Storms Hold Off for Client Picnic

With the threat of a thunderstorm in the forecast, 30+ members of Special Tree’s Community Living Skills (CLS) groups trekked out for their annual picnic at Metro Park hosted by the Tuesday CLS group on June 21, 2011. Clients in the group contributed their time and talents to make the event a big success including designing the rockin’ t-shirts (thanks Doug), creating the picnic banner (thanks Carol), shopping for picnic supplies, and cooking delicious dishes including a tasty chicken cobbler. Some client family members joined the picnic, including the newest member of one client’s family, Duke, an Australian Shepherd puppy that stole the hearts of all who attended. “A good time was had by all!” said Special Tree Speech Therapist and a group facilitator Lauren Garrisi. “I’m so honored to be a part of the peer group.” NCC Outpatient Case Manager and group facilitator Beth Smith added, “It’s so important for staff to let clients take the runway in these types of events – and that happened yesterday. It was a perfect show of cooperation, fun, and friendship.” Steve, a CLS member, couldn’t agree more. “I was amazed at the care and respect that the staff had for each and every client’s need.” Submitted by Beth Smith, NCC Outpatient Case Manager/Social Worker

Play Ball!

Keyon has always been a fan of sports. But the youngest member of Special Tree’s Royal Oak pediatric residence, didn’t have the opportunity to play competitively prior the severe brain injury he experienced in 2009, until now. For the first time, Keyon is starting the baseball season as a team player. This summer, Keyon is playing baseball on the Miracle League, an organization that provides children with challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member on an organized league. Each week Keyon and his assistive “buddy” bat, catch, throw and run the bases. An experience that’s not only helped Keyon grow, but has been encouraging for the Royal Oak staff who regularly attend. “It’s very exciting for us,” says Joanna Kirkpatrick, Royal Oak Residential Program Manager. “He’s come such a long way and it’s exciting to see him do normal things that just a year before were far beyond his reach.”

When Keyon first came to Special Tree, he was on a ventilator and was unable to eat on his own. After a year of intensive rehabilitation and hard work, Keyon transitioned from the NeuroCare Center to the Royal Oak residence. Since arriving at his new home, Keyon’s progress has moved to a whole new level. Keyon now eats a normal diet and is working with STRS Physical Therapists to learn how to walk again. And despite a busy therapy schedule, Keyon has managed to forge new friendships and have some fun, baseball being the highlight.


“Keyon really lights up when he’s playing baseball,” said Joanna. “Especially when the energy is high, the fans cheer and he crosses home plate.”  Score!

RSTs Rock!

When it comes to Special Tree’s RSTs, there’s never a shortage of praise from clients and staff for their hard work and dedication. To show RSTs how much they’re appreciated, Special Tree organized IMAGINE, an off-site personal growth and development conference held biennially to celebrate National Nurses Aid Week last month.


To accommodate scheduling needs, the event was held over two days in June so that every RST would have an opportunity to attend. The conference featured breakout sessions on topics that RSTs expressed in a pre-conference survey. The sessions were facilitated by STRS staff and thanks go to: Catherine Steinhoff- Massage Management, Jill Prisza – Nutrition, Jim Hall - Personal Finance, Lela Hickonbottom – Health Careers, Neal Dregansky – Personal Fitness, Kristin Clearhout – Managing Stress, and Kelly Sandor & Derica Scribner – Love & Logic Parenting Skills.


Keynote speaker Walt Stasinski from Potential Unlimited in Troy inspired the crowd with a humorous but powerful presentation on the importance of having fun at work. “Everyone left feeling energized with ideas for new ways to enhance their work and personal relationships,” said HR Administrator Lisa Bray, who coordinated the IMAGINE event with RST Trainer Mary Jo Hall. RST staff from each facility competed in a Science of Caring poster contest with The Cottage and Tyler II tying for first place. RSTs also received a conference t-shirt and STRS bag and there were door prizes that included gift certificates and gas cards and a grand prize weekend trip including hotel, and pre-paid gas card awarded at each day of the conference.


On duty 24/7, 365 days a year, RSTs help clients with personal care and activities of daily living, support our nursing staff, and manage meals, medication, and household tasks at our residential locations. “The RSTs play such a critical role here,” said Mary Jo. “We want to acknowledge them in a way that helps them to grow and lets them know how much they’re appreciated.”



RSTs attended many breakout sessions throughout the day devoted to topics on personal growth and development.



Tyler 2 RSTs (pictured) and The Cottage both took First Place in the Science of Caring Poster Contest



Lisa Bray, IMAGINE coordinator, Lela Hickonbottom "Health Careers" presenter and Mary Jo Hall, IMAGINE coordinator.







Children's Services Manager Derica Scribner and Behavioral Specialist Kelly Sandor discuss parenting skills in their Parenting with Love & Logic session

Keynote Speaker Walt Stasinski from Potential Unlimited in Troy