heal. Spring 2016

heal

A publication of the Sheppard Pratt Health System • SPRING 2016

Healing Is Possible Peer support specialist has first-hand knowledge of recovery’s difficult road

PLUS FITNESS TRACKERS FOR MENTAL HEALTH EATING DISORDERS AND PREGNANCY LIFE AFTER A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

In this issue.

SPRING 2016

13 6

8 6 Healing Is Possible

3 The Retreat: A New Start

14

8

A New World for Wearables

From Our Blog: Life After My Traumatic Brain Injury

10

In the News/Calendar

15 Meet Our New Board Chairman: J. Frederick Motz

12 Philanthropy 13 Pregnant Women Can Have Eating Disorders, Too

Peer support specialist has first-hand knowledge of recovery’s difficult road

On the cover.

Kendall Pryor’s personal life experiences have helped make her work as a Sheppard Pratt peer support specialist rewarding for both her patients and herself.

Photo by David Stuck

CMYK / .eps

CMYK / .eps

Connect with us.

facebook.com/SheppardPratt

@SheppardPratt

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youtube.com/user/SheppardPrattHealth

heal. is published three times a year by the Marketing Department of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, one of the nation’s top mental health programs, providing compassionate solutions to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction recover and get back to their lives.

Information provided is general in nature and should not be substituted for the medical advice of a physician. Please consult your health care provider for recommendations specific to your personal health, medical treatment, and medical conditions.

Editor/Director of Marketing & PR

Jessica Kapustin

Outreach & Project Manager

Chelsea Soobitsky

Design, Production & Editorial

Mid-Atlantic Custom Media

Lindsey Bridwell, Cortney Geare,

Jeni Mann, Suzanne Pollak,

Joshua Runyan, and Greg Salisbury

Contributing Photographers

Brian Glock, Jody Robinson,

If you wish to have your name removed from the list of those receiving communications from Sheppard Pratt Health System, please email the Marketing Department at marketing@sheppardpratt.org or call 410.938.3133.

and David Stuck

Contributing Writers

Kristina Schiller and Madeline Caldwell

THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT

A New Start THE RETREAT AND RUXTON HOUSE, BOTH PART OF THE SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM, PROVIDE THE CONTINUUM OF CARE NECESSARY IN HELPING RESIDENTS OVERCOME A VARIETY OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

BY BILL DONAHUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JODY ROBINSON

T

hree years ago, Jane Roberts* was

At The Retreat, Roberts discovered

“I had pretty much given up on life — I wouldn’t say I was suicidal, but I didn’t care if I lived or died. I was at my wit’s end.”

living in Hawaii, working full time as

a vibrant therapeutic community, where

a scuba instructor. Barely on the cusp of

residents sought effective treatment for

her 30th birthday, she seemed to have

various mental health disorders, ranging

the perfect life, yet there was a side to

from depression and substance use to

her most people didn’t see. Not even

marital problems and other life stressors,

the blue skies and white sands of an

such as career changes or “failure to

island paradise could cure her lifelong

launch” syndrome. Like every resident,

struggle with depression. She had been

she found comfort in having her own

somewhat of a nomad until then, but in

devoted treatment team — including

Hawaii, she came face to face with the

Thomas Franklin, M.D., medical director

reality that she could no longer outrun

of The Retreat, as her primary physician

her illness.

— to forge a path that would lead her out

me up with Dr. Franklin. He diagnosed

of the darkness.

me with depression and borderline

“I had pretty much given up on life,” she recalls. “I wouldn’t say I was suicidal,

“When I got there, I was a walking

but I didn’t care if I lived or died. I was at

zombie,” she remembers. “They paired

— Jane Roberts, former patient at The Retreat and Ruxton House

personality disorder, and he changed my medication and got the dosage right.”

my wit’s end.”

She realized she needed to make

Ruxton House offers multiple levels of assistance and support in a residential setting.

significant changes in her life — namely, leaving her job, leaving the destructive romantic relationship in which she was mired, and leaving Hawaii. With the help of her mother, she spent three days packing up her belongings, including her car and two cats, and shipped them back to the mainland.

Her new destination would be her family’s hometown on the outskirts of Baltimore, where she would start over.

Both of her parents encouraged her to look into a local treatment program called The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt, part of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, in the Baltimore suburb of Towson. After her intake and interview process, she believed she had found the right place to help her overcome her depression and rediscover her will to live.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

3

THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT

“ We cultivate a culture where people form critical bonds that tend to last long after they have returned home.” — Miles Quaytman, M.D. she could benefit from extended care

therapy and meeting with doctors five

as she continued loosening depression’s

meetings take place in an atmosphere of

days a week. I was there to change my

grip. To ease her transition, the staff

mutual support, respect, and empathy,”

behavior, and they taught me to think

allowed her to add a few “personal

says Miles Quaytman, M.D., medical

about life in a different way. I had been

touches” to the home, including

director of Ruxton House and associate

struggling with depression for most of

a goldfish as a sort of surrogate for

medical director of The Retreat at

my life, and this was the most effective

her two cats.

Sheppard Pratt. “We cultivate a culture

treatment I’d ever received. I finally

Every day, she experienced the

where people form critical bonds that

started feeling better by the end of that

continuity of care for which Sheppard

tend to last long after they have returned

first week.”

Pratt has become known. She

home. Psychiatric illnesses, whatever

She had entered The Retreat on

maintained regular interaction with

their cause, limit a person’s capacity to

September 1, 2012, and by mid-October,

Dr. Franklin, among other specialists

relate to others and adversely affect their

her team agreed she was ready to “step

from The Retreat, and she continued

self-esteem. “When the day comes that

down” to Ruxton House, a transitional

her daily group therapy. She was

they are ready to take the next step and

living space shared by a small group of

particularly fond of dialectical behavior

return home, it is remarkable how many

residents in a beautiful neighborhood

therapy (DBT), which is a specific form

residents reestablish their new residence

only a few minutes away from Sheppard

of cognitive behavioral therapy that

near us,” he continues. “Even after they

Pratt’s main campus. Ruxton House

emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of

leave, residents can continue with

provided a more intimate, home-like

treatment. Through DBT, she learned

whatever parts of the program they feel

environment that more closely

effective ways to interact with others

valuable. The wonderful thing about

resembled everyday life, where

and form healthy relationships.

being part of Sheppard Pratt is that we

The interiors at Ruxton House are designed to evoke a sense of comfort and home for residents.

4

“These psychodynamic group

“I was also in group psychodynamic

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT

The kitchen and dining areas at Ruxton House are designed specifically to encourage interactions like family-style dinners.

have the resources of the entire health

“re-enter the world,” often with

system right here. It’s a team effort, and it

guidance from Ruxton House staff

often requires more than one approach.”

members. This includes fine-tuning

“I was very lucky to have the support I had at Ruxton House and The Retreat. They basically saved my life. I don’t know where I would be otherwise.”

— Jane Roberts

résumés, seeking employment

far from the Sheppard Pratt campus.

informal social interactions, such as

opportunities, and scouting for housing

Now 32, she describes her depression as

family-style dinners, and she also had

options, as well as making connections

“very manageable,” and she’s in “a very

the independence to pursue interests

for future mental health care once

healthy romantic relationship.” She

away from Ruxton House, such as

residents return home.

exercises often — swimming, running,

Roberts participated in formal and

spending time in nature. She found the

In Roberts’ case, she had spent

mountain biking, etc. — and has joined a

increased freedom incredibly helpful,

four months at Ruxton House when

number of Meetup.com groups. In

and she gained confidence knowing she

her treatment team agreed she was

addition to her job, she is scuba diving

had around-the-clock access to Ruxton

ready to live on her own again. By that

again, working as an instructor on a

House staff members, if needed. One

time, she had secured a new home and a

contract basis. Also, this summer she

of them was Lane Hicks, then a member

job as a sales associate for a local

started working as a camp counselor for

of the direct care staff who has since

sporting-goods retailer.

an outdoor learning center.

become program manager for

“In a lot of ways, stepping down

“I’m very thankful for my experience

from The Retreat to Ruxton House was

at The Retreat and Ruxton House,” she

hard for me,” she says. “You have the

says. “It wasn’t a place that pats you on

they are in a stage of treatment that is

support of the staff, but you have to

the back to try to make you feel better.

not going to last forever, and the

deal with more on your own, and it forces

At times I didn’t like that it was hard, but

treatment team presents a united front

you to be accountable for your thoughts

it was hard because the staff really

to make sure residents keep moving

and feelings. They don’t want to keep

wanted you to get better and work for it. I

forward,” Hicks says. “There’s only one

you there; they want you to have

was very lucky to have the support I had

Ruxton House; it’s bright, airy, and open,

a normal life. Dr. Franklin and other

at Ruxton House and The Retreat. They

and it fosters this wonderful sense of

members of the team told me, ‘We’re

basically saved my life. I don’t know

community. It’s an amazing place.”

still here for you. If you want to see

where I would be otherwise.”

Ruxton House.

