Janina Galler, MD, Receives NIH Grant to Research Groundbreaking Study on

“Transgenerational Effects of Undernutrition on Children”

Did you know that malnutrition impacts 25-30% of children world-wide? Poor nutrition during early development limits the developmental potential of all of these children. Janina Galler, MD, Senior Scientist at Judge Baker Children’s Center and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, has been

studying the effects of childhood malnutrition throughout the lifespan and across generations for over four decades.

Her study, which is based in Barbados, examines the impact of early childhood malnutrition on adult survivors and their children and grandchildren. In addition to examining the mental health outcomes, Dr. Galler has also been examining the health consequences of early childhood malnutrition, including the rise in obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Her work shows that the effects of malnutrition can last for generations, even when offspring are rehabilitated with a normal diet.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Galler has the unique translational opportunity to continue to study these well-documented Barbadian cohorts. Research on the inter-generational effects of malnutrition in humans is limited and has not addressed behavioral outcomes. Thanks to the recent grant, Dr. Galler and her team now have the opportunity to explore potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying transgenerational effects of childhood malnutrition and the role that these changes play in determining behavioral and cognitive outcomes.

This information may clarify future interventions aimed at preventing adverse outcomes of infantile malnutrition, short-circuiting generational transmission. Because epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, identifying an epigenetic mechanism is of significant clinical relevance, underscoring the potential far-reaching public health benefits of this research. Dr. Galler’s research adds important knowledge to the understanding of the effects of malnutrition during development and provides the scientific basis for public policy directed at underserved children in the US and elsewhere.

Hiram E. Manville’s Great Granddaughter Continues Family Legacy of Caring

When Charlotte Ryan attended Judge Baker’s World of Children Award celebration last March, she did not anticipate that the evening would inspire her to learn more about Judge Baker and its programs. Her family was being honored for generations of support to Judge Baker which began

with her great grandfather and the founding of our Manville School in 1957. Charlotte applied and was accepted for a summer job with Judge Baker’s Summer Treatment Program (STP), joining Judge Baker staff members in a six-week program for 19 children, including three international students.

STP is an award-winning program which uses well researched evidence-based treatments to help children with ADHD and associated behavior problems. The program gives these children a unique opportunity to learn new behaviors in the classroom and foster peer relationships in the context of an enjoyable summer camp setting. STP also provides coaching to the families throughout the summer and booster sessions throughout the year to sustain the positive behavioral changes children achieve during the summer.

“I think the Summer Treatment Program is very interesting. I have never worked in a program like it,” says Charlotte who recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Psychology. “It was very structured from the beginning which was important for the kids. I really fell in love with the children and got along well with the staff. It was so rewarding to see the progress over the summer,” she said.

“Charlotte was a pleasure to supervise. She was extremely hard working and did a wonderful job providing support and structure to the children,” said Dr. Jamie Slavet, Director of the Summer Treatment Program and Upper School Clinical Coordinator at Judge Baker’s Manville School.

Charlotte was so delighted with her experience at Judge Baker that she applied for a position at our Manville School and is currently a milieu counselor in the Lower School. What does she think her great grandfather would say about her career choice? “I think he would be very proud of me. I think it is pretty cool that I am working at a school that he founded. It is such an amazing place. I love the people and there is so much support.”

A publication from Judge Baker Children’s Center ~ Fall 2012

The Baker Bulletin

Inside this issue:

President’s Corner/Trustee Update -2 Trustee Update/Baker Happenings -3 Manville School -4

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Manville School Shines

The start of the academic year saw exciting changes at Judge Baker Children’s Center’s Manville School. Principal Hanna Savransky noted record enrollment at 96 students and 13 classrooms as the school year began. Along with robust enrollment, Manville announced promotions of two veteran staff members to new positions.

