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On Friday, March 1, 2019 the Achievement Center of LECOM Health will host its 4^th annual Read Across America Day celebration.  This event is a yearly tradition put together by Reading NOW, the Achievement Center of LECOM Health’s full-service literacy center.

The purpose of Read Across America Day is to motivate children to read and bring reading excitement to children of all ages. Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school. Across the country, millions of readers will participate in this celebration which is held each year on Dr. Seuss’s birthday to celebrate his legacy and encourage children to read. This day not only gets kids excited about reading, but encourages adults to spend more time reading to children.

Our Read Across America Day event is FREE and open to the public. During this year’s celebration:

• Guest readers will share a Dr. Seuss story in our library every half hour.
• Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
• Each child will receive a free book and other special prizes.
• Families can take part in educational activities, games, and crafts related to Dr. Seuss stories in our community room.
• A photo booth area with props will be set up to take fun family photos!

More information about our celebration:

• March 1^st 2019 at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health – 4950 West 23^rd Street Erie, PA 16506
• Two sessions: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• For more information, visit @ErieReadingNow or @AchievementCtr on Facebook

Jericho and his family receive services from our EI department. We are thrilled they were willing to share their story with us!

How did your child become a client? Did a physician, friend or your school recommend you contact us?  We called our old service coordinator who got us set up with an evaluation. Further medical visits were recommended at our evaluation, and Jericho was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. He’s growing up in a body that can’t move.

What were the challenges you were experiencing with your child before you began services at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health? As an infant, he didn’t cry like he should, didn’t notice himself in a mirror, and wasn’t reaching for toys. Jericho’s older siblings had received care from the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, so we knew about EI and what might be of concern.

What were you feeling as a parent/caregiver when you began services at the agency?  It was a comfort knowing that the Achievement Center of LECOM Health could help. Jericho is medically fragile and it was such a comfort to know that all of our therapists would be very careful not to bring germs to the home. They plan their days and our appointments accordingly. The therapists wear masks and gowns to protect my child when necessary in case they have possibly been exposed to an illness. They either plan to come first thing in the morning or plan to change their clothes before our visit.

How long did your child receive services? What progress did you child make throughout services? Jericho just turned two, and has been receiving services from the Achievement Center of LECOM Health since he was three months old. Our therapists helped us to get needed adaptive equipment for Jericho, and recently helped us to get a new orthosis which helps with head support during play and socializing. He has even been able to do some sitting with the help of his new orthosis! He is a smart, two year old boy who is stuck in a body that can’t move like other two year olds do. I was worried that he would get bored and get discouraged, and might give up. Our team taught our family how to play with Jericho, and how to set up toys so that he can play on his own sometimes, too. They helped to hang toys from fishing line and have helped to make a PVC play gym. Jericho now pushes and spins toys, and even turns pages of books. He can also throw toys. He is starting to say a handful of words and he uses some pictures for making choices. He has a communication board which has really helped him to express himself. He is happier now that he can make choices regarding what he wants. He understands and he just “gets it” when new activities are presented. Our therapists use great teamwork along with our family to create solutions and to help him play.

How have the services impacted your life today? Each time I feel like I’m out of ideas for how to help Jericho to play and interact, our team comes up with more ideas. Our therapists are constantly thinking of new ways to help Jericho to play like a two year old.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, contact the Achievement Center of LECOM Health today – 814-459-2755.

 

The Achievement Center of LECOM Health’s Early Intervention program provides services and support to children from birth to age three. These services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and specialized instruction for education and behavior.

Services take place with families and caregivers in each child’s natural environment, such as home, daycare, or community play areas. We promote development during typical daily routines such as play, meal time, care routines, and even on family outings.

We incorporate the Coaching Model of Early Intervention, which recognizes that you know your child better than anyone else does. You are your child’s best teacher! We coach you so that you can use strategies in each day’s routines to best promote development for your child.

Our team of professionals will work within your child’s environment to address your goals for your child. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends can be included in sessions so that each can learn therapeutic strategies. We use your child’s favorite people, activities and toys while empowering families to reach milestones together.

Simply, “I do, we do, you do!” At each session, your therapist will show you how to play and interact with your child in ways which best promote development. You and your therapist will then practice strategies together with your child. Finally, you will practice the strategies and ask any questions you may have so that you can best promote development between therapy sessions with your child.

Therapy is fun! We might play on the floor, play outside, read books, sing songs, teach boundaries and social skills via simple games and activities, and we even join in on meal time routines to help with the various aspects of safe, healthy and independent eating as children develop.

With use of the Coaching Model of Early Intervention, Any Child, Through Any Challenge, Can Achieve!

Contact us today to learn more about our EI services, 814-459-2755.