“At Ruxton House, everyone knows

As part of the process of moving forward, Ruxton House residents must take practical and proactive steps to

us, just let us know.’”

For the past two years, Roberts has

* Name changed to protect privacy

been living independently in a house not

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

5

FEATURE/CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS

Healing Is Possible

BY SUZANNE POLLAK

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST HAS FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF RECOVERY’S DIFFICULT ROAD

K

endall Pryor hasn’t entered her

regular trips to the Giant supermarket

working in a science lab that turned

second-floor office at the Sheppard

with her brother, who, she only found

into a career lasting almost 15 years.

Pratt Health System in at least three

out much later, was “shoplifting so we

“I loved it,” she said. Still, “all along I

months. She takes her job as peer

could eat.”

was drinking, but it never affected

Her father re-entered her life

support specialist so seriously that she

my ability to wake up and go to work.”

makes sure she is always where the

when she was 12. “He unfortunately

The misconception of addicts, she

patients are and not alone behind a desk.

started molesting me immediately,”

explained, is that they aren’t aware they

she said. That was the year Kendall

“are walking on dangerous ground.”

She accompanies them to

She married at 22, but revealed

counseling sessions, sits next to them for

had her first drink. “My father had a liquor

support, and always has a positive word

cabinet. I can still remember the

“I never felt connected to anybody.”

to share. Her job, she explained, is to

warm feeling.”

Despite almost 15 years of marriage and

“show patients that recovery is possible” and to assist them in recovering their can recreate yourself. If you trust the

“ I would have these breakdowns — I was feeling filthy.

The shower water could never be hot enough.”

process enough, anything is possible,”

dignity. She also lets them know: “You

— Kendall Pryor, peer support specialist, Sheppard Pratt Health System

she said, adding, “I tell them that healing is possible if you decide you want it.”

Kendall, 46, knows. She’s traveled

two sons who are now 13 and 16 years

not school officials, not even her caring

old, Kendall found herself crying often,

recovery herself. With an alcoholic

grandmother. She kept a tough outer

“still searching for acceptance.”

mother and an absent father, Kendall

shell, maintaining a B average through

spent her youth bouncing from foster

high school while excelling in basketball,

smelled her father’s cologne or if

home to relative and back again.

softball, and volleyball. She also

she saw someone who resembled him,

participated in color guard, ROTC, and

“I would have these breakdowns,”

the drill team.

she recalled. “I was feeling filthy. The

Due to her mother’s alcoholism, “there was a lot of neglect” and physical abuse, she said. “My brother and I, we were left alone a lot.” She recalled

6

Through it all, Kendall told no one,

down that long road of healing and

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

Kendall enrolled at Coppin State University. After two years, she began

Paranoia enveloped her. If she

shower water could never be hot enough.”

Some of those breakdowns led to emergency room visits and short-term crisis management

Kendall said, identifying the moment

employed at Sheppard Pratt Health

when she started to heal.

System since May of last year, where she

Finally open to help, she began

spends her time working with patients on the co-occurring disorders unit.

inpatient stays. She spent time at

treatment. She was able to quit drugs

numerous hospitals and crisis centers

and alcohol, but needed help moving on

without getting to the bottom of

with her life. She was diagnosed by

know no one signed up” to have such

her diagnosis.

Baltimore Behavioral Health in January

burdens. She talks to them about what

To those in her old shoes, “I let them

Kendall admits she was not

2010 with a co-occurring disorder,

they need to put in their “toolbox” so they

open to help at that time, even during

which included drug and alcohol

can handle life’s stresses. “I encourage

the intensity of police and attorney

addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder,

them to advocate for themselves, and

questioning once she decided to have

bipolar disorder, severe depression,

I show them the benefits of being clean

her father prosecuted.

and impulsivity. The goal of Kendall’s

and sober,” she said, noting that she’s

intensive therapy was to address

been drug- and alcohol-free for six years.

Through it all, alcohol gave her the numbness she craved. As her

the underlying issues that led to

husband and friends began moving out

her addiction.

of her life, Kendall, who no longer worked

Kendall worked hard at healing

Kendall is certified as a peer support specialist by the state. “I never thought I would be able to impact somebody’s life

in the lab, met new people who

and recovery. After 10 months of

in a positive way,” she said. At Sheppard

introduced her, at the age of 35, to the

treatment, hard work, and recovery,

Pratt, “I am still kind of having ‘pinch me’

world of cocaine and heroin.

Kendall was recognized for her

moments. It’s amazing.”

She was still working, then at Walmart — when a crush of TV reporters

leadership potential.

