LifeLong LearningSM

2013 Volume 2

Anderson Moves MountainsAnderson is thrilled to announce they are the 2013 recipient of the “Moving Mountains” award for their Learn & EarnsmProgram. This annual honor is given out by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). The Best Practice Award recognizes staff workforce development and selected Anderson for their innovation.

Staff Development/Human Resources worked together compiling data and gathering information to complete the 20-page application. Jennifer Parsons, Staff Development Specialist, describes how crucial staff development has been to Anderson for decades,

“The Mid-Hudson Coalition, a previous recipient of the Moving Mountains award, was actually founded at Anderson in 1989. We still collaborate with them, and I am currently serving as President of the Coalition. Anderson has long been an exemplary employer in the Hudson Valley and now we are being recognized nationally for these efforts. It truly makes a difference to our hard-working staff to feel supported and encouraged to follow their dreams.”

Cindy Mowris, Coordinator of Staff Development, refers to herself as the “Poster Child” for Anderson’s continuing education programs. “I came to Anderson in 1988 with a high school diploma. A Program Director and Professor at Dutchess Community College (DCC) suggested a class that would be useful to me. After that, I was fortunate to receive an incentive offered by some parents to further educate staff. Anderson’s leadership saw the potential in promoting staff development this way and decided to expand these opportunities. As a direct result of Anderson’s encouragement and support, I went on to earn my Bachelor and Master’s Degrees. It is a privilege to take point in the

Staff Development Department and promote this culture of learning.”

Neil Pollack, Executive Director, states, “It all comes back to training. Anderson is a leader in providing care and services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. We must recruit and retain the highest-quality staff to operate at this level—so it is critical for us to invest in staff development.”

Since Neil joined Anderson in 2001, the department has increased from two to four employees. A one-page description of the Learn & EarnsmProgram evolved into a tri-fold brochure, then into a 24-page booklet. Orientation for new staff members increased from two days to two full weeks. Cindy calls Neil “the other member of the Staff Development Department.”

Anderson’s progressive training has the additional benefit of offering the chance to connect with other non-profits in the Hudson Valley. Jen Parsons explains, “DSP Competency Program will be a mandate by OPWDD starting in 2014, but we started mentoring programs 12 years ago. We have been asked by numerous sister agencies and trade associations to share with them how we started our program and how effective it has been to our staff. We really enjoy educating our community about Anderson’s mission and programs. It is truly exciting!”

The Moving Mountain Award will be presented to Anderson at the NADSP Conference later this year. For more information on NADSP and this award, please visit https://www.nadsp.org/moving-mountains/about-moving-mountains.html.

Executive Director 2

Staff Kudos 3

Notes & Notables 6

Special Olympics 7

Save the Dates 8

w h a t ’ s i n s i d e

Look for our “Supportive Environment” logo at a business near you!

executive Director’s MessageExecutive Director

The Importance of Being a DSP

Who answers the door when you drop off or pick up your child? Who comforts your child in the middle of the night when he/she is ill? Who supports your child during community activities? More than likely, it is a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Without question these staff members are the cogs that keep

the wheel going in human services. They carry out the day-to-day tasks in- and outside the home, they must follow plans of support, and care for our loved ones. This group can easily be overlooked but have an indescribable impact on the lives of the individuals we serve. And their role is “front and center” to the families whose children/adults they support on their journey towards independence.

DSPs are responsible for the wellbeing of children and adults who require equal amounts of instruction, support, compassion, creativity and consistency. These staff members encounter difficult behaviors and in the face of turmoil, maintain calm composure while calling upon their training to ensure the safety of the individual, other people in their care and themselves. They are required to participate in ongoing training, work with other departments and auditing their work.

As someone who began as a DSP, I will tell you it is one of the most rewarding, and challenging, positions I have ever had. People

who choose human services do not expect to get rich, have the best hours, or be recognized—most people do this work simply because of their inherent desire to serve others. While noble, passion for the field is simply not enough.