Katy Adamus has recently joined us at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health in our EI department. Below, Katy shares a little about herself!

What led you to the Achievement Center of LECOM Health?

I worked in EI a little when I lived in Tennessee. When I saw the job posting at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, I knew it would be a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of early language milestones while supporting language development.

Tell us about your family/pets?

I have a 6.5 year old lab. She has the most expressive face I have even seen in a dog! She absolutely loves the wind in her face while I’m driving.

What are your interests/hobbies?

I lived in California prior to coming to the Achievement Center of LECOM Health and got into rock climbing, so any chance I can get I’ll go to Pittsburgh or Cleveland to the climbing gym.

What are you most looking forward to about your position at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health?

I’m really looking forward to working with the families of my clients. I want to help them feel empowered and educated where they feel like they can be their own therapist for their child.

 

Hilary Hobbs nominated Kelly Cooney from the EI department for an employee spotlight! Kelly has 30 years of experience as a physical therapist, and is celebrating 20 years with the Achievement Center of LECOM Health this year! Below, you will find Hilary’s responses to why she nominated Kelly. Congrats Kelly!

Why are you nominating this employee?

Kelly joins each client family in their path of development with expertise, compassion and understanding. Her approach makes children and families feel comfortable and confident. A client family recently sent a letter about the impact that Kelly has made on their family to me (Hilary). Here are a few excerpts from that letter:

It’s hard for me to find the right words to express how thankful we are for the way that Kelly has helped our daughter… Kelly has made a huge impact in our lives by helping our daughter and she is making progress every day.  By watching Kelly you can immediately see how driven she is and it shines through her while she works. She is creative in keeping my daughter interested and challenged and is a huge teaching tool for me… she has a way about her that is reassuring and she truly makes you feel like she is fully focused on your child and it’s a very special act of kindness when there are days you feel like you could break… Kelly is personable, compassionate, and very talented at what she does and we wanted you to know that.. if there’s one good thing we have done it was choosing the Achievement Center of LECOM Health and we were blessed with an amazing physical therapist.

What does this employee mean to the team?

Kelly is one of many on the Early Intervention team who have been with the agency for over 15 years. She seeks and looks to build upon the strengths of others on the team and throughout the agency. She is an advocate and cheerleader for client families, for her teammates at the agency, and for the EI program. While she mentors other clinicians regularly, she also looks to learn from others to advance her practice.

How does this employee live the Agency’s mission?

Kelly demonstrates daily that any child, through any challenge, can achieve. She is a team player, working to create solutions with each child and family to progress toward their goals and dreams. She demonstrates flexibility in her efforts to connect with families and other clinicians, and is creative as she works through challenges with the youngest of clients.

Elaine Ghazinour is an EI clinician celebrating her 20th year at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health! Below, Elaine details what it’s like to work a day in her shoes.

What do you do at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health?

I am an Occupational Therapist working in pediatrics with children birth to 3 years of age.

What do you do every day or most days?

I travel from home to home and to local daycares working with children in a variety of diverse cultures with feeding issues, genetic/chromosomal disorders, autism, prematurity, seizure disorders, other medical challenges (tube fed babies, kids with tracheostomies, etc.) and general developmental delays. I provide support and practical help to promote normal development and tools to help each child maximize their potential.

How does your job help the Agency or clients that we serve?

My position reflects positively on the Achievement Center of LECOM Health as I partner with both families and community resources as an advocate for their child and source of additional and/or appropriate supports. Families and daycares in turn can recommend our agency to friends/families in need of similar services or other services we offer at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health.

What’s the best part of your job?

Seeing the progress each child makes, the joy parents share when gains are made and the relief they express knowing they are receiving needed support and encouragement are the highlight of my job. Oftentimes we are the only support many of these families have as they navigate unfamiliar territory having a child with special needs.

 

Nicole Wells nominated Stacey Piper for her outstanding work!

Stacey Piper is the Accounting Assistant at the Erie Office and was nominated by Nicole Wells as an outstanding employee! Below, you will find Nicole’s responses as to why she nominated Stacey, what she means to our team, and how she lives the mission of our agency.

• Why are you nominating this employee?
• What does this employee mean to the team?
• How does this employee live the Agency’s mission?

Stacey is a pleasure to work with. She is fast, effective and caring. She is professional and always willing to work collaboratively. Stacy is friendly and never complains even when you present her with a last minute need.

Without Stacey, the System of Care (SOC) initiative would not run as smoothly. She meets deadlines and tracks spending to a “T”. Her assistance in booking hotels and travel arrangements and will even make herself available later in the day to ensure ease of check in for staff who are traveling.

Keeping things moving smoothly allows our staff to serve clients and their families in a barrier-free way.

