Winter 2017-2018
LifeLong Learner
Anderson Center for Autism Welcomes their New Chief Program Officer, Dr. Tina Marie Covington Anderson Center for Autism welcomes Dr. Tina Marie Covington who officially became Chief Program Officer for the organization on November 1; this is a new role created to address increasing demand for services. Covington is a New York State Certified Special Education Teacher, School District Administrator, and Licensed Behavior Analyst who most recently served as Executive Director of Hawthorne Foundation Inc., d/b/a Hawthorne Country Day School. First introduced to Autism Spectrum Disorder during an undergraduate fieldwork course at the University of Kentucky, Covington developed a passion for working with individuals with Autism early on, volunteering to care for a young boy for three years before accepting a direct support professional position which evolved into a residential manager role - at ARC of the Bluegrass, Inc. Shortly thereafter, Covington earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis at Teachers College, Columbia University while working at the Fred S. Keller preschool. For the past 16 years, she worked at Hawthorne Country Day School, where she was first brought on as Behavior Analyst/Senior Teacher and was eventually named Executive Director. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Covington to our team,” said Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism. “Not only does she bring depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise in our field, but she is deeply connected to our mission of enhancing the quality of life for individuals with Autism.”
Said Covington, “I’m so happy about this role and the opportunity to return to my roots in education, behavior analysis, and working with children and adults on the autism spectrum.” When asked about her philosophy and vision, Covington reflected, “I truly believe that every individual is a lifelong learner - staff, those we serve, and our community can all keep learning and gaining knowledge; everyone can continue to grow, regardless of age or stage - and that’s especially true for the people we serve. They are our focus, and we can take our world-renowned program at Anderson and build on it by engaging in the kind of research and development that will ultimately help more and more individuals with Autism gain independence and live in the least restrictive environments possible. It’s wonderful to think about how Anderson is already drawing people from all over the world; we will keep doing amazing things in context of a passion and belief in evidence-based ABA practices. I am so excited to be part of it.” Covington has presented research at State, National, and International Conferences on Behavior Analysis. She served as an Adjunct Professor in Applied Behavior Analysis at Manhattanville College and has held leadership positions in provider organizations such as Advance of Greater New York and the Interagency Council. In addition to a Ph.D. in Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis, Covington holds a Supervisor Administration Certificate (SAS) from Teachers College and received her Advanced Certificate in School District Leadership from Bank Street College, obtaining a School District Leader Certification (SDL).
The Unavoidable Truth Anderson Center for Autism’s (ACA) mission is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism. We love what we do, we are proud of our work, and we continually strive to improve. Over the years we have watched the number of children being diagnosed rise dramatically. The number of people in need of lifelong supports is being realized. This has prompted NYS to move in the direction of Managed Care in an effort to develop a system that is tailored to the needs of the individual - ala carte - so to speak.
CEO Patrick Paul
Anderson Center for Autism Welcomes Actor from Bhutan, Marking Success of International Program
In the last ten years, ACA has opened 13 adult homes in the community as well as 2 day habilitation sites – that is not just good news – it is remarkable! Families have sought Anderson anticipating their child would move into an ACA community home in adulthood. While that system worked reasonably well for some time, the numbers have accelerated, and now the system is overwhelmed and gridlocked. As a result, ACA’s rate of growth simply cannot be sustained. Additionally, finding and maintaining homes is an issue, and recruiting quality employees in a competitive market is becoming extremely challenging. This is prompting ACA to limit adult development. The result - graduates remain on the Children’s campus with limited options and opportunities while new admissions are stalled. This leaves families and ACA in a quandary. Will this ship right itself? I hope so. I wish I had better news but, I do not. In the interest of transparency, I urge families to actively work with your local Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and consider the opportunities they offer your graduate. Exclusively counting on ACA for adult residential placement, may not be in your loved one’s best interest. Advocacy by our families is incredibly valuable. Therefore, I encourage you to join Anderson Family Partners and attend their meetings. It will be a venue for discussion about this, and other pertinent topics for our families.
