Summer 2016
LifeLong Learner
Neil J. Pollack Begins His Next Journey On January 2, 2017 the entire Anderson community will say a fond farewell to our leader, Neil J. Pollack as he begins his next journey with his wife, Andrea by his side. It will surely be a bittersweet moment both for Neil and for everyone who will remain at Anderson as he, deservedly, begins his retirement. Rather than dwell on the farewell, let us look instead at the impact of Neil’s tenure at Anderson because it is comprehensive and personal to so many individuals and families who make up our community. Since joining Anderson as CEO in 2001, the changes to Anderson’s infrastructure, facilities and programmatic opportunities are obvious to anyone who visits the campus and learns about us. The children’s program village is a reality, just come for a tour and see for yourself! The opportunities afforded to the individuals we serve have grown exponentially, through the LifeLong LearningSM model. Adults in our program spend the majority of their days in the surrounding communities volunteering
and working in local businesses and enjoying the fruits of their labor whether through exercise, shopping, gardening or being leisurely adults as is their right. Anderson is a living, breathing place full of joy, learning and reliable services and treatment options. It is a place that many call “home”- a point that Neil has never taken for granted. Neil, both personally and professionally, has touched the lives of many. He is often sought out by colleagues and trade associations to be their spokesperson, to lead the charge, to fight the good fight in the name of children and adults with autism, and their families. He is sought out because he is great at this. Never one to shy away from an opportunity for “debate” Neil has, for years, brought his problem-solving skills to the front lines, with important and positive results. Anderson Center for Autism is a name known by NYS and Federal legislators, important trade associations and local and regional business leaders, not to mention families in need of quality services. Anderson is known to be an excellent program and business partner and continues to be approached as a leader in the field when a need in the autism world is identified.
While the above is indisputable, some readers may wonder, “what happens now?” In the words of Neil, himself, “In my view, Anderson’s Executive Team and Leadership staff are among the finest colleagues throughout the field of human services I have ever had the privilege to work with. Building this team of professionals has been one of my main priorities and a lasting legacy I am very proud of.” Patrick Paul, COO and incoming CEO effective January 3, 2017 answers, “Neil’s leadership has been inspiring to all who have had the opportunity to know and work with him during his time at Anderson. I am honored that the Board of Trustees and Neil have confidence in my ability to build on the success of Anderson Center into the future.” January 2, 2017 will certainly be an emotional day for all of us. But it will not be a sad day. Rather a day of new beginnings, the honoring of an accomplished professional legacy, and the next chapter in Anderson Center for Autism’s amazing story.
Remarks from the Executive Director
NEIL J. POLLACK
I have an opportunity to share with all of you my thoughts about Anderson Center for Autism as I reflect on the last 15 years which I have spent as CEO. For anyone who has met me, you know that I am not often at a loss for words, nor am I shy about celebrating and sharing with the world all of the accomplishments that Anderson has achieved under my tenure. What you may not know is why. Why am I often the first to speak? Why am I the one making the point that others don’t want to make? Why do I ensure that anyone visiting or learning about Anderson understand its roots and its story of evolution and success? For one reason: Anderson must continue to exist and thrive in order to be here when you need us. Anderson is, and has been my personal and professional passion for 15 years. There is no way I could move into retirement without knowing that I have done all I can to ensure the future success of this important and amazing place.
The best part of my job has been getting to know all of you over the years. Many of us have developed close relationships, whether through problem-solving an issue that was impacting your loved one, addressing a challenge in the field as collaborators, or sharing lunch in our cafeteria with me, Anderson staff and students during a tour. No matter what the reason for our connection has been, the common thread has always been Anderson. I will miss this the most. For that reason, we have made some changes to our event schedule this year to ensure that I have opportunities with each of you, to socialize, talk and reflect together on the past, the present and the future of Anderson. Sunday, August 28th – End of Summer Bash, Saturday, October 1st – Family BBQ, and Saturday, and December 3rd – Annual Gala. I hope that you will join me at one of these events, or all, as I will sincerely miss all of you who I feel are a part of the larger Anderson family. On a final note, I draw your attention to something that recently and very pleasantly surprised me. The Neil J. Pollack Scholarship has been established at Anderson. Having started my career in the field as a Direct Support Professional and spearheading the nationally recognized Learn & EarnSM program at Anderson, I have viewed the educational and professional opportunities for our staff as one of the highest priorities of the agency. Obviously my feelings on this have not wavered nor been subtle, and I could not be more thrilled to leave a lasting legacy behind, in my name, to afford more educational and professional opportunities to our DSPs on an annual basis. I urge all of you to consider giving to this scholarship if you are considering a way to send a positive message to me as I retire. Sending me off with the knowledge that my commentary on the importance of giving and providing for the future sustainability of Anderson’s programs which could not exist without our phenomenal staff has not fallen on deaf ears is a lasting gift that I can take with me. Thank you for the years of hard work, commitment, joy, laughter and success!
Are you interested in hosting an event for Anderson? Thank you! It is a great way to support the agency, increase Anderson and autism awareness. We have created some easy guidelines to help you set up your event here: http:// andersoncenterforautism.org/ thirdparty and since we know that a lot of the fun of events like these stems from the opportunity to be creative, we are here to help! Give us a call at (845) 889-9208 and speak to Kelly Dooley today to get your event underway!
Ales for Anderson On Friday, January 29th Anderson Center for Autism staff, trustees and families enjoyed a wonderful happy hour at the Hyde Park Brewing Company. Angela and Rich Barone, with the incredibly enthusiastic support of their staff, hosted Ales for Anderson, a networking event that also raised money to support Anderson programs and services. Staff, families, trustees, and friends gathered at the brewery to enjoy good food and drinks, talk about Anderson achievements, and share stories about the good things happening in our individuals’ lives. Every time Anderson has a gathering like this, we all agree that we need to do it more often! Events like Ales for Anderson help build stronger relationships between our staff, families, and trustees beyond their typical roles. It is a refreshing change to have a light hearted conversation about all the good things happening at Anderson in a fun, relaxing atmosphere and everyone leaves with a new, fresh perspective. Can’t wait to do it again!
Sibling Spotlight:
Grace - Fundraising
Anderson Ambassadors
Alyson - Celebrating Difference
This is a new section of the newsletter, specifically to recognize Anderson’s incredible staff! Anderson would not be the Anderson you know and love without our amazing staff. All of our work here is for one main purpose: to optimize the quality of life for all. Yes, for all! First and foremost this applies to the people in our care, but there is another component to this-optimizing the quality of life for families, our communities and ourselves. For most, this is possible in one’s career only when the employer identifies it as an appropriate, important aspect of the overall organization. We, at Anderson have this opportunity right now because of the current and future leadership of the organization. However that decision by leadership to move in this direction is only possible because of the staff who work day in and day out with the people in our care demonstrating their natural passion for and skill in delivering services and actualizing their work in a way that does in fact have an impact on quality of life. Where it begins and ends is less important than the mere fact that it exists here at Anderson, and with that our future is very bright. We recognize:
k Sarah Callagy, a teacher in the children’s program who has been with
Anderson since 2007. Sarah introduced Anderson to an opportunity that lead to a $5000 grant which was used for art programs including Expressive Outcomes and Noteworthy cards. Thank you Sarah!
k Shannon Carroll, a Shift Supervisor in the children’s residential program
who has been with Anderson since 2011. Shannon was instrumental in bringing the 2016 jeep run to Anderson! Through talking with her friends about Anderson and sharing her love of what she does, her friends decided to organize the jeep run for Anderson, a fundraiser that occurred on Valentines Day on campus. This event raised over $2,000 and became a reality solely because Shannon chose to share her passion for Anderson with her friends.
Thank you to Sarah and Shannon! Your actions have made an enormous impact!
Grace, older sister to Owen, conducted her very first fundraiser for Anderson, raising several hundred dollars on her own to support the programs and opportunities afforded to her brother and his peers at Anderson. Way to go, Grace!! Aly, older sister to Bradley, is making the stage her platform to raise money and Anderson awareness at her event, “Celebrating Difference”. Aly is an accomplished singer and performer who, along with several of her professional colleagues and friends, put on an amazing show on February 26th at The Metropolitan Room in New York City. Many Anderson friends and supporters attended, as well as many people being introduced to Anderson for the first time. Thousands of dollars were raised and we thank Aly for her creativity, drive and ability to put on a wonderful show for an important cause. Way to go, Aly! The sibling spotlight is always on, searching for the next Anderson sibling to do something amazinglet’s hope it’s YOU next time!
You can also become an Anderson Ambassador! Talk about Anderson, wear your Anderson gear and get others to talk to you! You never know where an idea might grow so best to sprinkle seeds all over!