Bobby Hermesch has been named Milieu Director. In this role, he oversees the daily behavior management of the students, ensuring that their individual needs are being met. With a Master of Social Work degree, Hermesch has spent seven years at Judge Baker as a milieu counselor and mental health clinician. “Bobby is the ideal choice for this position as he knows how to navigate the Manville system and is extremely skilled in both the clinical and behavioral aspects of the job,” says Savransky.

Dave Creedon, after six years as Manville Upper School Coordinator, has been named to the new position of Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). In his new post, Creedon creates individual behavior plans and strategizes with teachers, clinicians and parents on detailed behavior management strategies. “Our students need structured skill development, coaching and practice to better regulate and manage their behavior in a more expected and conventional way. Having a school-based BCBA will support staff and parents in the development and implementation of behavioral treatment plans to improve the student’s behavior both in school and at home. Parents find it very effective to have someone working with them in developing more successful strategies for managing their child’s behavioral difficulties,” says Savransky.

The Manville community is also excited about the expansion of the specialized sensory gym. The enlarged space features state-of-the-art suspension equipment and can accommodate 3-4 students simultaneously while providing adequate space for the therapists working with each child. These specially trained therapists are helping the students to learn sensory regulation strategies which will help them manage their behavior in the classroom.

“Manville has developed a positive reputation among school systems and parents as a place where students are successful and families feel supported. We have a sophisticated program that centers around a team approach where educational, counseling and clinical staff work together with students and their families,” notes Savransky.

Judge Baker Children’s Center is proud of the standard of excellence under which the Manville School operates and we congratulate them as they celebrate their 56th year in operation.

The Baker BulletinJudge Baker Children’s CenterFall 2012 IssueFor more information on The Baker Bulletin, a newsletter from Judge Baker Children’s Center, please contact the Development Office at 617-278-4281.

Executive Team:

Stephen Schaffer Interim President and COO

Program/Department Heads:

Cynthia Davis, Ph.D., Paths ProjectElizabeth Fitzsimons, DevelopmentJ. Heidi Gralinski-Bakker, Ph.D., Human Research Review CommitteeJenny Herren, Ph.D., Weisz LabMichael Mastascusa, CPA, FinancePhilip Myers, Information TechnologyJames Prince, LICSW, Manville SchoolNina Rodriguez, FacilitiesJulie Sweeney Springwater, MSW New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioners & DirectorsRachel Sudikoff, Human ResourcesSue Woodward, Ph.D., Clinical CareRichard Young, Child-at-Risk Hotline

Principal Investigators:

William R. Beardslee, MDJudith A. Crowell, MDJanina R. Galler, MDLaura Proctor, Ph.D.Claudio O. Toppelberg, MDJohn R. Weisz, Ph.D., ABPP

Board of Trustees:

Edward E. Mullen, ChairJay L. Webber, First Vice Chair and TreasurerRobert G. Holdway, Second Vice ChairVerne W. Vance, Jr., ClerkDeborah L. AndersonJulie M.B. BradleyRichard P. Breed, IIILisa Dabney BurrowsKathryn E. CadeThomas W. CornuRobert P. GittensAndrew R. Knowland, Jr.George MacomberKatie NicholsonJohn R.A. Pears, RIBAEdmund “Chip” Poli, IIILaura RamanisClaire S. SternDorothy A. Weber, Ed.D.

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Judge Baker Happenings

Trustee Update (cont’d.)

2012 Rodman Ride for Kids!Members of Judge Baker’s “Team Manville” gather for a team photo before heading out on the 25 mile course of the Rodman Ride for Kids on September 29, 2012. Braving the cool temps and sporadic showers, 24 riders rode 100, 50 or 25 miles to support Judge Baker Children’s Center. We are pleased to announce that we hit our goal of $100,000! Special thank you to all those who gave their support to this great cause.

2012 Liberty Mutual InvitationalIt was a family gathering at the seventh annual Liberty Mutual Invitational to benefit Judge Baker Children’s Center. Pictured below are Dr. Paul and Elaine Chervinsky (L) with their daughter Debbie and her husband Jonathan Moll. Played on July 30, 2012, a rain date after a postponement from June 25, golfers were treated to an exceptional day of golf. Thanks to so many loyal supporters, we exceeded our goal of $95,000! We hope you will join us at Walpole Country Club for our next tournament on June 24, 2013!

