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Everyone knows sports are great for building strength and endurance. But when Dr. Claudia Harris watches the children she coaches take the field, she knows something is going on beyond just good exercise.
Psychologically it is wonderful for children to make connections both on and off the field. It is especially important for girls to have those connections to grow, Harris said. As a psychiatrist, she has studied metal health and development and is convinced that team sports develop critical life skills.
To that end, Harris participates as a volunteer youth lacrosse coach in New Canaan. She played in high school and college and adores having the chance to introduce others to the game.
Her career in psychiatry grew out of compassion for her brother who is living with autism. The whole family has been involved with advocating for good autism care.
It's kind of like a family business, said Harris. From the moment I knew and understood what was happening with my brother I wanted to help.
Skill training can help some people with autism, but the program must be developed the right way for the correct audience. Harris said the mental health community better understands autism and what is and what is not helpful.
You can come up with a great idea for a group, but if you can't adequately evaluate if it works, you aren't helping anybody, Harris said.
She said she loves New Canaan because as a community it is extremely supportive of people of all needs. That was one of the reasons she was happy to serve as a past chairwoman for the Homes for the Holidays house tours. Her work with the committee helped develop a community resource guide and strengthen connections with local designers. Twelve community organizations benefited from the tours while she was involved.
Leveling the playing field to give people of all ability levels a fair chance to succeed is important to Harris. I think a lot of people in the community are concerned with the welfare of other children. I am a strong believer of what comes around goes around, Harris said. Goodwill comes back.
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