Spring Fling Prom 2014! Truly "A Night to Remember"

More than 125 clients came together on Friday, May 2, 2014 for Special Tree's Spring Fling dinner dance at Roma's of Garden City. Now in it's 14th year, the annual event draws Special Tree clients, staff, friends and alumni from all over Southeast and Mid-Michigan for a festive night filled with food, music, dancing, socializing and more. The many hours of planning and coordination by staff paid off once again with a fantastic event that seems to top itself year after year. 

This spring's theme Prom: A Night to Remember, inspired by a residential client who had missed her own high school prom, added a fun new twist to the evening. When staff heard about Marlene G.'s desire to attend prom, having missed hers after experiencing a traumatic brain injury several years ago at sixteen, they began brainstorming ways they could give her a second chance at the quintessential teen rite of passage. They presented the idea to the Spring Fling committee, and the "Prom 2014" theme was born. 

In addition to the usual banquet dinner, live band, and fabulous dance party, clients decked out in tuxes, ball gowns, top hats, and other finery. When Marlene was crowned Special Tree Prom Queen, there was no bigger smile in the room than hers.

“Everyone said it was the best Spring Fling we’ve ever had,” reflected RiverView Program Manager and Spring Fling Chair Debbie Justice. “We’ve done some wonderful themes in the past, but nothing nearly as big as this. The whole prom thing got everyone geeked. I was really happy with how it turned out.” Even the party preparations took on a new life, with most of the clothing and jewelry collected through a series of donations, and clients meeting up for 'Diva Night' and tuxedo shop outings to get ready.

Clients arrived at Roma's in cars, vans and even a wheelchair accessible limousine. Looking their sharpest in suits, dresses, gowns and tuxedos, they entered the hall to find a flurry of decorations, and a corsage or boutineer for every attendee—made by clients in the InPro vocational program. 

There were even party favors, and a sparkly balloon backdrop to pose for the traditional Prom Photo. After a delicious sit down dinner, live band Remedy took off with popular covers and clients flocked to the dance floor. Later in the evening, a conga line formed to the tune “Soul Train.”

“That [conga line] will be done at every event now. I really think that’s going to be a new tradition with how much the clients took to it,” said Justice. “It’s funny, but we have this new staffer who at some point in the night ran up to me and gave me this huge hug. She said ‘I can’t believe I get paid to do this!’ It was just such a great night. It turned out really great.”

Pulling off an event of this magnitude requires tremendous coordination by many people, organizing everything from transportation, scheduling, dietary needs, client supports, decorations, and more. But the effort is so worthwhile. Infusing the recovery process every so often with events like Spring Fling provide an important break from the rehabilitation routine, and greatly enhance clients' quality of life.


"It's one of my favorite events all year," shared CEO Joe Richert. "Seeing everyone coming together and enjoying themselves, you really see the value in doing something like this. Until you've witnessed what happens on that dance floor, you just can't imagine what a tremendous morale boost this is—for clients and staff alike."

Justice specifically acknowledged the incredible work of the Spring Fling committee, many of whom were new to the team this year. “It takes a lot of people to put the Spring Fling together," she said. "But it was so fun and totally worth it.”

November is "World Quality Month"

“From innovation in Finland, to the fight against blindness in India, to health care in Saudi Arabia, quality around the world is something to celebrate and recognize.  Add your input and join the Global Quality Community in celebrating and advancing quality during World Quality Month throughout November. Valuable quality contributions in businesses, communities, and institutions are shared, as are quality tools and techniques, heroes, the stories of quality in practice every day, and events.

 

You are invited to contribute events, stories, and other content. Also check out the knowledge resources (case studies, white papers, articles, videos, and more) and quality stories on the site–a true platform to acknowledge the global quality community.”  From the “Blogrdige” the official blog from Aldridge.  For more information click here.

Reel TV

Outpatient client Carroll P. thought his fishing days were over after he sustained a spinal cord injury in 2008, but all that changed with some help from the "Fishing Doc." The Fishing Doc is a cool new adaptive fishing pole that Carroll recently tried out at a charity fishing tournament put on by bass pro Kevin Vandam and the Detroit Lions. Michigan Out of Doors TV, which airs on WTVS-TV, was at the event and filmed Carroll using the fishing pole which he maneuvered through the joy stick on his power chair. The event brought out some of the world’s greatest bass pros to fish alongside Lions players and sponsors at Kensington Metropark on June 12^th.

