Congratulations, Esmile Kamara Our Employee of the Month Esmile Kamara, Overnight Residential Aide in Schoemaker House, takes great pride in his work and demonstrates a high level of compassion with the boys and girls he serves. Esmile presents a calm demeanor regardless of the situation and always puts the care of the child as his top priority. In addition to the care he provides to the children who live in Melmark’s Residential Treatment Facility, Esmile provides support and guidance to his co- workers. He demonstrates that he is a trustworthy staff, and his years of service in the RTF have helped him establish an excellent rapport with his co-workers. New employees look to him as a role model, and he is always supportive in helping them acclimate to their new position. Esmile’s supervisors and co-workers appreciate his flexibility and willingness to take on any assignment. Whenever there is a need for help, you can depend on Esmile to be there with a welcoming smile and a can-do attitude. Congratulations Esmile! Esmile with Daniel, as well as his co-workers and members of Melmark’s Leadership Team A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community April 2015 Need $500? Know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team? Tell them to check out Career Opportunities and apply online at: www.melmark.org/careers. We’re looking for motivated and caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee gets $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long! Just fill out the employee referral form, found in HR, before the new hire begins at Melmark. 1,752 Likes Connect with Your Colleagues Add Melmark to your LinkedIn profile: Search “Melmark”. www.facebook.com/MelmarkPA See what you’re missing. Like us on Facebook. Watch video of Esmile receiving his award on Facebook! www.Facebook.com/MelmarkPA
Transcript
Congratulations, Esmile Kamara Our Employee of the Month
Esmile Kamara, Overnight Residential Aide in Schoemaker House, takes great pride in his work and demonstrates a high level of compassion with the boys and girls he serves. Esmile presents a calm demeanor regardless of the situation and always puts the care of the child as his top priority.
In addition to the care he provides to the children who live in Melmark’s Residential Treatment Facility, Esmile provides support and guidance to his co-workers. He demonstrates that he is a trustworthy
staff, and his years of service in the RTF have helped him establish an excellent rapport with his co-workers. New employees look to him as a role model, and he is always supportive in helping them acclimate to their new position.
Esmile’s supervisors and co-workers appreciate his flexibility and willingness to take on any assignment. Whenever there is a need for help, you can depend on Esmile to be there with a welcoming smile and a can-do attitude. Congratulations Esmile!
Esmile with Daniel, as well as his co-workers and members of Melmark’s Leadership Team
A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community
April 2015
Need $500?Know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team? Tell them to check out Career Opportunities and apply online at: www.melmark.org/careers. We’re looking for motivated and caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee gets $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long! Just fill out the employee referral form, found in HR, before the new hire begins at Melmark.
1,752 Likes
Connect with Your Colleagues
Add Melmark to your LinkedIn profile:
Search “Melmark”.
www.facebook.com/MelmarkPA
See what you’re missing. Like us on Facebook.
Watch video of Esmile receiving his award on Facebook!www.Facebook.com/MelmarkPA
As the flowers bloom and the trees fill the skies with a palette of color, we finally welcome spring! This is truly a splendid time to be out and about, taking in all this season has to offer.
Due to the construction currently underway on Melmark’s campus, things aren’t quite as pretty as they usually are. The teams working to install new drainage and make other campus wide improvements are doing their jobs as quickly and as safely as possible. Still, we anticipate much of the spring to be filled with the buzzes and beeps of construction equipment. For this reason,
it is more important than ever to take every precaution to keep the children and adult we serve safe. When walking to and from homes and parking lots, take extreme care.
While our playgrounds and other amenities are open and fully functional, I encourage you to create fun outdoor opportunities in the community. Trips to Rosetree Park, the movie theater, outdoor festivals and other similar activities always provide engaging and meaningful experiences for our residents and day program participants.
Thank you for everything you do each day to make the safety of the children and adults entrusted into our care your top priority.
A Message from Our President Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.
Melmark Expert Speaker Series The Ethical Code for Behavior Analysis
On Thursday, April 16, Dr. Mary Jane Weiss, Melmark’s Executive Director of Research, presented as part of Melmark’s Expert Speaker Series. Her presentation titled, The Ethical Code for Behavior Analysis: Key Themes and Examples of Applications, welcomed over 55 attendees.
