Posted 10/25/2024
Congratulations to Robert Perrine, Direct Support Professional of the Quarter for Summer 2024! Robert has been with Merakey AVS for 28 years, and currently works with the gentleman from the CountryView Home. The award was presented by Administrator Stacey Speer, Country View House Manager Joanne Kimble, and Kennedy’s Assistant Program Director Tom Ford. Individuals and staff in the building gathered in the hallway to hear the big surprise and clapped for Robert as he accepted the award. He was congratulated with many handshakes and hugs.
Robert’s nomination highlighted his willingness to give 110% everyday, being a great role model for new staff, and his compassion for the individuals at the CountryView Home.
“Robert recognizes that the individuals we serve are people with whom we have more in common with than differences,” commented Stacey Speer. “Robert always treats the individuals and staff with the upmost respect, and he understands the value of family. He is a true embodiment of dedication and hard work. His contributions play a pivotal role in the success of the individuals, and we are thankful for his tireless commitment.”
Joanne Kimble added “I want to thank Bob for the years he has been with this company. I have the greatest honor of getting to watch him interact daily with our CountryView guys. He is the true meaning of putting your heart and soul into your job. I have been blessed for the past 9 years to have him as one of my staff, and to get to call him and his family my friends. There is not a negative thing I could possibly say about him or the care he gives. He loves each of the individuals for who they are and always sees past their disabilities.”
“You have been a steady hand for those who rely on you, and no matter what the challenges ahead, we know we can always count on you,” said Tom Ford. “Your compassion and dedication have affected many lives, and your influence is felt not just by the individuals you care for, but by all of us who have the privilege of working alongside you. Captain Bob, you are a true leader, and we couldn’t be prouder to sail alongside you.”
The DSP of the quarter award has been made possible through Steven’s Fund to recognize Merakey Allegheny Valley School Direct Support Professionals. The fund was created in 2017 in memory of Steven Garlick by his mother Betsy Friedman.
To contribute to the fund, donate online and include “Steven’s Fund” in the “other” and/or “comments/instructions” box.
The Merakey AVS Hummelstown Campus held a Fall Festival with Halloween themed activities like pumpkin bowling, spider ring toss, pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, a duck pond, corn hole, sensory bins, and an area set-up outside for fall photos.
Clinical Trainer Marguerite Brown is the recipient of the 2024 Gentle Teaching International Legend award! She received this honor during a speaking engagement at the Gentle Teaching International Conference held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in early October. Marguerite spent her early career establishing community homes for people with intellectual disabilities as they left institutions in the late 80s. It was in this capacity that Marge met the founder of Gentle Teaching, John McGee. She worked with him for many years and was welcomed into the world of Gentle Teaching which provided many answers on how to support people with challenging behaviors. After John’s death, Marge came to work with Merakey. She is a certified NADD-Dual Diagnoses Specialist for the IDD Clinical Team, and now assists with creating a trauma informed care community using the tools of Gentle Teaching. Congratulations, Marge!
On October 23, Merakey individual Allen F. attended Hershey’s Sensory Friendly Night with staff member, Patty Jones. Allen had a wonderful time seeing the sights and learning about Hershey.
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell led her area in a pumpkin painting craft. Each individual had picked out small pumpkins during their visit to a local pumpkin patch. They had fun decorating their pumpkins, and each one turned out to be a unique work of art.
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Nikita Flowers and her Aide Shelly Flick took their area to Coolsprings Corn Maze near Mercer, PA. The individuals enjoyed going on a scenic hayride that took them through fields of pumpkins, corn, and sunflowers. Some enjoyed sifting through corn kernels during the corn hunt. A few braved the Mega Slide ride. It was a beautiful fall day for fun activities.
Recently, staff, individuals, and families of New Ventures CPS Program collected over $1,000 worth of supplies for hurricane victims. Supplies included diapers, bottles of hand sanitizer, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, pet food, pain relievers, and cleaning supplies. They were also able to collect new coats, hats, and gloves for those impacted by the hurricanes. These items were taken to the Center City Street Church in Altoona. The donations will be directly taken to the North Carolina area and distributed to the people who are in desperate need. It was a fantastic effort from a wonderful group of individuals!
Dawn from the Wood House at Pittsburgh Campus helped to add some spooky decorations outside her home.
Individuals from Merakey Millersburg spent the day making homemade applesauce. Jeff, Cheryl, and Joy all took turns turning the handle on the applesauce maker. The results were delicious and oh-so-fresh!
Recently the individuals held an advisory board meeting at Merakey’s Crums Mill location. They discussed things they would like to do for the upcoming holidays including food collection for local food banks and cards for nursing home individuals. They also talked about the fun activities they were interested in, a like trunk or treat event, painting pumpkins, and a Christmas Holiday party. They followed up the meeting with a great game of Halloween Bingo where everyone won a prize.
Integrative Approaches Specialist, Astrid Berry and Clinical Director Karen Marshall have been actively training IDD staff to prepare them to obtain their NADD- Dual Diagnoses Specialist Certifications. The most recent person to achieve this status is Woodhaven clinical team veteran, Jeanette Dick. She submitted her NADD-DDS application, letters, and fee in December 2023 after completing the preparation class. As of the beginning of October, Ms. Dick had not been contacted to schedule her interview for certification. Knowing that Ms. Dick is seriously ill and awaiting clearance for a double lung transplant, her Clinical Director, Christi Amato, made an appeal, to NADD directly, to have her complete the process.
The NADD-Director of Credentialing, Ray Snyder, acted immediately and had the interview scheduled within a day of receiving the request. Jeannette did very well. She and Ray formed an instant connection and the two decided to put together a hoax. Jeanette sent an email to Christi, the instructors of the course and the Senior Executive director of Clinical Services, detailing how she had been grilled and brought to tears during the interview. The joke was short lived as she quickly announced afterwards that she had passed with flying colors. Congratulations, Jeanette; We wish you a successful operation and speedy recovery.
