LifeLong LearnerAnderson’s 90th Birthday Party

Anderson celebrated our 90th birthday on Sunday, October 4th. Guests gathered on campus to mingle and enjoy Anderson’s beautiful campus. It was an honor to have three generations of Dr. V.V. Anderson’s family on hand to blow out the birthday candles after a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday performed by the children’s program. Family members in attendance were Vance Gage (grandson), Sabra Leadbitter (granddaughter) & her husband Bill. Sabra’s daughter Lisa Fall, her husband Chris Fall, their daughter Dellin and son Tyler, Sabra’s son Will Leadbitter and his wife Karen. The night was capped by an incredible fireworks display by Legion Fireworks. Thank you to everyone who made the year of celebrations so memorable.

Winter 2015

2

Anderson Center for Autism & Anderson Center Services, Inc.Francis M. Synan, ChairEric D. Gorman, 1st Vice ChairElizabeth P. Corcoran, 2nd Vice ChairJohn P. Pecchia, TreasurerRichard W. Lewis, SecretaryNeeraj Alimchandani,Trustee Rebecca M. Blahut,TrusteeJoan Blutreich,TrusteeJustin L. Cole, TrusteeJoseph Lepore, TrusteeAlayar Kangarlu, TrusteeMaryann R. Pilon, TrusteeJeanne R. Raichle, TrusteeEdward J. Sullivan, Trustee

ACA Lifetime Honorary TrusteesElinor “Jean” ArnoldEllen L. BakerPompey H. DelafieldMichael McNaughtonDavid W. MelbyJaime Rodriguez-TellezWilfred RohdeJohn A. ScileppiSarah E. SholesAnderson Foundation for Autism, Inc.Barry Feirstein, ChairWilliam F. Melcher, TreasurerTondra Lynford, SecretarySusan Angeles, Trustee

Greg Burns, TrusteeVance Gage, TrusteeJoseph T. Kirchhoff, Trustee Julie Krieger, TrusteeJohn Maserjian, TrusteeDavid W. Melby, TrusteeCatherine B. Merryman, TrusteeRebecca A. Valk, TrusteeAFA Lifetime Honorary TrusteesMargaret CusumanoMichael McNaughtonJaime Rodriguez-TellezWilfred RohdeFritz Sonnenschmidt

Anderson Center for Autism operates under the guidance of two exceptional Boards of Trustees. We appreciate the contributions that each of these talented and generous individuals makes towards the achievement of our goals.

Remarks from the Executive Director 2014 was a banner year for Anderson. We launched a 90/$900,000 campaign. This money allows Anderson to provide the extras that improve lives. We are able to integrate children and adults in meaningful ways throughout the community. We offer field trips, Expressive Outcomes, Organic Outcomes, many after school activities, Anderson Athletics participation and so much more. Anderson also provides ongoing trainings and educational opportunities for our employees.

• The descendents of Dr. and Mrs. Anderson returned for Anderson’s 90th birthday!!

• We dedicated the V.V. Anderson Memorial Library at a reunion of many former Anderson School alumni and staff.

• The business community recognized Anderson with the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation’s Grand Award.

• We opened two new adult residences, and began plans for new apartments and more houses.• Consulting services have expanded and are helping children remain in public schools.• We have now exceeded 800 staff and annually support 500 people with autism. In 2015 we will expand our consulting business and open two more community homes and ten apartments that offer more independent opportunities for adults. We are more fully integrating our students’ vocational training and adult LifeLong LearningSM opportunities. One extremely exciting initiative is the farm project we are piloting with several community partners. This will offer an incredible teaching opportunity, and an exciting new business as we create limited edition products featuring organic herbs. This also provides community outreach in an entirely new way.

Finally, we continue streamlining our processes to ensure that Anderson is optimally staffed. The opposite article gives specifics on these promotions. Thanks to each of you for helping make Anderson the extraordinary place it is. I look forward to another banner year for all of us.

Anderson Boards of Trustees

3

Neil Pollack announced an internal restructuring to streamline the chain of command. He described several promotions and the creation of two program divisions as preparation for Anderson to continue meeting the needs of the individuals we support.

Central to the restructuring is the consolidation of programmatic functions into two divisions: the Program Services Division, which encompasses all services for children and adults; the Program Supports Division that includes all areas of clinical, health and related services. Both divisions will report to Patrick Paul, Anderson’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Paul joined Anderson Center in 2000 and served as Chief Financial Officer prior to his current position.

Kathleen Marshall is promoted to Division Director of Program Services. Reporting to Marshall will be the Director of Adult Services, IEP Coordinator, and the Anderson School Principal. She also continues her oversight of Children’s Residential Services. Ms. Marshall holds a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in both Elementary Education and Special Education.

Dr. Austin Rynne, who joined Anderson in 2008, is now Division Director of Program Supports. Dr. Rynne received his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy, after earning a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Those reporting to Dr. Rynne include the recently hired Clinical Psychologist, Dr. John Ashburn, who joined after a 15-year career as a Psychologist in the U.S. Navy.

Pollack further announced that Sudi Kash, Ph.D. assumes the duties of Chief Clinical Officer, giving her overall responsibility for program research and development. Dr. Kash has 26 years of experience, 16 of those working with individuals with developmental disabilities. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, as well as a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Neil Pollack commented, “Anderson Center for Autism is noted for its exceptionally strong programmatic and clinical services, as well as the dedication and commitment of our staff and executive team.” He said that these changes were instituted to “strengthen our executive structure and effectively propel our organization into the future.”

Anderson’s Website Got A Makeover!There are so many great things to see on our newly updated website. Take a peek! This Spring look for an updated LifeLong Learner, which is also getting an update.

Anderson Announces New Organizational Structure

4

Holidays at Anderson At Anderson we find great joy in the holidays. Houses are decorated, gifts are wrapped, trees are lit and we sing! Anderson appreciates all of you that help make this such a magical time. We give a special thanks to Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Regina Coeli School, and T.J.Maxx for holding gift drives. Your generosity adds greatly to our celebrations. Thank you.

5

Mentoring The Children’s Education Program has established a student mentoring program. The primary goal is to help children and young adults develop friendships and practice their social skills through communication with a caring mentor. Students participate in an array of activities such as “Peer Reading”. This program is held three times weekly by students in the Transition Classroom. The students are asked to read a story chosen from a classroom library each week. Staff familiarizes the student with the book before the session. After reading the book, activities follow. We also have peer mentoring that involves Tier 3 students and Tier 1 students. These students assist with academic skills, transitioning skills and work program related tasks. This initiative has been successful and extremely enjoyable for all.

Anderson thanks Bryan Antonoff and his Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity brothers. These generous students from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue volunteered on campus and organized a fundraiser for Anderson. Bryan has stated how very grateful he is that Anderson gives his brother Michael the care he needs and the life he deserves.

Anderson is very pleased to announce that Jessica Mackey has earned her certification as a Developmental Disabilities Nurse from the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association! This achievement demonstrates Jessica’s advanced experience, competence and proficiency in the unique field of Development Disabilities nursing. It further proves her commitment to provide the best care possible to the individuals we serve at Anderson Center for Autism. Congratulations Jessica and thank you for your continued dedication! Well Done!

Staff Accomplishments

Anderson Thanks Delta Kappa Epsilon

6

GO BLUE KNIGHTS!

Expressive Outcomes continues to grow and offer great opportunities for our artists. The program offers art sessions twice a week allowing artists to come together and work on a collaborative or solo piece. We will be exploring several other modes of self expression this year. Photography sessions will be available as well as sewing and creative writing. 2015 will bring several shows in the Hudson Valley area as well as our annual event in NYC.

The Blue Knights now have official uniforms thanks to our generous donors, including our friends at the Olmstead-Taylor Foundation, Inc.! You too can show your pride! Purchase your Anderson Athletics gear today! Email shop@acenterforautism.org to place your order.

7

The Day Hab Without Walls Program has been successful in getting to the CORE of what the LifeLong LearningSM Centers are all about. CORE stands for Community Outcomes / Real Experiences. We are dedicated to finding meaningful opportunities with local businesses and organizations that challenge the skill levels of the individuals that we serve. We are focused on vocational skills training with the long-term

goal of ensuring the individuals are integrating into the community.

We have been met with great enthusiasm from our communities who have been thrilled with the extra help in completing day-to-day operations. These relationships benefit the individuals we serve by developing vocational and communication skills while also increasing competencies. We are participating in opportunities ranging from basic janitorial services to packaging items. We continue expanding opportunities with these organizations that allow us the opportunity to be a part of their mission.

Below are some excerpts from a business owner, two individuals in the program, and a family member: From Local Business: The individuals in Anderson’s program are very friendly and personable; at Awesome Country we have increased the amount of work tasks and skills necessary to complete specific vocational tasks.

When asked “What is your favorite place to work?”, two of our participants replied:

Steven: “Apples and Awesome Country!”Tommy: “Awesome Country; peel apples, I like it!”

Parent:: “I have noticed an enormous difference in Tom’s self-confidence since he started this program. He is truly proud to work. He is far less shy than he was. He speaks spontaneously in complete sentences, about what he sees in detail. I am so proud of him. These changes may be subtle, but they are significant. This makes me so happy for him and his team. The basic thing that strikes me is that this is everything you want for your child, and it is not the moon and the stars. Just to be a happy, productive member of the world around them, to know they are valued and appreciated, and to communicate with the people around them. I see and feel that Tom is reaching that point, and I believe the DayHab Without Walls is a huge part of that. Thank you more than I can say for giving Tom this chance to be proud, working, and part of the world.”

This program thrives because of the incredible relationships between Anderson Center for Autism and local organizations. We continually focus on strengthening the skills necessary for the individuals we serve. Anderson is committed to finding meaningful opportunities for every individual.

Day Hab Without Walls

Chrissy C. working hard at the New Paltz Shop Rite

4885 Rt 9 PO Box 367Staatsburg NY 12580

www.andersoncenterforautism.orginfo@acenterforautism.org

845-889-4034

Autism Tomorrow ConferenceSaturday, May 2, 2015

9 - 4 pmAndrew SolomonNew York Times Best Selling Author

Vincent J. Carbone, Ed.D., BCBA-DNYS Licensed Behavior Analyst

Russell Granet Executive Director of Lincoln Center Education

Dr. Paul Wang, MDHead of Medical Research, Autism Speaks

Registration is now open! $75 per person. Register online at www.andersoncenterforautism.org/autismtomorrow

Or call us at 845-889-9594