She became involved in a peer

When not at work, Kendall enjoys cooking and working with plants. “I have

confronted her at her place of

support program, realizing her story

a fabulous green thumb,” she said. But

employment. They were covering the

could help others, and has been working

mostly, “I love listening to peace and

investigation into her father. She confided

in that field ever since. She’s been

quiet. My life has been very noisy.”

in her manager that her father had sexually abused her as a child/teen. The manager told her that she, too, had been abused. “We cried and laughed together,”

Kendall is photographed in front of the empowerment mandala, which is one of 12 mandalas that represent our health system’s guiding principles.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

7

INNOVATIONS IN MENTAL HEALTH

A New World for Wearables OFFERING THE POTENTIAL FOR A HUGE STEP FORWARD IN TRACKING EMOTIONS

Wearables can provide insight into not just how our bodies are functioning physically, but emotionally as well.

called Empatica E4s, are worn on a patient’s wrist and measure things like stress level, engagement, and excitement through several biometric data markers: Blood Volume Pulse (BVP), skin temperature, and electrodermal activity. The E4 tracker monitors this constantly, and real-time data is synced via Bluetooth with a secure cloud platform, so it is accessible to nurses EVEN WHEN you don’t see them, they’re there, tracking and measuring

data such as heart rate, electrodermal

our every move.

activity (electrical activity measured

and clinicians via both smartphone and computer.

We sat down with psychiatrists

through the skin, which is thought to vary

Bob Wisner-Carlson, M.D., who leads

wearables, and that number is on the rise

with the state of our sweat glands), and

The Developmental Neuropsychiatry

(according to Mobi Health News, 90

sleep, wearables can provide insight into

Clinic and is service chief of the Adult

million units were sold in 2014). Fitbits,

not just how our bodies are functioning

Neuropsychiatric Unit; Desmond Kaplan,

Jawbones, and Vivosmarts surround us,

physically, but also emotionally,

M.D., service chief of the Child and

and for good reason: they provide

tracking feelings like stress level,

Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit; and

valuable insight into how our bodies

anger, and aggression. So what does

senior behavior specialist Tom Flis,

function on a day-to-day basis, giving us

all of this mean for psychology and

who works across both units, to discuss

the ability to analyze and optimize.

psychiatry? Whether tracking a rapid

the unlimited potential these wearables

Wearables have become omnipresent,

shift from depression to mania in

have to improve the quality of care

adorning the wrists of fitness buffs and

someone with bipolar disorder, or

we provide.

data nerds, and now, those with

monitoring a stressful situation for a

psychiatric illnesses.

nonverbal patient with severe autism,

E4s is for continuous monitoring of vitals

the possibilities are endless.

for our patients,” remarked Dr. Kaplan.

Today, millions of people are using

While it’s well known that wearables are great at tracking our workouts,

8

With the ability to track biometric

Here at Sheppard Pratt, we’ve

“One simple, immediate use for the

“Imagine just how much time we’re

monitoring our quality of sleep, and

invested in state-of-the-art devices

freeing up for our nursing staff when we

helping us to better understand our

on both the Adult Neuropsychiatric Unit

take away the monotonous, hourly task

bodies, psychiatrists have recently begun

and the Child and Adolescent

of taking temperature, heart rate, and

looking at the devices as well.

Neuropsychiatric Unit. These devices,

other vitals. They’ll be better able to

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

INNOVATIONS IN MENTAL HEALTH

spend their time providing the care our patients need.”

“While we’re still in the very

“Take, for instance, bipolar disorder,” Dr. Wisner-Carlson said.

“Someone with bipolar disorder will

early stages of exploring what we can

rapidly cycle back and forth between

do with these wearables, one use that,

the two extremes of mania and

for me, instantly comes to mind is

depression, seemingly with no rhyme or

with children with autism,” he added.

reason. But when we can use biometric

“When a child with autism has a

data to see patterns that lead up to that

meltdown, it often feels like it comes

shift to mania or depression, we can

out of nowhere, that nothing could have

step in and medicate if needed, easing

possibly precipitated it. But if we place

the experiences for the patient,”

Sheppard Pratt, part of the Neuropsychiatry

a wearable on children with autism,

he explained. “We can even use these

Program, and is the service chief of the Adult

monitoring their biometric data and

devices with our nonverbal patients;

Neuropsychiatric Unit. His areas of interest include

how it fluctuates throughout the day,

while they can’t express themselves and

we could gather enough data so that we

their thoughts and feelings through

can begin to predict these meltdowns,

words, we can determine their level of

adult transition in ASD, and genetic disorders in

helping to identify the previously

stress and how they’re feeling different

developmental neuropsychiatry.

unseen triggers causing them.”

emotions through the data we receive

Being able to identify triggers, as well as biometric markers, that

BOB WISNER-CARLSON, M.D. Dr. Bob Wisner-Carlson, psychiatrist, leads The Developmental Neuropsychiatry Clinic at

comorbid behavioral and neuropsychiatric problems in individuals with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the young

from the wearables,” Tom Flis added.