Dr. Weiss reviewed the main themes and elements of the Code, with an emphasis on new and revised content, and provided many examples from her over 30 years experience working in the field of ABA and autism.
Attendees were able to earn continuing education credits supported by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and the National Association for Social Workers. The event was a huge success, and Melmark would like to thank Dr. Weiss for her presentation.
Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D. BCBA-D Melmark Executive Director of Research
Dr. Weiss’ April presentation
Stay tuned for information about Melmark’s annual conference, Improving Life at Home and School
On Friday, March 27, Melmark Human Resources and Employment Manager, Lindsey Dunn, appeared as a panelist at the 2015 MAX Conference. The conference took place at the Sheraton Bucks County in Fairless Hills, PA and included discussions about resources for direct service professionals in the region.
MAX, which stands for Moving Agencies Toward Excellence, has been in existence for over 20 years. The Pennsylvania-based organization brings together human services providers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties with the goal of collaborating and sharing ideas. Melmark is a longtime member of this organization. Our own Manager of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, Michael Donovan, was recently asked to serve as the Chair of the Advocacy and Policy Committee at MAX. We are sure to see more good things come from our involvement with this organization.
Sharing Our Expertise and KnowledgeLindsey Dunn Participates in MAX Conference
Second from left: Lindsey Dunn at the 2015 MAX Conference
Our employee talent show will be held on June 24th at 3:30 p.m. in the gym.
To participate:Fill out the Melmark Live! sign up form and return it to Human Resources by May 25, 2015.
You can turn in your forms: • In person in Human Resources• Via FAX: 610-325-2920 • Via Email: [email protected]
All acts must be performed live on stage. The performer must arrange for any props or back-up equipment he/she may need. Two official rehearsal times will be scheduled before the show. You must attend at least one of the rehearsals to participate in the show. Rehearsals will be held at 3:30 p.m., and the dates will be determined based on the availability of the participants.
Grand Prize Winner - $250 gross pay bonusSecond Place Winner - $100 gross pay bonusThird Place Winner - $50 gross pay bonus
All participants in the talent show will receive a $10 Wawa gift card.
If you responded previously that you would be interested in participating, please still complete a sign-up form.
Melmark Live!Employee Talent Show
Advocacy Corner: Who’s Who in Human ServicesPA Dept. of Human Services Secretary, Ted Dallas
Theodore (“Ted”) Dallas has come home to Pennsylvania. He spent the last four years as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR), after serving as interim secretary since the beginning of that year. Prior to this appointment, Dallas served as Governor Martin O’Malley’s Deputy Chief of Staff, where he oversaw more than a half-dozen state government agencies ranging from Economic Development to Housing and Community Development.
Before his time in Maryland State Government, Dallas served for five years as the Executive Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, working under Estelle Richman. Now, he’s back, serving as the Department of Human Services Secretary.
Dallas earned an undergraduate degree in political science and economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Temple University. We are optimistic Secretary Dallas will be a positive force in serving people with special needs, here at Melmark and across the Commonwealth. It appears Secretary Dallas will retain Steve Suroviec in the Deputy Secretary role. You’ll learn more about Deputy Secretary Suroviec in our next Melmark Moments.
Maddie’s Success Story Gets Regional ExposureiHeartMedia Interview
This month, listeners to iHeartMedia Stations throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region heard a remarkable testimonial about Melmark’s work in changing families’ lives. Melmark parent, Donna Duffey, spoke proudly of her daughter, Maddie, when interviewed by iHeartMedia Director of News and Community Affairs, Loraine Ballard Morrill. Melmark’s Director of Children’s Programs, Jessica Woods, Ph.D., BCBA-D, joined Donna for the interview.
The interview was part of iHeartMedia’s coverage of Autism Awareness Month and focused on Maddie’s many accomplishments at Melmark. The station group, iHeartMedia, oversees broadcasting on several favorite local FM stations including WDAS, WMGK and Radio 104.5.
Michael Donovan Manager of Operations and Strategic Initiatives
PA Dept. of Human Services Secretary, Ted Dallas
PennsylvaniaDepartment of Human Services
To hear the interview, visit http://www.melmark.org/podcasts.Donna Duffey and Dr. Jessica Woods with Loraine Ballard
Morrill at iHeartMedia in Bala Cynwyd
Welcome Donny!New Horse for Riding ProgramWelcome, Donny, the newest member of the Melmark equine family. Donny, a Tennessee Walking Horse, is about ten years old and 15 hands tall. Donny’s owner passed away recently, and her husband wanted the horse to go to an organization where it could help others. Donny is already cozying up to his new home.
