Thank Yo u!
COMMUNITY REPORT 2019-2020
Me & My Teacher by E.M.
DURING THIS CHALLENGING YEAR... It has meant so much to have your support! THANK YOU for helping Birchtree’s students with autism to keep on learning this year—in spite the COVID-19 crisis. Here’s the difference your contributions have made in 2019 and 2020... Sandra Pierce-Jordan, PhD, BCBA-D, Executive Director
PS—I hope you can continue your generosity to Birchtree in 2021, when we move to an incredible new location! More information about that is on page 12.
DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK in the 2019-20 school year Your donations helped fund expert staffing—allowing students to achieve:
Independence
100% of students mastered one or more IEP goals promoting their independence.
Engaging Relationships
95% of students mastered one or more IEP goals promoting engaging relationships.
Productive Lives
100% of students mastered one or more IEP goals promoting productive lives.
SOURCE FOR STATISTICS: Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals reported as “mastered” in quarterly progress reports for students attending The Birchtree Center’s day school from January 2019 through March 2020.
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CONTRIBUTORS, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020 Supporters ($1,000+)
INDIVIDUALS Investors ($5,000+)
Benefactors ($2,500+)
Seeds of Growth ($250+)
Individual Contributors
DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK in the spring of 2020 Your donations helped fund technology, instructional materials & postage— so that students could learn at home as needed during the pandemic.
A Birchtree student uses an iPad to speak with her Special Education Case Manager while doing lessons at home. 2 | 603.433.4192
A Special Education Case Manager mails updated individualized learning materials to students learning at home.
A Behavior Analyst offers a yoga class by video conference to a Birchtree student during remote learning. *in-kind contributor; ^cash & in-kind contributor
CONTRIBUTORS, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020 Individual Contributors, con’t
If you made a contribution between January 1, 2019, and December 10, 2020, and your name has been omitted or misspelled, please accept our apologies and contact us so we can correct our records: Jessica Squier, (603) 433-4192 x15; JessicaFS@birchtreecenter.org.
*in-kind contributor; ^cash & in-kind contributor
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CONTRIBUTORS, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020 Individual Contributors, con’t
VOLUNTEERS & PRO-BONO SUPPORTERS
If you made a contribution between January 1, 2019, and December 10, 2020, and your name has been omitted or misspelled, please accept our apologies and contact us so we can correct our records: Jessica Squier, (603) 433-4192 x15; JessicaFS@birchtreecenter.org.
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*in-kind contributor; ^cash & in-kind contributor
CONTRIBUTORS, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020 DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK starting July 6, 2020 Your donations helped fund cleaning supplies & PPE—so students could return to their classrooms for in-person, one-on-one instruction starting on July 6.
A Birchtree student does a lesson on an iPad with help from a Birchtree Clinical Instructor.
A staff member sanitizes a therapeutic swing so it’s safe for the next student to use.
A Birchtree student enjoys some outdoor fun with a Clinical Instructor.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING PARTNERS Gather JSA Langdon Public Library New Castle Public Library
NHSPCA Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub Dover Portsmouth Indoor Pool
Seacoast Sports Clubs Seacoast United Sun Life Financial
MUNICIPAL SUPPORTERS Dover Police Department
Newington Police Department
Portsmouth Indoor Pool
Merrimac Fire Department
Portsmouth Fire Department
Town of Newington
Newington Fire Department
Portsmouth Police Department
STAFF & FAMILY CONTRIBUTORS
A student does a scooter ride with a Clinical Instructor and an Occupational Therapist.
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CONTRIBUTORS, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020 FOUNDATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS Visionaries ($10,000+)
Supporters ($1,000+)
Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
Altrusa Club of the Seacoast^
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Greater Portsmouth Rehabilitation Center Fund
End 68 Hours of Hunger Portsmouth* Liberty Mutual Foundation
Investors ($5,000+)
Mary Louise Billings Trust, Citizens Bank, N.A. Trustee
Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
Ness/Rodenberg Family Foundation
The Fuller Foundation, Inc.