Connelly Drive & South Street Open House
This fall ACA held two house-warming events to celebrate the opening of our newest IRAs in the Hudson Valley. Six adults in our program moved from the Enderkill Road IRA in Staatsburg to the new Connelly Drive IRA, also located in Staatsburg. This beautiful home will help to optimize the quality of life of these individuals. Robert B., Godfrey H., Douglass R., Gustavo R., Anthony S., and Sean S., previously resided in the Enderkill Road IRA for over 15 years! Currently the Enderkill Road IRA is under renovation. Six graduates from the ACA campus will be moving in once the home is finished. Also please welcome Michael A., Jamie G., Jacob L., Jonathan P., Michael R., and Trey A., to the South Street IRA! Our 23rd IRA, South Street located in Marlboro held its house-warming during the first week of November. Everyone at South Street enjoyed ice cream cake that was kindly donated from Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar. Turnout was abundant at both open houses, several community members and Anderson parents came together to welcome the residents into their new homes and into their respective neighborhoods. Thank you to all staff who helped with the house-warming events, especially Residence Managers Uriel Adams & Raedaunt Charlton and Adult Service Coordinators Jennifer Frizzell & Emily Tenuto.
works with parents of children with Autism to fight against the taboos and the inherent, culturally-based shame of having a child with Autism. To think that the international program at Anderson allowed these clinicians to get the training needed to develop a program overseas, and to know that this non-profit, which was founded as a result of their time with us, is not only making an impact on the personal journeys of people impacted by Autism but is also promoting awareness and tolerance, is incredibly gratifying. We truly believe that it is our responsibility to share what we have learned with others across the globe, and this is a perfect example of how significant these connections are.” “ABS receives support from the Bhutan Foundation and has the support of the royal family of Bhutan,” added Kash.
Anderson Global Initiative Prompts Opening of Overseas Programs for People with Autism Anderson Center for Autism announced that Tshering Phuntshok, a famous actor in Bhutan, visited the campus recently, marking continued expansion of Anderson’s international program. Phuntshok has a seven-year-old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder and learned of Anderson because of its role in the creation of an organization in Bhutan. The relationship with Phuntshok first developed after two clinicians returned to their home country of Bhutan after completing extensive training at Anderson Center for Autism, at which point the clinicians joined forces with a mother of a boy with Autism in the capital city of Timphu to establish Ability Bhutan Society (ABS). ABS is the first organization in that country to serve children with developmental disabilities. Phuntshok’s son works directly with one of the two founding ABS trained clinicians from Anderson; he traveled to the States to visit Anderson Center for Autism as part of his quest to better understand methodologies and practices of the American program. Says Phuntshok, “Anderson helped in establishing ABS in Bhutan through sharing their expertise and helping in creating and educating the community on Autism. In a few years’ time, many parents are now aware of Autism and seeking support from ABS for their children. Parents have started taking extra attention and care for their children. Without ABS and support from Anderson, many special children would be left out, unattended and undiagnosed.” “ABS does help children with basic life skills, however it has long way to go in terms of getting adequate trained professionals, developing educational and life skills programs and developing infrastructure and facilities. Whereas, Anderson is an established institution with all the resources, facilities and well designed programs for special children across all age levels. Anderson provides full time support and care with a boarding facility,” Phunshtok added. Dr. Sudi Kash, Chief Clinical Officer at Anderson Center for Autism, explained: “Ability Bhutan Society now provides limited day programs, but more importantly, the group
ABS is one organization that has developed as a result of the partnership with Anderson Center for Autism; another is in the works: Stepping Stones Preschool ECCD located in Thimphu, Butan opened in early 2017. According to Thuji Grace, an international fellow from Bhutan, “ I am now working in this new school, handling the overall management and making it like an Anderson classroom; the first of its kind in Bhutan - where all with special needs are welcome!”