Getting Messy for a Good CauseAdults Volunteer at SPCA
Adult Day participants in Workshop #6 visited the Chester County SPCA to fill Kong dog toys with peanut butter and kibble for pets awaiting adoption - a messy but fun and rewarding experience!
Spreading the LoveAdults Collect Donations to Feed HungryParticipants in Adult Day Workshop #8 are ‘spreading the love’ by sending donations of peanut butter and jelly to Cityteam in Chester. Adults in the workshop collected jars of PB&J for over two months. The items will help feed homeless children and families, as well as others in need.
Renee fills a dog toy with sticky peanut butter Polly Cutler’s workshop at the SPCA
Thanking Those Who Give BackVolunteer and Legacy Society ReceptionVolunteers, board members and Melmark staff gathered at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 to celebrate the 2015 Volunteer Awards and to recognize members of Melmark’s Legacy Society. This year’s honorees are pictured below.
Corporate Partner of the Year
SAP
Volunteers of the YearTrish Burns
and Jim Eaton
Community Partner of the Year
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Paul and Mildred Krentel Legacy SocietyIn addition to honoring volunteers who donated their time and expertise to support children and adults at Melmark throughout the past year, the event also recognized members of The Paul and Mildred Krentel Legacy Society. This group includes donors who have named Melmark in their will, helping ensure the organization’s ongoing success for decades to come.
Members of the Paul and Mildred Krentel Legacy Society
Ellen Phillips accepts on behalf of Trisha Burns
Dot Wilhelmy and Adolf Lohner at the reception
Melmark School Easter Egg HuntOT Awareness MonthTo celebrate Occupational Therapy Awareness Month, Melmark’s OT staff organized an Easter Egg Hunt for students in The Melmark School. The hunt, held indoors, featured all types of fun activities. Photos from the day are below.
Celebrating a Year at MelmarkEnvironmental Services PartyTime flies! Melmark’s Environmental Services team recently celebrated their one year anniversary at Melmark. We are so grateful for these members of the Melmark Family, who work so hard to keep our environments safe and clean.
Melmark’s Occupational Therapists, organizers of this event
Matthew’s staff helping him look for hidden eggs
Gordon working on an Easter-themed art project
Left to right: Mama, April, Richard, Angelica, Helen and Director of Facilities, Dave Wheeler
The Schoemaker name is well known among Melmark families, and Anne Faulkner Schoemaker has played a significant role in sustaining the heritage of the Schoemaker family and ensuring the future of Melmark.
Anne and her late husband, Hubert Schoemaker, were devoted to the care of Hubert’s daughter Maureen, a resident of Melmark for 28 years until her death in 2010. They were clearly committed to Melmark as an organization, and together, Anne and Hubert strove to serve the organization in ways that would ensure sustaining growth.
Along with her work as a strategic business consultant, and her extensive background in clinical research and healthcare administration, technology licensing and management and corporate development, Anne is an accomplished pianist. Among her academic credentials, she is a graduate of The Julliard School in New York City.
In support of the Promises to Keep…The Campaign for Melmark, Anne will be performing a benefit concert. The concert will feature The Spruce Street Chamber Players and Anne on piano. Along with sales of tickets, Melmark is inviting sponsorships for the event, which includes a reception. We are grateful to Sodexo for sponsoring the reception.
Keeping the Promise...A Concert for MelmarkSunday, June 14, 20153 p.m.The Episcopal Academy Chapel in Newtown Square
For information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Cyndie Martin, Director of Corporate and Community Affairs at 610-325-4976 or [email protected].
• New gas service line being installed
• Storm water piping installation continues
• Area in front of lower basin graded and seeded
Thank you to everyone for their cooperation during the site work construction.
All campus improvements are designed to provide optimal safety to Melmark’s clients, staff and visitors.
Construction crews on Melmark’s campus
Each month, we’re updating staff on construction taking place on Melmark’s campus. Below is a look at some of the main tasks underway in “The Construction Zone”:
Keeping the Promise...A Concert for Melmark
Preparing for the Great OutdoorsGardening, camping, hiking and just playing outdoors are all great summer activities, but don’t forget about the ticks that might be hiding in the same environment.
