Posted 11/8/2024
The Southern California IDD team gathered on November 8 for an exciting team bonding event on the water, celebrating the arrival of their new Executive Clinical Director and Clinical Director for SoCal! It was a fantastic opportunity to connect and kick off this new chapter with such a talented and inspiring team. What a beautiful night to welcome their newest leaders and celebrate the bright future ahead.
Welcome to the Merakey team, Dr. Karly Marriott, Dr. Heidi Eilers, Dr. Michele Wallace, and Clinical Director Justine G!
Cierra, Genny, Wendy, Liz, House Manager Susan White from Merakey AVS Nolte home, and Liz from Oakhaven home were proud to cast their vote on Election Day!
Ben, Tom, Brad, and Camillo from Merakey AVS Evergreen home enjoyed the recent warm fall weather at Moon Park.
The ladies and staff from Wiltshire home at Merakey AVS were excited to hand out candy on Halloween this year. They dressed up in costumes and played spooky songs for the trick or treaters.
Kregg, James, Jonathan, Keith, and staff Christian, Jamie, and Wendy from Wildwood home at Merakey AVS had a magical evening at Disney on Ice.
Individuals and staff from Merakey AVS Pittsburgh Campus visited Kennywood Amusement Park’s Fright Night for a fun Halloween outing. They had a spooky good time in the interactive environments and can't wait to go back next year!
Eric and Wendy from Slippery Rock Program Center participated in a class called Forensic Fun in Butler, PA which is offered sporadically throughout the year. Eric has a great interest in the work of government and law and Wendy is interested in law enforcement. While there, the pair participated in handwriting analysis, fingerprinting, and even had their mugshots taken. Wendy was amazed at how accurate the handwriting analysis was for her. Both Eric and Wendy learned a lot and had a great time.
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Megan Jesteadt and her Aide Christie Laderer led their area in a lesson about elections. The individuals voted for their favorite flavors of ice cream: chocolate or vanilla and made an American flag as a craft. The individuals liked learning about the voting process. In this case, everyone won—they each got to enjoy the ice cream flavor of their choice.
Happy Birthday, Kathy! Kathy from Crestview II home celebrated her 70th birthday in Hershey, PA alongside housemate Denise. They took a trolley ride, made a candy bar at Chocolate World, stuffed a giant Reese’s cup, learned how to taste and smell chocolate, and rode Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition ride. Kathy and Denise loved all of the free chocolate samples!
The annual Haunted Hallway at Patricia Hillman Miller Campus was a scary good time!
Merakey AVS Philadelphia Campus enjoyed Halloween festivities with an outing to The Croydon Sensory Haunted House where they were greeted by the incredible staff who helped them through the maze. They also went to a community Halloween party and won best dressed for their costumes. They also went to a Halloween parade and participated in crazy socks day all in one – double the fun.
Darlene Fulton marked her 35th work anniversary with Merakey Allegheny Valley School on November 6. Darlene graduated as a Rec Therapist from Temple University and went on to work as Director of Therapeutic Recreation at several locations including Metropolitan Hospital. She joined Merakey AVS as a Program Specialist and has risen through the ranks to hold progressively responsible positions. Darlene currently serves as the Associate Executive Director of the Philadelphia Single Family Residence Program. She has helped usher many of the individuals we support into more independent environments and advocates tirelessly for each person’s rights and interests. In addition to her work at Merakey, Darlene enjoys being a wife, mom, and grandmom, and is very involved with her family. Congratulations, Darlene!