Carroll was invited to the event by sponsor Harbor Light Health, a local home healthcare company that also provides adaptive sporting gear like the Fishing Doc to help people with disabilities enjoy the great outdoors. The Fishing Doc was such a hit with Carroll that the company is providing some for clients to try out at the fishing ponds on the NeuroCare Campus. You can watch the Michigan Out of Doors episode which aired July 19^th by visiting www.michiganoutofdoorstv.com

Carroll tries out the "Fishing Doc" at the Kevin Vandam/Detroit Lions Charity Fishing Tournament

Back row (left to right): Mike Ball, Vice President of Harbor Light Health, Lions Head Football Coach Jim Schwartz and Matt Gelso, Presidet of Harbor Light Health;  Front row (right):  Special Tree client Carroll P. 

Special Tree Recreational Therapist Kristin Claerhout accompanied Carroll on his big fishing outing with the Detroit Lions and Kevin Vandam 

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

We've finally made it, spring is here. And nothing welcomes longer days and warmer temperatures  like a trip to the ballpark. This past weekend clients Darin H., and Loren K., from Moravian West set out to Comerica Park to cheer on the Tiger's as they took on the Texas Rangers. The afternoon game came to a close with beautiful blue skies, smiles and a Tiger's victory, 3-2 over the Rangers.



Daren and Loren show off their Tiger's gear before heading in for the game.

Darin, Joanne, Loren and Jennifer take a break from cheering on the Tiger's for a picture at Comerica Park.

A Great Musical Experience

By: Kari Webster
NeuroCare Center Activity Aide

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton provided comfort and hospitality for the showing of “The Grease Musical” put on by Forever Productions, which consisted of a 35 member chorus composed of very talented youths from Plymouth, Canton and surrounding communities. They gave an outstanding performance and took us back to Rydell High, Danny Zuko and Sandy, along with the groovy T-Birds and the Pink Ladies! The cast gave a wonderful performance and the stage props and the clothing they were over the top and were above and beyond mine and Coleen's expectations. Such a talented group of young adults shined on the stage and outdid themselves!

This was certainly an unforgettable outing. A short ride down the rode, stepping into a quaint but elegant theater to slip away from the day to day activities at NCC to a memorable step back into the late 50's and just a few days prior to Coleen's birthday, I saw this as a special way for her to celebrate. Sure the play was great as I mentioned but even better was Coleen's reaction to it all. It was simply awesome to see her enjoy herself, to see her smile throughout the play, see her point out some of the cast and their skits, and to have her be so appreciative and thankful as we left the theater. Sure, the play was good, but her enjoyment of the time spent there was what was awesome. I am so glad she enjoyed her outing and pre-birthday celebration. 

A Memorable Day at The Museum

By: Jessica Bahny
NCC Activites Assistant

Well, the holiday season is officially behind us.  We’re into the New Year, and looking ahead to spring!  Technically, life is supposed to “slow down” a little bit for us all after that big holiday rush- not in the activity department!  We’re just as busy as ever!  This post, I really want to share some of the fantastic outings we’ve been doing here at NCC.  With the cooler weather, we’re pretty much restricted to indoor outings.  Sure, we love going to the park, fishing, the zoo and all of that good stuff- but when the air gets cold where can you go?  MUSEUMS!!!! 

I’m always amazed at the treasures we have in our own back yard- like the Henry Ford Museum.  Unfortunately, I think I got a bit “spoiled”.  I was so familiar with the museum that I began to take it for granted.  All of that changed for me when I spent an afternoon there with Ramiro G., one of my clients.  He had never been to the museum before, and I had never taken a first time tourist to the museum!  Seeing the Henry Ford through the eyes of someone who had never been was a truly remarkable experience.  He had a constant look of awe on his face- looking at the larger than life trains, experiencing the story of automobile history, and taking a walk through the evolution of freedom seemed to have an amazing impact on him.  It was a truly amazing experience for me- and a great bonding activity. 

Speaking of history, did you know that January was Holocaust Remembrance month?  In honor of that horrific ordeal, my co-worker Kari and I took two of our clients to the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills.  I had been before, but again, seeing it through the eyes of my clients made it completely different.  We had a wonderful tour guide who educated us about Jewish culture, religion, and the history of Europe at the time of the war.  While much of the tour was filled with sadness, we left with a sense of triumph and empowerment.  Our guide left us with a valuable piece of advice: If you see someone hurting someone else, it’s everyone’s responsibility to stop the violence.  If you stand and do nothing, you are just as guilty as the person doing the harm.  This brought about a great conversation on the van ride home.  We all felt sad that so many people were hurt, and that there were some who were afraid to help.  Over all, it was a very touching and emotional outing- one that doesn’t happen every week! 

Back on the WJLB Airwaves

Kevin with Dr. Derius & Big Dog Blast

When Kevin walks into a room everyone notices. His smooth voice and warm asking, ‘What’ss up?’ let’s everyone know he’s there.

As an on-air personality for Detroit’s WJLB FM 98, he won many metro-Detroiters over with his electrifying presence. Following a life-altering accident Kevin came to Special Tree Rehab where, no surprise, he’s doing the same.

Kevin arrived at Special Tree’s Chesley house in mid November. In just a short time he’s brought new life into the house and has made tremendous progress in his rehabilitation. Chesley  Residential Manager Kim Townsend calls Kevin “the model client.” And explains that he’s always up and ready for therapy, works hard while there, and never misses a session. She believes Kevin understands that he must work hard in order to reach his long-term goals.



Kevin & RST Haleem



Like many clients, Kevin’s long term goal is to return to work and to be at home with his family. And because of his good work, he’s well on his way. Recently, he made a guest appearance on his former time slot on WJLB.  Kevin shared insights on brain injury with his listeners and colleagues, bringing new light to his former show. Metro Detroit responded so positively that the station is welcoming him back this coming weekend. As for his goal of returning home to continue his active role as husband and father, Kevin has even more encouragement. He and his wife recently welcomed a new baby girl into the world. Kevin’s path to recovery continues until he can return to his two passions in life: radio and his family.





Gingerbread, trees and trains, oh my!

By: Jessica Bahny, Activities Assistant 

The annual Festival of Trees at the Dearborn Community Center is truly a feast for the eyes!  Each year, it seems that the holiday season starts earlier and earlier.  When client Bradly and I found ourselves in the mood for some holiday cheer, we headed out to the Festival of Trees.  The festival benefits Children’s Hospital, which makes it wonderful from the start. 

Families, corporate groups and organizations decorate and donate trees for the display.  There are too many trees to count, each different in their own way.  It’s hard to choose a favorite, but both Bradly and I were partial to the Dr. Seuss tree.  It was too cool with pink, green, and purple lights.  Stuffed characters from all of Dr. Seuss’ most famous books sat in the branches.  Before you ask, of course the Grinch was there!  There were wreaths decorated as well. 

There was also an amazing display of handmade gingerbread houses.  We kind of giggled, because our houses we build every year at NCC don’t turn out that well.  Bradly enjoyed looking at the trains, and people watching.  There was an arts and crafts table, where we were able to make an ornament together to commemorate our special outing.  I say this so much, but I really do love my job- especially the outings.  This time of year always brings so many wonderful chances to bond with my clients and make great memories.  We’ll be going next to the Wayne County  festival of lights, so stay tuned for more holiday happenings in the wild world of this activities assistant!

Wayne County Festival of Lights

By Jessica Bahny

Activities Team

NeuroCare Center              

It’s that time of year again! Nothing welcomes the season like some great holiday lights! Each year we plan to take our clients to the Wayne County Festival of Lights at Hines Park, and the past few years, it seems as though the floods have kept us out! That hasn’t been the case this year. Each Thursday night this month, we are planning outings to see the lights. On the 2nd, my coworker Kari took Clay G., and Gardy B. to the festival. They both enjoyed it. Last Thursday, I took Brian O’K and Gaylor F. What a blast it was! We bundled up, cranked up the holiday tunes, sang at the top of our lungs, and beheld the greatest spectacle of lights since Chevy Chase lit up his house in “National Lampoon’s”! We saw a spinning dreidel, Santa playing basketball with his elves, and the newest exhibit- some really colorful dinosaurs. The clients were so excited, and I think we all felt like kids again. I left NCC that night feeling very fulfilled, and grateful to bring a little holiday cheer. I’m still smiling thinking about it!

Clients' Gift Will Make a Difference

A plaque with the names of Special Tree clients from the Community Living Skills (CLS) group at NCC now hangs on a very special cage at the Huron Valley Humane Society.   Over the next six months, the animals that make this cage their temporary home will have good food, a soft blanket, and special treats, thanks to a generous donation from the CLS group.   Since January, clients Bret, Clara, Tim, Jim, Marv, and John, worked with facilitators Nicole, Kristin, and students Lauren and Courtney to raise the $300 needed to sponsor a cage at the shelter through bake sales and bottle drives.  The group was so excited to reach their fundraising goal, and celebrated by going to the shelter on October 12th to personally presented a $300 check.  In addition to the money, the clients also donated three large boxes of food, bedding, and toys which they collected from staff, friends, and family.   A special thanks to everyone who participated in the fundraisers and donated items! 

Think Pink!

By Jessica Bahny

Activities Team

NeuroCare Center

The month of October is upon us again. Aside from the familiar October colors, the fall browns, reds, golds, and of course, orange- one other color has begun to wiggle its way into the month normally associated with pumpkins and gourds. On your trips out to the store recently, you may have noticed the color pink jumping out at you from the shelves. Everything from clothing and hats to coffee mugs and even kitchen appliances are blazoned with the famous “pink ribbon”.

If you’ve wandered down the halls here at Special Tree lately, you’ll see our staff sporting pink gloves! That’s right! Everyone from nurses to housekeepers are wearing pink pearl gloves in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Support Services Coordinator Vickie Lambert collaborated with Medline, our supplies company, to use this as a fun, unique way to support a cause that hits home for many of us. For each box of gloves purchased, Medline donates $1 for breast cancer research. On the floor, the consensus is clear. The staff are having fun with the pink gloves, and it’s a great statement as well.

Vickie says to look forward to blue gloves to support Brain Injury Awareness Month in March. How cool is that ?!

TBI in the Media

By Jessica Bahny
Activities Team
NeuroCare Center

Lately I am noticing TBI is showing up a lot more often in the mainstream media. This is great for brain injury awareness.

The Free Press recently interviewed Rick Schroeder, the actor, and it was brought up that his teenage son experienced a TBI following a dirt bike incident. They talked some about the situation, and he acknowledged that TBI recovery can be a lengthy process, requiring patience and work on the parts of all family members. I thought this was cool. Maybe it can help family members understand that they’re not alone.

Also, the Lifetime show “Army Wives” has been dealing with TBI quite a bit in this last season. So much so in fact, that one of the main characters is being portrayed as suffering a “silent” TBI when her vehicle was near a blast. She experienced headaches, personality change, forgetfulness, and other issues after coming home. The TBI was not caught at the overseas hospital. It was due to a reverberation in the vehicle, which jiggled her brain.

The show is handling the issue wonderfully. The character has integrity, dignity and pride. It has followed her through the various steps that she has to take to “relearn” some simple tasks, in order to become ready for deployment again. It’s also dealing with the dynamics of family, exploring her husband’s experience with the changes, as well as the challenges of raising a toddler when one parent has TBI.

As someone working with individuals recovering from TBI, I’m usually wary of the way they’re portrayed in the media. Older movies such as “Regarding Henry” made me frustrated; some of the rehab scenes were so unrealistic. I'm glad that TBI is becoming such a hot topic and is finally coming close to receiving the attention it deserves, in a respectful manner.

K'hron's Journey

From Traumatic Brain Injury to Recovery to Role Model

Like a typical teen, K’hron G. loves music and time with friends, does well in school, and has already selected his college of choice as well as his major.

But few teens have had to overcome the extreme challenges that K’hron faced after sustaining a TBI in a serious car accident two years ago. When the car he was riding in hit a tree head-on, K’hron was catapulted through the front windshield where he had his own head-on collision with the tree. K’hron’s frontal lobes were, virtually, destroyed and he was left completely blind.


The brain’s frontal lobes direct Executive Function, which controls memory as well as the ability to form concepts, think abstractly, and manage complex tasks. With his frontal lobes severely compromised, K’hron’s prognosis for a recovery to a high level of functioning and independence appeared dire.

K’hron arrived at Special Tree in a wheelchair, with a tracheotomy, wearing a helmet and in need of a prosthetic eye. “He was very upset, aggressive, combative, and didn’t want to participate in anything,” said Occupational Therapist Angela West. “Functionally, he wasn’t doing anything for himself and was really in denial. He wasn’t in school.