The requirements from our state agencies continuously add pressure to these essential staff, but they

are not recognized in a financial way that allows for higher wages. Organizations are left to find creative solutions to motivate their workforce. I have long advocated and continue to fight for uplifting this field. It is my fervent belief that education is the fundamental key for warranting increases in compensation. As a result, in 2001 we expanded our education assistance to include financial incentives for DSPs encouraging them to continue their formal education. We then took all the educational program offerings for staff and placed them under one umbrella known today as Learn & EarnSM. I am pleased to report that our average DSP has 51 college credits with those numbers steadily climbing.

At Anderson Center we offer staff incentives to continue their education, to work their way up our career ladder and to set higher goals including career planning. In a time of budget cuts, expecting inducements by government to help organizations preserve quality DSPs may be unrealistic. I counter, that it is impractical for government not to include proper DSP compensation when setting rates. At Anderson we are constantly striving to enhance the work environment for our essential DSPs.

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a u t i s m t o d a y

Thoughts from the desk of Neil J. Pollack, Executive Director

b o a r d o f t r u s t e e s Anderson Center for Autism operates under the guidance of our exceptional Boards of Trustees. We appreciate the contributions that each of these talented and generous individuals makes towards the achievement of our goals.

Anderson Foundation for Autism, Inc.

Lifetime Honorary Trustees

Margaret Cusumano, Chair

John Maserjian, Vice Chair

Justin L. Cole, Treasurer

Tondra Lynford, Secretary

Susan Angeles, Trustee

Gregory S. Burns, Trustee

Barry R. Feirstein, Trustee

Vance A. Gage, Trustee

Joseph T. Kirchhoff, Trustee

Harold L. Mangold, Trustee

David W. Melby, Trustee

William F. Melcher, Trustee

Marisa Perez-Rogers, Trustee

Maryann R. Pilon, Trustee

Robert Shoemaker, Trustee

Rebecca A. Valk, Trustee

Anderson Center for Autism*

Ellen L. Baker

Michael McNaughton

David W. Melby

Jaime Rodriguez-Tellez

Wilfred Rohde

Sarah E. Sholes

Fritz Sonnenschmidt

Francis M. Synan, Chair

Eric D. Gorman, 1st Vice Chair

Elizabeth P. Corcoran, 2nd Vice Chair

Justin L. Cole, Treasurer

Richard W. Lewis, Secretary

Neeraj Alimchandani, Trustee

Elinor B. E. Arnold, Trustee

Rebecca M. Blahut, Trustee

Joan Blutreich, Trustee

Jason P. Christopher, Trustee

Pompey Delafield, Trustee

Alayar Kangarlu, Ph.D., Trustee

Joseph Lepore, Trustee

Peter M. Olympia, Jr., Trustee

Jeanne R. Raichle, Trustee

John A. Scileppi, Ph.D., Trustee

*Trustees for Anderson Center for Autism are also Trustees for Anderson Center Services, Inc.

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Children’s Services Adult Services

March Education / Chris Eichhorna Teacher’s assistant, Chris was nominated for being extremely helpful not only in his own Classroom 106, but also in oth-ers over the past few months. His hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated!

Sonia Hall-Jackson and Anthony LancasterThe choice for the adult Services employees of the Month was made for us when Sonia Hall-Jackson and anthony Lancaster of the Hill and Hollow ira safely and calmly evacuated the four resi-dents from the ira after a small fire broke out in one of the bath-room ceilings in february. Both were praised by our staff, as well as by the Hyde Park fire Department, for their calm and quick han-dling of the emergency. The evacuation could not have gone any smoother. Sonia and anthony also happen to be great rHS staff even when they’re not dealing with emergencies! Sonia has been with us in multiple locations for almost 11 years and anthony has been with aCa at Hill and Hollow for just over two years. Both have proven to be excellent rHS staff and their residence Manager, John DeLorenzo, sings their praises for their efforts.

Congratulations to Sonia and Anthony.

Residential / Steven Whytea Direct Support Professional in the Locust house, Steven was nominated for being well-liked and for knowing and respecting students. He brings new ideas to improve programming and has been specially acknowledged by parents of Locust students for going above and beyond in the care of their children. Steven always goes the extra mile, knows each one of the students own personal interests and works very to improve their quality of life.

Congratulations Chris and Steven!

