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“Who should have the next turn?” teacher Jennifer Gonzalez asks the group of preschoolers sitting in a semi-circle. “Me” comes the response from little Lenny, at once both bold and shy. When Jennifer calls him forward, Lenny responds with a joyous smile that grows wider as the therapists, aides and his fellow students cheer him on. Seated on the floor in front of him are three therapists. He is first greeted by speech therapist Flo DiPalma, who holds up pictures of two trees and asks Lenny to identify the tree he would see in the winter. He chooses correctly and the group cheers loudly and Lenny grins happily. Flo then asks him to choose a season he would like to dress for. When he chooses summer, occupational therapist Gina Wagner produces a t-shirt and works with him to put on and then take off the shirt. He then moves on to physical therapist
SMALL STUDENTS MAKE HUGE LEAPS PRESCHOOL YEARS ARE CRITICAL TO SUCCESS
Sara Elbell, who presents him with an inflatable baseball bat (his axe) so he can chop down a tree (an inflatable toy) and then build a house using large blocks shaped like bricks. With each success, the class cheers and Lenny beams.
“What makes our approach so successful is that the ‘push-in’ model allows us to work as a team,” explains Sara. In the “push-in” model of delivering therapy, rather than remove a student to provide therapy, therapists remain in the classroom as part of a classroom team and incorporate their session into the class lesson (nursing and psychological and behavioral supports are also incorporated in various ways into the curriculum). The preschool follows the Creative Curriculum and this month’s theme is trees. To prepare, the preschool
1Continued on page 6
Winter 2014
Independent A REGULAR NEWSLETTER OF CEREBRAL PALSY OF NORTH JERSEY
Horizon School unveiled its two new therapeutic preschools during a ceremony at the school on November 13th. The new classrooms feature state-of-the-art therapy equipment – including: • therapy swings suspended from the ceiling • therapeutic tree house with darkened space beneath for providing vision therapy • iPads • interactive whiteboards • TAP-it computer system • hand-painted murals • children-sized sinks and toilets for potty training • dress-up area for developing life skills
THERAPEUTIC PRESCHOOL PROGRAM OPENSHEALTHCARE FOUNDATION MAKES PROJECT POSSIBLE
Lenny works with physical therapist Sarah Elbell in one of the new Horizon School therapeutic preschool rooms
(from left to right) CPNJ Board Chair Darren Burns, Marsha Atkind, Executive Director of the Healthcare Foundation, CPNJ CEO Jim McCreath, Healthcare
Foundation board members Beth Levithan and Natalie Peck, and Cheryl Maiello and Sharon Harris of Novartis.
The classrooms were made possible by a generous grant from The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey as well as support from Wells Fargo, the Working Parents Connection Novartis Employee Resource Group, the Investors Foundation, The Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation and Willis.
CPNJ’S BOARD OFTRUSTEES
Edward H. Becker
Darren BurnsChair
Shari Caspert
David J. Carlson Vice Chair
Ronald J. Greenberg
Bette Hanauer
Brad Jacobson
Helene JaffeTreasurer
Bruce KleinmanSecretary
Brian T. Kloza
Brian Kronick
Ruth Legow
Clark Machemer
Cheryl A. MarraffinoVice Chair
Kelly MarxVice Chair
Maxine Myers
Barry Ostrowsky
Jennifer Pollak
Ramon E. Rivera
Beth S. RoseVice Chair
Justin P. Walder
H. O’Neil Williams
Amy Ziebarth
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Edward I. Burns
Burton L Eichler
Thomas L. Litwin
Jerome N. Waldor
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
2
Behind any great social services
program is an innovative concept – a
desire to break from the traditional
to achieve something truly great.
Innovation is evident in our front
page story about our new therapeutic
preschool classrooms. The staff at
our Horizon School could have simply
renovated two classrooms to provide
an attractive, functional space for
our growing preschool population.
Instead, they aspired to develop one of
the premiere special needs preschool
programs in the area by melding a
whimsical, enchanting world with
cutting-edge therapeutic equipment.
And (as you will read on page three)
innovation is equally evident in
our Community Therapy Services
program, which has introduced the
use of iPads in therapy services for
students in public schools. Again,
they were not required to do so, they
simply imagined the best possible way
of serving their consumers. And, in
both cases, our vision was supported
by foundations that helped to make it
reality. It is that vision that helps to
set our programs apart, and we are
grateful to have staff members who
never cease to look for a way to be
better than we are today.
You will also read about the incredible
success of our Steps to Independence
Celebration honoring Michael Lewis.
We are so grateful to have friends
like Michael and our event co-chairs,
Alan Hammer, Steven Katz and Barry
Mandelbaum and to have leaders like
board member Kelly Marx. Together,
these dedicated individuals helped
us to raise funds that will help
ensure we remain a financially strong
organization with the ability to respond
to the ever-changing needs of those
we serve.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy the
issue.
Sincerely,
Jim McCreath
CONTACT USDavid Bishop
Editor(973) 763-9900, ext. 1601
[email protected] us on facebook
facebook.com/CerebralPalsyofNorthJersey
3
NEW HOME OPENS IN LIVINGSTONMore than 50 guests turned out to support the grand opening of
Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey’s new community residence at 652
South Orange Avenue in Livingston on October 16th. The new
house, which was christened the Steven and Beverly Rubenstein
Foundation Community Residence, is home to six adults with
developmental disabilities.
The new home, the agency’s 12th community residence, was
made possible by the generous support of The Steven and Beverly
Rubenstein Charitable Foundation, the Township of Livingston,
the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Monarch
Housing Associates.
“We are delighted to be able to provide a beautiful new home to our
residents,” said CPNJ’s President and CEO, Jim McCreath. “We
feel we have an obligation to all of the thousands of New Jersey
families waiting for a residence for their loved ones to continue
to push ourselves to develop homes as quickly as we can. We’re
excited by this success but are already hard at work on our next
homes.”
Former honoree Barry Mandelbaum, Andrew Rubenstein and Beverly Rubenstein, board member Kelly Marx
and CEO Jim McCreath
(from left to right): Councilman Al Anthony, former Mayor Steven Santola, CPNJ CEO Jim McCreath, Mayor Rudy Fernandez,
township attorney Sharon Weiner and township manager Michele Meade at the grand opening
ITHERAPY LAUNCHES IN ORANGESIt is not unusual to see children using iPads. The simple, colorful
graphics and touch-screen capability make the tablet a highly
engaging form of entertainment. Many schools have seized
on its appeal to encourage students to access the internet and
educational software. And in the 2013-2014 school year, East
Orange students began using iPads to advance their individual
goals in physical and occupational therapy through a program
introduced by Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey.
Occupational therapy provider Susan Zurich works with Estevan in the East Orange public schools
Many East Orange public school students have disabilities that
require physical or occupational therapy. To meet the needs of
these students while allowing them to remain in their local public
school, the East Orange school district works with Cerebral Palsy
of North Jersey (CPNJ). CPNJ’s team of therapists provides
therapy to more than 200 students in 19 schools in the district.
The agency recently received a grant from the Orange Orphan
Society to purchase six iPads and an array of specialized apps to
enhance students’ therapy activities. “What’s wonderful about the
iPads,” said Jennifer Winning, CPNJ’s Coordinator of Community
Therapy Services, “is that they allow our therapists to work on
visual perceptual activities and fine motor skills, and the students
consider it as fun rather than work.”
While iPads do not replace the use of traditional therapy tools
and techniques, they provide therapists with a single tool that
can be easily adapted and utilized with students of varying ages
(3-21) as well as cognitive and physical disabilities. “This is a
truly innovative approach to therapy,” said Lori Hoffner, CPNJ’s
Director of Community Services, “and we’re so thankful to the
Orange Orphan Society for making this possible.”
4
LEWIS EVENT RAISES OVER $500,000!
More than 400 guests packed into the Crystal Plaza in Livingston to honor Michael
S. Lewis at CPNJ’s annual Steps to Independence Celebration on October 23rd.
Barry Ostrowsky, CPNJ Board member and the President and CEO of Barnabas
Health, served as MC for the evening. Guests heard from CPNJ CEO Jim McCreath
and Board Chair Darren Burns. The featured speaker was 17-year-old Gabby
Marcus, who has been a regular volunteer at Horizon School for the last five
years. She shared her initial struggles in volunteering with students with multiple
disabilities- “I couldn’t quite figure out what to say or do to interact with the
students” – and her joy as she learned to connect with students – “I [discovered]
various ways to connect with each of the children. By tapping their shoulders or
waving my hands, I could get some students’ attention. When bowling in gym
class, some responded to demonstrations, while others needed me to physically
help them roll the ball toward the pins. Every child was different and I gradually
discovered ways to break through to each of them.” Gabby challenged all those
in attendance to volunteer their time as well.
Steven Katz, the 2010 honoree, presented the Kelly Marx Steps to Independence
Award to Michael Lewis, who spoke of how much it meant to him to help the
agency and its consumers. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.
“This was one of the most successful fundraisers we’ve ever had,” said Board
member Kelly Marx. “Michael worked nonstop to make this happen – we could
not have found a better, more committed honoree and we’re very grateful to him.”
Michael Lewis (left) receives the Kelly Marx Steps to Independence Award from former honoree and event co-chair Steven Katz
Speaker Gabby Marcus with CPNJ board member Kelly Marx
5
2013 STEPS TO INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
Alan R. HammerBrach Eichler
Committee Members
Wayne CanastraAffiliated Management
Robert DenholtzDurex Inc.