Speedway Children’s Charities, New Hampshire Chapter
Benefactors ($2,500+)
Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving
Kaplan Family Charitable Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Inc.
YMCA of the Seacoast*
Liberty Mutual Insurance Charitable Gift Fund, a Fidelity Charitable Donor-Advised Fund
Seeds of Growth ($250+) Arthur Getz Trust, Citizens Bank, N.A. Trustee
Rotary Club of Exeter
Exeter Area Kiwanis Club
W.R. Berkley Corporation Charitable Foundation
The Granite YMCA*
DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK in the fall of 2020 A grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation funded free Online Autism Q&As by Birchtree’s autism experts—so parents could learn strategies to help their children with remote learning and other challenges.
Hampton Community Coalition* O’Neil Family Fund Seacoast Human Resources Association Seacoast Rotary Club Seacoast Science Center* Trinity Church, Hampton, NH*
Foundation & Organization Contributors Anonymous
Maine State Music Theatre*
American Independence Museum* Amgen Foundation
Medtronic Foundation Volunteer Grant Program
Boston By Foot Inc.*
Merck Foundation
Bright Funds
The Music Hall*
Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine*
Ogunquit Playhouse*
My favorite part was “hearing from other parents—it helps you realize that although you sometimes feel isolated—you you are not alone.” alone .”
-parent participant in an Online Autism Q&A, 2020
Q&A participants included individuals in 5 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Ireland & England. 100% of parents reported increased knowledge about strategies to support their child’s learning & progress and to prevent challenging behaviors at home. SOURCE: Surveys completed by parents and guardians participating in Birchtree’s Online Q&As, 10/10-11/10/20. 6 | 603.433.4192
Children’s Museum of NH* Cross Roads House* Exeter Woman’s Club
Old Sturbridge Village* Palace Theatre* Peabody Essex Museum* Portland Stage* Portland Symphony Orchestra* Seacoast Repertory Theatre* Strawbery Banke Museum* UNH Gymnastics* UNH Wildcat Men’s Hockey* UNH Wildcat Women’s Hockey*
Freedom Trail Foundation*
UNH Wildcats Football*
Great Bay Discovery Center*
UNH Women’s Basketball*
Gundalow Company*
VMware Foundation
Hampton Arts Network*
The Winnipesaukee Playhouse*
If you made a contribution between January 1, 2019, and December 10, 2020, and your name has been omitted or misspelled, please accept our apologies and contact us: (603) 433-4192; JessicaFS@birchtreecenter.org.
*in-kind contributor; ^cash & in-kind contributor
CONTRIBUTORS, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020 BUSINESSES Investors ($5,000+) Bangor Savings Bank Camp Cody*
Ocean Properties^ Recycled Percussion^
Benefactors ($2,500+) Acadia Insurance
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Belize*
Wireless Zone Verizon Premium Retailers of Hooksett, Plaistow & the Concord Mall^
Kennebunk Savings
Supporters ($1,000+) Cross Insurance Eversource Lindt & Sprungli* Mallory Portraits* New England Medical Insurance Agency*
Newmark Knight Frank Positive Adventures* QA Technology Company Sprague State Street Discount* Water Country*
