EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A MESSAGE FROM THE
As another exciting school year draws to a close, we find ourselves eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer and all the adventures that lie ahead. We are thrilled to reflect on yet another successful year at TLC and are now shifting our focus to the upcoming summer camps.
Throughout the year, we have come together to celebrate a multitude of events and activities that have left a lasting impact on all of us. The KTSPA Casino Night was a resounding success, bringing our community together for an evening of fun and camaraderie, all in support of our students. It was a night to remember, filled with laughter and friendly competition
We were also fortunate to have a talented KTS Artist-In-Residence Ssuuna, “a dancer, drummer, singer, songwriter, storyteller, and recording artist”, educate and enlighten the school with their positive energy and creativity.
Special Friends and Grandparents Day was a cherished event that brought our community even closer. It was a heartwarming occasion where students proudly introduced their special friends and grandparents to their school environment.
Of course, no school year is complete without the excitement of field trips. Some of the places we went included the Baltimore Musuem of Industry, National Zoo, “Get Air” Field trip, and more.
As we reflect on the past months, we are thrilled to share that TLC's impact extended far beyond the walls of our outpatient office Our recent events and gatherings brought us closer as a community and allowed us to celebrate our achievements together.
One significant event was our annual board and community members dinner, a special evening where we honored and appreciated our board members for their invaluable contributions We also warmly welcomed our new board members, who bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our organization. Their dedication and support continue to shape the future of TLC.
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Additionally, our Outcomes Service organized the highly anticipated Employer Recognition Breakfast, held for the first time in three years at the Pinstripes venue. This event allowed us to acknowledge and express gratitude to the employers who have made a difference by hiring TLC Outcomes Participants. The atmosphere was intimate, and we were fortunate to showcase a video featuring Jen and Conor, two remarkable individuals who shared their transformative TLC Outcomes experience. You can find this inspiring video in the Outcomes section of our e-newsletter.
In May, we gathered for our annual company picnic at the beautiful Lakewood Country Club. It was a joyous occasion, as familiar faces that we often only see through Zoom finally came together We engaged in exciting games, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection. One of the highlights of the picnic was the "tossed shirts" tradition, where I demonstrated my throwing arm prowess by playfully launching shirts to TLC staff members who eagerly raised their hands, reminiscent of an Oprah giveaway moment.
These events have not only brought us closer but have also reminded us of the incredible bonds that exist within our TLC community We are grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm that each member brings to our organization, as it is through our collective efforts that we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
As we bid farewell to some familiar faces, we also welcome new beginnings and the exciting prospects that lie ahead. Summer camp and extended school year promises to be an engaging and invigorating experience, filled with laughter, friendship, and the opportunity for further exploration and discovery Our outpatient office, The Family Hearing Center, and Outcomes Service are running full speed ahead so individuals can accelerate goal achievement in the slower months of summer.
We wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer break, filled with moments of joy, adventure, and relaxation. Our offices are open and we are here for you if you need us.
Patricia Ritter, Ph.D. Executive Director TLC - The Treatment and Learning CentersCAMPS&SUMMERPROGRAMS
Camps for Children with Learning Disabilities
CHILDRENWITHDISABILITIES
Advocacy
Autism
Spectrum Resources
Occupational Therapy
CHILDRENWITHDISABILITIES
Outreach & Training
Speech-Language Pathology
ADHD & Executive
Functioning Coaching & Consulting
STAYINGHEALTHY
Mental Health
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
Schools for Children with Learning Disabilities
Test Prep & Tutoring
Educational Assessment & Testing
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Washington Parent Magazine “Washington Parent Picks Reader’s Poll" Please nominate TLC - The Treatment and Learning Centers
SPEECH-LANGUAGE AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENTS OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATES
We are gearing up for our Therapeutic Summer Programs in the outpatient Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy departments. We have hosted 3 virtual parent Open Houses as opportunities for the community to learn more about our exciting summer programs and all 7 weeks are nearly fully enrolled. Each program will be co-led by a Speech-Language Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist as well as other assistants and volunteers Weekly themes this summer include Fun with Friends, Stars and Stripes, Down on the Farm, TLC Under the Sea, Roar, Roar Dinosaur, