In the News

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November 07, 2025

Chattanooga Times Free Press – StarNight

The community turned out in style for one of Chattanooga's most anticipated evenings of entertainment and philanthropy. With performances by The Downtown Band, along with a cocktail reception and dinner, the night delivered more than sparkle -- it brought support and resources for Siskin Children's Institute.

October 28, 2025

Conversation about Autism with Local and National Experts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Recently, Alison Singer, Co-Founder and President of the Autism Science Foundation, joined Don Mueller, CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute; Lisa Spurlock, Family Support Services Manager; Emily Bylund, mom and advocate for the autism community; and Dr. Lori Ferreira, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician at Siskin Children’s Institute, for an engaging discussion on autism awareness, support, and advocacy in the Chattanooga community.

October 28, 2025

Siskin Institutes helps reduce wait times for children with ADHD

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in adults that affects approximately 1 in 16 adults and 1 in 10 children in the U.S.

September 16, 2025

Shining Brighter Than Ever: StarNight Raises Historic Funds for Children and Families

CHATTANOOGA, TN – StarNight, the annual gala benefiting Siskin Children’s Institute, surpassed recent fundraising records during its “75-years of Siskin” celebration, raising more than $600,000 to expand services for children with special needs and their families.

May 13, 2025

Siskin Children’s Institute Now Offering Pediatric Physical Therapy Services

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Siskin Children’s Institute is proud to announce the launch of its new Pediatric Physical Therapy Program, expanding its continuum of services designed to support children from infancy through adolescence.

April 03, 2025

Siskin Children’s Institute Celebrates 75 Years of Service for Children with Special Needs

CHATTANOOGA, TN – For 75 years, Siskin Children’s Institute has honored the legacy of Mose and Garrison Siskin, two Chattanooga businessmen whose dedication to helping others began after a life-changing event. Their unwavering commitment to serving children with disabilities remains the heart of the Institute’s work today.

March 27, 2025

Siskin Children’s Institute Achieves Platinum Transparency Status from Candid

Siskin Children's Institute is proud to announce that we have earned the Platinum Transparency designation from Candid, a leading nonprofit information platform.

March 04, 2025

Siskin Children’s Institute Earns BHCOE Accreditation for Excellence in ABA Services

Chattanooga, TN – Siskin Children’s Institute is proud to announce that it has achieved BHCOE (Behavioral Health Center of Excellence) Accreditation

February 04, 2025

Siskin Children’s Institute Celebrates 75 Years at 2025 StarNight Gala

Chattanooga, TN – On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Siskin Children’s Institute will host its highly anticipated StarNight Gala at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

January 30, 2025

Siskin Children’s Institute Welcomes Ashley Wolfe Evans as New Director of Development

Chattanooga, TN – Siskin Children’s Institute is proud to welcome Ashley Wolfe Evans as the new Director of Development.

December 09, 2024

Sigma Nu Breaks Records with $1,717.64 Donation to Siskin Children’s Institute

During their annual Philanthropy Week, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Sigma Nu fraternity spotlighted Siskin Children's Institute, demonstrating the power of community and giving in support of children with special needs and their families.

September 05, 2024

Author Melanie Potock trained Siskin Children’s Institute professionals on feeding therapy

Melanie Potock said it's important to recognize that when pediatric feeding therapists like those at the Siskin Children's Institute work with children to help them become more adventurous eaters, they're not just helping the child.

July 23, 2024

How Siskin Children’s Institute CEO plans to use good business to improve lives

Don Mueller's greatest motivation in life is making a difference by improving the lives of as many children as possible — something he aspires to do as the new CEO and president of Siskin Children's Institute, an outpatient center for special needs children.

April 26, 2024

Run for a Cause: The Chattanooga Chase Returns to Support Siskin Children’s Institute with Exciting Races and Post-Run Fun!

Chattanooga's oldest active competitive road race is back!

April 26, 2024

Siskin Children’s Institute Welcomes Allen Bible, Chief Operations Officer

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Siskin Children's Institute is happy to announce the appointment of Allen Bible as its new Chief Operations Officer.

February 15, 2024

Siskin Children’s Institute Welcomes Don Mueller as new CEO

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Siskin Children's Institute is proud to announce the appointment of Don Mueller as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Mueller succeeds Derek Bullard, who announced his retirement in 2023.

January 25, 2024

CEO Derek Bullard Announces Retirement from Siskin Children’s Institute

CHATTANOOGA, TN - Derek Bullard, the President and CEO of Siskin Children's Institute, has announced his retirement. Mr. Bullard looks forward to spending time with family and continuing his board service with other non-profits in the Chattanooga region.

December 18, 2023

Chattanooga Providers Meet Rising Demand with Tennessee’s Expanded Early Intervention Age

Chattanooga nonprofits are meeting increased demand as Tennessee extends early intervention eligibility until kindergarten. The Tennessee Early Intervention System provides free therapy and support services, allowing families the choice between school-based or at-home services for children with developmental delays.

September 22, 2023

Siskin Children’s Institute Partners with UTC to Enhance

Siskin Children’s Institute and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are partnering to continue the childcare legacy of Little Miss Mag. Their joint effort seeks to enhance early learning and childcare in downtown Chattanooga, preserving 124 childcare slots.

August 03, 2023

Siskin Children’s Institute Announces Closing of Early Learning Centers

After more than 70 years serving area children and their families, Siskin Children’s Institute has made the difficult decision to close its early learning centers

June 27, 2023

Andy Grammer Announced for Siskin’s 60th StarNight Gala

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Siskin Children’s Institute is happy to announce Emmy award winner and multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer to headline this year’s StarNight Gala. The 60th StarNight event, presented by First Horizon Foundation and Tennessee Valley Authority, will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Saturday, August 26. All proceeds benefit Siskin Children’s Institute. For tickets, tables, or sponsorship information, visit www.siskin.org/starnight.

March 09, 2023

Chattanooga History: Siskin Father’s Lessons Guide His Sons

"World War I offered new businesses an invitation to success as the United States prepared to arm the American Expeditionary Forces, led by Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing. Robert Siskin embraced that opportunity, and with funds from his days as a traveling peddler he opened his scrap metal business. With an investment reportedly of $7, the business grew quickly and continued to increase during the war days. But the post-war years would challenge the young business, as military contracts ended and the nation attempted to shift to peacetime production levels.

September 20, 2022

Siskin Children’s Institute Expands Medical and Therapy Services to Nashville, TN.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Siskin Children’s Institute is excited to announce the opening of a new location to serve families in the Nashville community beginning in January 2020 and will offer medical services such as developmental assessments and treatment as well as Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children with special needs. Led by Dr. James Van Decar, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician with more than 30 years of experience serving children with developmental disabilities, the Center uses an interdisciplinary approach to early identification and intervention for neurodevelopmental concerns and works collaboratively with families to support the unique needs of each child.

September 20, 2022

Siskin Children’s Institute Announces Adrienne Bankert for Fall Business Breakfast Fundraiser

Siskin Children’s Institute announces the second in a series of networking business breakfasts designed to inspire our community. Your Hidden Superpower, featuring Adrienne Bankert will be held in the Gilman Event Hall at West Village on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 7:30 am.

January 01, 2021

Siskin Children’s Institute to Acquire Little Miss Mag

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Board of Directors of Little Miss Mag Early Learning Center has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Siskin Children’s Institute (SCI). Leaders from both organizations are collaborating to enact the transition plan, and it is anticipated the acquisition will be finalized by year’s end.

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Siskin Children's Institute seeks to affirm the dignity and worth of every person. It is, therefore, the policy of the Institute to practice and ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all constituents with respect to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, political belief, socio-economic status, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. The Institute promotes the full realization of this policy through all organizational practices including admission and participation in programs and medical services.