While the potential for using

precipitate a meltdown means we can

these devices to alleviate some of

begin to step in and prevent them from

the suffering our patients and their

occurring at all, or intervene sooner to

families endure and to better

DESMOND KAPLAN, M.D.

lessen the impact upon both the child

communicate with and understand

Dr. Desmon Kaplan is a South African-born child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in

Being able to identify triggers, as well as biometric markers, that precipitate a meltdown means we can begin to step in and prevent them from occurring at all,

developmental disabilities and autism. In addition

or intervene sooner to lessen the impact upon both the child and their family.

health projects, partnering with professionals in

to his work at Sheppard Pratt as service chief of the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit and the medical director of Telepsychiatry Services, Dr. Kaplan is involved in many international mental Kenya, South Africa, Israel, and more.

and their family. “By collecting data on

our population seems limitless, these

dozens of children, we can begin to

wearables come at a cost. And at

identify the specific characteristics of

nearly $1,700 per device, they are an

movements and relate these to what

extremely expensive investment. For

we’re observing from the wearables,”

now, we are beginning to pilot the ones

he continued.

we have on select patients on our two

Sheppard Pratt Health System, working on the

neuropsychiatric inpatient units, and

Adult Neuropsychiatric Unit, which offers specialty

can expand upon using these wearables

hope to use the findings to improve

care for adults with developmental and/or

for psychiatric research even further,

outcomes for these populations.

Dr. Wisner-Carlson feels we

and use them with any number of psychiatric illnesses, and in the adult

TOM FLIS, MS, BCBA, LBA, LCPC Tom Flis is a senior behavior specialist with

psychotic disorders. Tom, who has worked for Sheppard Pratt for 13 years, is a board certified and licensed behavior analyst and a licensed clinical professional counselor.

patient population.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

9

IN THE NEWS

Celebrating 125 Years of Compassionate Care

125 years

THIS IS A HISTORIC YEAR for Sheppard Pratt, as we celebrate our 125th year of providing front-line psychiatric care throughout Maryland! Big changes are

including a new chairman of the board and CEO. As a pioneer and leader in mental

The Frost School Celebrates its 40th Year

health care, we have evolved significantly alongside psychiatry since 1891, and will

THE FROST SCHOOL, one of our 11 special

continue to do so while serving the needs of those in our community.

education day schools, is celebrating its

in store as we see shifts in leadership,

40th year supporting students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other related disorders.

‘The Book of Mormon’ Cast Performs on Campus

Congratulations on four decades of service and success!

BROADWAY CAST MEMBERS from the national tour of “The Book of Mormon” worked collaboratively with our philanthropy and marketing departments to put

ONCE on THIS ISLAND

on a one-time musical production of “Once On This Island” to benefit the patients and students at Sheppard Pratt. Thank you to the cast who donated their time and efforts to help us raise nearly $7,000!

Mark Your Calendar!

For a complete listing of events, continuing education classes, and lectures, visit sheppardpratt.org/calendar-events.

series held Wednesday evenings at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 410.938.3900 for information.

PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Annual Care for Kids Benefit Saturday, April 2, 2016

Mosaic Community Services’ Ruby Wax Event

Eating Disorders: State-of-the-Art Treatment Symposium 2016

This year’s Care for Kids Benefit will

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

feature an Elvis theme, with all

Hear Ruby Wax in her presentation,

A one-day training opportunity

proceeds benefiting Sheppard Pratt’s

“A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled,”

featuring five keynote sessions and five

pediatric patients and students.

at Goucher College. 410.453.9553

breakout workshops presented by

Saturday, April 9, 2016

leading experts from the US, Canada,

The Forbush School at Hunt Valley’s 7th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Sponsored jointly by The Kolmac Clinic,

Please join us at Towson American Legion Post 22 for food, music, raffles, and auctions! Call 410.527.9505 to purchase tickets.

10

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

Dick Prodey Lecture Series Sheppard Pratt Health System, and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Maryland (NCADD-Maryland). A FREE, eight-class

and the UK. The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt. To register, call 410.427.3886.