Business Contributors 180 Restaurant & Bar* The 3 Sisters Consignment Boutique* The 401 Tavern* Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub Dover* Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub Portsmouth* A Freethinker’s Corner Books & More* Acres of Wildlife Campground* Adelle’s Coffeehouse* ADP AJ’s Wood Grill Pizza* Amato’s* Angeline’s Salon* Anju* Apple American Group* Atlantic Grill* Atlantic Gymnastics Training Center Portsmouth* Casco Bay Lines* Bangor Savings Bank Portsmouth* BarkBox* Barnes & Noble Booksellers* The Beach Basket* Beach Plum Portsmouth* Bei Capelli* Beju/Body & Soul* Bennett’s Sandwich Shop Portsmouth* Big Bean Cafe*
Black Birch* Black Trumpet* Blue Latitudes Bar & Grill* Blue Man Group Boston* Blue Mermaid Island Grill* Bob’s Discount Furniture* Boda* Body Mechanix Massage* Boston Beer Company* Boston Red Sox* Bowl-O-Rama* BRGR Bar* Buff & File Nail Bar* The Bungalow Club* Cabot Creamery Cooperative* Caffé Prego* Camden Maine Stay Inn* Captain’s Cove Adventure Golf* Carrie’s Critter Care* Cello’s Farmhouse Italian* Celtic Crossing* Centrus Digital* Charles River Canoe & Kayak* Charmingfare Farm* Chevalier Fitness* Children’s Orchard Newington* Christmas Tree Shops* Chuckster’s Family Fun Park* Cinemagic Stadium 10 Portsmouth*
*in-kind contributor; ^cash & in-kind contributor
Seeds of Growth ($250+) Anchorage by the Sea* Anchorage Inn York* Arthur Murray Dance Center* Bayside Resort Hotel* BD Matching Gift Program Betty Doon Motor Hotel* Cherry Law Office^ Cochecho Country Club* The Community Oven^ Crayola Experience* Debbra Obertanec Art* Demijon* The Dover Parlor* E.C.E. Professional Painting* Eastern Slope Inn Resort / Attitash Mt Village* Exeter Hospital Foster Grant*
H. & M. Crumpets’* Hannaford Helps Schools Hannaford Supermarket^ JOANN Newington* Jovan’s Mobile Lube Kaya Jewelers* Kennedy Gallery & Custom Framing* The Kernel Group* Lake Life Realty Maznek Septic Service* Microsoft Philanthropies* The Mosaic Guy* The Nonantum Resort* North Country Rivers* Papa Wheelies Bicycle Shop* Partners Bank^ Plumb & Pierce PortsmouthNH.com
Pursuit Racing Quicksilver Fine Jewelry* Robert’s Maine Grill Sanford Temperature Control Seacoast Test Prep* Seacoast United Sports Club* Shore Road Restaurant Skin Health Medi-Spa* The Statey Bar & Grill* Sun Life Financial* Texas Roadhouse* Timberland* Walt Disney World Co.* Wentworth by the Sea Country Club* The Wentworth Inn* Wentworth by the Sea Hotel & Spa* York Hospital
Clipper Tavern* Club Boutique* Coastal Fitness* Collect Moments Common Man Family of Restaurants* Congdon’s Doughnuts* Cork N’ Keg Grill* Cornerstone West End Pizza* Cotillion Bureau* Cranmore Mountain Resort* Credit Bureau AssociatesNortheast, Inc. Cycle Fierce* D Squared Java* D’Adamo Institute for the Advancement of Natural Therapies* Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort* Deco Dogs* DogLand* Dolphin Striker* Dos Amigos Burritos Dover Bowl Family Fun Center* Dupont’s Service Center* Earth’s Harvest Kitchen & Juicery* Eastern Mountain Sports* Elements Massage* Elite Hobbies* Eyelook Optical*
Facebook Farm Bar & Grille* Fast Eddie’s Diner* Federal Cigar* Firefly Pottery* Flōte* Flag Hill Winery and Distillery* Flatbread Company Portland* Flatbread Company Portsmouth* The Flower Room* Folia Jewelry* The Friendly Toast* Furry Friends Oasis* G Willikers! Books & Toys* Galley Hatch* Geno’s Chowder & Sandwich Shop* Goldenrod* Grand Summit Hotel at Attititash* Great Bay Kennel* Great New Hampshire Restaurants* Great Rhythm Brewing Company* Greenleaves Chinese* Greg & Jane’s Beer & Wine* Hampton Natural Foods* Hannaford Supermarket Dover* Hannaford Supermarket Portsmouth^
