Annunziata Catholic School Celebrates New Sensory Room
Annunziata Catholic School in Ladue recently celebrated the opening of its newly redesigned sensory room with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a milestone year for the school and the students it serves.
Annunziata is the only school in the archdiocese dedicated entirely to special education and has long recognized the value of sensory support for its students. Sensory rooms can help children with sensitivities regulate their emotions and reduce stress. Yet for years, the school's sensory room fell short of its potential. The room contained only basic fine-motor tools and, as a result, was rarely used. Limited funding kept the school from building a space that could truly meet students' needs.
Kimberly Huelsing, the Director of Special Education and Inclusion for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, aimed to enhance the sensory room and was directed to Terri Desloge, founder of Synapsory, a team of educators and researchers that specialize in creating sensory rooms for a variety of schools and organizations.
"We quickly connected over our vision for inclusion and the benefits of sensory rooms, breaks, OT, and play for neurodivergent students," said Huelsing.
Desloge recognized the importance of students having a space to regulate and offered to completely renovate the space for Annunziata as a donation to the school.
A Space Designed with Purpose
Walking into the redesigned room, the transformation is immediately clear. Low lamp lighting replaces harsh overhead fluorescents, easing sensitivities that can otherwise overwhelm students. A slide, swing, stepping pads, and trampoline offer whole-body movement to help calm the nervous system, while a sequin wall and hand-held tools provide fine-motor input that supports focus and regulation. A bubble tower and a TV loaded with slow-moving calm scenes round out the space, offering predictable visuals that promote attention and a sense of safety.
Principal Melissa Kelley noted that the room also includes therapy balls, climbing and movement equipment, soft seating, and mirrors.
"The equipment was intentionally selected to give students access to different types of sensory input based on their individual sensory diets and needs, to support both regulation and sensory engagement," Kelley said.
More Than a Playroom
For the students at Annunziata, the sensory room is far more than a quiet corner to decompress. It’s a tool woven directly into their academic activities.
"Having a regulated nervous system and calm mind are foundational characteristics for learning," Huelsing said.
The school hopes students will move between spaces more smoothly, communicate more effectively, and show fewer signs of distress, such as shutting down, yelling, or hitting.
Kelley echoed that goal: "When students are regulated, they are better prepared to manage their emotions and behavior, engage in instruction, and be successful throughout the school day."
That philosophy was on full display at the ribbon-cutting, where students, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate a space designed not just for taking a break, but for growth.
Beyond the equipment, Kelley sees the sensory room as a direct expression of Annunziata's Catholic identity.
"Our mission calls us to recognize the dignity and individual needs of every child. The sensory room is another way we can meet students where they are and provide the support they need to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually," she said.
Made Possible by Generosity
This renovation would not have been possible without the support of generous benefactors, including Synapsory, the Annual Catholic Appeal, the Monsignor Gardin Foundation, and individual donors who believe in Annunziata's mission to offer a Catholic education to every child, regardless of ability.
For the students at Annunziata, that renewed room means one more way to feel seen, supported, and ready to grow. For the Annunziata school community, it's a moment worth celebrating.