To help K’hron achieve independence, his treatment team helped him set small personal goals for recovery to regain physical movement, build cognitive and life skills, and adapt to being blind. He worked closely with West to become more independent at home and in school, and began using adaptive equipment. Intensive physical therapy helped K’hron learn to walk, which he found challenging and very painful. “Severe contractures in his left hip, ankle and knee created constant and severe pain,” said PT Sharon Roy. “Sharon pushed me real hard,” said K’hron. “She did the most by helping me get out of “the” wheelchair. I never said “my” wheelchair because I wasn’t interested in owning this period of my life. I was just passing through.” K’hron now walks independently using only a white cane for navigation. Speech Therapist Natalie Perrin helped him with reading, comprehending and memorizing. Massage Therapist Sunny Walker-Campbell relieved K’hron’s sore muscles and Recreational Therapist, Mandy Ohrt helped him to push himself. “I learned that, if there’s anything I can do, I can get it done,” said K’hron.

“This is why K’hron is so amazing,” West said. “He’s overcome a lot. He doesn’t have the frontal lobes we have yet he’s recovered a lot of Executive Function and made great progress in such short time.” According to Derica Scribner, Program Manager, Children Services, K’hron is now working at grade level in school and she firmly believes that he will have a job someday.

As K’hron continues to make gains in his recovery, his perspective on his injury shows a wisdom beyond his 17 years. “When I first found out I was blind after the car crash, I was mad, depressed and confused,” said K’hron. “Now I got over it. Everything I was mad about, confused about, I understand now.”

While the relative speed of K’hron’s recovery is remarkable, what’s most remarkable is that he seems at peace with what happened to him. Observed Scribner, “he’s a leader, the quiet type, who listens and gives observations and encouragement.”

“When I see kids in therapy, it’s hard,” said K’hron. “But, I tell them, you can do it! If you do it, I will clap my hands for you because I know you did it.”

K’hron has taken it upon himself to be a mentor to other students, even adults. According to West, people look up to him as a source of strength. “K’hron has a very positive outlook. He sees his injury as what he’s been given and he needs to move forward."

K’hron’s mom, Keila, couldn’t agree more. “He tries to help everyone even when they are trying to help him,” she said. “My son is an amazing young man.”

Comerica Park did it again!

By Jessica Bahny

Activities Team

NeuroCare Center

My co-worker Nicole and I were able to take two more of our clients, Clay G. and Willie B.,  to a Tigers Game on September 9^th.  It was another day game, beginning at 1:05.  What a perfect day!  Great temps, and the sky was gorgeous!  After an uneventful drive, though, we were in for a sort of unpleasant surprise.  The staff member at Comerica Park told me that there were absolutely no handicapped accessible seats in the WHOLE park.  Amy, our activity coordinator, had called before we left, and was told there were quite a few seats available. The staff member looked for about 15 minutes, and still could find nothing.  I was really sad, because I knew how much the guys were looking forward to it.  I think she could see how much it meant to us to go, because she disappeared and came back with 4 tickets located in THE TIGER’S DEN!!!  We were so close to the game, we could read names on the back of the jerseys!  Who needs the big game screen?!  Once again, we were treated with the utmost courtesy.  The staff even removed chairs to make room for our clients’ wheelchairs.  I do need to add that the chairs themselves are fabulous.  They are cushioned, and we got our own tables!  The tigers won against the Chicago White Sox.  To cap of a fabulous day, the four of us got our picture made in front of the Ernie Harwell statue.  Both Clay and Willie were so excited about the seats, and it was once again a huge privilege for me to be able to be a part of a special day for them.

Beverly Hills and Greenbriar Clients: Thursday Update from South Carolina

As told to Angie Folkwein
Residential Best Practices
Program Coordinator

Clients and staff from our Beverly Hills Community Residence (clients Laura, "Mr. Benny", and Dennis and staff Michelle-APL, Mary-RST, and Kim-RPM) and from the Greenbriar Community Residence (clients Stanley, Ilene, Joanna, and Mike and staff Pat- RST, Conswaylo-RST, and Tequella-RPM) hit the road this week for a trip to South Carolina.

Kim writes in with the latest update on their trip:

On Wednesday, we went to the Mrytle Beach State Park where we enjoyed the weather and had a nice picnic. After that, we all went shopping. [What's a trip without shopping!]

In the afternoon we went out on the pier of the Atlantic Ocean to watch the shark fishing. We followed it up with dinner at Ultimate California Pizza. YUM.

The people here are super nice. They all remak this is a wonderful thng that we are doing with our clients. Mike said that he would like to come back. When staff told Ilene we are leaving Thursday, she said no, that she wants to stay and is not ready to come home yet!

Beverly Hills and Greenbriar Clients: Reporting from South Carolina!