Wednesday Lectures @ Sheppard Pratt We offer a lecture series at

IN THE NEWS

Welcoming New Geriatric Services Medical Director

Climbing Wall Donated to The Frost School THE LUV U PROJECT generously donated funds to create “The Luv

MARC ZISSELMAN, M.D.,

u Wall,” a rock climbing wall for

joined the Sheppard Pratt

students at The Frost School.

family as medical director

Formed in memory of Carolyn C.

of geriatric services in

Mattingly, the nonprofit supports

November, leading the health

a mission to advance the

system’s Geropsychiatric

understanding of, and treatments

and Geriatric Neuropsychiatry Units.

for, mental health issues.

New Principal for The Jefferson School

Students Spread Hope, Not Dope

AFTER more than 30 years in

AS PART OF National Recovery

various positions with Hannah

Month this fall, students from The

More School and some time

Berkeley & Eleanor Mann Residential Treatment Center (Mann RTC) hosted an

working outside the health

assembly to share essays, poetry, and artwork in celebration of their own

system, Michael Kerins has

personal journeys through substance use recovery. The event was a success

returned to take on the role

in emphasizing the dangers of drug abuse and illustrating the results of

of principal at The Jefferson School.

The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt most Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Visit sheppardpratt.org/ education-training/ for more information.

Czarina Santos-Borja, M.D. Memorial Lecture: “Successful Aging” April 6, 2016 Benjamin Liptzin, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine

effective treatment.

Wolfe Adler Award Lecture: “Neurobiology of Universal Mechanisms of Action in Psychotherapy”

CONFERENCE EXHIBITING

April 27, 2016, Note Time Change: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

at a number of conferences and

Andrew J. Gerber, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant

by our booth:

Throughout the year, Sheppard Pratt Health System and its programs exhibit community events. Make sure to stop

Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at

ISSTD’s 33rd Annual Meeting

Columbia University

March 31-April 4, 2016 —

AWARENESS HOLIDAYS

ASAM’s 47th Annual MedicalScientific Conference

Alcohol Awareness Month

San Francisco, CA

April 14-17, 2016 — Baltimore, MD

Harry Stack Sullivan Lecture: “Sullivan & Sharfstein: Pathways to Personhood from Psychopathology to Policy”

April 2016 April 2016

April 16, 2016 — Baltimore, MD

April 20, 2016, Note Time Change: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mental Health Month

American Psychiatric Association’s 169th Annual Meeting

Lisa Dixon, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center

National Autism Awareness Month

May 2016

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week May 1-7, 2016

Honestly Autism Day

May 15-18, 2016 — Atlanta, GA

NAMI Walks 2016 May 21, 2016 — Baltimore, MD sheppardpratt.org • heal.

11

SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM PHILANTHROPY

You give. They heal.

You make great things happen when you give to the Sheppard Pratt Health System

THANK YOU

Sheppard Pratt Health System would like to thank its sponsors for making the 24th Annual Care for Kids Benefit its most successful event yet!

PREMIER SPONSORS: Lewis Contractors Morgan-Keller Construction DIAMOND SPONSOR: Audrey S. Knewstub Foundation Generous support also provided

by The SunTrust Foundation PLATINUM SPONSORS: Allied Telephone and Data Corp.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Cordish Family Foundation Kramon & Graham, P.A. Leonard Paper Company Oakwood Construction Ruppert Landscape

PALLADIUM SPONSORS: Critical Systems by Schneider Electric W.B. Mason GOLD SPONSORS: 3W Cleaning Services, LLC Allegeant, LLC CannonDesign Corporate Office Properties Trust Daft-McCune-Walker, Inc. GBMC HealthCare System KPMG LLP PollyChirp Interpreting Taylor Foundation Venable, LLP

SILVER SPONSORS: Electrico, Inc. Ironmark KELLY Marshall Craft Associates, Inc. M&T Bank Prime Buchholz RCM&D, Inc. Shawe & Rosenthal, LLP Siemens Industry, Inc. VSC Fire & Security Worcester Eisenbrandt, Inc.

BRONZE SPONSORS: Aon Centric Business Systems Dunbar Armored, Inc. Mount Vernon Associates, Inc. Safe Ride SC&H Group Skyline Technology Solutions Spears/Votta & Associates, Inc. T. Rowe Price Transamerica Retirement Solutions

As of 3/7/16

TRAINING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Hurwitz Nursing Practicum

The cadre of PNPs most available

months in direct supervision and training.

was generously funded by the Benno

and interested in this work are recent

The addition of more highly trained PNPs

and Elayne Hurwitz Family Foundation.

PNP graduates. Although they are

will go a long way toward helping CWIC to

It will help to increase the capacity

enthusiastic and energetic, they are

expand care and alleviate suffering for the

of our Crisis Walk-In Clinic (CWIC),

largely inexperienced.

growing pool of individuals seeking

which is approaching annual volumes

To bridge this gap and prepare a new

treatment and crisis stabilization. We are

of 5,000 visitors, by employing

cohort of more seasoned PNPs who can

so grateful to the Benno and Elayne

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

work independently in a busy program,

Hurwitz Family Foundation for making

(PNP) as additional care providers

the Hurwitz Nursing Practicum will allow

it possible!

in CWIC.

recently certified PNPs to spend three

12

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

THE CENTER FOR EATING DISORDERS AT SHEPPARD PRATT

Pregnant Women Can Have Eating Disorders, Too EATING DISORDERS can affect people of

honest with your OB-GYN or midwife in

all genders, races, and ages. But, did you

order to access support and treatment

know that pregnant women can also

that can help you and your baby enjoy

struggle with eating disorders? Because

a healthy pregnancy.

of the way a woman’s body changes pregnancy may trigger more severe

Managing Body Image Dissatisfaction When Pregnant and Postpartum

body image concerns or exacerbate

Are you worried about how a past or

former disordered eating patterns in

current eating disorder might impact

some soon-to-be moms.

your pregnancy? The good news is

or a clinician. Developing this educated

during pregnancy, it’s not surprising that

Eating disorders are serious

that it is possible to cultivate a more

appreciation of what your body is

illnesses and pose a threat to both mom

positive relationship with your body

accomplishing helps to foster an attitude

and baby. Women who have persistent

during pregnancy. Studies have

of kindness and gratitude as opposed to

eating disorder symptoms during

demonstrated that the more a woman

self-criticism or despair.

pregnancy are more likely to experience

understands why and how her body is

complications including severe nausea

changing to support the development

obsessively strive to rapidly lose weight

and vomiting, anemia, preterm birth,

of her child, the more accepting and

gained during their pregnancy. This

miscarriage, and are more likely to

tolerant she will be toward the inevitable

common “get your body back” attitude

require a Caesarian section. The baby is

changes in body shape, weight, and

can lead to a wide range of health

also at heightened risk for low birth

appearance during pregnancy.

problems including malnourishment

After delivery, many women

during what is a critical bonding period

The more a woman understands why and how her body is changing to support the development of her child, the more accepting and tolerant she will be.

with your new baby. Breastfeeding moms have even greater nutritional requirements, and poor nutritional intake increases the risk of or can be a symptom of postpartum depression.

weight and complications such as congenital malformations.

There are many resources that

It can be a challenge in our society

provide week-by-week guides, calendars,

to not be weight-focused. It can be even

and videos to explain what is happening

more challenging during and after

importance of early and effective

in your body during the 40 weeks leading

pregnancy. Investing in an attitude of

intervention for eating disorder

up to birth and beyond. Watching these

body appreciation by focusing less on

symptoms in a pregnant mother. While it

videos or reading the guides, while

size and shape and more on function can

might be difficult to talk with your

exploring your thoughts and feelings,

yield positive benefits for both mother

providers about eating disorder

can provide important opportunities to

and baby. Be kind to your body and mind

symptoms, especially during pregnancy,

talk about the bodily changes associated

during this special time.

it is imperative that you are open and

with pregnancy with your family, friends,

These factors underscore the

STEVEN CRAWFORD, M.D., CO-DIRECTOR, THE CENTER FOR EATING DISORDERS Dr. Crawford has been in a leadership role at The Center for Eating Disorders for more than 20 years. He also serves on the faculty of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he teaches how to identify eating disorders, and is also a lead investigator in federally funded research grants.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

13

THRIVE. A BLOG BY SHEPPARD PRATT

From Our Blog: Life After My Traumatic Brain Injury LIFE IS DIFFICULT enough

Recovery From My TBI

with a mental disability —

After I was released from the hospital, I spent eight weeks in

try adding a physical

intensive rehabilitation at John F. Kennedy Hospital (now

disability to the mix. As

Kennedy Krieger). My mother worked in Baltimore during the

someone with a traumatic

day, and stayed with me at the rehab facility at night.

Over the next seven years, I began the process of learning

brain injury (TBI), I face both every day.

My name is Randi, and I’m a peer support

to walk again. At first, I couldn’t walk more than 200 steps without getting tired. I had physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy throughout my time at school.

I’ve had a cane, walker, wheelchair, and braces on my legs

specialist at Sheppard Pratt.

A peer support specialist

at different times in my life, and couldn’t walk on my own

is someone who shares

until I was 7. I also had to wear a helmet to protect my head in

similar experiences with

case I fell down.

the people in his/her care.

