Cutler Law Firm Legal Assistant, Brooke Palleschi, was recognized by the EmBe Board of Directors on September 19 for her service and dedication to EmBe. Palleschi has been a huge asset to the EmBe aquatics program. Over the past 7 years, Brooke has taught swimming lessons, lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) classes. She helped EmBe build their lifeguarding and WSI classes from 10 to 38. What Brooke hasn’t given up over her many years in the aquatics world is her passion for teaching a little boy named Finn.
Finn was born 15 weeks early and weighed just 1lb 12oz. He spent the first 98 days of his life in the NICU. Because of his early birth, Finn has fine and gross motor delays and Reactive Airway Disease (RAD). Finn treated with physical and occupational therapists until he was 4.5 years old. As Finn got older, his parents noticed more issues with low muscle tone, coordination, and exhaustion. He also struggled with coordination issues. Since Finn had always loved splashing around in the pool and being in the water, his parents decided to enroll him in swimming lessons. Finn’s overall strength, coordination and confidence have improved so much since he started lessons with Brooke. “We are amazed every time he swims the length of the pool. To see his arms and legs working together is just incredible,” said Finn’s mom.
All of his exercise has also improved his Reactive Airway Disease. With all his improved strength, he can now climb stairs without needing to hold a hand support. He can climb to the top of playground equipment, run without stopping to take a rest and pedal his bike without any help. Small everyday activities that were once a challenge are no longer an issue.
Through the hard work and patience of Brooke, Finn has been able to achieve physical benchmarks that may have been hard to reach, and in the process, he has become a proficient swimmer for his age. Thank you, Brooke, for your hard-work and dedication to EmBe and it’s programs.
Cutler Law Firm partner, Alex Halbach, who serves on the Board of Directors for EmBe, was honored to help present the award. “Brooke is a valuable employee at our firm and is always willing to help out, so it doesn’t surprise me that she was recognized by EmBe for her service and dedication,” said Halbach. “It’s great to see that when our employees aren’t at work, they are giving back to the community.” Brooke joined Cutler Law Firm in 2017.
Cutler Law Firm, LLP is a full-service law firm located in downtown Sioux Falls.