Alan GebroeGebroe Holdings
Richard KanterMiller Construction
Bruce Kleinman Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A.
Brian T. Kloza Wiss & Company, LLP
Gary Krugman, DMD
Cheryl A. MarraffinoLPCiminelli
Kelly Marx
Barry H. Ostrowsky Barnabas Health
Anthony PentzMeisel Tuteur & Lewis
Jennifer Pollak Greenfield Gardens
Beth S. Rose Sills Cummis & Gross, PC
Justin Walder Walder Hayden & Brogan
James YacendaFlorham Realty
Event Co-Chairs
Steven W. KatzSterling Properties
Barry R. MandelbaumMandelbaum Salsburg
MAJOR DONORS TO THE 2013 STEPS TO INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION
Patrons ($25,000+ supporters)
Gebroe Family Foundation
Dottie Litwin
Kelly & Nancy Marx
Steven and Beverly Rubenstein
Charitable Foundation
Leaders ($15,000+ supporters)
Meisel, Tuteur & Lewis, PC
Founders ($10,000+ supporters)
Barnabas Health
Brach Eichler L.L.C.
Lincoln Electric
Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation
Charles & Seryl Kushner
Robert & Wendy Marcus
Sandalwood Securities
Benefactors ($5,000+ supporters)
Derek & Anne Burke
Darren & Jennifer Burns
Wayne & Jill Canastra & Family
Robert & Rori Denholtz
Andrew & Ellen Friedman
Alan & Susan Hammer
Investors Savings
Steven W. & Ruth Katz
Gerald & Ruth Legow
Lincoln Property Company
Litwin & Kronick Families
Mandelbaum Salsburg
Millenium Homes
Maxine Myers
Jennifer Pollak
Prestige Volvo
Sills Cummis & Gross, PC
Valley National Bank
Walder Hayden & Brogan
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer
Wiss & Co.
CPNJ SNAPSHOTS
6
Continued from page 1
team- teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist – meet to develop an educational-therapeutic plan by which they can all work toward discipline-specific goals within the framework of a single activity. The approach has proven highly successful in serving students with multiple disabilities.
“It’s about more than simply working in a shared space,” explained Gina. “The children are not the only ones learning- each staff member is able to observe and learn from one another. One staff member’s success- perhaps in finding a toy that is particularly motivating for a child – is observed by others who can then build on that success.” Flo nods emphatically in agreement - “And we don’t function in a silo. I may be a speech therapist, but I can learn what a student is working on academically and look for opportunities to work toward those goals even while working on speech. The end result is that the student receives the most effective and comprehensive services.”
For Lenny, those services have produced impressive results. Unable to walk when he entered preschool, he quickly learned to use a posterior walker, stand up from a sitting position and has recently begun taking steps independently. He has also become potty-trained and has learned to feed himself. At first able to say only a few words, he has become far more expressive in his language, using three or four words at a time and asking for things. “With his improvement in language, we have seen his personality emerge,” said Jennifer. “Once he gets to know you, you realize Lenny is very social – he loves people.”
“Our students’ successes are the best arguments for the push-in model,” said Linda Peroff, Horizon School’s Coordinator of Therapy. “And while our available space
Horizon School students visited Hillside Elementary School in Livingston in December as part of the
ongoing partnership designed to foster understanding of disabilities among public school students.
was limiting us before, our new preschool rooms allow us to work in an ideal environment and it is incredible.” The school recently received grants (see accompanying article) to create two new preschool rooms that allow significantly more program space with the latest in therapy equipment and educational technology.
In addition to the push-in therapy provided in the classroom, students work one-on-one with therapists on their specific goals. On sunny days, students often enjoy therapy on the school’s 5,000 square-foot accessible play park, in the state-of-the-art sensory room with various pieces of therapy equipment suspended from the ceiling, or splashing around in the on-site aquatic therapy pool. “Our entire facility was built, room by room, to further our educational-therapeutic curriculum,” said Linda.
After group, Lenny heads to the stairwell with Sara to work on climbing stairs, a skill on which he is improving each week. For Lenny, it’s just another fun challenge, and he beams with pride with each step.
Occupational therapist Gina Wagner and Lenny share a laugh while working in the therapeutic treehouse
Members of Young Judaea visited in January to create a special day of crafts and socializing with
residents of CPNJ’s community residences.
Students from Pingry School visited on Martin Luther King Day to perform musical numbers from “Seussical the Musical” for
CPNJ’s residential consumers.
7
Tribute GiftsIf you would like to remember someone with an “in memory of” gift or celebrate a special occasion with an “in honor of” gift,
please contact the CPNJ development office at (973) 763-9900, ext. 1602. We will notify the person of your choosing with a special card telling them that a gift was made.
In Honor Of GiftsFor: Gabby MarcusBy: Richard & Mynette Marcus
For: Amanda MachemerBy: Elaine Morales
For: Bette HanauerBy: Richard Feldman
For: Mr. & Mrs. Sol Hara’s 50th AnniversaryBy: Jay & Frankie Oberst
For: Chris, Nicole & Lia HalkyardBy: Edwin M. & Joan S. Halkyard
For: Florette BodmerBy: David Bodmer
In Memory Of GiftsFor: Abraham ZuckermanBy: Kelly & Nancy Marx Barry & Bobbi Ostrowsky
For: Patricia SalvatoreBy: Allan & Debra Borst John & Eileen Campolattaro Michele Cappetta Dolores Dileo Rosanne De Gennaro Steven Mandy Liz Migneco Rose & Lisa Milone Optimist Club of Belleville Art & Debby Reitz Ernest Rizzolo Marilyn Shaw Thomas & Barbara Spillane
For: Armond S. Marraffino By: David Bishop Lonnie & Bette Hanauer Brian T. & Paula Kloza Kelly & Nancy Marx
For: Muriel RubinBy: David Bishop Kelly & Nancy Marx
For: Brian T. KlozaBy: Stuart Rosenblatt
For: David FinnBy: Stephen & Barbara Pavlovic
For: Bette HanauerBy: Vicki Semel
For: Justin WalderBy: Cynthia Lewis
For: Gabriel Schaerf’s Bar Mitzvah & his volunteer effortsBy: Andrew Hyman
For: Mickey McNanyBy: Jill Siroty
For: Lucille SchleckerBy: Mitchell & Shari Caspert
For: Henny GranetBy: Jay & Frankie Oberst
For: Eddie AlbertoBy: Staff and Consumers of Orange Adult Training Center
For: Alice AtkinsBy: Mitchell & Shari Caspert
For: Charlie LichtBy: Mitchell & Shari Caspert
For: Dr. Mesnard’s motherBy: Bette Hanauer
For: Richard A. MyloweBy: Curtiss & Jane Conrad
For: Carol AltermanBy: Jerry & Leona Coopersmith
For: Abraham AkselradBy: Mitchell & Shari Caspert
For: Norma BarattaBy: Cyndie Hasty & Lisa Sevanick
For: Robert GrossBy: Mitchell & Shari Caspert
For: Rosalyn SherryBy: Jay & Frankie Oberst
For: Madeline GoldbergBy: Brian T. & Paula Kloza
For: Louis D’AntoniBy: Patricia Downs
For: Maureen GerrityBy: Dawn Ippolito Michele Keelan James & Carol McLain Scott McLain Elaine Schwarzkopf
Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey220 South Orange AvenueSuite 300 Livingston, NJ 07039
NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 345CALDWELL, NJ
The rain forced Horizon School to
hold their annual Wheelin’-n’-Walkin’
Challenge indoors for the first time
in May 2013, but the festivities and
their accompanying excitement went
on as usual. Just before the walk
itself began, awards were handed
out, including the Amanda Machemer
Award for the family who raised the
most money for the walk. And stepping
forward to accept it was none other
than Amanda, accompanied by her
whole family. It was a familiar scene,
as the family has won the award every
year since Amanda enrolled (so often,
they named the award after her).
MACHEMER JOINS CPNJ BOARD
8
Amanda’s father Clark has been a
familiar sight at CPNJ since Amanda
enrolled back in 2004. He served on
the event committee for the agency’s
annual touch football tournament
fundraiser at MetLife Stadium, the
Real Estate Advisory Committee and
the Development Committee before
joining the board late in 2013.
Clark attended Syracuse University
and went on to earn a master’s
degree in real estate from Columbia
University. After several years with
Andersen Consulting, he joined the
Rockefeller Group Development
Corporation, where he is currently the
Vice President and Regional Director
for Real Estate Development. Over the
years, he has won a string of awards,
including the 2012 Creative Deal of the
Year Award from the commercial real
estate development association
He has earned a wide range of
accolades and awards over the years,
including NJBIZ magazine’s “40 Under
40” list in 2008 and their “Real Estate
and Construction Power 50” in 2013.
He is also the President-Elect and Vice
President for Public Affairs with the
New Jersey NAIOP, the commercial
real estate development association.
Clark and his wife Michelle live in
Glen Ridge, where Clark has coached
numerous youth sports teams for their
other two children, Jake and Kate.
“Clark is the first consumer parent
that CPNJ has had on its board in
a very long time,” said Board Chair
Darren Burns. “We want to ensure
that our most important constituency
is represented at the leadership level
and we are fortunate to have someone
like Clark, who is such a strong and
committed advocate.”
The Machemer family receives the Amanda Machemer Award at the 2013 walk