Liz has been an employee at Melmark since the summer of 2009. Since that time she has clearly distinguished herself as an outstanding member of the residential team. She has worked in a number of homes and with some of our most challenging individuals. She quickly worked her way up from an ABA Counselor to a Residential Support Staff (RSS) and is now an integral part of the team at our only off campus children’s home.

She has been described as “irreplaceable and compassionate” by parents and as “a great team player and huge support” by the other staff in her home. She is always willing to take on any task assigned to her whether that’s presenting all cases at clinical reviews in her managers’ absence or coming in to help paint, spackle, hammer and clean the house for upcoming tours of the home. She is one of a kind and we are so happy and proud that she is our April employee of the month.

Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth on being named our April Employee of the Month!

Melmark Congratulates Elizabeth Cady!Our April Employee of the Month

A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community

April 2013

Save the Date!

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 receives $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!*

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

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

Visit the News and Events section at www.melmark.org for a complete

list of upcoming events.

https://www.facebook.com/MelmarkPA

SUPPORT THE MUSTANGS!

Come out and support the Melmark Mustangs as they play ball on their new

home field at our neighbor, The Episcopal Academy. Many thanks to the wonderful leadership at The Episcopal Academy for opening their fields to Melmark students!

Home Games at The Episcopal Academy, “Field H” near White Horse Rd. &

Darby Paoli Rd.

1785 Bishop White Drive in Newton Square, PA

Sunday, May 12th1:00 p.m.

Berwyn-Paoli versus Melmark Mustangs

All-Staff MeetingsWednesday, May 22

2:00 PM3:30 PM9:30 PM

Thursday, May 239:15 AM

11:00 AM

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

This month, I had the honor of attending Melmark’s Volunteer Appreciation Event, which gave me the personal opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who give their time and expertise to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

While we are each dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, special recognition goes to the volunteers who spend countless hours giving back to our community. Many of these people work full-time jobs or are students and could easily just go home at the end of their work or school day. Instead, these men, women

and teenagers make the effort, not only to volunteer at our events, but to make real connections with those he serves.

Whether it is by organizing a fall festival in our community, stringing lights on Melmark residences during the holidays, painting and repair projects or helping in the barn, each volunteer who gives his or her time to improve the lives of those we serve are the true gems in our lives. They are shining examples of the importance of giving back. If you are not already a volunteer for an organization that is near and dear to your heart, I hope you will find something you believe in and become a volunteer. The payback you will receive is far greater than you can imagine.

Thanking Melmark’s VolunteersOn Wednesday, April 24th, Melmark hosted Volunteer Appreciation Night at Aronomink Golf Club. The event featured a video showcasing volunteers in action throughout the past year, hors d’oeuvres and the announcement of Melmark’s Volunteer of the Year Awards recipients. The following winners were announced:

Volunteer of the Year: Louisa B. McDonald

Santa’s Brigade

Corporate Partner of the Year: Vanguard

Community Partner of the Year: ValleyPoint Church

Melmark thanks all of the individual, community and corporate volunteers who make such a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Easterrific! 100+ Volunteers Organize Easter EventOn Saturday, March 30th, children and adults who participate in Melmark’s day and residential programs were treated to an amazing celebration of Easter.

More than 100 volunteers from ValleyPoint Church gathered at Melmark to hide Easter eggs, lead egg hunts at several houses in the Melmark Community, coordinate photos with the Easter Bunny, serve ice cream sundaes and give out other treats. This day, filled with festivities, wrapped up with a magic show.

We are so grateful to the volunteers and their families who gave so selflessly on this day! For more information about ValleyPoint Church and their amazing community outreach, please visit www.valleypointchurch.com

Volunteers from ValleyPoint Church

Magic show performance Melissa with her Easter bagColleen shows a found egg

Madison with the Easter BunnyRaheem and staff on an egg huntCarly poses with the Easter Bunny

ADVOCACY CORNER

Written by Chris Tabakin, Director of Quality

Management and Advocacy

Budget SeasonIt is budget season, and a great deal of attention has been placed on human services this year. Though the budget that was proposed by Governor Corbett places a better emphasis and commitment to people with disabilities compared to last year, it does not mean that it is perfect or our advocacy stops. It is just as important to be advocating this year, and on the next page you will find a number of priorities we have at this time. These priorities are from Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR), of which Melmark is an active member. Dr. Donovan is on the board of PAR and helps to develop these priority areas and focus. Please thank Dr. Donovan for her leadership in the state in advocating for you, the individuals we serve, and their families!

Melmark Behavior Analyst, Liz Dayton, has co-authored an article in The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA). JABA is a peer-reviewed psychology journal that publishes research about applications of the experimental analysis of behavior to problems of social importance. It is the premier journal in the discipline of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

This is Dayton’s second collaboration on an article published in JABA this year. Her most recent co-authored article appears in the Spring 2013 issue and is titled, “Teacher-Conducted Trial-Based Functional Analyses as the Basis for Intervention”.

Melmark Behavior Analyst, Liz Dayton, Co-Authors Article in JABA

Melmark Behavior Analyst, Liz Dayton, meets with parents, Donna and Joe Duffey

ADVOCACY CORNER

Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resourcesfor Autism and Intellectual Disability

1007 North Front StreetHarrisburg, PA 17102

Phone 717-236-2374FY 2013-2014 PAR BUDGET PRIORITIES

PAR SUPPORTS THE GOVERNOR’S WAITING LIST INITIATIVES BUT ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDING OF $26M IS NEEDED TO ASSURE THE COMMUNITY SYSTEM IS ABLE TO OFFER SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS COMING FROM THE WAITING LIST AND TO MAINTAIN SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS CURRENTLY RECEIVING THEM –

• Provide additional state funding of $26M for rate increases of 2% for all DPW-funded, community-based services supporting people with autism and intellectual disability (ID) as is proposed for nursing homes and managed care organizations to reflect increased expenses and obligations.

• Provide a transition rate process to avoid further negative consequences to community services (800 jobs already lost) related to the 6% rate cut imposed in FY11-12 which will also impact rates in FY13-14.

• Urge DPW to address problems with the new Chapter 51 regulations (promulgated under the expedited regulatory authority of Act 22 of 2012) to ensure they support current services and the Governor’s proposed expansion of services.

• Retain the Governor’s proposed Waiting List Initiatives in the final budget: $18.5M for people on the ID Waiting List, including 380 adults from the emergency waiting list, and 700 special education graduates; $1.4M for 100 people with ID now living in state centers to transition to community services; $1.5M to expand services to 118 adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and $38.7M for additional services authorized by ODP and costs related to community services to people with ID.

PAR REQUESTS FUNDING RESTORATION AND REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE HUMAN SERVICES BLOCK GRANT INITIATIVE PILOT PROGRAM:

• Restore the 10% funding cut in the FY2012-13 Human Services Block Grant (HSBG) initiative ($84M -- $14.5M relates to persons with ASD or ID), and allow county reinvestment of year-end funds into these same services without implementation of the HSBG initiative.

• Analyze the benefits and impact on people being served through the HSBG initiative and make the findings publicly available.

PAR SUPPORTS MEDICAID EXPANSION IN PENNSYLVANIA:

• Authorize Medicaid expansion because stronger, healthier families mean efficient allocation of limited resources for ID and ASD services and supports.

Please remember that when using the grill (as always) SAFETY is your priority.

Before Lighting:

•Check bottom tray for grease build up & clean thoroughly before each use.•Make sure that the propane tank is connected correctly. Assure that there is no evident damage to the grill and any hoses or attachments.•Make sure the grill is at least 24 inches away from any combustible materials.•Grill must be on a level surface and at least 10 feet away (vertically & horizontally) from the house or any building. Keep the grill a safe distance from activities, foot

traffic, and play areas. •Never use the grill indoors, in a garage, carport, porch, or under any surface that could catch fire.•Make sure cooking area is clear of all flammable vapors, liquids, and combustible materials.•Be sure that a fire extinguisher is easily accessible to the grilling area.•Avoid especially loose or dangling clothing, such as sleeves or scarves that could catch fire.

Lighting the Gas Grill:

•Open the lid of the grill. Always light the grill with the lid open to minimize gas buildup.•Make sure all burner knobs are turned “OFF.”•Turn ON the propane tank by turning the valve counter-clockwise.•Push down and turn the front burner knob to “Start/High.”•Push the crossover ignition button several times, so that you hear it click.•Check to see that the grill is lit by looking through the match light hole in the front of the grill.•IF THE GRILL DOES NOT LIGHT, TURN OFF THE FRONT BURNER AND WAIT 5 MINUTES BEFROE RETRYING.•After the front burner is lit, you may light the remaining burners. Then adjust the grill to the appropriate/desired temperature.

While Cooking:

•NEVER leave the grill unattended. Have a heightened awareness of your environment and those surrounding you.•Use long-handled cooking equipment, such as grilling-sized spatulas and tongs to place food onto and remove food from the grilling surface. To prevent burns, do

not use your hands or undersized utensils to move food close to the grilling surface. Keep plenty of clearance between the cook and heat/flames. Wear heat-resistant mitts when needed.

