Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mindy Hoppe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mindy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
A defining moment in my life came when I took a leap of faith and became the Director of the Somerset Children’s Center. Before this pivotal decision, I spent over a decade as a special education teacher. During this time, I pursued my master’s degree in special education while raising my son—a balancing act that fueled my passion for advocating for children with unique needs. My desire to make an even greater impact led me to earn my Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) certification. I believed this would equip me to amplify the voices of parents and children who often go unheard, ensuring their educational needs were met with specialized and appropriate programs.
For 17 years, I worked as an LDTC in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District. While I cherished the opportunity to support children, I grew increasingly frustrated by the systemic challenges that often hindered doing what was best for them. This inner conflict ultimately prompted me to leave the traditional education system. Around this time, the Somerset Children’s Center approached me with an offer that changed everything. They encouraged me to become the director and assured me, “You can make it what you want.”
When I started, the center was modest, operating with just three part-time therapists offering services three nights a week. Despite the center’s humble beginnings, I saw its incredible potential. Fueled by my vision and determination, I began transforming it into a thriving community resource. Today, the Somerset Children’s Center is unrecognizable from where it started. We now have a team of 22 dedicated therapists, including specialists in occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and even art therapy. Together, we provide an average of 550 therapy sessions each month, serving over 120 children.
This journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding, reaffirming my belief in the power of community and collaboration. Every step has been driven by my unwavering commitment to helping children thrive, and I am grateful for the privilege of making a meaningful difference in their lives each day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. I loved playing pretend school with my siblings, naturally taking on the role of the teacher. These early experiences shaped my passion for education and helping others. Another defining influence came from the film To Sir, With Love. Sidney Poitier’s portrayal of a teacher who transformed the lives of his students deeply inspired me. Watching his impact made me want to dedicate my life to helping children just as he did. I was also profoundly moved by the song Flowers Are Red by Harry Chapin. Its message about nurturing individuality and allowing children to grow into their true selves resonated with me and became a cornerstone of my philosophy as an educator. These inspirations, coupled with my experiences as a camp counselor and volunteering at group homes through B’nai B’rith, solidified my lifelong commitment to empowering children and making a difference in their lives.
This passion for education has been a guiding force throughout my life, shaping not only my professional journey but also my contributions to the broader community. I have dedicated myself to improving education through my roles on local school boards. I first served as a school board member for the Somerset Hills School District, representing the towns of Peapack and Gladstone. After moving to Far Hills, I continued this commitment by serving as a school board member in my own town. These leadership roles allow me to advocate for policies and initiatives that support children and families, ensuring every child has access to the resources they need to thrive. My background in special education gives me unique insight into the challenges families face, enabling me to champion meaningful changes in the educational system.
This commitment to advocacy extends to my work at the Somerset Children’s Center, where we provide a wide range of therapy services, including occupational, speech, physical, and art therapies. Our mission is to bridge gaps in care and offer a nurturing environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. From the very beginning, I have been dedicated to creating individualized programs tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. We collaborate closely with families, schools, and other professionals to develop personalized plans that foster growth and success.
What truly sets our center apart is our holistic and community-centered approach. I help parents navigate the often-complex world of special education by offering consultations with physicians, therapists, and educators. This ensures families feel supported every step of the way. At the same time, I empower our therapists to do what is best for the children they serve, fostering an environment of trust and innovation. Together, we serve children with developmental disabilities, neurodiverse children, children with ADHD, sensory integration challenges, speech and language delays, and more.
One of my proudest achievements at the center has been spearheading the creation of a sensory garden. I envisioned this garden as a calming and stimulating space where children could engage with nature through sight, sound, touch, and smell. This specialized garden has become an integral part of our therapeutic offerings, particularly for children with special needs. It promotes relaxation, encourages sensory exploration, and provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can connect with nature and experience moments of peace. Watching children thrive in this space has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work, and it exemplifies our mission of fostering growth in innovative ways.
In addition to exceptional therapy services, we have worked to make our programs accessible to as many families as possible. The Somerset Children’s Center accepts major health insurances, alleviating financial burdens for many families. For those unable to afford therapy, we assist in finding financial resources and support, ensuring no child is left without the care they need. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we are deeply committed to our community, offering life-changing services that empower children and families.
Through all of these efforts—whether in my roles as a teacher, school board member, or director—I remain deeply committed to the idea that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and become their true selves.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
What has helped me succeed in my career, beyond training and education, is perseverance. Despite facing naysayers and some loss of donations, I have remained steadfast in my mission. It takes passion, kindness, and an unwavering love for children to navigate the challenges of this field. I believe in celebrating differences and embracing the acceptance that everyone in society has something unique to offer. Compassion has been my guiding principle, allowing me to connect deeply with the children and families I serve and to create an environment where they can truly thrive.
I am most proud of the growth and impact the Somerset Children’s Center has achieved under my leadership. Starting with a small team and limited services, we have expanded into a thriving organization that serves hundreds of children each year. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces, hearing their progress, and witnessing the relief and gratitude of parents—these are the moments that make every challenge worth it.
To anyone considering working with us or learning more about what we do, I want them to know that we are here to empower children and families. Our work goes beyond therapy sessions; it’s about building confidence, fostering independence, and creating opportunities for children to succeed in all aspects of life. The Somerset Children’s Center is more than just a facility—it’s a beacon of hope and a place where potential is realized.
We are also deeply committed to raising funds through fundraising efforts and community events. These initiatives help us provide financial assistance to families in need and sustain the high-quality services we offer. This community-driven approach ensures that every child has the opportunity to access the care they deserve.
Any advice for managing a team?
The success of the Somerset Children’s Center is rooted in the dedication and expertise of our team. To manage a team and maintain high morale, I prioritize respecting their profession and the medical decisions they make for the children. I celebrate their successes daily and ensure that I am always available to them, maintaining an open-door policy that fosters trust and communication. I believe strongly in empowering my team by giving them a voice, encouraging open discussions, and allowing their creativity to flourish. Vetting and hiring the right therapists is a cornerstone of this success. By thoroughly training and supporting them, I help build their confidence, enabling them to excel in their craft. My team knows that I always have their back, and this trust forms the foundation of our collective achievements. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, I ensure that our team remains motivated and dedicated to delivering the best possible care to the children we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.somersetchildrenscenter.org
- Instagram: Somerset Children’s Center
- Facebook: Somerset Children’s Center