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Anderson Family Partners Host Legislative Breakfast to Advocate for Funding and Support Anderson Center for Autism’s parent group, Anderson Family Partners (AFP), recently hosted a Legislative Breakfast on Anderson’s campus. This outreach brought together regional legislators, families and staff. The mission of AFP is fundraising and advocacy. The breakfast was organized to advocate for more funding from governmental sources, as well as to share Anderson stories with these influential decision makers. Attending the breakfast were State Senator Sue Serino, Linda Monkman, Dutchess County Coordinator for Children’s Services, Janine Fitzmaurice, Dutchess County Department of Health, Joan Volpe, OPWDD Director of Region 3, as well as representatives from the offices of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Chris Gibson, Assembly Member Didi Barrett and Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. The breakfast was designed to educate public officials about the alarming gap in support for adult programs, while the numbers of individuals grow exponentially. Anderson Family Partners (AFP) is a family-driven advocacy group with years of experience navigating the educational system on behalf of their children. Now they apply their expertise to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and identify appropriate sources for additional funding. Anderson Center and AFP work year round with local, state and federal officials to provide a more accurate picture of ASD and explore options that might be ahead - especially for adults affected by the disorder. AFP Advocacy Chair, Tondra Lynford adds, “Too often adults are placed in the community or back in their homes without resources for their needs. Significant funds are supplied to the homeless and those with Alzheimer’s for brick and mortar housing. We believe that individuals with autism should also be in that category. Anderson can provide a quality of life for these individuals without requiring excessive funding but we do need additional support for meaningful work programs, continuing education, and community involvement.”
What’s NEW at Anderson? Always something, and this time it is the restructuring of the Health Services Department. Recently, Anderson’s health services department has undergone some changes that we are really excited about! Nursing and health services are a very important aspect of our program. As one can imagine, maintaining the general health and well-being for 138 children and over 100 adults with autism is a big job, and one that we do here with knowledge, skill and gentle care. We are thrilled to have a professional, friendly and highly trained team of nurses to
Anderson Family Partners ARE YOU AN ANDERSON PARENT, GRANDPARENT OR SIBLING? Then you MUST consider joining Anderson Family Partners (AFP)! It is the latest, coolest group to belong to and it has been developed JUST FOR YOU. When you join you will:
k Have the opportunity to attend regular meetings held in convenient locations.
k Meet other Anderson parents and extended family.
k Discuss topics that are relevant to YOU, brought up by YOU.
k Be inspired by the actions families are taking to support Anderson Center for Autism.
k Hear from periodic speakers from Anderson and elsewhere.
k Realize that you are part of
something far bigger than any one person or family.
k Feel more connected to the
people and place that play such a significant role for your loved one.
k Join today by contacted Jeanne
execute this work and now, with some re-organization we have the structure within the department to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of the children and adults in our care. Heidi Schlipmann has been promoted to Health Services Coordinator. Heidi brings with her over 15 years of experience at Anderson, having worked as a nurse in our health services department for the entirety of her time here. Heidi provides exceptional leadership within the department and has time and again demonstrated skill in collaborating with other departments and solving challenging problems. Working directly under Heidi is Tracy Mohrmann, Adult Services Nurse
Raichle, President of AFP at jraichle2@verizon.net. She is hoping to hear from you!
Supervisor. Tracy has been a nurse in Anderson’s adult services program for years. Tracy is always prepared and calm, we expect Tracy to bring those qualities out in all of the nurses she is supervising and to continue to provide excellence in care to all of the adults in our residential programs. Finally, Gina Williamson, Children’s Services Nurse Supervisor joins our program to lead the nurses in our children’s program as they continue to provide high quality care to the children we support, always with expertise and a smile! We are very happy to have Gina join the Anderson team!
Marcus Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive Sworn in for Second Term At Anderson Center for Autism US Congressman Chris Gibson and nearly 200 elected officials, community leaders and residents were in attendance on Monday, December 28th, 2015 at Anderson Center for Autism’s auditorium to witness the swearing-in of Marcus Molinaro for his second term as Dutchess County Executive. Dutchess County Family Court Judge Denise Watson administered the oath. Molinaro’s wife, Corinne, held the Bible as his two children, Abigail and Jack, looked on. U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson said that Molinaro embodies the spirit of the American people and represents what is good about the American governing system: a belief that the future should be better than the past. “I have boundless optimism when it comes to the future for our community and know that together we can ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to live and pursue their dreams right here in this place we call home,” Molinaro said. Marc Molinaro has forged a productive partnership between Dutchess County Government and Anderson Center for Autism. Neil J. Pollack, Anderson’s CEO, thanked Molinaro for his work in raising autism spectrum awareness as part of his ‘Think DIFFERENTLY’ initiative, including partnership on Anderson’s Autism Supportive Environment (ASE) program. In June 2016, the ‘Think DIFFERENTLY’ program was unanimously adopted by the NY State Association of Counties and now all 62 Counties will begin to ‘Think DIFFERENTLY’ about their neighbors with special needs.” “Marcus Molinaro is someone who thinks outside the box, he really does think differently,” Pollack said. “I can’t thank him enough for his work with our organization.”