2017 Family BBQ and Harvest Festival On Saturday, October 14th hundreds of Anderson Center for Autism families, children, adults and staff descended
on the Recreation Center on Anderson’s main campus for another wonderful day for families and friends! We all enjoyed hayrides, pumpkin picking, bouncing in the bouncy house, field games, delicious BBQ and desserts, Anderson “swag”, ground cherries (look that one up-delicious!) from our garden, and of course Anderson’s very own food truck where Jonah and Rob from adult services were offering cider donuts for all! Only the second year of hosting this event for Anderson families we now know that this opportunity for all families to gather, with their children and extended families on Anderson’s beautiful campus is an important way to reinforce our common bonds. As members of Executive and Leadership Teams served food to help the food service staff focus on making as many potato latkes as possible (and they were gone in seconds)! Anderson’s Direct Support Professionals did what
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make the event a success, year after year. One thing you might have missed is the video that was shown during portions of the program. This was created
they do best: support and help the students and adults whose families were unable to attend. We saw so many smiles, hugs and heard many “we have to wait…more potato latkes are coming soon” all with their dedication and love for each individual shining through. Most heartwarming, though, were the beautiful interactions we saw between mothers, fathers, sons, daughters,
grandparents and special friends. Everyone was having a wonderful time and while it does take a significant effort on the part of many Anderson departments coming together to collaborate, plan and execute the day, it is fast becoming one of our very favorite events because it brings all of us together. If you have not attended this event in the past, it is a mustdo for 2018! And if you have, we look forward to seeing you again next year!
2017 Anderson Gala, Havana Nights Havana Nights, Anderson’s 2017 gala was an enormous success! The food, the brightly decorated venue, the music and the “all about Anderson” vibe all came together to make the evening fun for our guests and highly impactful for the people we serve. To date, this year’s gala was the second most successful with regard to revenue, thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, and donors. The silent auction was record-setting and the event, in total, raised $180,000 for the Foundation! We want to thank everyone who came out to support Anderson at this event as well as the dedicated staff who work with creativity, passion and skill to
One Team, One Dream
by Anderson staffers Chrissy Wolcott and Jake Lyons and is our way of recognizing the wonderful children and adults who are part of the Anderson family. This video is available for a donation of $20 (100% of the proceeds go to Anderson Foundation for Autism) and comes on a custom Anderson Center for Autism flash drive. If you are interested in purchasing one to show your friends and family, please contact Chrissy Wolcott at (845) 889-9201 or CWolcott@ AndersonCares.org. Our development team likes a challenge and we keep setting the bar higher and higher when it comes to our events. The 2017 golf classic was also record-setting, raising $65,000 for the Foundation this year again thanks to our generous sponsors and donors. We encourage you to come to an Anderson event in 2018-they are not to be missed and you know there will always be some great surprises!
“One team, one dream” is what many of us heard recently at an ACA Leadership meeting. This meeting occurs quarterly and brings together members of Anderson’s Executive Team, Leadership / Management Team and invited guest presenters. Trialing a new format in which members of the Leadership group and/or invited employee guests in various roles at Anderson do all of the talking while Executive Team members listen and learn, seems to be working! Adult Services Senior Residential Coordinator Emily Tenuto, and her colleagues Nathan Briggs, Jennifer Frizzell and Brendan O’Neill stood in front of the group to explain “one team, one dream”. This is their new tagline, emerging from a goose-bump producing telephone call between a coordinator and a residence manager. The story is that in a time of need, when several staff at one house were unexpectedly absent, Emily began making calls to Residence Managers to seek out help for the overnight shift. She spoke with Bobby Garcia who not only immediately got moving on contacting staff to cover the shift, but also offered without hesitation, to cover the overnight himself. When Emily expressed her gratitude and surprise, his response was, “one team, one dream, right Emily?” Emily, duly touched by his words and his actions, brought this experience back to her peers and they collectively decided that this must become the
mantra in their work, each and every day, in each and every situationsuccessful or challenging. And they set out to make it so. Apparently, when one goes looking for “the good stuff”, one does find it. This group shared many other stories of the “one team, one dream” concept, each one starting as a challenge and resulting in a successful outcome for the people we serve, and possibly surprising to some, a successful outcome for themselves and the other staff involved. Lately, I have observed and experienced what can happen when we follow what seems to be human nature these days-focusing on what is hard, frustrating, uncomfortable. It’s difficult not to fall into this pattern with the regular stressors of life, work and then the little “extras” that are not always welcome. But we should expect more of ourselves, and more of each other. Instead of blaming, collaborate. Instead of dwelling on negatives, pay attention to them and seek solutions-often they will be there. Instead of avoiding challenges, embrace them with the knowledge that when they are resolved, you will have been part of that solution and that is a good thing. This team-The Dream Team-is holding us to a higher standard. It is a dream I can get behind and want to make a reality in my work every day. And, this is a team I am very proud to stand beside as we represent Anderson Center for Autism. One Team, One Dream. Make it part of your day, every day.
Mike Nardelli joins the a-team It is with great pleasure that we announce a new addition to the Education Administration team. Mr. Michael Nardelli recently joined the Anderson team as the Director of Education. Mike has over twenty years of experience in the Special Education field and has held positions as an educator, instructional specialist and administrator. Mike has worked directly with students on the autism spectrum and developed curricula to support students on the spectrum. In addition, Mike has experience creating and providing professional development for teaching staff.
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Anderson Family Partners: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Anderson Center for Autism Staff Recognition Every September, Anderson Center for Autism hosts what has become one of our most popular events: The Staff Recognition Dinner. This year’s event, held at The Grandview to honor and appreciate all of our employees, did not disappoint. Hundreds of Anderson staff along with a significant number of Anderson Trustees attended for an evening filled with great food, great music and many awards! Employees were celebrated for milestone years of service, from 5 years to 40! Employees were also recognized for distinguished work in their departments. In recent years, several new awards have been added including the Neil J. Pollack Staff Scholarship awards, the Heart Award and the Staff Excellence Award which was generously provided by an Anderson family who wishes to remain anonymous. This year the room quieted as an Anderson parent who provides funding for the Staff Excellence Award, gave a personal and very touching speech about her experiences with Anderson’s Direct Support Professionals. One could have heard a pin drop as she took just a few minutes to make an enormous impact on every person in the room. It is moments like these when everyone benefits. A parent has the opportunity to express her gratitude directly to the people who care for her children, the staff have the opportunity to hear directly from that parent what their hard work and dedication means to her, and the Trustees see and hear firsthand the reasons for and the outcomes of their support of the organization.
The 2017 winners of these awards are: Children’s Services, Tiffany Skerritt
Staff Excellence Award (established 2016), Stephen Begley
Adult Services, Sean Mackey
Neil J. Pollack Scholarship Awards (Established 2016), Carrie McDonough, Jennifer Frizzell, Teresa Butler, Tracy Schober
Ancillary Services (Clinical, Medical, Related Services, Consulting), Amanda Adams Administrative and Support (Admin, Corporate Compliance, Development, Fiscal, HR, IT, Office Services, Operations), Kelly Dooley Executive Director’s Leadership Award, Inga Mckay Children’s Services DSP of the Year, Michelle Statini Adult Services DSP of the Year, Abbi Sinnott Heart Award, Sponsored by iHeart Radio (Established 2016), Todd Miller
40 Years – Karen Johnson 30 Years – Anthony Janus 30 Years – Nancy Meisner-Montero 25 Years – James Cronk 25 Years – Jennifer Frizzell 20 Years – Cindy Robinson Hosier 20 Years – Wanda Weaver
Staff Spotlight: Karen Johnson Wow! Forty years! This is truly an extraordinary accomplishment. Karen, or “KJ” as known by all who have had the pleasure to work directly with her, has provided 40 years of teaching, support and love to hundreds of young people. Most striking is her humility. She leads by example and requires no thanks or distinction. Karen has an uncanny ability to help staff tap into strengths they often weren’t aware they had and ensures that students are proud of their many accomplishments. She engages with all family members in a kind, respectful and compassionate manner. She helps new staff understand the responsibility we all have to the children as well as to their families. Karen is a much respected and valued employee. “Thank you” seems a feeble recognition but we do thank you Karen, from the bottom of our collective hearts!
Anderson Family Partners (AFP) was established in 2013 after a small group of families from the Anderson Center for Autism traveled to Albany to advocate for their loved ones. The grassroots organization gained momentum the following year as three parents organized the group’s first official meeting at a Manhattan residence. On April 2, 2014, World Autism Awareness Day, family members at the meeting informally picked the initial slate of officers and drafted a Mission Statement. This would become the framework for the collaborative working relationship between Anderson families and staff in three key areas: advocacy, fundraising and community outreach. As Anderson celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2014, Anderson Family Partners became one of its proud milestones. AFP by-laws were drafted that year, formalizing the process for the selection of future officers. Fast forward to 2017: AFP membership is now 89 families strong. The organization has evolved and the AFP leadership team has put structures in place to engage more families. AFP meetings are now an essential vehicle for families to stay connected and informed at a time when direct care agencies are in transition to the managed care model. This year, our new slate of incoming AFP officers (who will start in 2018) shadowed and participated in meetings with the outgoing officers. Susan Angeles, current VP and Fundraising Committee Chair is transitioning her responsibilities to Katy Kollar. Tondra Lynford, Secretary and Advocacy Committee Chair, will be succeeded by Karla Peterson. Kevin Kollar, Treasurer, will pass his baton to Ed Hussey. Andrea Lambe was elected by the membership to replace Jacquolen Glover as Officer at Large. To ensure organizational continuity, Jeanne Raichle will serve as President for another year.