HarbourVest Harpoon Brewery* Hebert’s Restaurant* Henniker Brewing Company* Herbal Path* Hermit Woods Winery* High Fever* The HomeBrew Barn* IHOP Newington* International Beauty Salon* Izzy’s Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream* Jambs Jewelry* Jan Brett* janegee* JSA Design* Just the Thing* Kilwins Portsmouth* King Pine Ski Area* Kume Steakhouse* La Festa Brick & Brew Pizzeria* Las Olas Taqueria Exeter* Las Olas Taqueria Hampton* Las Olas Taqueria Wells* The Lazy Lion* The Ledges Country Club* Let’s Glow* Lil’s Cafe* Lindt Chocolate Shop* LIT Boutique* Live Cafe* Lively Kids*
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Leadership as of 12/15/2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew E. Smith, PhD, President Pascal Orliac, MBA, Vice President Jonathan Douglas, Treasurer Glicka Kaplan, MS, Past President
Grant Cumming Richard Guare, PhD, BCBA-D Carrie Lensink, MS Nicole M. T. Paul, Esq. Amy Smucker, MS Ann Tarlton, MA
STAFF LEADERSHIP Sandra Pierce-Jordan, PhD, BCBA-D, Executive Director Shelly Fagen, MIT, Director of Student Services Stephanie Morin, MSEd, BCBA, Outreach Program Director Rebecca Walsh, MSEd, BCBA, Clinical Director Sarah Ouellette, BA, Director of Human Resources Holly Robacher, MBA, Director of Finance Jessica Files Squier, MA, Director of Development & Community Relations
Board Certified Behavior Analysts Jessica Allen, MS, BCBA, Behavior Analyst Christina Debourgknecht, MEd, BCBA, Behavior Analyst Laurie Hounam, MEd, BCBA, Behavior Analyst Dan Johnson, MS, BCBA, Behavior Analyst Julianne Johnson, MS, BCBA, Behavior Analyst Blaire Luebkeman, MSEd, BCBA, Behavior Analyst Becky Ormond, MS, BCBA, Behavior Analyst Sarah Turner, MEd, BCBA, Behavior Analyst
Special Education Staff Emily Elliott, BS, Special Education Case Manager Donna Glynn, MEd, Special Education Case Manager Debbie Patten, MEd, Transition Coordinator Jaclyn Silva, BS, Special Education Case Manager
Related Services Jenna Dalton, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist Laurie Flanders, RN, School Nurse Arianna Harris, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist Molly Jacobson, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist Casey Peters, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Support Staff Kayla Dunn, BSS, Senior Clinical Instructor Jasmine Holdman, BA, Executive Administrator Brianne Lewis, Administrative Assistant Jocelyn Pebler, BS, Senior Clinical Instructor
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Business Contributors, con’t Loco Coco’s Tacos* Long Sands General Store* Lowell Spinners* Luigi’s West End Pizzeria* LunaChics* Luv 2 Play Indoor Playground & Cafe* Macro Polo* Magic Falls Rafting Co* Maine Diner* Maine Indoor Karting* Maine Mariners* Maine Wildlife Park* Manchester Monarchs The Mane Place* Margaritas* Martignetti Companies of Northern New England* Martingale Wharf* Middle Street Meat Market* Mojo’s BBQ, Grill & Tavern* My Dogs Mind* Fisher Cats* New York Water Taxi* NH Coffee Roasting Co.* Norma’s Restaurant* North Country Hard Cider Company* North Hill Nursery* Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority* NTB Tire & Battery* Oak House* Oar House Restaurant* Ocean Wok* Old Ferry Landing* Old Marsh Country Club* Ore Nell’s BBQ* Oriental Trading Company* Ouellette Construction Panzanella’s Italian Pizzeria & Bar* Paper Moon Artisan Gallery Pats Peak* Pawtuckaway Pet* Pawtuckaway Trading Post* Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant* Piece Time Puzzles* Pioneers Board Shop* Poco’s Bow Street Cantina* Popzup Popcorn* Port City Pretzels*
