doTERRA Sponsored Playgrounds and Sensory Garden Completed at UVU Autism Center

Playgrounds and sensory garden to serve children and families seeking help from center

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May 03, 2017, 16:20 ET

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, May 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- doTERRA today joined with leaders from Utah Valley University (UVU) and the local community to celebrate the opening of the Melisa Nellesen Autism Center on UVU campus in Orem, Utah. doTERRA provided funding for the two playgrounds and a sensory garden.

Playgrounds at the UVU Autism Center, funded by doTERRA, will provide recreation and therapy for children on the autism spectrum.

doTERRA funded the construction of two specialized playgrounds at the UVU Autism Center in Orem, Utah.

The Melisa Nellesen Autism Center at UVU serves as a resource for those on the spectrum and their families.

The playgrounds and sensory garden are part of the 15,000 square-foot autism center. The center features therapy and sensory rooms for counseling, diagnostics, social skills groups, and family support. Also utilizing the building is UVU's Passages program, a series of noncredit college-level classes designed for young adults with higher-functioning autism.

"The purpose of the autism center aligns with doTERRA's mission, which is focused on empowering families and improving individuals' health and wellness. Our partnership with the autism center extends that focus to families here in our community," said Kirk Jowers, vice president of doTERRA corporate relations and European markets. "Utah is one of the top states for children on the autism spectrum. Having a fully equipped autism center here at Utah Valley University is a blessing for so many. Additionally, the education that teachers, families, and the community will gain at the center greatly extends the benefits of the center. We are grateful for the opportunity to support and strengthen families through the incredible services and information this center provides."

The two newly-completed playgrounds focus on enhancing motor skills while encouraging children with autism to interact with their surroundings. The sensory garden features a variety of plants and landscape features that encourage exploration and provide tranquility. Both additions will support the center's mission of bringing help and healing to those dealing with various forms of autism.

"The university is grateful for the generous donation from doTERRA to help make the vision of an autism center that will serve the community for generations a reality," said UVU President Matthew Holland. "It is through critical partnerships with quality organizations like doTERRA that we are able to meet the needs of students and the broader community of students and families in Utah Valley."

For more information about the Melisa Nellesen Autism Center, visit https://www.uvu.edu/autism/.

About dōTERRA

doTERRA is the world leader in sourcing, testing, manufacturing, and distributing CPTG® essential oils through a global network of more than three million independent direct-sale distributors, known as Wellness Advocates, and wholesale customers. doTERRA, the Latin derivative meaning "Gift of the Earth," sets the standard for essential oils by providing to its customers the most tested and most trusted oils and having developed the expertise and commitment required to derive these unique oils directly from the best sources in the world. doTERRA Co-Impact Sourcing^® provides local growers and distillers fair compensation for their efforts, creating stronger local economies and a healthier, stable supply chain. In addition to a premium line of single-plant extracts and proprietary essential oil blends, the company offers oil-infused personal care and spa products, dietary supplements, and healthy living products for the home. For more information, visit www.doterra.com.

SOURCE doTERRA