Christian Koelbl uses stress balls and other occupational therapy equipment to help all children in his classroom

Christian Koelbl's history with using this equipment

For years, Christian Koelbl has included occupational therapy equipment in his classroom to help children with developmental challenges, and other children too. This was all started by former Orland Consolidated School principal Ivan Braun, who gave Christian the start six years go, to begin using this equipment in his classroom. 

Ever since, the Bucksport, ME GH Jewett School kindergarten teacher, has incorporated more  occupational therapy equipment in his classroom, and has benefited so many children. 

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Courageous Steps gives back to Christian Koelbl

In August of 2015, the Courageous Steps Project was contacted by Christian Koelbl for more support in his classroom. Because of the many donations throughout the State of Maine, we were proud to award a donation of $300.00 to be used towards Christian's classroom, to further his endeavors as a unique teacher & educator.

Some of the items that he was able to purchase through our support, included, a bracelet fidget, a compression vest used for calming children down, especially those with sensory challenges, a dolphin lap pad, a finger stretcher which strengthens pencil grip comma, a blue weighted wrist pad which promotes keeping the forearm down when writing, the therapy sit disc which promotes gentle movement and tactile stimulation, and other fidgets. 

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Beginning of the Courageous Steps Wishlist Initiative

The Courageous Steps Project founder and CEO Connor Archer, launched the Courageous Steps Wishlist Initiative, inspired by Christian Koelbl, to give to classroom teachers in the state of Maine, through the school, who want to make a difference right in that room. 

This initiative is separate from our sensory learning initiative, and our Charitable Giving initiative. Donations typically will vary from $200-$400, depending on the item or items wanting to purchase. If the Wishlist is over $400, the teacher is encouraged to fill out the Charitable Giving application through The Courageous Steps Project. 

When we become an official non-profit organization, in early 2017, we hope to see our Wishlist Initiative grow around the state of Maine, and beyond by 2021. 

Of course, if you want to get involved, please make a contribution to our soon-to-be non-profit organization. As soon as our organization receives confirmation of becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we will notify you to notify the IRS that your donation is now tax-deductible through the IRS, as the date of our incorporation was July 25, 2016. 

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