August 28, 2025
August Advocate of the Month: Pediatric Movement Center
Our Advocate of the Months go above and beyond to provide inclusivity for people with disabilities. Our August Advocate of the Month, Pediatric Movement Center, looks at every client for their abilities, not disabilities, and empowers the potential of every child they serve.
Tina Snyder, owner and Executive Director of Pediatric Movement Center (PMC), says there are three words and phrases that define her business: “Connect”, “commit", and “change lives”.
PMC is an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic and sensory gym with two locations in Hagerstown and one in Frederick. Supporting youth of all abilities, Tina says the focus isn’t on what PMC can do, but how PMC can empower their clients to achieve their fullest potential.
“We try to empower children and their families when they walk through our doors,” said Tina. “We want people to understand that these kids do it themselves so that they can reach their goals on their own with whatever resources we have to offer.”
Clients of all abilities come through PMC’s doors, and regardless of whether or not they have a disability, each person is encouraged to define their own goals. Some might be recovering from a sports injury, and others might use a wheelchair and are looking to walk just a few steps. Instead of focusing on a person’s diagnosis, disability, or medical conditions, every person is looked at for their abilities and is supported in voicing and achieving their own personal goals.
“‘Mobility’ might be different for every person,” said Tina. “Maybe they're walking on the balance beam, or maybe they’re rolling on the floor, and that's how they’re achieving their mobility.”
Colleen Bal, Director of PR & Business Development for PMC, remarks on how the business promotes inclusivity through the layout of their gym, allowing clients of all abilities to engage with each other during their therapy. PMC also does outreach to promote inclusivity in the community, such as by working with the Judy Center, Pathfinders for Autism, and public libraries.
PMC’s advocacy has bloomed and continues to touch many lives in our community since its founding in 2017, and Tina notes that the ripple effect will continue with every life they touch.
“Every time you make one person's life better, you make someone else's life better,” said Tina.