congratulations, randy wilson! 1,935 likes · students visit linvilla, paint pumpkins and celebrate...
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Congratulations, Randy Wilson! Our Employee of the Month
Randy Wilson, ABA Counselor in Matthew house, makes the care and safety of the children served at Melmark his top priority. He has a tremendous amount of compassion for the children under his care and is supportive of them, no matter the situation. Randy has an excellent rapport with the individuals in the home and always has a positive demeanor when he works with them.
Families truly appreciate his welcoming presence and how he is always smiling and respectful. Randy is always courteous and helpful to all his colleagues and greets them with a warm smile. He is the first person to offer assistance and is always there whenever a need arises.
Randy truly epitomizes the Standards of Professionalism and is a great role model for all staff. Randy takes great pride in his work and does everything he can to ensure the success of the individuals in the residential program.
Please join us in congratulating Randy on being named our November Employee of the Month!
Randy with his colleagues
A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community
November 2015
Need $500?
Know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team? Tell them to check out Career Opportunities and apply online at: www.melmark.org/careers. We’re looking for motivated and caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee gets $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long! Just fill out the employee referral form, found in HR, before the new hire begins at Melmark.
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Thanksgiving is a special time of year reminding us of all we have to be thankful for in our lives. I would like to take this time to express my sincere gratitude that you have chosen to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities through your work at Melmark. I want you each to know what a huge, positive impact you have on the lives of the children and adults we serve, as well as on countless family members.
I am grateful for your dedication to expert teaching and care, all carried out with kindness and patience day in and day out. As we celebrate the holiday season, I send my heartfelt thanks for all you do throughout the year to keep our individuals safe and well cared for and to help them achieve their fullest potential and happiness.
A Message from the President and CEO-ElectRita Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA
Rita Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBAPresident and CEO-Elect
Rita Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBACEO-Elect
Supervisor of the QuarterCongratulations, Kim Gambone!
Kimberly Gambone, Classroom 11 Senior Teacher, dedicates herself to the students and staff on a daily basis. She always takes time to train staff on the most recent changes to a BSP or teaching plan and spends extra time with newly hired employees. Kim also makes sure all materials necessary for a student are easily accessible for the day.
Kim is respectful, kind, friendly and appreciative to everyone who works in her class. She understands that staff experience challenges throughout the day and is always the first person to offer assistance. Kim covers for her co-workers to make sure they always get a full lunch break. Her colleagues appreciate the extra effort she puts in for them to be able to get a few minutes to themselves.
Kim is a great role model to the staff and makes everyone feel supported. always letting them know their opinions and suggestions are valued. Melmark appreciates Kim’s dedicated service to our students and employees and congratulates her on this accomplishment.
Kim with her students and colleagues
Kim Gambone, M.Ed.
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Holiday Shopping at Melmark
Hand-stenciled holiday cards
Holiday shop and support adults at Melmark at the same time. The Meadows and Meadows, Too have some incredible holiday items for sell right now. All proceeds support the individual programs, and guild members at The Meadows are paid based on sales.
Snowman Ornament Wishball
Child’s Cupcake Hat
Shop online at https://ecomm.melmark.org/meadows-store
Check out The Meadows, Too on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeadowsTooMelmark
Infant Owl HatHeart PendantAbstract Coasters
Gourd Bird House
Vocational Progam - Gifts for EVERYONE on Your ListAdults in The Christopher Maurer Vocational Program want to make sure you don’t forget your furry family members this holiday season. They’re selling homemade doggie treats. If you’d like to purchase treats for your favorite pup, contact a staff member from the vocational program.
Greg selling dog treats with his staff
Thanksgiving cards bythe vocational program
Vocational program participants are also selling holiday decorations for your home or office. Watch for sales in the hallway by the gym.
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Volunteers Decorate HomesValleyPoint Church Illumination EventVolunteers from ValleyPoint Church in Glen Mills visited Melmark’s campus to string lights, decorate and to sing Christmas Carols. This annual event adds a magical feel to Melmark’s already festive community. Below are photos from the day.
Thanks to volunteers from ValleyPoint Church and the Swathmore Women’s Volleyball Team for helping decorate the Melmark community.
Volunteers and residents singing Christmas Carols while Doug
plays the harmonica
On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, the world comes together to celebrate generosity and to give. This global initiative is based on a simple idea – find a way for your family, community or organization to come together to give back. Then share your story of giving with as many people as possible. Join Melmark for #GivingTuesday, a movement to raise awareness of the impact of giving.
Volunteers stringing lightsoutside houses
Volunteers from the Swarthmore Women’s Volleyball Team
Volunteers decorating outside Melmark residences
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Thanksgiving EventsExpressing Our Gratitude and Sharing MemoriesThanksgiving is always a special time for families, but especially so for the Melmark family. The month of November was marked with a number of special events, each designed to share just how grateful we are to be part of this wonderful organization, which is making a positive impact on children, adults and their families.
Jordan enjoying a holiday feast with friends during the Children’s RTF Thanksgiving celebration
Jerome with Brenna at a Thanksgiving social held at The Melmark School
Rita Gardner celebrating with a staff member at Melmark’s
annual Thanksgiving reception
Darlene Evans with Dr. Donovan at the Thanksgiving reception, which featured a message of thanks, an Acme gift card for
staff and delicious food
Artwork by Melmark students on display at the Thanksgiving reception
Cal modeling a turkeyheadband at the Thanksgiving social
Ella enjoying the Thanksgiving social with classmates and staff
Members of the Melmark Parent Organization serving pie to staff in appreciation of all they do
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Autumn at MelmarkStudents Visit Linvilla, Paint Pumpkins and CelebrateStudents celebrated the arrival of fall in a number of ways, not only in our classrooms and residences, but also in the community.
Volunteers Create MemoriesSAP Hosts Halloween / Fall CarnivalNearly three dozen volunteers from our neighbor and Community Partner, SAP, helped children and adults celebrate Halloween. The group assisted with campus hayrides for adults and held a huge Halloween party in Melmark’s Multi-Purpose Center. Everyone enjoyed the day, which included treats, games and crafts.
Isaiah: Classroom 6 feeding chickens
at Linvilla Orchards
Oliver: Creating fall decor in Classroom 4
Imani and Matthew: Face paint and fun in the Schoemaker RTF
An SAP Volunteer with Riley Hayrides with live music by Catie Parker
Alyssa and her staff working on a Halloween craft
An SAP Volunteer
Volunteers from SAP with Dr. Donovan
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Sharing Talents to Create SmilesAmeriKids Concert at MelmarkThe children and adults we serve enjoyed a musical concert performance by the AmeriKids choir group. This year, AmeriKids is celebrating 26 years of “service and song” in the community. Part of that celebration included the group’s annual performance at Melmark. It was a wonderful, musical and fun-filled event for all.
The AmeriKids performing at Melmark
Special Visitor at The MeadowsMiss America’s Outstanding Teen Meets Artisans
Allie Nault, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2016, visited Melmark in November. Allie spent some time in The Meadows, working alongside guild members as they created beautiful flower arrangements, holiday ornaments and other crafts.
Allie is 17 years old and will travel the U.S. during the upcoming year, as she speaks to audiences about her platform “Making $ense – Becoming Financially Responsible”.
During her visit to the Greater Philadelphia region, Allie participated in Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Allie and Janet painting holiday gourds
A photo with The AmeriKids
Bill showing Allie, Mollie and Erin a Santa ornament
Debra with Allie in The Meadows
Chris, Dan, Erin, Allie, Kelly and Mollie at The Meadows
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Papal Bell PresentationThe Joybells and The World Meeting of FamiliesOn Thursday, November 19, The Joybells of Melmark had the opportunity to thank The World Meeting of Families for inviting them to play before Pope Francis’s Mass in Philadelphia. The Joybells played one of the songs from that September performance at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner, held at Drexelbrook Country Club. During the dinner, the Chamber of Commerce honored World Meeting of Families Executive Director Donna Crilley-Farrell as the organization’s citizen of the year. After Mrs. Crilley-Farrell accepted the award, The Joybells presented her with an engraved bell, for safekeeping until it can be delivered to Pope Francis at The Vatican. The bell choir wrapped up its presentation by playing Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, one of two songs performed by The Joybells on The World Meeting of Families Stage.
Watch The Joybells’ Papal Performance, on YouTube @MelmarkPA
Cooking for the HolidaysMonthly Classes for Adults Led by Chef Art RomanOur monthly classes at The Kitchen Workshop continued in November, thanks to a very generous and talented friend of Melmark. Chef Art Roman at The Kitchen Workshop in Paoli provides free educational and fun cooking classes for the adults we serve. See Chef Art’s full calendar of courses at: http://www.kitchen-workshop.com/ .
Anthony and Chef Art Madeline preparing eggs for cookie batter Dara helping Dan and Chris make cookies
Liza Jones, Melmark Dir. of Adult Day Programs, presenting a bell to
Donna Crilley-Farrell, Executive Dir., World Meeting of Families 2015
The Joybells with Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Trish McFarland and Donna Crilley-Farrell, World Meeting of Families Executive Director
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Sharing our Expertise through Research and TrainingsMelmark Assistant Medical Director Presents in Florida
Melmark presented encouraging clinical data at The Annual NEI Psychopharmacology Congress in Orlando, Florida in November. More than 1,200 psychiatrists, physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other mental health professionals attended the sold-out congress. The conference provides comprehensive information regarding best clinical practices and recent advances in the neuroscience and treatment of mental illness.
As part of the poster session, Melmark Assistant Medical Director, Ann Marie DiPietro, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, presented a poster she co-authored with Liz Dayton, Jen Quigley, Tim Nipe and Dr. Jim Chok entitled “Collaboration of Psychiatry and Applied Behavior Analysis: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Reducing Polypharmacy and Treating High Risk Challenging Behavior.” The project included a sample of 39 individuals treated in the Residential Treatment Facility at Melmark between April 2013 and September 2015. During this period, the total number of medications administered was reduced in 62% of individuals while also reducing high risk challenging behavior in 74% of the individuals.
Upon admission, individuals were prescribed a total of 106 psychotropic medications. At present or at discharge, there were only 69 total psychotropic medications prescribed. Utilizing the interdisciplinary model, applied behavior analysis and data-driven medication management, the clinical team succeeded in reducing polypharmacy and high risk challenging behavior.
Expert Speaker SeriesDr. Dustin Polis PresentationIn November, we welcomed Dustin Polis, Ph.D., BCBA-D at our Expert Speaker Series. Dr. Polis’ presentation was titled “Developing Skills in ABA: Providing Clinical Supervision to Professional and Para-Professional Staff ”.
Melmark’s Expert Speaker Series in behavior analysis includes BCBA presenters throughout the year. The presentations are open to parents, staff and professionals in the communities we serve and are a source of continuing education units for professional certifications, such as BACB and ASHA.
Register NowJennifer Dawson, Ph.D., BCBA, BS-LClinical Director, Southeastern PA Autism Resource Center (SPARC)
“Considerations in the Treatment of Feeding Problems in Individuals with Autism: What We’ve Done and What We Need to Do”
March 10, 20164:00 pm – 6:30 p.m.Melmark’s Multi-Purpose Center
Complimentary AdmissionCharge per BACB Type 2 Credit - $10 per CEU
Register online at https://ecomm.melmark.org/pa-conferences
Melmark Asst. Medical Director Ann Marie DiPietro, MSN, CRNP,
PMHNP-BC
Dayton Quigley
Nipe Chok
Dr. Dustin Polis
In addition to Melmark’s presentation in Florida, members of our clinical team also shared their research at the Autism New Jersey Conference in Atlantic City recently. Presenters included Jen Croner, M.S.Ed., BCBA, Samantha Smith and Sam Russo, M.S.Ed.
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The Walking Works Challenge began Sunday, August 16 and ran through Saturday, November 14th. This 12-week challenge measured how many miles teams (four to eight people per team) could walk by the end of the program.
This was another opportunity for staff members to earn Healthy Lifestyle Tracker points, which add up to savings on health insurance premiums. In addition to earning points, there were prizes for the team with the highest average miles walked over the 12-week challenge and a prize for the person with the overall highest total number of miles walked. 77 employees participated in this season’s challenge. Winners will be announced in the December Moments.
Melmark’s Basketball League
Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Gym
Teams will consist of three staff on each team. Each 3-on-3 game will take place in half hour intervals. Registration for this session is closed, but please come out to cheer on your colleagues!
Participants earn Healthy Lifestyle points!
Melmark started a series of ten-week Zumba classes. These classes are great for everyone, from beginner to expert, and require no prior experience or coordination. Registration is closed for the current series of classes, which runs through December 8. Be sure to sign up for classes after the winter holidays!
Getting Fit and Having Fun
Donate Your Coupons!The Vocational Program is collecting manufacturer’s coupons to send overseas to military families.
You can help!Drop off coupons in blue collection boxes, placed in the following locations:
• Under the Time Clock in the Main House (by the doctor’s office)• Main House Copy Room• Marcus House, Room 7• The Eatery
You just drop off the coupons, and Vocational will do the rest.
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Who doesn’t need a little help around the office? The young men and women who participate in the Christopher Maurer Vocational Program at Melmark are offering you a helping hand. And thanks to some help from our MIS Team, getting that help is as easy as a click of a mouse. Using Sharepoint, you can now request services ranging from binder assembly to recycling pick-up and Melmark vehicle cleaning. Just go to the Sharepoint home page, select “Client Job Request” and fill out the appropriate fields. Someone from the vocational team will be in touch to schedule your job request.
Michael Donovan Manager of Operations and Strategic Initiatives
Advocacy Corner
With the Pennsylvania budget impasse recently eclipsing the 140-day mark, ten Meadows program participants and staff made a trip to the state’s Capitol Building in Harrisburg on Tuesday, November 17. We attended a rally organized by the Alliance of
Adults from Melmark at the rally
Help Around Your Program Area
Cherie Braumans leading the rally
Community Service Providers, urging legislators to both fund human services adequately and to pass a budget as soon as possible.
Executive Director of ACSP, Cherie Braumans, served as master of ceremonies. She welcomed to the stage numerous members of the General Assembly who are supportive of our cause and other human services: Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, Rep. Gene DiGiralomo, State Senator Vincent Hughes, and Rep. Madeleine Dean were among them. Senator Hughes led the crowd in an impassioned chant, “Put the people first! Put the people first…”
My thanks to the members of our advocacy organizations (ACSP, MAX, and PAR, et al) along with Liza Jones, Anna Bacon, and Anne Zabinski, who helped organized our trip to the state capitol building. It could not have been done this without their help.
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NEW HIRES
EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION DEPARTMENT
Sonela Beawin Residential Aide, Adult Residential Homes
Chelsey Benedek Teacher School Program
LaShainna Campbell ABA Counselor, Residential Residential Homes
Lisa Cerino Equine Aide Equestrian
Arzu Cetin ABA Counselor, Education School Program
Reba Collins Vocational Workshop Assistant Adult Program
Lamin Conteh ABA Counselor, Residential Residential Homes
Lauren Cook Teacher School Program
Akua Darko Clinical Associate¸ Education RTF School Program
Nikolaos Dimopoulos ABA Counselor, Education School Program
Maima Dougba Residential Aide, Adult Residential Homes
Damilola Falode ABA Counselor, Residential Residential Homes
Olga Feist ABA Counselor, Education School Program
Catherine Fully Vocational Workshop Assistant Adult Program
Giulia Gloria ABA Counselor, Education School Program
Tia Graham Registered Nurse Nursing
Lauren Jacobitz Behavior Specialist, Adult Residential Admin, Adult
Rhonda James Accounts Recievables Coordinator Finance
Latrell Johnson Residential Aide, Adult ICF Homes
Yatta Lassanah ABA Counselor, Residential Residential Homes
Tanya Lee Medical Billing Coordinator Medical Billing
Damon Lyles Clinical Associate RTF Magellan
Davida Moore Clinical Associate¸ Education RTF School Program
Aaron Pierre Registered Nurse Magellan
Donna Rheem Program Manager, Adult Services Waiver Homes
Dashanaka Savoy Behavior Technicians Residential Homes
Flavius Sesay ABA Counselor, Residential Residential Homes
Evelyn Sorbor Residential Aide, Children Residential Homes
Churye Tarlue Residential Aide, Adult ICF Homes
Jessica Taylor ABA Counselor, Education School Program
Jerry Yancy Clinical Associate RTF Magellan
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STAFF REACHING 90 DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION DEPARTMENT
Michael Abu Registered Nurse Healthcare
Stephanie Bearish Teacher Education
Lisa Bowers Program Manager Adult Campus Residential
Amelia Brickhouse Clinical Associate Education, RTF
Shareefah Brown ABA Counselor Education
Kenneth Carter Incident Management Analyst Corporate
Kollie Catakaw Residential Aide Children’s RTF
Fatmata Charm Residential Aide Adult Community Residential
Ishmeal Conteh Residential Aide Children’s RTF
David Czeponis Repairman Facilities
Ononuju Dike Clinical Associate Children’s RTF
Tennie Duncan Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential
Courtney Durham Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential
Samantha Evans Residential Aide Adult Community Residential
Brigid Fellenbaum Office Manager Corporate
Brittney Guyton Clinical Associate Children’s RTF
Danielle Hinton Clinical Associate Education, RTF
Sadan Kaba ABA Counselor Education
Musa Kamara Residential Aide Children’s RTF
Michael Nwanah ABA Counselor Education
Josiah Paris Residential Aide Children’s RTF
Gessie Senatus Clinical Associate Education, RTF
James Smith Residential Aide Adult Services
Matengy Toure ABA Counselor Education
Eddie Towah Clinical Associate Children’s RTF
Monica Traveres Licensed Practical Nurse Healthcare
Alyssa Trim Clinical Associate Education, RTF
Andrew Vandi Residential Aide Adult Community Residential
Yvonne Warren ABA Counselor Education
Dawn Warren Licensed Practical Nurse Healthcare
Shellie Watson-Tucker Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential
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Look for Tee’s Bakery Cart in your program area on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Catering and Special Deliveries by TeeTee is proudly offering his baking services for your next party or special event. Just fill out the form below and allow one week for delivery.
TEE’S VIRGINIA BAKING COMPANY ORDER FORM
Please allow 1 week for orders. Thank you for shopping!
Filled orders can be dropped off in the Vocational mailbox in the copy room in the Main House ITEM AMOUNT
Needed DATE Needed
COST TOTAL COST
2 layer cake – Chocolate Icing: ________Chocolate _________Vanilla
$12
2 layer cake – Vanilla Icing: ________Chocolate _________Vanilla $12
Chocolate Chip Cookies $0.25 each
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies $0.25 each
Halloween sugar cookies (ghosts, pumpkins) $0.25 each
Popcorn Candy Balls $0.50 each
Chocolate Covered Pretzels $0.25 each
Cupcakes – Chocolate – with Halloween decoration Icing: ________Chocolate _________Vanilla $0.50 each
Cupcakes – Vanilla – with Halloween decoration Icing: ________Chocolate _________Vanilla $0.50 each
Name Phone Number
Email
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Tee and Patrick, from the Vocational Program, are collecting food and other items for people in need at the Safe Harbor of Chester County shelter. If you are interested in donating, please drop your items off:
• in the Main House copy room (no non-food items please!)• in The Eatery• contact Patrick or Tee at x2835 for them to come pick up your items
from 9am-3pm!
We will be collecting items until the end of September. *All donated items must be new* Below are items the shelter needs.
Safe Harbor has an urgent need for new pillows and washcloths.
Food items
• Individual snack packs• Coffee-decaf especially• Creamer cups• Sugar/sugar substituted packets• Powdered juice mix• Iced tea mix• Condiment packets• Cereal/ cereal bar
Men’s needs
• Boxers-size small to 3xl• Undershirts –size small to3xl• Socks• Hooded, zippered sweatshirts• Sweat pants• Pajama pants
Miscellaneous
• Bus tokens• Paper towels and napkins• Tote bag, duffle bags, back packs• Toilet paper• Aluminum pans full and ½ steam tray size• Towels & washcloths• Pillows• Band-Aids & first aid ointment
Cleaning Supplies
• Windex• Bleach• All purpose spray cleaner• Dish detergent• SOS pads• Dish detergent packets
Women’s needs
• Panties –size 5 to 14• Sports bras – sizes small to 4XL• Socks• Slippers• Sanitary napkins (supers) and Tampons• Pajama pants
Personal Care Items
• Deodorant• Razors• Shaving Cream• Tylenol/Advil• Cough Drops/Lozenges• Toothbrushes• Toothpaste
Seasonal Items
• Cold weather gear- hats, scarves gloves, etc.• Sunscreen• Lip balm• Hats & Visors• Moisturizer
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Wednesday, December 2 Melmark Service League Trim the Tree Center Hall 9:30 a.m.
Friday, December 4 Staff Holiday Party Springfield CC 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 PBM Lions Club Christmas Party Gym 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Monday, December 7 Melmark Players Dress Rehearsal Gym 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 8 Staff Holiday Reception Gym 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9 Melmark Players Assembly Gym 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 10 Melmark Players Opening Night Gym 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 Melmark Family Christmas Party Gym 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 Melmark Players Cast Party Meadows 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15 Chester County Band Christmas Concert Gym 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 16 Santa Sing-Along Center Hall 1:30 p.m.
Friday, December 18 Adult Day Christmas Luncheon Gym 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Friday, December 25 Christmas Luncheon Gym 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Melmark Players’ Cast Photo - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
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