Depending on the species you can find ticks in various environments, often in or near wooded areas. You may come in contact with ticks when walking through infested areas or by brushing up against infested vegetation such as leaf litter or shrubs. Ticks also feed on mammals and birds.
You can protect yourself from tick bites by knowing where to expect ticks and using a repellent. In addition, it is helpful to walk in the center of trails to avoid ticks. After being outdoors, even if you are in your own yard, you should conduct a body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas by searching your entire body for ticks.
You should check the following areas of your body:
• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside the belly button
• Back of the knees
• Under the arms
• In and around the hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist
It is recommended that you shower within two hours of coming indoors to reduce your risk of being bitten. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least an hour effectively kills ticks.
If you are bitten by a tick, remove the attached tick as soon as you notice it. Watch for signs of illness such as rash or fever, bulls-eye pattern and seek the help of a health care professional.
It is also helpful to prevent the family pets from bringing ticks into the home. Maintain your family pet under a veterinarian’s care. Two of the ways to get rid of ticks on dogs and cats are putting on tick medicine or using a tick collar.
Information provided by the CDC
Look for Tee’s Virginia Baking Company cart around Melmark’s Campus on Thursday and Friday afternoons.
Tee’s Southern SecretsMississippi Mud Cookies
Forget about May Flowers! This year, April showers have brought us Mississippi Mud Cookies. Something for the chocolate lovers, Mississippi Mud Cookies are a perfect match to the upcoming perfect spring weather.
Mississippi Mud Cookies:Ingredients:1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels½ cup butter, softened1 cup sugar2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla1 ½ cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt½ cup milk chocolate morsels1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. Miniature marshmallows
Microwave semisweet chocolate morsels in a small microwave-safe glass bowl at HIGH 1 minute or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.
Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Beat in vanilla and melted chocolate.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, gradually add to chocolate mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in ½ cup milk chocolate morsels.
Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto parch-ment paper-lined baking sheets. Press 3 marshmallows into each portion of dough.
Bake at 350 Degrees for 10-12 minutes or until set.
Melmark School Prom Friday, May 29, 2015 6:00 p.m. Multi-Purpose Center
Cinderella The Melmark Players’Client and Staff AssemblyWednesday, June 10, 20151:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Multi-Purpose Center
The Melmark Players’ Opening Night PerformanceThursday, June 11, 20157:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Multi-Purpose Center
Cinderella
The Melmark Spring Festivalwith a Performance by The Melmark PlayersSaturday, June 13, 201510:30 a.m.Multi-Purpose Center
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Festival fun, food and live musicin Center Circle
Cinderella
All-Staff Meetings
Tuesday, May 199:15 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. Multi-Purpose Center
Wednesday, May 202:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. / 9:30 p.m. Multi-Purpose Center
All employees are required to attend one of these important meetings.
The Melmark School Traveling Art Show
Stop by to check out the beautiful artwork by Melmark students!
The Melmark Traveling Art Show is now on display at:
The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
300 S Broad Street, Philadelphia
Congratulations to Jarrett Cutsler on being the Standing Ovation Grand Prize Winner!
EMPLOYEE DEPARTMENT
Gabriel Myers Education RTF
Lawrence Newman Adult Community Res.
Mama Ngaima Facilities
Charles Orr Facilities
Mardea Otto Adult Campus Residential
Desmond Pessima Education RTF
Kaitlin Petersen Children’s RTF
Yatta Pewa Children’s RTF
Odell Pewee Adult Day Services
Ashley Rankine Education
Lisa Roberts Adult Community Res.
Jaclyn Ruffing Adult Day Services
Leann Scherer Education
Judy Schlosser Adult Day Services
Banka Sesay Children’s Residential
Adedeji Sodunke Children’s Residential
Mariatu Songa Adult Campus Residential
Thomas Stabler Facilities
Naomi Stevens Adult Day Services
Tanea Stokes Education
Lee Sturt Facilities
Angelica Taylor Facilities
Grace Thomas Adult Campus Residential
Julia Thompson Education
Sylvanus Tipayson Adult Campus Residential
Cynthia Toppar Adult Campus Residential
Jacqueline Turner Children’s Residential
April Turner Facilities
Laura Turner-McGuigan Rehab Service
Natalie Tweh Education
Bonnie Warren Adult Day Services
STANDING OVATION AWARDS
EMPLOYEE DEPARTMENT
Tamara Watkins Adult Community Res.
