Meaghan is very attentive to the residents’ needs and consistently provides a high level of performance to the individuals we serve. Her treatment integrity and feedback tool scores are exceptional. Meaghan also consistently attends clinical and academic reviews, sharing insight and providing thoughtful feedback to assist in developing effective plans for the children we serve.

Meaghan is always willing to help the individuals she serves as well as her colleagues. She recently volunteered to

come in on her day off to take a resident to a possible new placement. Meaghan was able to represent Melmark and help the resident feel comfortable in her potential new home. Families also consistently comment on Meaghan’s quality of care, communication and interaction with their loved ones.

Meaghan is a great role model for other staff. She is always willing to help and to teach others. She is respectful of others’ opinions and ideas. Members of the team consistently approach Meaghan to ask for guidance and support. Meaghan always finds time and often stays late to address concerns. In addition, Meaghan trains new staff, who consistently score their training sessions with her as ‘very high’. Staff members even joke to supervisors that, “Meaghan is not allowed to take a day off!” because she is an invaluable resource to Melmark and to the people we serve.

Please join us in congratulating Meaghan on being named

Melmark’s June Employee of the Month!

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omentsMMelmark Congratulates Meaghan Chirinos Our June Employee of the Month

A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community

June 2012

Employee Referral Bonus

5th Annual Conference

Improving Life at Home and School

All applicants are encouraged to complete the online application at www.melmark.org/careers. Just click on available positions and apply.

*Fill out the pink employee referral form, found in HR, before the new hire begins at Melmark.

Do you know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team?

Tell them about Melmark! We’re looking for motivated and caring people who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee gets $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long!*

Be sure to sign up for Melmark’s annual conference.

Keynote Speakers

James E. Carr, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Linda A. LeBlanc, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Friday, July 13, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center

For details: MeghanKane@melmark.org

Supervisor of the Quarter Kathy Tomon

Please join us in congratulating Kathy Tomon on being named Melmark’s first Supervisor of the Quarter.

Kathy’s peers describe her as an excellent supervisor and a consummate professional. She is a talented clinician and extremely committed to the children she serves. In addition, Kathy is a kind and supportive manager. She holds supervision and team meetings regularly, sets clear and fair expectations, and provides a great deal of hands-on training, modeling and feedback to her teachers and staff. Kathy is a consistent presence in her classrooms and in the school. She never asks anyone to perform a task that she couldn’t or wouldn’t do herself (from teaching to room clean-up to ADL assistance).

Kathy shares praise and acknowledgement freely and inspires all to work to their fullest potential and to strive to meet or exceed performance standards. Kathy con-sistently models Melmark’s Standards of Professionalism and helps her staff model them as well. When Kathy does need to provide coaching or corrective feedback to staff, she does it in a kind, courteous and supportive manner and demonstrates a genuine interest in each staff member’s success.

When concerns arise, Kathy goes straight to the source to discuss the concern, to ask a question or to seek clarification in an open and collaborative manner. She never gets caught up in gossip and quickly helps clarify misperceptions, or find answers to questions and solutions to problems.

Overall, Kathy handles the challenge of her position with grace and professionalism, and her commitment to her staff and to those we serve is evident in all she does.

Congratulations, Brian! Melmark’s Work Experience

Employee of the Quarter

Brian is known throughout campus for his warm smile and his strong work ethic. Brian has been performing custodial duties in Melmark’s Main House for years. He is conscientious about his job responsibilities and always willing to fill in if his peer, Tommy, is absent. Brian comes to each office with a smile on his face, and he has made fast friends with the staff who work in all of the offices.

Brian is devoted to doing the best job that he can. Although he has some physical limitations, he never lets them get in the way of his responsibilities or his opportunity to share a coffee break with a special friend.

Brian deserves recognition for the compassion-ate, hard working man that he is. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday are brighter days for the staff who work in the Main House because they know they will see their friend, Brian.

When you see Brian, please be sure to congratulate him.

Congratulations, Graduates!

On Friday, June 8th, seven graduates from The Melmark School participated in commencement ceremonies. As Marie, Michael, Maggie, Jack, Gianni, Simona and Eric walked to the stage to receive their diplomas, family, friends and Melmark staff stood to applaud their achievements.

While stories of graduation ceremonies across the nation were featured on the news on this day, we were particularly thrilled to welcome 6ABC Television to Melmark’s graduation. The afternoon newscast showed images of Melmark graduates as they reached this milestone - a milestone these young men and women have often had to work harder for than most people their age.

The 2012 Graduating Classof The Melmark School

Eric Jack Maggie

Marie Michael Simona

Gianni

Watch 6ABC’s graduation coverage on Facebook: ‘Like’ MelmarkPA

Spring FestivalOn Saturday, June 9th, the Melmark Community gathered for a day filled with live music, rides and food, Western Style. The 2012 Spring Festival featured a standing room only performance of Best of Broadway by The Melmark Players. After the performance, children, adults, family members and friends of Melmark en-joyed carousel rides, an inflatable slide, carriage tours, live music by The Green Tea Revival Band and delicious food.