Portland Sea Dogs* Portsmouth Escape Room* Portsmouth Gas Light Co.* Portsmouth Health Food Center^ Portsmouth Soap Company* Pro Nails Dover* Prost Specialty Beer & Wine* Putnam’s Ski & Snowboard Shop* Rangeley Saddleback Inn* Rising Tide Natural Foods* River House Restaurant* RiverRun Bookstore* The Riverworks Restaurant and Tavern* Rocky’s Ace Hardware* Rolling Green Nursery* Roundabout Diner & Lounge* RST Imagery* Ruby’s* Runner’s Alley* Saco Bound, Inc.* Salem Witch Museum* Salmon Falls Garden Center* Salon Taglio* Salt Pump Climbing Co.* Santa’s Village* Savers* Saxony Imports* Sea Ketch* Seacoast Harley-Davidson* Seaport Fish* Sherry’s Maine Jewelry* Shio Japanese Restaurant* Smokeshow Barbeque* Smuttlabs Brewery & Kitchen* Société Healing Teas & Apothecary* Soulfire Power Yoga* Spectra Salon & Spa* Spinning Yarns* Sport Clips Haircuts* Starbucks Portsmouth* Stillwells Ice Cream* Stock + Spice* Stonewall Kitchen* Stratham Circle Nursery* Stratton Mountain*
Street* Suds N’ Soda* Summer Sessions Surf Shop* Sun Life Financial Matching Gift Program Sweet Pea* TD Bank Portsmouth* Telly’s Restaurant & Pizzeria * Tenney Mountain Development Group* Terra Cotta Pasta Dover* Texas Roadhouse Manchester* Thai Taste Restaurant The Oven in Epping* Thirsty Moose* Thompson Tavern* Trader Joe’s Newington/ Portsmouth* Treehouse Toys* Tully’s Beer & Wine* Vaalbara* Valerie’s Gallery* Vida Cantina* Village Silversmith Portsmouth* VTM Group Wachusett Mountain* Warren’s Lobster House* Wear House* Wheel of Fortune* When Pigs Fly Newburyport* When Pigs Fly Pizzeria* Whims & Whatnots* Whispering Sands Gifts* White Birch Natural Medicine & Wellness* White Heron Tea & Coffee* Whit’s End Life Is Good* The Wilder* Liz Woods* The Works Bakery Cafe* Yankee Publishing Inc.* York Flower Shop* York House of Pizza* The York River Landing* Zane Boutique*
If you made a contribution between January 1, 2019, and December 10, 2020, and your name has been omitted or misspelled, please accept our apologies and contact us so we can correct our records: Jessica Squier, (603) 433-4192 x15; JessicaFS@birchtreecenter.org.
*in-kind contributor; ^cash & in-kind contributor
Financial Summary, 7/1/2019-6/30/2020 OPERATING EXPENSES
DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK throughout the year
(80%)
Other Program Costs
(12%)
Support Services & Administration (6%)
Program Staffing
Building Donor Relationships (2%)
7/1/19 - 6/30/20
Tuition & service fees paid by school districts cannot cover the full cost of Birchtree’s intensive programs. In 2019, per-pupil expenses for Birchtree’s day school exceeded tuition income by $6,553 per student.
Here’s what your donations can fund...
Because Birchtree invests in... Program Staffing (80%): 9 Students with autism are taught by well qualified, highly trained autism specialists at Birchtree, in public schools, and at home as needed. 9 Each student has an individualized program designed and supervised by experts in the fields of applied behavior analysis, communication, special education, and occupational therapy.
$10,000 can fund 4
months of cleaning supplies & personal protective equipment (PPE)—to promote student and
staff safety during the Coronavirus.
$5,000 can fund 6 months
of art & music instruction at Birchtree—so students can make art
9 We measure students’ daily progress and modify programs to suit students’ changing needs.
& music while they strengthen motor skills, listening skills and more.
9 Birchtree’s autism experts teach proven strategies to families, educators, caregivers & service providers.
$2,500 can fund 6 months of
Other Program Expenses (12%): 9 Staff have access to the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies needed to promote student and staff health during the COVID-19 pandemic. 9 Students can access the learning technology, communication devices, and therapeutic equipment they need to maximize their learning and independence at home and at school. 9 Our programs & facility can operate year round.
Support Services/Administration (6%) & Building Donor Relationships (2%): 9 Our financial accounting is timely and accurate. 9 We can recruit, train, and retain outstanding employees who are experts in their fields. 9 We can prudently plan and prepare to expand our services to meet changing community needs. As part of The Birchtree Center’s commitment to transparency, audited financial statements are available upon request.
PE & adapted yoga instruction at Birchtree—helping students develop healthy habits to last a lifetime.
$1,000 can equip one of
our autism experts with mobile technology—allowing them to serve more students in their public schools and family homes.
$500 can fund an iPad
(with a sturdy case)—allowing students to access online learning and communication apps at home and at school.
$250 can fund a therapeutic swing—allowing students to
develop their core strength while enjoying fun and soothing exercise. birchtreecenter.org | 9
Tribute Gifts, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020 Thank you to everyone who made gifts to honor their loved ones!
WHY ARE WE BIRCHTREE? The shallow-rooted birch tree often grows in clusters to survive. Likewise, students with autism do best when they’re surrounded by supportive family, teachers, and community members. Birch Trees by B.P., J.Q, M.P. & Z.G., Students of The Birchtree Center
We’re honored to include YOU in Birchtree’s community of support!
If you made a contribution between January 1, 2019, and December 10, 2020, and your name has been omitted or misspelled, please accept our apologies and contact us so we can correct our records: Jessica Squier, (603) 433-4192 x15; JessicaFS@birchtreecenter.org.
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Tribute Gifts, 1/1/2019-12/10/2020
Self Portrait by E.M., a student of The Birchtree Center
An Interview with a Birchtree Student Artist EM=E.M., a student of The Birchtree Center JS=Jessica Squier, Director of Development & Community Relations
JS: When did you start making digital art and what computer program do you use? EM: I was eleven. I use the paint program. JS: I understand that you’ve been working on job skills. Before the pandemic, you had a volunteer job at a Ninety Nine Restaurant. You’ve also been creating custom graphics for students and staff at Birchtree. What do you like to illustrate the most? EM: I like making me as an avatar. I also like to draw cartoon characters. JS: What were your favorite and least favorite parts about remote learning this spring? EM: I liked getting help from my mom and dad. I did not like computer stuff. I missed my teachers from Birchtree. JS: What do you want to do when you grow up? EM: I would like to get hired at the Ninety Nine Restaurant.
THANK YOU for helping E.M. and his classmates to keep on learning! birchtreecenter.org | 11
DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK IN 2021 & BEYOND The Birchtree Center’s future home...
opening in January 2021 with support from friends like you!
Art by D.F., J.Q., M.D., M.V. & Z.G., Students of The Birchtree Center
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you...
stock photo; posed by model
In January 2021, the Birchtree Center is moving 1.3 miles down the road to a wonderful new (leased) location at 215 Commerce Way in Portsmouth, N.H.. We hope to build Birchtree’s first-ever outdoor playground in the spring of 2021 with help from friends like you!
playground design for new location
Birchtree’s new home will offer: • more room for learning and exercise, • sinks in every classroom, • a better School Nurse’s office, and • space for an outdoor playground! Friends like you are helping fund playground equipment, technology, classroom furnishings, and therapeutic equipment for the new space. To discuss how you can get involved, contact Jessica Squier, Dir. Development & Community Relations, at (603) 433-4192 x15 or JessicaFS@birchtreecenter.org.
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