Advocacy AFP's Advocacy Committee is giving families the opportunity to give voice on behalf of our children and the people who support them. This year we have become organized, effective and highly spirited, developing a hard core of creative, hardworking and committed members. In April, we made a trip to Albany where we met with Governor Cuomo and many legislators, including assemblymen and state senators. Along with other advocates, we were successful in helping to secure $11.25 million for a 3.25% increase for Direct Service Professionals beginning 1/1/18 and another 3.25% increase beginning 4/1/18. In September, Karla Peterson, Victoria Guzek-Ianni, Gail Siller and Andrea Lambe presented compelling testimony (each from a different geographical site) at the OPWDD hearing on the new Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Services.
The Committee hosted a well attended Legislative Breakfast which took place on the Anderson campus November 16. We welcomed local legislators and community leaders. Both parents and staff presented at the event entitled (autism unplugged).
Fundraising Despite our success in reaching out to our legislators, advocacy alone will not solve all of Anderson’s funding needs. More than ever, private donations are a critical part of Anderson’s long-term future. This year, we made it our goal and focus to increase family giving and participation in ALL Anderson-sponsored fundraising campaigns and events, such as the annual golf outing and the gala. In September, some members of the Fundraising Committee participated in a phone bank to encourage other families to attend the Havana Nights Gala and/or donate cash or items for the Silent Auction. With greater family engagement, this year’s gala was a huge success, raising $180,000, making it the second most successful gala in Anderson’s history. We have also encouraged families to think about their passions and community connections and to use these as springboards for fundraising. Following are just a few examples of family-driven fundraisers: •
Karla Peterson has committed to making the family event she organized at the Hurley Mountain Inn an annual one. Any funds raised will be used to purchase gifts for Anderson graduates.
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David and Gail Siller hosted a third party fundraiser at Sojourn Restaurant in honor of their son’s birthday; they raised over $7000 and hope to do it again next year.
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Katy Kollar created some beautiful hand-knit pieces—including a blanket, scarf and satchel—for the Silent Auction this year.
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Joan Hanna will be piloting her Coins for Anderson campaign at the East Meadowbrook IRA. It’s an idea from a previous Coinstar penny fundraiser she enjoyed doing with her son.
Overall, the percentage of family giving has increased from 27%-50%. We will continue to improve on this metric, with an aspirational goal of 100% participation. We want each and every family giving (any amount they choose) each year. Evidence of a high level of family giving is not only important when Anderson applies for grants, it is also a tangible measure of our commitment to the future of our children and adults.
Community Outreach & Family Support In addition to our advocacy and fundraising activities, AFP is continuing to explore ways to offer support for families. For instance, on October 28th, AFP sponsored a presentation and Q&A by OPWDD to provide families with current information on the Consolidated Assessment System (CAS).
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4885 Route 9, P.O. Box 367 Staatsburg, NY 12580 PHONE: (845) 889-4034 ADMINISTRATIVE FAX: (845) 889-3104 andersoncenterforautism.org
Community Outreach & Family Support Cont’d. Because we are all so spread out geographically over New York State, it is difficult for many of us to attend the meetings held at the Anderson campus. At the AFP meeting on September 30th, we discussed some ways that we could reach out to families. Some ideas included:
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Holding meetings in different geographical locations. In the past, we have held meetings in Manhattan. We welcome suggestions for venues on Long Island and other locations.
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Offering phone and videoconferencing capability at our meetings so families can participate from remote locations.
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Getting together informally for lunch or dinner. We think it might be fun to meet over coffee at the Cranberry Café in Hyde Park before our AFP meetings, so we plan to implement this in the coming year.
The bottom line is we want as many families as possible involved in AFP. There is strength in numbers. We invite you to contact us with any ideas about ways to support one another and expand our contact with each other. Please email Jeanne Raichle, AFP President, at jeanneraichle@gmail.com.