Discover Summer Spotlight: Academic Groups

Learning doesn’t stop just because school is out.  That’s why Special Tree’s Discover Summer program for kids and teens with brain injuries adds a layer of academic programming to the mix of therapeutic activities.  Throughout the summer, students participate in academic groups based on their academic level and individual educational goals.  Academic groups are designed to enhance reading, writing, math, and social skills to keep student’s skills going strong throughout the summer.  Students learn through educational hands-ons projects and interactive learning in science, geography, and recreation that are tailored to each student’s needs.   

My Favorite Memory at Special Tree

by Tamanay D., Rehabilitation Services Technician

My favorite Special Tree memory is when Webster Court had two apple trees. I use to go outside and get the apples and bake homemade apple pies for the clients.  Here's the recipe.  Enjoy!   

 

Tamanay's Apple Pie

5 to 7 Med Apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious or Gala) peel take seeds out and cut med thin

Add 3 Tablespoons of Lemon juice to the Apples and mix the juice with the Apples

½ Cup of Sugar

4 tablespoons All Purpose Flour

1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

¼ Nutmeg

3 Tablespoons (cut small) of butter or I can’t believe it’s not butter

 

Add all dry ingredients together

Place the 1 pie crust in the bottom of pie pan (store bought or homemade) put into oven for 5 mins lightly baked and take out. Add the Apples first and the Dry ingredients together. Then put the butter cubes On top of the apple filling. Take the other pie crust and lie on top of the filling, and use a butter knife to make 3-4 very small slits in the center. Then use a fork to press the pie crust edges down.

 

Preheat the oven to 375 to 425 depending on the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The crust should be medium brown. Take out the oven and let the pie sit for 10 minutes. Enjoy the savory sweetness of a homemade Apple Pie!

 

For the Carmel Apple Pie use everything at the top instead of ½ Cup of Sugar use ¼ Cup of Sugar. Purchase the Carmel chunks, melt 6-8 pieces in a sauce pan and mix it with the filling. You can also use Pecans, and or Walnuts too.

 

 

What Does it Mean to be an RST?

by Miranda D., Special Tree Rehabilitation Services Technician

I love working in a place where I am needed by other people, it brings me the most satisfaction. I love to give and to serve other people.  My heart is so big for the clients at the residential home where I work.  It brings me so much joy knowing that I can be there for them.  This is the best job I’ve ever had and for that I don’t ever plan on leaving.

My best memory at Special Tree is every single day that I’ve worked here; sure I could select certain times that I’ve done something fun with a client, like doing their hair or going on a community outing, but I ultimately value these people on a daily basis and love taking care of their needs.

The clients have made such an impact in my life and I enjoy showing them just how important they are to me. I would only want the same from someone else if I was in their position, wouldn’t you? “Living the Science of Caring” means making an effort each and every day.  It’s stepping out of our comfort zone, pushing yourself to do your best, and keeping a positive attitude so we can best serve our clients.

My time here in the last three years has been unforgettable. The clients have changed me forever and for that I am honored to know and provide care to such wonderful individuals. What a privilege we have to work here and to be a part of this fantastic “family”. I know even if I didn’t work here, I’d still come back to visit. How could you stay away?

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Rehabilitation Service Technicians!

RST Victoria Asubonteng

“They really are the backbone of Special Tree.”

That was the sentiment that Nursing Director Della Buchanan shared about Special Tree’s Residential Service Technicians (RST.) 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 Special Tree's NeuroCare Campus and residential locations. RST week begins on June 14 and Buchanan and many others had a lot to say about how much they appreciate the work they do. Most agreed that RSTs are the backbone of Special Tree staff, but that’s not all they are.

“During my initial training, the staff instructors really emphasized that the RSTs are the first line of defense in our client’s lives,” said Residential Services Administrative Assistant Cathy Wojtas. “They’re usually the first ones to notice changes and the ones that let us know as quickly as possible. They’re all very close to their clients."

“It takes a very special person to do that kind of work. RSTs are our eyes and ears and they know their clients completely,” said Buchanan.“They bathe and feed them and provide a lot of TLC. They help them have increased independence and give praise for even the smallest accomplishments. They are an integral part of Special Tree and I value them greatly. I think they’re wonderful.”

RST Vonnica Jones

There’s plenty in store for the RSTs during their appreciation week including activities, special treats, and prize give-aways including a drawing for six $25 gas cards. Cold drinks will also be available at the Troy and Romulus Neuro Skills Centers for the staff on transport duties and will continue throughout the summer as the temperature increases.  The Residential Services staff is also planning a Spirit Week with a different theme each day.
 

Special Tree CEO Joe Richert nicely summed up the critical role of RSTs at Special Tree. 

“It’s our aim at Special Tree to provide the best care possible and to help reintegrate our clients back into society.  That would not be possible without all the hard work that our RSTs provide. They’re really caring individuals and I thank them.”

Reliable: a buddy you can count on.

Enriching: always bettering yourself.

Honest: trustworthy and true.

Accomodating: always taking care of others.

Best: at what you do.

So: energetic and

Essesntial: to everyone you serve.

Rare: gem. You are so

Valuable: to everyone here.

Incredible: amazingly awesome.

Caring: candid, cheerful and

Excellent: in the care you give.

Thorough: attentive to details.

Efficient: succeeding in all you do.

Comforting: cooperative and just plain

Heroic: we thank you again and again.

Special Tree Honors Ol' Timers

Each year, Special Tree recognizes the dedication and contributions of staff with 10 or more years of service with a recognition luncheon affectionately called “The Ol’ Timer Luncheon.”   

Special Tree is proud to have over 100 "Ol’ Timers," who recently gathered in May at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, MI to enjoy a gourmet lunch and to give special recognition to colleagues celebrating milestone anniversaries (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35).  Milestone honorees were presented with plaques and praise from supervisors. 

A highlight of the event was a tribute to Special Tree’s longest-serving Ol’ Timer, co-founder Doc Richert, who is retiring after 40 years as Special Tree’s Medical Director. CEO Joe Richert and Physician Assistant Kelly Barker praised Doc for the vision that he and his wife Jean had in establishing Special Tree back in 1974.   Doc was also recognized for his 55 year career as a family physician.  A plaque honoring Doc will be unveiled at a ceremony at the NeuroCare Campus in Romulus, MI in June.

Congrats to this year's milestone honoreees:
 

10 years
Dana Barnes
Conswaylo Brown
Tamanay Daniels
Charyn Esters
Nancy Goldberg
Devin Mixon
Sylvia Mullins
Samantha Murphy
Amanda Ohrt
Jill Prisza
Phillip Raymond
James Richert
Elizabeth Westergaard

15 years
Peggy Allen- Bock

Vickie Gunnell
Lori Hall
Angie Joquico
Melissa Lempicki
Shella Smith
Carolyn Walker

20 years
Janice Cannon

Theresa Dore
Vickie Lambert
Cindy Manetta

25 years
Cathi Connors

Jack Richert

30 years
Roy Bartoloni

35 years
Lyle Williams

Find more photos on Special Tree's facebook page!