Congratulations to Hannah Jacobsen on her promotion to the position of Kids Unlimited Preschool Coordinator. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in Speech Pathology. Hannah got her start at Springbrook at as a Teaching Assistant (TA) at Wright House in 2012 and was promoted to Certified Classroom TA in March of 2013. Last year, she contributed to a very successful research project on decreasing rapid eating and is currently the coach for the Springbrook Scorpions Special Olympics Track & Field team. In her role as Preschool Coordinator, some of Hannah’s duties will include oversight for daily operations, parent relations, and ensuring the preschool is adhering to relevant state regulations. She is very excited to transfer to this position, which will begin in the fall, under the supervision of Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Director of the GEMS School Program at The School at Springbrook, Amanda Mathewson.

Job Coach Training for MSCs

As a result of the BIP grant funding recently awarded to Springbrook, the agency hosted the entire New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) “Innovations to Employment Services” curriculum, which includes 36 hours of training for staff to become trained employment staff. This program helps staff to create opportunities and assist in enhancing the vocational skills of program participants from our newly developed Community Prevocational Program, Pathway to Employment Program, and Supported Employment Program. This training was offered to Springbrook staff as well as staff from other area agencies in an effort to assist in New York State’s Employment First initiative.

In addition, our Medicaid Service Coordinators (MSC) took a one day training on July 28, with a workshop that is part of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) “Innovations to Employment Services” curriculum. The 6-hour workshop provided an in-depth overview of New York State’s “Employment First” initiative, which is designed to give agencies such as Springbrook the tools they need to offer the appropriate level of employment training and readiness supports to assist individuals with disabilities in joining the workforce.

Expanded Services through the Nursing Department

This spring, through a partnership with Bassett Hospital, a total of six Registered Nurses—four from the nursing clinic on Springbrook’s Main Campus and two who work off-campus—received phlebotomy training. By completing this training, Springbrook’s nursing department will be able to perform routine blood work on-location, in the comfort of a familiar environment, reducing the anxiety associated with not only the procedure itself but the stress some individuals experience when travelling to new locations. Along with the training, Bassett provided the clinic with a centrifuge machine, which will speed up the processing of some of the blood tests performed. By the end of the year, Springbrook expects that the remaining RNs will be phlebotomy certified as well.

Shoppers at the Great American grocery store in Unadilla, New York, are likely to see SEMP employee, Roselyn Hathaway hard at work. Springbrook is always reaching out to local businesses to see which ones would be interested in hiring people with developmental disabilities, and Great American was an enthusiastic and supportive partner. Roselyn has been working there for a little more than a year and her duties include straightening the items on the shelves, checking for expired items, off-loading freight, helping out in the Deli Department, and bagging groceries as needed. Another task she performs—and one of her favorites—is cashing customers out at the register. Roselyn works fourteen hours-per-week and works with little assistance. She gets along with her co-workers well, and feels that she has plenty of support if she has questions. She says, “My supervisor, Becky, said that she thinks I am enthusiastic and that I am willing to try new tasks and that I do the best that I can.”

Roselyn, stocking groceries at work

Roselyn has gained confidence and independence by working and earning a paycheck. She is known to be a fast learner and is eager to acquire new duties that expand her understanding of what it means to be working in the community. SEMP Employment Specialist, Haywood Edwards, says that Roselyn “works very independently, and I am there once a week to check on her progress. She doesn’t need my assistance…” He continues, “We used to be called [to help] when she was learning new tasks but not so much anymore.”

As time goes on and more businesses decide to partner with Springbrook in helping people with developmental disabilities join the workforce, we are confident that even more people will be able to tell their success stories, just as Roselyn has.

Roberta did not initially intend to become a therapist. She began her education with the goal of working in psychology, but Roberta says, “My father was the head of Rehab Services at a VA Hospital and he suggested that all of my courses, experience, and skills would translate well into a career as an Occupational Therapist…and he was right.” She continues, “After all these years, I still love it.”

For more than 11 years, Springbrook has benefited from Roberta’s expertise and team-player attitude. “It is an honor and a pleasure to serve and support all of the wonderful therapists we have at Springbrook,” she says. “Our therapists have quite and array of skills, experiences, personalities, and work styles; therefore, managing this big team is at times challenging…but always rewarding when we see the excellent outcomes we have for the [individuals] we serve.”