Sometimes, it’s more comfortable to talk to someone with lived experience who can really relate to what the patient is going through.

My TBI Today My TBI still affects me today in that I have a balance problem, hearing loss, delayed reaction time, and problems with fine motor skills. But, my balance has improved, I don’t use any mobility aides, and I’ve even completed two 5Ks!

My Story My story started when I was 16 months old; as of May 3, 1986, my life would never be the same again.

My mother was crossing the street with me in her arms when she was struck by a speeding car. I was thrown from her arms and hit the concrete, where I was knocked unconscious.

I was airlifted to Children’s Hospital; during the ride, I underwent CPR. When I got to the hospital, I was hooked up to a respirator to help me breathe. Later, the doctors discovered that the respirator pressure was too strong, and was

Today, I have an MS degree, a house, a husband, a dog, and a full-time job! Who would have thought? Having had these experiences makes me great at what I do, and shows patients that recovery is possible — and that a great life is out there, waiting for them.

Like what you’ve read? Check out our blog at sheppardpratt.org/blog for more great posts from our staff, patients, and community members.

blowing tiny holes in my lungs, so my chest was opened up

Randi Hamilton is a peer support specialist with Sheppard Pratt Health

and the holes were patched. I ended up in a coma for 31 days in

System, working primarily with patients in individual and group settings.

the intensive care unit. The doctors and nurses thought I would

In her role, Randi helps patients feel more engaged in recovery and

die, and I was diagnosed with the TBI that would impact me, both physically and mentally, for the rest of my life.

less stigmatized. She holds a Master of Science in applied psychology with a concentration in counseling, is happily married, and has a dog named Rusty.

Share Your Story with Us Share with us your memorable story from your time with Sheppard Pratt, and help us fight stigma.

Please contact us at 410.938.4466 or share@sheppardpratt.org.

14

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Sheppard Pratt Health System is a provider of health services that receives federal funds under Medicare Part A and Medicaid.

Accordingly, we are required to have a non-discrimination policy as required by Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Specifically, that policy states that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in the provision of any care, service, or employment.

MEET OUR NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN

Doing Justice SHEPPARD PRATT’S NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BRINGS HIS VISION AND DETERMINATION TO THE HEALTH SYSTEM’S LEADERSHIP TEAM

J. Frederick Motz, a longtime trustee with Sheppard Pratt, was officially named chairman of the board on January 1st. Born and raised in Baltimore, he is also a senior judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

Q. What inspired you to serve on the board of trustees?

A. First, I’m a Quaker. Second, my father

Q. If you could spend a day with any influential/famous person, who would it be and why?

served on the board for many years and I

A. Paul Ryan. He is so thoughtful and has

have always thought this is a wonderful

a very interesting job. He is constantly

institution doing amazing things for

challenged with dealing with people he

mental health.

may not necessarily agree with in a constructive manner.

Q. Why do you feel mental health treatment is important?

A. Why wouldn’t you? Mental health is

Q. What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

important for everyone. There’s no clear

A. Quiet and stubborn. [Initially, Judge

dividing line between mental and physical

Motz could not think of a third adjective,

health, and it’s just as important to treat

and about five minutes after the

and take care of your mental well-being

interview ended, he returned to share

as it is to take care of yourself physically.

the last adjective he’d use to describe himself.] Thoughtful.

Q. As the new chairman of the board, what goals do you have for the health system?

Q. What message do you have for our employees?

A. I want to help maintain and foster

A. I want to ensure employees

Sheppard Pratt’s well-known quality of

realize that they work for a

excellence and partner with leadership

wonderful organization.

and employees to continue to deliver

Employees at Sheppard Pratt have

services to the people who need them.

a goal of helping people, and that is a wonderful thing. Sheppard

Q. What do you like to do in your

Pratt is lucky to have them, and we

spare time?

on the board of trustees certainly

A. I really love spending time with my

recognize the value our employees

family. I have a wife who sits on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as two children and three grandchildren who are all Baltimoreans. I also enjoy playing golf.

bring to the table.

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Mechanicsburg, PA Permit No. 63

6501 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21204 410.938.3000

Celebrating 125 Years of Care AFTER 125 YEARS of providing leading mental health, special education, substance use, and community

125 years

support services, our commitment to providing compassionate care to our patients remains the same as when we first opened our doors.

In honor of our anniversary, we asked some of our employees and patients to share their most fond and meaningful memories, stories, or times spent at Sheppard Pratt.

Visit sheppardpratt.org/about/125-years/ to hear our stories and to find out what Sheppard Pratt means to others.