•Remember food temperature safety. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid food-borne illness.

Turning Off the Grill:

•Turn OFF each burner.•Then turn OFF the propane tank by turning the valve clockwise.•Be sure that the entire grill is turned OFF completely after each use.

Cleaning & Maintenance of the Grill:

•Only attempt to clean the grill once it has cooled.•CLEAN the grill thoroughly AFTER EVERY SINGLE USE.•Clean the grates and flavorizer bars with warm soapy water. Never use chemicals to clean the grilling surface. A wire grill brush can be used to remove any burnt

particles on the grates.•Clean out the bottom tray with warm soapy water.•Replace the catch pan liner with new one.•Wipe out the inside of the lid with paper towels while the lid is still warm to prevent grease buildup.•NEVER USE ABRASIVES to clean any part of the grill.•Check the grill hoses for cracks, blockages, brittleness, holes, or leaks.•If you detect any leaks or problems, turn off the gas at the tank & do NOT use the grill until it has been repaired.

General Information:

•NEVER use the grill inside of the house, garage, or in any enclosed area.•NEVER move a lit grill.•NEVER place the cover onto a hot grill.•Call the Facilities Department when propane tank needs to be refilled. •Surrounding surfaces will conduct heat and may become dangerous. Therefore, NEVER position the

grill on or near any combustible materials (near leaves, shrubbery, fabric, siding, chemicals, etc.)

Client Safety During Grill Use:

• When using the grill, whoever is doing the cooking must always transfer Level of Supervision (LOS) of his/her client(s) to another available staff person. • NEVER LEAVE THE GRILL UNATTENED. You must stay with the grill from the time it is lit, until it is cool to the touch.• Clients are not to operate the grill.• Declare at least a three-foot “Safe Zone” around the grill during cooking.

OPERATING & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSFor Use of an Outdoor Gas Grill

Congratulations, Kate Haberman! She’s the

winner of April’s Safety Zone giveaway.

Kate is Melmark’s Music Teacher and scored 100%

on April’s Safety Zone Quiz.

Preparing for the Great OutdoorsGardening, camping, hiking and just playing outdoors are all great summer activities, but don’t forget about the ticks that might be hiding in the same environment.

Depending on the species you can find ticks in various environments, often in or near wooded areas. You may come in contact with ticks when walking through infested areas or by brushing up against infested vegetation such as leaf litter or shrubs. Ticks also feed on mammals and birds.

You can protect yourself from tick bites by knowing where to expect ticks and using a repellent. In addition, it is helpful to walk in the center of trails to avoid ticks. After being outdoors, even if you are in your own yard, you should conduct a body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas by searching your entire body for ticks. You should check the following areas of your body:

• Under the arms• In and around the ears• Inside the belly button• Back of the knees• Under the arms• In and around the hair• Between the legs• Around the waist

It is recommended that you shower within two hours of coming indoors to reduce your risk of being bitten. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least an hour effectively kills ticks.

If you are bitten by a tick, remove the attached tick as soon as you notice it. Watch for signs of illness such as rash or fever, bulls-eye pattern and seek the help of a health care professional.

It is also helpful to prevent the family pets from bringing ticks into the home. Maintain your family pet under a veterinarian’s care. Two of the ways to get rid of ticks on dogs and cats are putting on tick medicine or using a tick collar

Information provided by the CDC

Top Ten Sunscreen Safety Tips

1. The recommended application of sunscreen for adequate protection is 35 to 40ml per person per session (about a handful).

2. Budget brands are just as effective as the more expensive brands.3. Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun which allows it

time to absorb properly.4. Take time out in the shade between 11AM and 3PM when the sun is strongest, but still apply sunscreen

because sand, concrete and water can reflect harmful rays.5. Reapply sunscreen. Perspiration, exercise, swimming and towel drying removes sunscreen from the

skin so you should reapply after taking part in any of these activities, even if the product is waterproof.6. Everyday use of sunscreen on your face and back of the hands will limit the chances of developing dry

leathery skin, wrinkles, mottling and other signs of premature aging and skin cancer.7. Cover up in the sun with loose cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.8. Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 to protect against harmful UVA and

UVB rays.9. Overcast weather still requires sunscreen in summer because 80 percent of ultra-violet radiation is still present on

cloudy days.10. Children and babies need greater protection so use specially formulated children’s sunscreen with gentler ingredients

and higher SPFs.

Information provided by about.com

Card Workout:Working out doesn’t have to involve going to the gym. This particular workout provides great physical and cardiovascular exercises, and all you need is a box of regular playing cards. Below, I detail how it works. There are three levels of difficulty. Look exercises up online if you are unfamiliar with them, and always make sure you consult a doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Equipment: A timer, deck of cards, area to move

1. Always make sure to do a proper warm-up.

2. Set a timer for 5 minutes.

3. Starting with all exercises in Level 1, flip a card.

4. If the exercise is a number card, match the suit with an exercise in the first column of exercises (ex. Five of Clubs would be body weight squat with calf raise, Do 5 of this exercise). If the exercise is a face card, match the suit to the exercises in the second column (ex. A Queen of Hearts would be 15 crunches).

5. Do 5 minutes continuous at Level 1, then take a break

6. If you are able to, move to Level 2 for 5 minutes followed by a break, then Level 3 for 5 minutes.

7. You can modify the workout by staying at any level for 3 – 4 rounds, or using longer or shorter exercise durations at each level.

Written by Desiree Gaunt, Coordinator of Physical Health

1 – 30 second wall sit

2 – 40 second wall sit

3 – 1 minute wall sit

1 – Body weight squat + calf raise

2 – Split Squat

3 – Squat Jumps

1 – 20 Mountain Climbers

2 – 30 Mountain Climbers

3 – 50 Mountain Climbers

1 – Alternating Lunges (lunge the card # for each leg)

2 – Walking Lunges (lunge the card # for each leg)

3 – Lunge Jumps

1 – 15 Sky Divers

2 – 30 second Plank

3 – 20 Plank walks (up to hands, down to elbows)

1 – Modified or Regular Pushups

2 – T - Pushups

3 – Dive-bomber Pushups

1 – 15 Crunches

2 – 20 Ball Sit ups

3 – 25 V-ups

1 – Standing crunches

(Alternating opposite elbow to knee)

2 – Bicycle Crunches (card # on ea side)

3 - Burpees

1 – 15 Jumping Jacks

2 – 25 Jumping Jacks

3 – 40 Jumping Jacks

A

National Honor Society Members Volunteer at MelmarkOn Wednesday, April 17th, volunteers from The Woodlynde School’s National Honor Society worked alongside adults with special needs in The Meadows Garden.

Nearly a dozen students gathered at Melmark to pull weeds, till and rake the garden to prepare for Spring plantings. The students worked with members of The Meadows Country Garden Guild, which is part of The Meadows Program at Melmark. Participants in this program grow, harvest and dry flowers and then arrange them into beautiful dried baskets for sale at the end of the season.

Today’s volunteer event was spearheaded by Jeremy Cooper, a student at The Woodlynde School. Jeremy already volunteers in the Melmark Swimming Program and will be doing his senior project at Melmark. Jeremy was so taken by the children and adults we serve, that he felt compelled to get his classmates and fellow Honor Society Members to join him in his mission to make a difference for people with special needs.

Melmark would like to extend a huge thank you to Jeremy and his classmates for this wonderful day of helping one another for a greater cause.

The Woodlynde School is a private, co-ed college prep day school located in suburban Philadelphia. For more information, please visit http://www.woodlynde.org

Volunteers from The Woodlynde School

Students weeding in the garden Jeremy Cooper spearheaded the volunteer event

Students work alongside Melmark Gardeners

Melmark’s Annual Field Day: A Day of Fun and ExerciseOn Friday, April 26th, Melmark celebrated Field Day with an array of fun exercises for students at The Melmark School. Below are photos from the event.

EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION LOCATION HIRE DATEThomas Crofcheck Director of Accounting All Campus 4/2/2013

Anna DiPietro Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Schoemaker 4/4/2013

Josette Arrington Nurse All Campus 4/8/2013

Cecilia Asare ABA Counselor, Residential Rosary Lane 4/8/2013

Stephanie Bolar ABA Counselor, Residential Martha 4/8/2013

Cara Horner ABA Counselor, Vocational Vocational Program 4/8/2013

Darren Johnson Children’s Residential Aide Schoemaker 4/8/2013

Diana Laventure ABA Counselor Education Classroom 1 4/8/2013

Amira Lucas ABA Counselor Residential Sacca 4/8/2013

Venecious Mulbah Adult Residential Aide ICF/MR 4/8/2013

Lawrence Newman ABA Counselor, Residential Charleston Green 4/8/2013

Greg Palmer Repairman All Campus 4/8/2013

Anita Ung ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 10 4/8/2013

Pamela Barco Nurse All Campus 4/22/2013

Marika Bland Workshop Aide Workshop 5 4/22/2013

Delene Brown Adult Residential Aide Thomas 4/22/2013

Ibukun Colley Nurse All Campus 4/22/2013

Anne Decker Adult Residential Aide Engle 4/22/2013

McKeen Doe ABA Counselor, Residential Schoemaker 4/22/2013

Howard Robyn Nurse All Campus 4/22/2013

Bryan Jacobs ABA Counselor, Residential Schoemaker 4/22/2013

Leon McClain ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 2 4/22/2013

Matthew McStravog ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 11 4/22/2013

Joy Nhaway Adult Residential Aide Engle 4/22/2013

Julia Thompson ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 5 4/22/2013

Zwannah Washington Adult Residential Aide Meadowbrooke 4/22/2013

NEW HIRES

Congratulations...

