89% of the way there!

Wow, it is hard to believe the new building will be wrapping up already by mid summer. In May, we will begin the final punch list of items to complete the construction and start with all of the necessary inspections. Then we will begin with the furnishings, licensure, and getting all of the medical and clinical equipment in place. Still a lot to be done, but amazing to be this close when we've been at it for just 30 weeks. Whew!

To date, the structural and the rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing are 100% finished. The crews are now working on the finish mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, and all of the interior details. On the outside, the roofing and siding are 90% complete, and the curb cuts and concrete have all been poured so the parking areas are ready for asphalt this spring. Now the Special Tree IT team will get going with making sure all of our networking and electronic hook ups are in place so we will have top notch technology running through our state-of-the-art center.

Specialty items are also being installed including our in-wall oxygen panel system, automatic doors, kitchen equipment, wander guard, nurse call system, and more.

National Occupational Therapy Month

Every April, Occupational Therapists across the country take part in the month-long campaign to promote awareness of their important role in rehabilitation. OTs provide critical therapy services to our clients, helping them learn everyday life skills such as bathing and dressing, preparing meals, and managing home activities as independently as possible.

At Special Tree, our OTs take it even one step further. Their passion for each client’s personal success can be seen with every interaction. “I love being a positive role model and helping make a difference in our client’s lives,” says Holly K., an OT with our Midland Team. “It ’s the best feeling in the world seeing people become more independent and empowered, that’s why I love what I do."  Angela W., an OT with our Troy NeuroSkills Center says that she enjoys the process of getting clients back to doing what’s important to them after their injury and helping them achieve the best quality of life possible. And that’s a task that most OTs will agree they enjoy. “The most rewarding part of being an OT is when your client walks away from a session with a smile on their face because they can do something they couldn’t do before,” says Holly K. And Angela W. agrees, “It’s a great feeling when a client moves back home or moves out on their own after working so hard in therapy.”

Please help us celebrate Occupational Therapy Month by thanking our dedicated team members, and all OTs across the country. We salute all Occupational Therapists for their good efforts to guide clients’ healing and recovery.

Thirteen Years and Counting!

Jessica Bahny

Activities Assistant, NCC

Last week, I celebrated my thirteenth anniversary with Special Tree.  When people find out that I’ve been here that long, they inevitably ask “How old were you when you started?!” When I tell them that I was only sixteen years old when I began working here, their first reaction is shock.  Then they find out that this is the ONLY place I’ve ever worked.  The reaction to that is usually utter amazement.  What can I say?  I love my job!  Looking back, it is sometimes hard to believe that thirteen years have come and gone since my first day on the job.  I remember being so excited to have my first job.  I began my journey in the kitchen, working as a Dietary Aide.  I absolutely loved it.  I loved being here so much , that I didn’t even mind hanging around for a few hours waiting for my mom's shift to end.  I passed the time by hanging out with the clients.  Do you have any idea where this story is going?  I loved working in the kitchen, but when the Activities Assistant transferred to work on the floor, I jumped at the chance to interview for the position.  I was offered the job, and the rest, as they say, is history.  I wish that I had the space to tell all of my stories!  So much of my history is intertwined with Special Tree.  I’ve worked here literally half my life.  The time that I’ve spent here has proven to be invaluable.  I know that my job is important.  I also know how blessed I am to have a job that I truly enjoy.  I really don’t even see this as a job- it’s a vocation.  It’s a wonderful feeling to know that something you do makes an impact on someone else’s life.  The greatest thing is, that it’s not only me making an impact.  Our clients have a huge impact on my life every day.  Each one leaves their own imprint on my heart.  I hope that they can see in my demeanor how much I respect them, and how much I’ve learned from them.  Here at Special Tree, I’ve laughed more times than I can tell you.  I’ve shed tears, too.  I’ve grown older, and definitely wiser!  I’ve worked with some amazing colleagues who have taught me so much.  The most important lesson I have learned is this: “You can spend your life bitter and angry over something terrible that happened to you, or, you can choose to live every day exactly as you are- being grateful for each day you are given.  Even on the worst days, try to give to others.  When you give love, you will receive it more than you can imagine.”  I learned that from one of my clients.  He said this to me once during a visit, and I’ve never forgotten it.  In fact, I live by it every day.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Special Tree for thirteen wonderful years.  Here’s to many more!

View from Existing NCC

Here is a series of shots looking from the parking lot of the existing NeuroCare Center building to the new construction (back, left). After clients and staff move into the new building, the existing NCC will undergo renovations and then later the two buildings will be connected and share some common service areas. They connect through a hallway near the therapy clinics and what used to be the outpatient clinic entrance. From here you can see the side view of the pool (glass block windows in the existing building) and side view of the new therapy clinic.



September 2010



October 2010



November 2010



November 2010



December 2010

December 2010

February 2011

February 2011

March 2011

April 2011

Spring Forward

It sure has been an exciting winter! Look how far things have come since we broke ground just last fall.

South View - September 2010

South View - October 2010

South View - November 2010

South View - December 2010

South View - February 2011

South View - April 2011

Curb Cuts for Front Parking Lot

Readying for Asphalt

Gazebo put into place

Exterior grounds starting to come together

It may be 40 Outside, but it's 80 at Special Tree

It's easy to get excited about the opening of the new NeuroCare Center. Especially now that spring has sprung and construction is forging on strong.  Just this week we reached the milestone of the project being 80% complete. So what does 80% look like? Well, it's busy outside with excavators laying topsoil and sidewalks being poured. Inside, our IT team is running cable for the cutting-edge family and client business center. Meanwhile, client bathrooms are really looking nice with the installation of showers, tile work and all the amenities. So go ahead and take a look, it's 80 over here and we're lovin' it!

Workers spread topsoil as the sidewalks set-up in the background

The first look at one of the many client bathrooms

Warmer Weather is Upon Us

Most of us would agree that it isn’t time to breakout the bikinis, but we are seeing the thermometer rise. Here at Special Tree we can't wait for things to heat up. Why? Well, with nicer weather we are able to resume work outside. Just this week a cement truck stopped by to pour concrete for the therapy service walk and the gazebo pad.  The exterior of the building is progressing too as siding and soffits were hung and our masonry team continued their fantastic work on the building that will house the oxygen!

Forms are set and cement is poured for the therapy walk



The newly poured pad that will serve as the foundation for our gazebo



A great view of the exterior of the building, showcasing the newly hung siding and soffits

The 'O2 enclosure' that will house the oxygen