Daniel Willie Adult Campus Residential
Each calendar quarter, a tally of “Applause” feedback will be made, and any employee who receives four or more “Applause” in that quarter has earned a “Standing Ovation”. (Supervisors must enter Applause cards as positive feedback in Performance Manager for the Applause to be counted towards the Standing Ovation award.) Employees who receive a Standing Ovation will receive their choice of the following:
• $5 gift card to WAWA• One Regal Movie Ticket (value $8)• Five Eatery Tokes (value $5)
Applause can be given by any employee to any other employee to recognize someone who went beyond the expected job duties by using initiative and imagination to make Melmark a better place to live, learn or work; simply doing one’s job well is not considered above and beyond. The actions cited for this award are not a normal part of the employee’s duties. Each quarter, employees who received the Standing Ovation Award will be entered into a random drawing. The winner of the drawing will receive one day off with pay plus a $125 bonus.
Standing OvationAwards
EMPLOYEE DEPARTMENT
Jennifer Adams Adult Community Res.
Ahmed Adekanmbi Adult Day Services
Aderonke Adeyeye Adult Community Res.
Aigner Allen Children’s RTF
Juanita Anderson Adult Day Services
Kimberly Barnwell Children’s RTF
Tori Bayliff Education
Ashley Benedetto Adult Day Services
Heather Blevins Rehabilitative Services
David Boyd Facilities
Cynthia Buckner Adult Day Services
Meaghan Chirinos Children’s Residential
Hawah Conway Adult Campus Residential
James Craig Facilities
Cortney Crockett Children’s RTF
Jennifer Croner Education
Polly Cutler Adult Day Services
Jarrett Cutsler Education
Mohamed Daffia Education
Henry Davis Adult Campus Residential
Sue Ann Delprato Adult Day Services
Debra Dietrich Education
Gustino DiTomo Facilities
McKeen Doe Children’s Residential
Fatima Dumbuya Adult Campus Residential
Shaneika Dungee Adult Day Services
Darlene Evans Facilities
Heidi Fagan Rehabilitative Services
Briana Finch Education
Henry Freeman Adult Day Services
Teresa Gallagher Adult Day Services
STANDING OVATION AWARDS
EMPLOYEE DEPARTMENT
Thomas Getty Facilities
Evelyn Gilsky Adult Day Services
Johanna Gordon-Reid Adult Community Res.
Bawu Harris Adult Community Res.
Alexandra Held Education
Patrick Janvier Facilities
Helena Johnson Adult Day Services
Liza Jones Adult Day Services
Nivause Julmice Adult Day Services
Mohamed Kamara Children’s RTF
Penneh Karnuah Education
William Killeen Adult Day Services
Samuel Kiiru Children’s Residential
Jerome Knowling Children’s RTF
Musa Koroma Adult Campus Residential
Richard Kpou Facilities
Michael Krencicki Health Care
Nancy Kuhns Adult Day Services
Jennifer Labowitz Education
Paul Lucchesi Facilities
Elizabeth Luna Adult Community Res.
Robin Mack Adult Day Services
George MacMullen Adult Day Services
Marianna Maggiore Education
Brittni May Education RTF
John McCarthy Facilities
Travis McCoy Education
Sarah Mills Rehabilitative Services
Krystin Montoro Education
Abija Moore-Proctor Adult Day Services
Debra Murray Adult Day Services
Melmark
Talent Show 2015 Sign-up Form
If you would like to participate in our employee talent show, please complete this form and return it to Human Resources either in person, via fax to 610-325-2920 or via email to [email protected] by May 25, 2015. All acts must be performed live on stage and the performer must arrange for any props or back-up equipment he/she may need. Two official rehearsal times will be scheduled before the show. You must attend at least one of the rehearsals to participate in the show. Rehearsals will be held at 3:30pm and the dates will be determined based on the availability of the participants. The grand prize winner of the Melmark Live will receive a $250 gross pay bonus. The second place winner will receive a $100 gross pay bonus and the third place winner will receive a $50 gross pay bonus. All participants in the talent show will receive a $10 Wawa gift card.
Name:
EE ID#:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:
Briefly describe the talent you would like to perform:
