ECPP Monthly Newsletter- Welcome to Leesburg!

Welcome to Leesburg!

Check out some pictures of ECPP’s NEW location:

19420 Golf Vista Plz Leesburg, VA 20176, Unit 201 (b)

New Main Phone Number: 703.936.1968

Mental Health Matters: September Edition

September 15–October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. At ECPP, we believe that honoring children’s home languages and cultural traditions is a powerful way to foster identity, connection, and belonging.

This month, we’re highlighting how language, music, and storytelling can be woven into play therapy to strengthen relationships and nurture resilience. One of our newest clinicians, Alicia Pitarque Heishman, shares how her Ecuadorian and Colombian roots inspire her work with young children, including the songs and stories she brings into the playroom.

👉 Continue reading below to meet Alicia and hear how her bilingual and bicultural background shapes her work with families!

Staff Highlight: Meet Alicia!

We’re excited to welcome Alicia, a bilingual early childhood play therapist, to our team!

Here’s a glimpse of her story:

What inspired her career: Alicia has loved working with children since she was young, starting out as a babysitter who always brought creativity and care to her work. She now cherishes the way each child brings their own personality, story, and play into the therapy room.

How her culture shapes her work: Growing up speaking Spanish, she often uses songs like “Los Pollitos Dicen, Pío, Pío, Pío” to connect with young children and encourages families to share stories and songs in their home language.
Favorite books to share with kids: I Like Myself/Me gusta como soy, Alma and How She Got Her Name, The Name Jar, and bilingual favorites like Donde está el ombliguito.

We are so grateful to have Alicia bringing her warmth, cultural perspective, and passion for play to ECPP!

Tue, Sep 2

Separation Anxiety in Children and School Avoidance: What Parents Need to Know

Many children experience separation anxiety and school avoidance, especially during big transitions like starting school or returning after a break. Morning tears, tummy aches, and a child saying “I don’t want to go to school” can feel stressful for the whole family.

With patience and the right support, children can learn to manage these feelings and feel more comfortable with school routines. Approaches like play therapy, parent support, and gentle coping strategies can make a big difference in helping kids build confidence and independence over time.

✂️ Salsa Sprouts: Loudoun Roots & Wonders

Bring the whole family for a gardening-themed festival with hands-on activities, workshops, crafts, food, and live music. Don’t miss the official attempt at the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gardening Lesson!

📍 Address: Loudoun County Fairgrounds (17558 Dry Mill Rd. Leesburg, VA 20175)
🕑 When: Saturday, September 6, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (festival continues Sept. 7)
💲 Cost: FREE

🎨 Claude Moore Park Fall Festival

Enjoy a full day of autumn fun! Families can paint pumpkins, listen to live music, shop handmade crafts, and explore the inspiring entries of the 17th Annual Photo Expo.

📍 Address: Claude Moore Park (21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd. Sterling, VA 20164)
🕑 When: Saturday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
💲 Cost: FREE (no registration required)

✈️ Leesburg Airshow

Watch planes loop and dive through the skies in this exciting airshow featuring aerobatics, skydivers, and aviation displays. Kids (and adults!) will love exploring planes and helicopters up close, plus hands-on educational activities.

📍 Address: Leesburg Executive Airport (1001 Sycolin Rd. Leesburg, VA 20175)
🕑 When: Saturday, September 27, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
💲 Cost: FREE