Anderson’s ‘Autism Tomorrow’ Conference Presents Compelling Speakers and New Information May 14th was a perfect spring day at Anderson’s Staatsburg Campus when the annual ‘Autism Tomorrow’ Conference kicked off with a warm welcome by Patrick Paul, COO of Anderson Center for Autism. Eliza Bozenski, Director of Anderson Foundation for Autism, provided hosting and introductions throughout the day. Nathan Briggs, Coordinator of Adult Residential Services spoke about the impact that Anderson’s Quality of Life mission and vision is having on the Adult Program in general, and on the life of Jonah F. in particular, Jonah gave an eloquent account of his desire for greater independence and how his quality of life has been enhanced through increased ability to choose how and where he lives. More than 75 people attended to hear the four speakers offer their different, but interconnected, visions of Quality of Life. Dr. Kristie Patten Koenig, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of occupational therapy for New York University related the change in emphasis of working with students on the spectrum through their strengths. Federico Bolognani, M.D./Ph.D., neuroscience drug development physician for Roche Pharmaceuticals, explained that any potential drug must not have a negative effect on the individual. The day’s final speaker was Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Ron Suskind, who engaged the audience with an energetic presentation about his book and upcoming documentary, “Life, Animated.” Suskind’s son with ASD, Owen, was non-speaking for many years and the family was finally able to communicate with him through his affinity with Disney movies. ‘Affinity therapy’ offers a promising window for communication for non-speaking individuals with ASD. All the speakers were highly engaging, the audience response was lively and interactive, and a very informative day passed quickly and was much enjoyed.
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ANDERSON’S NEW MISSION, VISION AND VALUES Look around Anderson Center for Autism these days and you’ll see posters that refer to “Quality of Life” saying “I optimized someone’s quality of life today, ask me how.” These ideas are part of a major shift that runs through all of our programs. Patrick Paul, Anderson COO, says this change evolved through searching for “a way to measure the quality of life of individuals with autism, whether children or adults, and the philosophical shift grew from there.” It has led to Anderson adopting a new mission statement: “Optimizing the Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism.” In searching for a means to measure quality of life, Dr. Sudi Kash, Chief Clinical Officer, looked to the San Martin Scale which uses 8 domains for measurement: Self Determination, Physical Well-Being, Rights (to respect, to dignity and privacy), Social Inclusion, Emotional Well-Being, Material WellBeing, Personal Development and Interpersonal Relationships. Dr. Kash explains: As we looked more deeply into the idea of Quality of Life, it began to permeate all of our thinking in regard to our mission, vision and values.” In coming years you’ll hear much more about Quality of Life at Anderson and you’ll see how it changes everything – for the better.
Live a Life of Quality with Anderson Center for Autism Support our mission, purchase your own Q of L merchandise with the phrase “My loved one has an amazing Quality of Life...thanks to Anderson Center for Autism. Ask me how!�. Learn more about the Quality of Life Initiative at: AndersonCenterforAutism.org/QofL
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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
Anderson Golf Classic Popular Event Returns On June 16, 2016 the popular Anderson Golf outing, now renamed and revitalized, returned as the Anderson Golf Classic with a fun day out at the newly refurbished Dutchess Golf Club. The Anderson Golf Classic players began the day with a scramble start as they eagerly approached the course. The event was designed with new challenges such as a clever educational component offering players insight into the world of the individuals that Anderson programs serve. At each hole, players were able to share one
of the methods of communication that some Anderson children and adults use. Entitled PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), the system uses images and minimal language so that individuals can communicate non-verbally. Some players had coaching in PECS because they had experts at their side – individuals from Anderson Adult Programs who acted as caddies and sold raffle tickets for the event. Their pleasure at participating made the day even more meaningful for everyone. The full day culminated with a delicious dinner and a wonderful array of raffle prizes including tickets to Hudson Valley Magazine’s Burgers and Beer Bash, New York Yankees tickets, a foursome at Dutchess Golf Club, great golf gear, tickets to the Hudson Valley
Food and Wine Festival and lots, lots more. Anderson’s Eliza Bozenski said, “The event raised a significant amount of money. We thank all of our sponsors including Media Sponsor Pamal Broadcasting, Hole-in-One sponsor Dutchess Cars, Eagle sponsor Rose & Kiernan, Inc., and Birdie sponsors Professional Computer Associates and McCarthy’s Pharmacy. Everyone, including our adult individuals and staff, had a fabulous fun day. I think that we can all agree that the 2016 Anderson Golf Classic was a tremendous success and we thank all of our players for joining us.”