StAff REAcHINg 90 dAyS of SERvIcE

EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION LOCATION HIRE DATETanisha Anderson Adult Residential Aide Education 12/3/2012

Joseph Cooper Adult Residential Aide Education 12/3/2012

Mohamed Kamara Adult Residential Aide Education 12/3/2012

William Manson ABA Counselor, Education Education 12/3/2012

Aderinsola Adewuyi Adult Residential Aide Education 12/17/2012

Mahawa Chelley Adult Residential Aide Education 12/17/2012

Annamarie Frattarola ABA Counselor, Education Education 12/17/2012

Kiara Gant ABA Counselor, Residential Children’s Residential 12/17/2012

Rebecca Horn Teacher Education 12/17/2012

Nivause Julmice Workshop Instructor Education 12/17/2012

Ramatu Kamara Adult Residential Aide Education 12/17/2012

Olumide Ogunlana Adult Residential Aide Education 12/17/2012

Alissa Williams Adult Residential Aide Education 12/17/2012

EMPLOYEE POSITION EMPLOYEE POSITION

Babatunde Adebule ABA Counselor ,Vocational Allen Jones ABA Counselor, Residential

Hatim Ali ABA Counselor, Residential Swadu Kallon Res Aide - Adult Services

Meagan Birmingham Vocational Instructor KAmara amara ABA Counselor, Residential

Nicholas Boss ABA Counselor, Residential Meghan Kane Training Coordinator

Vaa Brewer ABA Counselor, Residential Franklyn Kargbo Shift Supervisor

Sugkora Brown Licensed Practical Nurse Gertrude Koroma ABA Counselor, Education

Kula Browne Shift Supervisor Tom Lake ABA Counselor, Residential

Sharon Burns Licensed Practical Nurse Sandra Lartey ABA Counselor, Vocational

Elizabeth Cady Residential Support Specialist Christopher Lewis ABA Counselor, Vocational

Jacqueline Capuito ABA Counselor, Vocational Susan Margolis Office Manager

Kimberly Carbone Vocational Instructor Latida Markland ABA Counselor, Education

Krystina Cassidy Program Manager Andra McLaughlin Registered Nurse

Heather Cloud Program Specialist Voc Resid Tiana McLeod Residential Support Specialist

Steven Colestock Recruiter Julie McNamee Registered Nurse

Jennifer Croner Residential Support Specialist Kylee Merendino Research & Clinical Specialist

Nancy Crosen Licensed Practical Nurse Charles Myers HRIS Administrator

Bridget Davis Health Care Coordinator Brooke Nelling Health Services Manager

Simone Davis Licensed Practical Nurse Kimberly O Connor Admin Assist Exec Dir Child

John Deaton ABA Counselor, Vocational Vickie Onawola Licensed Practical Nurse

Victor Dorbor ABA Counselor, Vocational Alberta Quiah ABA Counselor, Residential

Solange Dore Residential Aide - Adult Services Amanda Rega Staff Dev Associate

Kerrigan Dougherty Teacher Nathalie Richard ABA Counselor, Residential

David Dragone Vocational Instructor Sarah Schoener ABA Counselor, Vocational

Amanda Duffy Behavior Analyst, Vocational Isha Sesay Res Aide - Adult Services

Prince Duwor ABA Counselor, Residential Jessica Stelma Human Resources Manager

Sandra Fellman Administration Assist. Health Care Isaac Theodore ABA Counselor, Vocational

Amanda Guld Fisher Director of Professional Development & Training Erin Thompson ABA Counselor, Vocational

Amy Fredrick Assistant Director of Children’s Behavior Health Jacqueline Turner Assistant Director of Children's

Residential

Jennifer Froelich ABA Counselor, Vocational Rebecca Van Deusen ABA Counselor, Vocational

Dara Govan Health Services Specialist James Waldron Residential Support, Specialist

David Haneman Asst. Program Manager Tanisha Winfield ABA Counselor, Residential

Michelle Hilferty ABA Counselor Education Rebecca Zelonis ABA Counselor, Vocational

Jones Comfort Ibare ABA Counselor Vocational

StANdINg ovAtIoN AWARdS