Dancing the Night Awayat The 2012 Melmark School Prom

Students at The Melmark School danced the night away this month, as they celebrated at The 2012 Prom. Everyone loved the Willy Wonka theme, dance music and food. Parents and family members also enjoyed the opportunity to dance with their sons and daughters on this special night.

Sodexo Appreciation DayOn June 20th, students, adults and staff at Melmark made frequent visits to The Eatery - not for food or soft drinks - but to show Sodexo staff members their appreciation for all they do to serve each of us at Melmark.The friendly Sodexo faces we see every day not only prepare delicious meals for Melmark staff, but they also provide a positive and enthusiastic work environment to many adults with disabilities who also work in The Eatery.

You may have noticed that Melmark gives many tours and is often host to any number of guests. There are many reasons we have guests touring Melmark. Some are families interested in the admissions process. Some may come as part of inspections or surveys for the licensing or monitoring of Melmark’s programs. Others come to see Melmark as donors or potential donors. However, an increasing number are being invited to tour as elected or appointed officials. Though all of our guests are important, I want to highlight why having elected and appointed decision makers see our programs is so critical.

These officials, at the local, state and federal levels, are responsible for making decisions that impact organizations like Melmark, including the people we serve, family members and staff. The people who come for tours might be Congress-men, State Senators, County officials or their staff. They often represent different political parties. Some are appointed officials, unaffiliated with a specific party. As a nonprofit organization, it is important that Melmark maintain positive relationships with public representatives, regardless of party affiliation.

The decisions these officials are making might be on new expectations or regulations, but many times they have finan-cial implications. Most recently, these decisions are related to the development of the state budget. Touring officials helps to educate them on our services, issues impacting us and to see what worthwhile and meaningful work is done each day at Melmark.

Through your dedicated work, we can demonstrate great care, safe environments, meaningful involvement in commu-nities and wonderful programmatic outcomes. This helps to establish why services like ours must be a priority and are cost effective means of service. It also helps to give us all a voice in decision making processes when issues arise.

Recently, a staff member visiting from a U.S. Senate office was so impressed by a staff interaction with a student, that he said he would be taking the example back to the Senator. So the next time you see a tour coming through, please continue to smile and say hello as you already do! But most importantly, keep doing the great work you do each day with the knowledge that it helps make a difference at so many levels.

Chris Tabakin Director of Quality Management and Advocacy

Advocacy Corner: Melmark’s Board of Tourism

Congressman Jim Gerlach, representingthe 6th District of Pennsylvania, interactswith Ronnie as he works in The Meadows

State Representatives Warren Kampf and Duane Milne during a Melmark tour

Melmark Superheroes2012 Field Day

This month, students at The Melmark School showed off their superhero powers during 2012 Field Day. Boys and girls had fun exercising while playing in field day events like the Ninja Turtle Pizza Hunt, Aquaman Swim Challenges as well as Batman and Superman / Supergirl themed activities. Everyone, from students to staff, had a fun-filled day enjoying the outside...and exercise!

A Message from Our President Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.

During June, we witnessed some amazing moments between families and their children, as well as between the individuals we serve and Melmark staff. The Spring Festival provided a day filled with laughter and hugs, as The Melmark Players performed one of their best productions yet.

The prom provided beautiful memories to students at The Melmark School, as well as to their family members and staff. And the theme for Field Day could not have been more perfect: Superheroes. The children and adults supported by Melmark’s mission are truly superheroes in

their own right, constantly overcoming obstacles and growing each day.

But perhaps the most moving of all moments this past month was witnessed at graduation. Seven young men and women who each came to Melmark with different challenges walked up to the stage to receive their di-ploma. To hear non-verbal students like Gianni and Eric use iPad technology to share their messages from the heart with their parents and staff left me with an indescribable sense of pride. Marie’s exclamation of “I did it!” after singing “With a Little Help From My Friends” - how perfect a testament to what we do at Melmark. Each of you should have a wonderful feeling, knowing that the “help from friends” you provide the individuals served at Melmark really does have such a remarkable impact on lives.

SAFE T Y ZONEFireworks Safety

More fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day in the United States. Nearly half of these fires are caused by fireworks. Please leave fireworks to the professionals, and do not use consumer fireworks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

A sparkler can burn over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit (hot enough to cause 3rd degree burns). Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.

Here are some other safety tips for sparklers and fireworks:

• Always remain standing while using sparklers and never run while holding a sparkler.• Neverholdachildinyourarmswhileusingasparkler.• Alwayswearclosed-toeshoeswhenusingsparklers.• Thesparklerwireandstickremainhotlongaftertheflameisout.Putspentsparklersdirectlyinwater.• Neverhandalitsparklertoanotherperson.Givethemtheunlitsparkler.Thentheycanlightitwhenthey’reready.• Alwaysstandatleastsixfeetfromanotherpersonwhileusingsparklers.• Nevertrytomakeyourownfireworks.• Pointfireworksawayfromhomes,andkeepawayfrombrushandleaves.• Neverrelightafirework,whichisadud.