April Education / Todd Millera Teacher’s aide in Classroom 125, Todd is a long-term employ-ee who has never wavered from his commitment to profession-alism and integrity. He embraces his role and makes everyday a learning experience for students, regardless of the setting or task. administrators depend on him to assist with difficult situa-tions and he does so with a smile. Students love him. Staff love him. He is a rock star at anderson!

Jessica BatesJessica is an rHS at the east Meadowbrook ira and has been with us just under one year. in her time with aCa, Jessica has dis-played great enthusiasm and compassion when working with the five gentlemen at her ira. She always goes the extra mile whether it’s with the meals she cooks with the men or the outings she plans with them in the community and she always tries to find new expe-rience for them to enjoy. She has been very accommodating with her schedule and her residence Manager (who enthusiastically nominated her for this recognition), noted that she is always willing to help out when needed. She is a very confidant and competent staff who has become an integral part of the ira.

Thank you & congratulations Sonia, Anthony and Jessica!

Residential / Nigel Simmsa Direct Support Professional in the aspen house, nigel is en-thusiastic about working with students and is always trying new things with them. He truly understands his responsibilities re-lated to teaching and skill development. and welcomes oppor-tunities to provide leadership among his peers. nigel is a team player and is well respected by coworkers and supervisors.

Great job, Todd and Nigel!

May Education/ Jeff Paggia Teacher’s aide in Classroom 112, Jeff is the newest member of the 112 team. He has demonstrated a respect and understanding for the individual supports necessary for each student and implements all strategies with integrity. Jeff and his coworkers have made a huge impact on student behavior—increasing positive, independent behavior and decreasing challenging behavior. Jeff has great insight and offers helpful suggestions as part of problem solving and strategy development. Jeff is a “go with the flow” kind of guy—a trait that serves him well in Classroom 112!

Residential / Dushane WestDirect Support Professional in the Willow house, Dushane was nominated by Chris Bucci, residence Manager. Chris noted that Dushane is new to this field but from the moment he began working, he showed a great interest in learning all that he could to do his best to support and teach the students. He has demonstrated a great work ethic and is very professional. He actively works with the “Willow guys” to ensure they are engaged and experiencing new challenges and is a valuable member of the Willow team!

Congratulations to Dushane and Jeff! Thanks for all you do!

Staff Kudos

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s t a f f k u d o s

Employee of the Month

2013 Volume 2 3

April Autism Awareness MonthTwo amazing third-party fundraising events benefited Anderson Center for Autism in April … a walk, organized by SUNY Orange student Tiffany Mendez, took place in Middletown and the Culinary Institute of America planned and hosted “Melt Into Spring”, an elegant five-course dinner at their beautiful Hyde Park campus.

“1 in 88” Anderson’s Hudson Valley radio show hosted by Eliza Bozenski featured special guests including Didi Conn, Dutchess County Health Department’s Jamie Farrell-Lizotte and Anderson alumni and best-selling author Jesse Saperstein.

Team Anderson enjoyed a gorgeous day while exercising and raising awareness of autism at the Autism Walk & Expo in Rhinebeck. We look forward to more exciting activities next April!

Program InitiativesiPad Initiative UpdateOver the past year, we have been using iPads as a part of our Speech Therapy Program in both our Children’s and Adult Programs! These devices are the result of a generous donation which enhance the communicative and language abilities of our individuals. The iPads are used by our Speech Pathologists for individual-specific needs that include use as a teaching tool to target receptive and expressive vocabulary, discrimination skills of picture symbols, attention to task, following directions, responding to questions, conversational skills, and/or phonemic awareness. For many of our folks, their level of engagement and attentiveness increases significantly while using the iPad, allowing for extended learning opportunities. We are excited to continue exploring vast possibilities of these devices and continue to expand on their effectiveness for our students and adults!

Marist Offers Anderson Employee DiscountAnderson Center is pleased to announce a special partnership with Marist College offering our employees, and their families, a 25% tuition discount on a wide variety of Marist’s full- and part-time graduate and adult undergraduate degree and certificate programs—online and on campus.

Marist is known for its flexible adult programs, allowing adults credit for life and career experience as they continue toward their degree. Anderson is thrilled for the opportunity to provide this tremendous benefit, together with such a recognized institution of higher learning. Our thanks to Marist! Certain conditions apply and final determination of eligibility for the discount is made by the college. For more information, please visit www.marist.edu/.

Staff Kudos cont.Congratulations to Brandy Haight on passing her Licensing Exam! Brandy, who currently works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in our Adult Services Program, is now a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW).

Sharing Their KnowledgeElizabeth Gray, Occupational Therapist, and Rebecca Stanmyer, Speech Language Pathologist, recently presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference in San Diego on the interdisciplinary treatment model that they have implemented here at Anderson. The model addresses the unique functional, social and communication needs of adults with autism in the community. Congratulations Beth and Rebecca! Great job!!!

Praise for Therapy DogsIn April, Mary Anne Enea, M.S., CCC-SLP (Speech Pathologist in our Adult Program) and Marc Condon, owner of Canine Link, Inc. along with his therapy dog, Dutchess, presented on the benefits of dog-assisted therapy at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville, PA. The focus of the workshop was to inform attendees of various ways that therapy and assistance dogs can positively impact individuals on the autism spectrum. The audience was thrilled to hear about the great things being done with therapy dogs at ACA. Nice work Mary Anne and Marc!

William Favaro, Anderson parent and CIA graduate, addresses guests

4 LifeLong LearningSM

February

Andrew R. (Classroom 119)

Jake T. (Classroom 117

March

Karl K. (Classroom 306)

April

Nate C. (Classroom 119)

May

Nathaniel H. (Classroom 112)

January, Eugenie P. (Room 310) February, Mikaila C. (Room 120)

Student of the MonthArt StarsListed are Art Star winners (and their work) since January. Art Stars are chosen by reviewing the student work/behavior over the previous month.

March, Darien R. (Room 125)

April, Kelly W. (Room 119)

2013 Volume 2 5

Notes & Notables

Cleaning UpIn April, Kyle G. and Leonard A. teamed up with staff to kick off the Campus Cleaning Group. It was a great success as they were able to clean areas in both the Village Center and the Business Center. In the Village Center, they cleaned the foyer windows and the tables and counter tops in the front conference room. In the Business Center, they dusted the furni-ture in the foyer and wiped counter tops in the down-stairs break room and dusted shelves in the library. They were able to plan out where the cleaning carts would be kept and how the supplies should be replen-ished. A list of their responsibilities will be compiled and Kyle and Leonard can check them off as they are completed. It is exciting see them growing and ac-quiring new skills through this great initiative.

April is for ArtistsArt and proud smiles were on display as Starr Library in Rhine-beck, showcased the beautiful artwork cre-ated by Anderson’s Expressive Outcomes participants for the entire month of April.

Bill H. is a Good Neighbor

Bill H. with David Stewart, President of the Hyde Park Cham-ber of Commerce, receiving the “Good Neighbor Award” at the annual Business of Year dinner.

Notes & Notables

Advertising in a big—and effective—wayWe’ve rolled out of our newest advertising campaign—billboards!. Through these billboards, we highlight the personal stories of some of the individuals here at Anderson Center. A big thank you goes to the

many students and adults, their fam-ily and staff who participated in this important project. The individuals put their best effort forward in working with a professional p h o t o g r a p h e r —they did great! The parents and family

were involved in many ways, including providing personal testimoni-als. Staff members were so supportive of the individuals during their photo sessions—some really got into it—and also provided necessary assistance in transporting everyone to where they needed to be.

Opportunities like this major campaign truly demonstrate the impor-tance of teamwork as we continue helping the wonderful group of people that we serve. As you drive, run or walk past one of the bill-boards and/or hear the ads on the radio, we hope you will pause and allow yourself a moment (or two) of pride in what Anderson Center accomplishes each day.

The billboards are located on:

• Route 44 East of Pleasant Valley• Route 9W Milton• Route 9G Hyde Park and Rhinebeck

On the RadioSeveral local radio stations are currently airing our latest radio com-mercials. Featuring the most heartfelt, sincere and touching testimo-nials from several Anderson these commercials are sure to comple-ment our new marketing campaign individuals currently living and receiving services at Anderson Center. These radio commercials are recorded by the parents of many of the individuals featured on our billboards (see article above), sharing their very personal and positive experiences as Anderson families. The stories they share allow listen-ers to understand the incredible impact that work here at Anderson Center has had, not only on the individuals themselves, but on their entire families.

