossroads
In December 2023, Crossroads Early Intervention Training (EIT) was created as an initiative under the 501 c(3), The Child & Family Foundation, Inc. Dr. Samantha Scott, founder of the Child and Family Foundation, partnered with Dr. Angela Rathkamp to bring this vision to life.
Drs. Scott and Rathkamp have since created a dedicated Executive Board to oversee the services and funding needed to make this initiative thrive. Through local and state funding, Crossroads EIT continues to grow, extending grant-funded assessments and early intervention services to children and families across the Lower Eastern Shore.
What Families Are Saying
They are much less shy and open up more easily to others. Their communication is much
- Parent of a Crossroads Child
A Whole-Family Approach
At Crossroads EIT, we believe children thrive when families are supported. Our interdisciplinary model focuses on early identification of developmental and/or behavioral concerns, evidence-based therapeutic services, strengthening parent-child relationships, and providing practical tools for caregivers to ensure their child’s success outside of the therapy room.
We focus much of our efforts on helping children regulate their nervous system and teaching caregivers how to co-regulate with their child. By addressing the root cause of dysregulation, we are empowering children and families to not only heal but to thrive.
Training the Next Generation of Clinicians
Crossroads also serves as a training site for emerging mental health professionals.
Undergraduate Psychology Students
Clinical Exposure and Foundational Skills
Master’s Level Social Work & Counseling Students
Practical Application and Supervised Training
Postdoctoral Psychology Fellows
Advanced Specialization and Licensure Readiness
By training the next generation of therapists, we are expanding access to high-quality mental health care across the Eastern Shore.
Funding and Community Support
Crossroads Early Intervention & Training is made possible through a combination of local and state grant funding as well as private donations.
Key Funding Partners
Wicomico Partnership for Families, The Local Management Board for Wicomico County, with Funding from Maryland’s Governor’s Office for Children
Maryland Community Health Resources Commission
The Hope Illuminators ($50,000 +)
Phillip & Barbara Long Family Foundation
The Beacon Builders ($25,000 to $49,999)
This could be you!
The Momentum Makers ($10,000 to $24,999)
Mrs. Loretta M. Downey
Jack P. and Anne R. Smith Foundation
The Comfort Crew ($5,000 to $9,999)
The Hazel Foundation
The Helping Hands ($1,000 to $4,999)
Rotary Club of Salisbury
Scott & Stacey Brumbaugh
MD Alpha Delta Kappa
These partnerships allow us to provide services at little or no cost to many families.
Ready to Get Started?
We believe that early intervention can transform lives — not only for the children we serve today, but for future generations across our community.