Thank you to Roberta and to all of the employees who work to make the organization the leader in supports and services for people with developmental disabilities. Springbrook is proud to have such a great team of professionals always working toward making life the best it can be for the people we support each day.

Meghann Andrews-Whitaker

The new Assistant Director of Training and Development, Meghann Andrews-Whitaker, will be joining Springbrook after four years of serving as the Executive Director at The Family Resource Network. The Family Resource Network is a respected local nonprofit that specializes in the education and personal development of individuals with special needs and their families. During her time there, Andrews-Whitaker redeveloped the organization’s Human Resources policies and procedures, including staff development and training. Springbrook is excited to welcome Andrews-Whitaker to its team of management professionals, where she will be responsible for overseeing the Training Department at Springbrook, as well as the Internship and Volunteer Programs. She will be leading the training department in conducting, reviewing, and evaluating training programs for new employees in person and through Springbrook’s online learning management system, Advance. On her upcoming career at Springbrook, Andrews-Whitaker says, “I am happy for the opportunity to contribute to Springbrook’s already stellar employee training program. I look forward to bringing my perspective and my years of experience in HR policy development, staff development, and training procedures to the organization. I truly believe that education and training are the keys to unlocking employee potential and am so excited to join Springbrook’s wonderful team.”

Todd McCarthy

Todd McCarthy, Springbrook’s new Instructional Designer, is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He has a long history of leadership and multimedia content design for a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, entertainment, and finance. McCarthy also has years of experience with eLearning and incorporating technology in the classroom and currently serves as Vice President on the Maine-Endwell Board of Education. His primary duties as Instructional Designer at Springbrook include working with subject matter experts from within the organization and creating instructional courses, assessments, and job resource materials from that information, to be used in Advance. Of his position at Springbrook, McCarthy says: “I’m thrilled to be in a position to expand upon the already strong commitment Springbrook has to training and developing their employees. The burgeoning eLearning landscape affords many opportunities to add depth and reach to our existing training portfolio and I hope to help cultivate these opportunities into a truly valuable educational support system across the organization and the Springbrook community—and I plan on having fun doing it.”

Thanks to the BIP grant, we have taken the first step in providing an expanded training program through the RSS initiative. The next step is to complete a transformation of our existing technology systems. Springbrook is currently partnering with the nation’s leading Financial Management Services software developer, Mains’l, to create an online tracking system that will improve the lives of hundreds of families across New York State who are seeking the least restrictive supports for their loved ones with developmental disabilities. Through this initiative, a minimum of 450 additional individuals will gain access to Self-Directed Services. Once Springbrook completes the transition into the new Self-Directed Services software, the organization will be in a unique position to partner with other, smaller agencies across New York State with this valuable resource, resulting in an even larger population having access to the support they need. Two other local organizations are already waiting to partner with us as soon as this technology is fully functional. The transformation also includes updating and consolidating Springbrook’s personnel management systems, for internal timekeeping, communication, and record keeping.

More than 1,200 Springbrook employees work to support individuals with developmental disabilities, not only by coming to work each day and performing their regular duties, but also by staying current on the latest training and state certifications. Expanding Springbrook’s Training and Development Department is an important piece in a very large puzzle. Each of these steps is an important strategic move toward a more streamlined and accessible variety of services and supports—another way that Springbrook is sending the message that we are all in this commitment together.

Tara Morely (left) with Frank on his new bike

Upon entering the Bird Avenue Community Home in Sidney, visitors are likely to find resident, Frank Ford, socializing with the staff, or watching his favorite television show—The Munsters—amidst a flurry of activity. Bird Avenue is a busy house and Frank is a perfect fit, as he too is full of life and has a lot of energy. Frank takes special interest in checking all of the door handles to make sure they are working properly, and can often be seen carrying several of his favorite possessions while he makes his rounds through the house each day. “He always has something in his hands—he picks new items all the time, so you never know what it will be. Sometimes, we are amazed at how many things he can carry at once!” Tara says.

Of course, with such an outgoing personality, it should come as no surprise that Frank loves to get outside and soak up the sun as often as possible. He spends his days at the Springbrook Capstone program in Oneonta, but when he is home, if the weather is nice, he will most likely be out riding his new bicycle with a Bird Avenue staff member. But this is no ordinary bike—it’s an adaptive two-seater, so that Frank and a staff member can ride together. Tara says, “There are a few of these bikes at the Community Campus, where he attends the Capstone day program, and once we found out how much he enjoyed riding, we knew it was time to get him one of his own.” She continues, “This model was an obvious choice because it allows him to safely get outside and get exercise.”

Each day, Springbrook’s staff members are always keeping a keen eye on the individuals with whom they work. Part of their commitment takes shape in the form of opportunity—taking that moment to notice—so that each of the people we support is healthy not only today, but tomorrow as well.

Navigating the ropes course at Clark Sports Center

Daryl Birdsall is an enthusiastic, motivated leader in the A.P.E. program, and has been a Springbrook A.P.E. teacher for over 14 years. He says, “As an Adaptive Physical Education teacher, my students have a wide range of goals, from improving hand/eye coordination to learning balance or gaining strength.” He continues, “Even though there are specific pieces of adaptive equipment, such as a specialized bicycle, it really comes down to creativity.” This creativity allows teachers to help students achieve the desired results, while still allowing a piece of equipment to remain as versatile as possible. For example, if one student is struggling with a balance beam that is too high, it can be lowered for him or her, but raised back up for someone else. Or, if other students are not quite ready for a balance beam but need to practice that skill, they might practice walking the lines on the gymnasium floor.

Daryl is also the leader of the Springbrook Adventure Club, which has given several students the opportunity to do zip lining, rock climbing, ropes course navigation, and biking and hiking trips. These activities take place off-site and are available to students thanks to the strong relationships and partnerships Springbrook has built with nearby organizations such as Clark Sports Center, Howe Caverns, and Hunter Mountain. Springbrook also partners with nationally known companies as well, such as Rifton Equipment—designers of world-class adaptive equipment and mobility devices—to ensure that people of all ages supported by Springbrook have access to the latest in mobility technology.

A student rides a scooter in the gym

A.P.E. teacher, Jon Philby, has been teaching in the A.P.E. program at Springbrook since 2011. He specializes in using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methods that include emphasis on gross motor skills—such as catching, throwing, and hand/eye coordination—as well as goal-driven social and team-engagement strategies. Jon is often seen at The School at Springbrook, staying busy coaching or working with a student, but his energy was also recently recognized in the community, as he was one of the winners of Otsego County’s “20 Under 40.” The Otsego County “20 Under 40” program is designed to give recognition to young, local professionals who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Springbrook is proud of its A.P.E. program and of the professional staff, who spend individualized time with each student, to ensure they are all getting just what they need to be mentally and physically strong.

Evan has come a very long way since his admission to the School at Springbrook in 2010. When he first came to Springbrook, he engaged a number of intense behaviors and required constant support from staff members and behavior team members. Evan now calmly requests alternatives during many of the situations he once thought stressful, which has resulted in months between negative behaviors.

Evan accepts his award.

From Left: Special Education Teacher, Katie Yorks; Triumphant Life Awardee, Evan Harrington; Board President, Thomas O. Maggs

Due to the changes Evan has made in communicating and expressing his needs, Evan’s opportunities for personal growth have expanded. He now participates in successful community outings and jobsites and has become far more independent than ever before.

Looking back at the Evan that came to Springbrook in May of 2010, it is hard to believe that it is the same young man, with his radiant smile and positive attitude, who we see today. It is Evan’s fortitude, courage, and skill that have allowed him to overcome his challenges. The staff at Springbrook could not have facilitated the number of positive changes in Evan, had he not approached his education with hard work and determination. Great work, Evan!

Nicole and her husband, Adam, listen as her award is announced.

Nicole accepts her award.

Springbrook COO, Seth Haight, Board President, Thomas O. Maggs, Nicole Sokolowski, and CEO, Patricia Kennedy

No matter what title she holds, one thing is certain—she is always ready and willing to wear any hat if it means benefiting our students or the organization—even if that means working in one of the houses because they are short-staffed or volunteering as a greeter at the annual benefit gala. Where Nicole truly goes above and beyond is in her role as coach of the Springbrook Scorpions Special Olympics basketball team. Her years of leadership as a coach and mentor to countless athletes have seen the Scorpions team blossom into one of the most successful basketball teams in the state. Because of her dedication and innovative ideas, Springbrook now proudly host the extremely successful and popular Springbrook Invitational Basketball Tournament each year. Nicole is also the director of the Springbrook Dance Team. The formation of the Dance Team stemmed from her belief that “all of our participants deserve the right to diverse experiences.” She puts our participants first and never underestimates their abilities—always expecting the most from her students, the staff in her classroom, and her teams. It is the passion that Nicole puts into their work each day that earned her the 2015 Charles A. Belden Special Merit Citation. Congratulations, Nicole!

There are a few different ways that an individual can get experience and training they need. The first of these is Pathway, which is designed to be an intensive, one-year-long program that focuses on individuals who have the potential to be competitively hired in the community with minimal supervision. The training is done in a volunteer setting and the individual is given one-on-one attention during the workweek. SEMP began enrolling Pathway volunteers in November 2014 and currently has four people taking advantage of this program. Most of the volunteers are working in multiple locations and all are expected to move onto the next phase, which will eventually result in paid employment.

Roselyn H. stocking shelves at Great American Grocery in Unadilla

Additionally, potential employees can learn valuable, transferrable job skills through the Community Pre-Vocational Service (CPV), which will be starting in June of this year. This is another volunteer program within SEMP, with the main differences being a more group-oriented focus and a slightly less demanding schedule. A total of ten CPV volunteers will be growing organic vegetables in one of two different locations—Cooperstown or Norwich—once the program is underway. The Cooperstown location is in partnership with Origins Café and the Norwich location is in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Volunteers will be guided by staff to work together through the entire gardening process, from planting the seeds, to watering and harvesting, and finally, they will donate their bounty to local food pantries.

SEMP is good for special needs individuals, but it also benefits participating businesses as well. Local companies have the opportunity to tap into a growing workforce of people who want to work, and since our employment specialists do the training, the employer has no hiring or training costs. Several local businesses have shown support and an eagerness to work with Springbrook. Organizations such as McDonald’s, Denny’s, Great American Grocery, Fiesta Mexican Grill and Cantina, and dozens more have shown great interest in giving people with disabilities the chance to demonstrate their skills in the workplace.

Springbrook is looking to expanding the list of potential worksites for people with disabilities throughout the coming year and beyond.

Partnership with Springbrook is a smart choice. As one of Central New York’s leading employers, with nearly 1,200 employees, our employees and SEMP participants are your neighbors, family, friends, and patrons. Join us as we build community, one job at a time.

If you’re interested in becoming a SEMP Employer Partner, contact us today.

Springbrook Supported Employment Program

Bridget Lamp, Program Coordinator

Phone: 607-353-7272 Ext. 2604

Email: semp@springbrookny.org

Teri Wells is currently the Administrative Assistant for Springbrook’s Facilities Department, but she began working with students at The School at Springbrook and has served in many other capacities throughout the organization over the years. In her spare time, she enjoys working in her flower gardens and is well known for her passion and dedication to the people she cares about, as well as the individuals receiving services at Springbrook.

Teri Wells

Susan Phillippe is a Special Education Teacher at The School at Springbrook. She started working at The School at Springbrook at sixteen-years-old. She loved working with special needs children so much that she decided to make a career out of it. A selfless and supportive educator, Susan enjoys celebrating her students’ accomplishments as she teaches them to overcome obstacles and challenges. She also finds great satisfaction in showing helping new employees learn how to work with people with developmental disabilities.

Susan Phillippe

Hundreds of Springbrook staff members have much to be proud of as they have proven their commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities. As Susan put it: “Every person in this organization is here to do a job that either directly or indirectly makes an impact on the lives of the people we support.” Thank you to all who have made the decision to be a part of that support and thanks to Teri and Susan for their long careers at Springbrook!