News

This year’s annual reunion gathered teams from all eight CLES centers for two rich days of exchange, skills‑building, and celebration on August 25–26, 2025. The program blended clinical reflection, practical training, and a dose of art and movement, true to CLES’ spirit of whole‑child care and whole‑team growth.

Day 1

A warm welcome

We began with a warm welcome from CLES Founder & CEO Carmen Chahine Debbane, setting an energizing tone for the two days.

Reflecting on our journey

The directors of the therapeutic and diagnostic centers walked us through this year’s activities, followed by focused spotlights on our programs: Care by CLES, Dance by CLES, and the DYS Scholarship, serving as a timely reminder of why we do what we do and for whom.

Putting technology to work

A hands‑on session on the practical use of AI helped us explore where innovative tools can support therapy, admin workflows, and everyday efficiencies with clear guardrails.

 

Learning through making

The Scientific Committee led an Educational Game‑Creation Workshop, exploring strategies we can adapt to different ages and learning profiles. Running in parallel, our center assistants joined a Public Speaking track to build clarity, confidence, and presence when addressing families and peers.

 

We move together

We closed the afternoon with an oriental dance and dabkeh workshop, reminding us that movement, rhythm, and joy are powerful connectors for teams. After a short break, we reconvened in the evening for a garden dinner, a warm celebration of our shared culture and community.

 

Day 2

Life in the centers

Day 2 opened with “Life in the Centers” led by our administrative assistants, who brought the everyday heartbeat of our centers into focus: welcoming families, coordinating sessions, and keeping each center running smoothly so therapists can do their best work. Caring for emotions to care for children

Next, the Scientific Committee guided an Emotions Management offering practical techniques for managing emotions professionally and personally.

 

Looking Ahead

With 10·10·DYS 2025 around the corner, we aligned on orientation and participation, specifically on how each center will contribute.

 

Staying safe

In the afternoon, “Vigilance is the Key to Safety” reinforced practical awareness, early reading of situations, protection of spaces, and knowing when and how to respond. The goal: safer centers, safer outings, safer communities for our children and teams.

The reunion ended on a fun and collaborative note, with engaging activities that encouraged teamwork, creativity, and laughter. This final moment captured the true spirit of unity and joy within CLES.