These commercials are currently running on the following radio stations:

• WCZX-FM, Mix 97.7• WHUD-FM, 100.7• WDST-FM, Radio Woodstock, 100.1• WSPK-FM, K104.7• WRNQ-FM, Lite 92.1• WRWD-FM, 107.3

n o t e s & n o t a b l e s

6 LifeLong LearningSM

Special Olympics

Well Worth the ChillIn February, Special Olympics Coordinators and Coaches Amanda C., John D., and Kwame W. jumped in for the an-nual S.O.N.Y. Polar Plunge in Fishkill. Their team “A Bit Chilly,” raised $2,592. In total, this fun fundraiser—one of S.O.N.Y.’s largest—raised over $135,000 that directly ben-efits our 85+ athletes.

A Busy MarchIn March, our athletes competed in both the S.S. Memorial Re-gional Aquatics competition, and a local basketball skills event hosted by TDDSO. In aquatics Ed H., Chrissy C., and John H., trained by Steve Mulvey, brought home a Gold, two Silvers, a Bronze and a fourth place finish. In basketball skills, athletes Ella J., Richard B., David A., Kyle Z., Matt T., Michael “Spike” V., Tommy L., and Steven L., coached by John D., earned two Golds, two Silvers, three Bronzes, and one fourth place finish. Great job!

Regionals

In April, 35 Anderson athletes and 11 coaches participated in the Annual Regional Aquatics, Basketball, and Power Lift-ing competition at Marist College. Our athletes won medals in Aquatics, Basketball Skills, and Basketball Team Play—with the highest score of the entire day being earned by Dominic “Chipper” C. in Basketball Skills. In the quarter-finals, the b-ball team won by two points. In a hard fought finale, they were defeated, but proudly took home the Silver. Congratulations to all the athletes and many thanks to the coaches, staff, friends, and families for their support.

A Day Full of Surprises and SuccessAnderson Center was a BIG WINNER at the West Point Games in May. At the morning Awards Ceremony, a surprised Amanda Coons, John DeLorenzo and Kwame WiafeAkenten were named the 2013 NYS-HVR Special Olympics Coaches of the Year! This prestigious honor goes to coaches who dedicate time beyond their regular work hours to the training and suc-cess of each athlete on their team. They help individuals reach

their full potential in all aspects of their life. Amanda, John and Kwame, you are so deserving of this recognition. We applaud your collaboration and true teamwork!

The day’s second surprise came when Marcos D. won the 2013 Houghton Award, given annually to an athlete who shows bravery and leadership amongst his/her peers. Marcos devotes himself to each sporting event, providing motiva-tion and encouragement to his teammates every step of the way.

The ceremony concluded with an emotional run led by Jonathon Brunot, a par-ticipant in our Adult Day Program, holding the torch and opening the games. That’s what happened in the first hour of the day, now on to the games…

Fifty Anderson Athletes participat-ed. With over 760 athletes from sev-eral organizations across the region.

The following are some of the high-lights, but we encourage you to talk with the coaches and the athletes to find out more. Check out our new Special Olympics page on Face-book, with many great photos!

• Our adult athletes competed in the 4x100 meter relay, tak-ing home the Silver and securing their spot to participate in 2013 Summer State Games in Buffalo, NY.

• Our student athletes took home a total of 6 Golds! Also awarded were many Silvers and Bronzes.

• All Anderson athletes gave their all and left with so much to be proud of!

Congratulations to Marcos, Jonathon, Amanda, Kwame, John and every Anderson athlete who participated.

s p e c i a l o l y m p i c s

2013 Volume 2 7

Save the Dates

4885 Route 9 · P.O. Box 367

Staatsburg, NY 12580-0367

Ph: 845-889-4034

www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org

April 21, 2014

s a v e t h e d a t e s

October 5, 201312th Annual Gala The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, NY

October 19, 2013 ACA’s Open House & Harvest Festival Anderson Center for Autism

April 21, 2014 Autism Tomorrow Conference ACA’s 90th Anniversary

For details, participation and sponsorship information, or to register for the above events, please contact RonDeena Ross at 845-889-9224.

Please visit our online store and family site.

www.andersoncenterforautism.org

8 LifeLong LearningSM