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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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