FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2023
Sensory Storytime at SENMC
By Heba Hamedi
On June 6th, the Southeast New Mexico College library will be hosting Sensory Storytime in
collaboration with HSI Grant Services, SENMC Early Childhood Education (ECHED) students, and
ECHED faculty.
The Sensory Storytime is a program structured specifically for neurodivergent children, as well as
children with differing abilities between the ages four to seven.
Ms. Samantha Villa, the SENMC Library Director, stated that the main reason she saw a need for
developing this program is to support our community. Ms. Villa said “I’ve met a lot of parents
with neurodivergent children, in the community who have expressed they often don’t take their
children to public events in fear that their child will act in a way they feel would disturb others. As
a result, unfortunately, a lot of parents and children miss activities or interaction just because of
this concern.”
The SENMC Library Director and HIS Grant Services Title V Ascender Activity Director, Raymond
Dominguez felt a need to try and create a calm, comfortable, and welcoming environment that
will allow children to have fun while giving parents the opportunity to socialize with other
parents. The program is currently limited to twelve participants. Assisting with the Storytime and
activities are Ms. Tessa Folks (Library Assistant), Ms. Cindy Wang (ECED Faculty), Ms. Klarisa
Rocha (ECED Student), and Ms. Megan Robinson (ECED Student).
Among the project outcomes, Ms. Villa says, “that this program presents a valuable experience to
early childhood educators in training at the college. Professor Wang, our early childhood
instructor, is the recruiting voice behind those students. Which works out perfectly because it
gives those students a hands-on training experience and participation. Once they graduate, they
will already have a skill to help them in their careers.”
“SENMC is always looking for ways to improve, so any feedback is always welcome. Furthermore,
if there are any potential early childhood education teachers, they may consider coming down to
the college to learn more about our programs.”
For more information about Sensory Storytime please contact Samantha Villa at
svilla@senmc.edu or Raymond Dominguez at rdominguez@senmc.edu.
Content and photos provided by SENMC