As told to Angie Folkwein
Residential Best Practices
Program Coordinator

Clients and staff from our Beverly Hills Community Residence (clients Laura, "Mr. Benny", and Dennis and staff Michelle-APL, Mary-RST, and Kim-RPM) and from the Greenbriar Community Residence (clients Stanley, Ilene, Joanna, and Mike and staff Pat- RST, Conswaylo-RST, and Tequella-RPM) hit the road this week for a trip to South Carolina. Here is the update on their trip!

We are staying staying in a huge 1457 square foot condo in Myrtle Beach. The balcony alone is 178 square feet. We are here until September 2. The condo is within walking distance of the beach; it includes 2 indoor pools, 1 outdoor pool, a lazy river, and is absolutely beautiful. We all went to the beach Monday. Laura asked to take her shoes off to be able to feel the sand in between her toes, something she has not done in many, many years. Mike loved spending some time in the water and lying on the beach. Dennis and Ilene asked to lay in the sand and enjoyed every minute of it.

We also cruised the strip yesterday and enjoyed the little souvenir shops and the beautiful sights. Monday night our whole group had a nice dinner at the Sticky Finger Smoke House. The workers there were so nice and catered to our every need. After dinner, we watched a beautiful fireworks show, it was amazing! Tuesday we enjoyed a late lunch at the River Café and were heading to Ripley’s Believe It or Not for some evening entertainment.

We are really missing Linda who is spending time at the Trevino Residence while we are gone. We hear that all of the clients and staff have really enjoyed her company and don’t ever want her to leave! Shout out to Linda, we can't wait to tell you all about our travels when we get back. We heard you went shopping and had a super time.

GO Tigers!

By Jessica Bahny
Activities Team
NeuroCare Center

It was perfect weather for the game. We set off Wednesday afternoon to watch the Detroit Tigers play the Kansas City Royals for a 1:05 pitch. Nothing like an afternoon game to enjoy one of the last days of summer.

We had AWESOME seats, and the Comerica Park ushers treated our clients like kings. When the sun was too hot, they let us sit where normally people aren’t allowed so that the clients could be out of the sun and still see the action. The game went for 10 innings!

Nicole from Activities, Jason from Respiratory Therapy and I were thrilled to be the staff along to assist Richard K., Jasper M., and Greg B. A cool thing was that Richard’s son met us there, and that really made the afternoon special for Rich.

Unfortunately, we did lose the game, but the clients had a great time. Sometimes something as simple as people watching and eating a ballpark hot dog have the most profound effect. It makes me so grateful to do my job!

Special Tree Awards Scholarships to Eleven Outstanding College-Bound Seniors

Since 1995, Special Tree has awarded 150 scholarships totaling over $100,000 to outstanding local students to pursue careers in healthcare and rehabilitation

For the fifteenth consecutive year, Special Tree has awarded scholarships to college-bound seniors from high schools located near Special Tree’s inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities located in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Midland and Saginaw counties. This year, 11 exceptional students received a cash scholarship of $1000 to use towards their college expenses. To help with the rising costs of higher education, Special Tree increased the scholarship award from $750 to $1000 in 2009.

Special Tree’s Healthcare and Rehabilitation Scholarship was created in 1995 to encourage college-bound students to pursue healthcare careers and to increase awareness of traumatic brain injury. The competitive scholarship is based on a student’s academic achievement, community involvement, school activities, references, and an interest in a healthcare or rehabilitation career. With this year’s awards, Special Tree has contributed over $100,000 in scholarships to 150 deserving students since the program’s inception.


This year’s winner are:

Jumoke Cadmus, Birmingham Groves HS
Kaitlyn Polonis, Chippewa Valley HS, Clinton Twp.
Angie Souva, Flat Rock HS
Autumn DeGroat, Freeland HS
Shelb y Otter, New Boston Huron HS
Jessica Surcek, Riverview HS, Riverview
Daijah Street, Romulus HS
Kristina Phelan, Royal Oak HS
Alyssa McCullough, Southgate HS
Shiv Annamalai, Troy Athens HS
Jessica Knoblauch, Warren Mott HS

"We strongly believe in encouraging young people to consider careers in healthcare," said Special Tree CEO Joseph Richert. "With the dire need for more healthcare professionals and the increasing costs of higher education, Special Tree is happy to assist our scholarship winners in achieving their educational goals."

In addition to providing financial support for students’ college educations, Special Tree hosts both high school and college students for clinical internships and job shadowing programs in a wide range of disciplines including OT, Speech, PT, Case Management, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, and Recreational Therapy.