All fireworks of any kind are prohibited on Melmark’s campus and Community Homes.

*Information provided by: The National Council on Fireworks Safety

Heat SafetyIt’s vital to remember the dangers of heat in cars. When it’s hot outside, the temperature in a car interior can reach dangerous and fatal levels in just minutes - even if the window is cracked.If the outside temperature is 93° F, the temperature inside a car can reach 125° F in just 20 minutes and 140° F in 40 minutes.

Whenever a heat advisory or warning is issued, make sure you: • Never leave anyone in a parked car.• Stayindoorsandavoidextremetemperaturechanges.Ifyoudonothaveaccesstoair conditioning, go to a mall, movie theatre or other public place to spend some time in the cool.• Ifairconditioningisnotavailable,stayonthelowestfloorofyourhomeandoutofthe sunshine. If you have an electric fan on, remember to keep a door or window open to the outside.• Drinkplentyofcoolliquids,especiallywater.Evenifyoudon’tfeelthirstyit’simportant to drink liquids to help keep your body hydrated and cool. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.• Eatsmall,frequentmeals.Avoidfoodsthatarehighinprotein.• Ifyoumustgooutside,wearlightweight,light-coloredclothingtoreflectthesun’senergy.• Wearsunscreenandawide-brimmedhattoprotectyourface.• Ifyoumustengageinstrenuousactivity,limitexposureduringmid-dayhours.

*Information provided by the Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care and National Safe Kids.

Congratulations, Amanda Kessler. She’s the winner of our monthly Safety Zone giveaway. Amanda works in Melmark’s Adult Day Program and scored 100% on last month’s Safety Zone Quiz.

EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION LOCATION HIRE DATE

NEW HIRES

Cynthia Burke Health Care Coordinator Spruce / Schoemaker ICF

Jean Dantica House Supervisor Dixon / Widener

Britney A. Davis ABA Counselor, Educ. Classroom 7

Jennifer Hanson Behavior Analyst Schoemaker RTF

Patrick Kai Banya Residential Aide Aston A

Amanda Marr ABA Counselor, Educ. Classroom 7

Erin O’Sullivan ABA Counselor, Educ. Multiple Classrooms

Elizabeth Owsik PT Assistant Physical Therapy

Nicole Preziuso ABA Counselor, Res. Martha House

Champagnae Smith ABA Counselor, Res. Martha House

Adenike Ademuwagun Residential Aide Melissa B

Kiera Bass ABA Counselor, Educ. Classroom 8

Desiree Bryant ABA Counselor, Res. Matthew House

Holly Cokeley ABA Counselor, Res. Sacca / Hunt Valley

Charam Colmon Shift Supervisor Miller B

Omotomiwa Dada Residential Aide Schoemaker ICF / MR

Abdul Dukuray Residential Aide Widener House

Bernice Johnson Residential Aide Miller B

Donald King ABA Counselor, Res. Rosary House

Michael Kiotis ABA Counselor, Res. Matthew House

Keegan Kowcheck Teacher Classroom 4

Vanessa Rogers LPN Children’s Residential

Claire Stafford ABA Counselor, Voc. Vocational Program 2

Nicole Zulli ABA Counselor, Educ. Classroom 13

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On the Move

New Quality Management

Coordinator

Employee Appreciation Day Thursday, July 12th

Peer Mentor Program Melmark’s Peer Mentor Program continues to provide new employees the guidance necessary for success on the job. The program pairs current employees with new staff members. Employees who serve as mentors receive a bonus for participating in the program.

Recently, Juan Araujo, Associate Director of Staff Development, led Rebecca Zelonis, Teresa Gallagher, Michele Giannakopoulos, Rocco Gambone and Chris Minerva in Peer Mentor Training. Thank you to our newest Peer Mentors!

Jerry Newman, a long time staff member of Melmark, has accept-ed a promotion from his previous position of House Supervisor in the Adult Program, to join the Quality Assurance Department as the new Quality Management Coordinator.

Jerry will assist with incident management and investigations, among other quality related activities. Jerry is a Pennsylvania Certified Investigator and will interact with various departments in his new role.

At Melmark, we appreciate our staff ’s hard work and dedication. That’s why we’re hosting our Second Annual Employee Apprecia-tion Day on July 12th. As a token of our gratitude for all you do to make Melmark such a special place, we have planned a day filled with food, live music, games and gifts. Please join us at the below times and locations to celebrate.

11:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Complimentary Lunch

Gymnasium

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Live Music, Games & Raffle

Center Circle

Coffee TalkJoin Chris White, Executive Director of Adult Services, for a one-on-one chat session. He’ll answer employees’ questions and concerns.

Friday, July 27thThe Eatery

10:00 a.m. / 2:00 p.m.