Stacey is a pleasure to work with! 🙂

Tami Krzeszewski-Conway is the Community Schools Director for Edison Elementary School. Below, Tami goes into detail on what a community schools director does, day-to-day!

What do you do at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health?

I am the Community School Director at Edison Elementary.  I am employed by the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, but live full time at the school.  The Community School model leverages partnerships in the community to support student success.  While the Achievement Center of LECOM Health is my employer and Edison’s lead partner, I am also accountable to several other stakeholders including Erie Public’s Schools, Edison administration, GE (corporate partner) and Boys and Girls Club (neighborhood center partner).  My job is dynamic and multifaceted, but the main goal is to leverage and coordinate resources in the community to meet the needs of our students, families and community members.  The ultimate goal of meeting these needs is to improve student success.

What do you do every day or most days?

My daily day often looks different.  Some days are filed with meetings with community members discussing different programs or resources that would meet a specific need at the school.  Other days are filled with interacting with school staff to problem solve, remove barriers, and begin to strengthen various systems within the school.  I often find myself in a problem solving role, helping families connect with needed resources and services.  The days are filled and go by fast, but the most important part of my role is relationship building with all stakeholders.

How does your job help the Agency or the clients that we serve?

My position helps bring the Agency and services into a school.  There are students and families in need of services but often cannot access services due to various barriers such as transportation, time and awareness.  By having services such as a mental health outpatient satellite and behavior support services team located right in school, students are able to access and receive treatment quicker and more efficiently.  Prior to becoming a community school, it was often a difficult and arduous process to link services and resources to families.

What’s the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is building relationships.  I have the opportunity to meet amazing students, families and community members every day.  Through the development of relationships, I often find myself being the bridge between students, parents, teachers and resources in the community.  I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to connect with people in such a meaningful and impactful way.

Edison student, Ammar Aloush spent his summer giving back to the school and building his confidence! Read about how he gave back below:

During the long summer days, most children are at home playing, but not Ammar Aloush.  Ammar chose to come to Edison everyday this summer – taking off only three days to help his mom care for his newborn brother.  During the last day of school, Ammar told Edison staff that he “will come back every day to help around the building.”  We thought, maybe Ammar would show up for a week or two until he got bored, but Ammar came every day diligently throughout the summer.  He helped move items, clean spaces, stuff folders and decided to join the Summer Camp program in the afternoons.

When summer began, Ammar was shy and self-conscious about his language skills.  His native language is Arabic.  Ammar would barely speak with staff except to get directions about various tasks. By the end of summer, Ammar was sharing stories about what he did the night before, his love for painting, and even making jokes.

With Edison becoming a community school, we were able to welcome Ammar and support him as he found meaning and purpose throughout the summer.  We connected Ammar to Summer Camp programming and provided him the opportunity to experience several field trips.  Staff built a strong rapport with family as well, who then were comfortable enough to come into school despite the fear of the language barrier and ask for a crib for the new baby.  The emphasis on relationship building that the Community Schools model promotes, was embraced by adults and a student who returned for his fifth grade year feeling confident, ready to learn and connected to those who care about him.

Below is a client testimonial of a child and their parents who currently receive services from our Family Based Mental Health program.

The following are questions and responses from a family who is receiving services at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health:

• What were the challenges you were experiencing with your child before you began services at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health?
• How did your child become a client? Did a physician, friend or your school recommend you contact us?
• What were you feeling as a parent/caregiver when you began services at the agency?
• How long did your child receive services? What progress did you child make throughout services?

“Abby was struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harming before getting services from the Achievement Center of LECOM Health. She was depressed and could not accept any direction from us.  Abby had a difficult time dealing with being adopted and her low self-esteem. She was also unable to be respectful to us and was extremely isolated from the family.” –Kevin and Sherry

“Abigail was referred to the Achievement Center of LECOM Health from the Millcreek Community Hospital. She was suicidal and self-harmed, which made her get admitted for a week. Once she was discharged, she was referred to FBMH.” –Kevin and Sherry

“We were nervous of what would come from family therapy, allowing people to come into our house, and getting to know someone new. After we started working with you guys, we felt happy to have someone to help us. Before the hospital and FBMH, we could not find any services because of insurance so we were relieved once we finally had support.  After doing hard work with FBMH, we discussed many difficult family issues that we were not able to deal with before.” -Sherry (Mom)

“We have received FBMH services for 3 months.  Abby has made progress and has not been harming herself. She is happier, nicer, polite, and has returned to the kid we knew when she was young. We have made great progress overcoming problems that we should have dealt with a long time ago. Many of our family and relationship issues have improved and we are a happier family.” –Sherry, Kevin & Abby