Judge Baker Children’s Center Welcomes New Trustees

President’s Corner

Trustee Update

Stephen SchafferInterim President and Chief Operating Officer

Julie M.B. Bradley, Edmund “Chip” Poli, III and Laura Ramanis have joined the Board of Trust-ees of Judge Baker Children’s Center.

Julie M.B. Bradley is the Chief Financial Officer for TripAdvisor, where she is responsible for overseeing corporate finance, investor relations, ac-counting, corporate development, human resources, and real estate.

Bradley and her family have been regular members of Judge Baker’s team in the Rodman Ride for Kids, an annual cycling tour that raises funds for youth-focused social service agencies in Massachusetts. “I was moved by the stories of children who have faced hard times but whose lives have been transformed into success stories through Judge Baker’s programs. The organization is built on research and its committed staff continues to

have a positive and sustainable impact on these children’s lives,” says Bradley.

Prior to joining TripAdvisor, Bradley served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Of-ficer at Art Technology Group (ATG), and was Vice President of Finance at Akamai Technolo-gies. A Certified Public Accountant, she was honored with the 2010 CFO of the Year Award by the Boston Business Journal. She and her husband reside in Wayland with their two children.

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Edmund “Chip” Poli, III is President/CEO and Founder of Poli Mortgage Group, Inc. He has spent 20 years in the real estate industry and has consistently ranked in the top 1% of mortgage originators in the country.

Poli was inspired to support Judge Baker’s mission by Board Chairman Ed Mullen. “I loved what I saw at Judge Baker’s Manville School. I am looking forward to getting more involved and helping out with fundraising efforts,” he said. Poli and his wife live in Medfield with their three children.

Laura Ramanis is the Managing Partner for Mercer’s New England region and is based in their Boston office. Her experience includes over 15 years of consulting to help organizations advance the health, wealth and performance of their people.

Ramanis learned of Judge Baker from the Boston Club in December 2011. “Through my work on the board of an organization in the Midwest, we helped people with mental health challenges live independently and become contributing citizens. I became aware how early diagnosis and treatment of mental disabilities in children can prevent years of suffering for individuals, and can have a positive impact on society. I hope to become an active contributor to Judge Baker and help further its important mission,” she said.

Ramanis is an Advisory Board Member at the Women Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology, a Corporate Relations Committee Member at The Boston Club and a former Honorary Consul for the Republic of Latvia in the State of Minnesota. She and her husband live in Hingham with their two children.

After eight years as President of Judge Baker Children’s Center, Dr. John R. Weisz has stepped down to focus on his research and teaching at Harvard University. Dr. Weisz will continue to collaborate closely with Judge Baker in a research capacity.

During his tenure here, Dr. Weisz expanded direct services and signifi-cantly broadened the research portfolio. A major focus of research at Judge Baker is evidence-based treatments (EBT) - children’s mental health treatments that have been proven effective. Dr. Weisz played a crucial role in expanding EBT work at Judge Baker. It has been an honor to work with Dr. Weisz and I know he will continue to be important in the development of improved mental health practice.

Ed Mullen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, commented that “Judge Baker remains com-mitted to its mission during this transition. We will continue to support children and families struggling with mental health issues through our research, training, education, and mental health services.”

A search committee for the President position has been formed, chaired by recent past Chairper-son of the Board Kathy Cade. The committee will begin its work in December.

We anticipate an exciting year ahead with several outstanding new Trustees; a new website scheduled to launch the last week in January, 2013; expanded services in Manville School (see accompanying article); new specialized services in Clinical Care for children with Asperger’s Syndrome; a growing Summer Treatment Program for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperac-tivity and related behaviors; and both new and continuing research in children’s mental health.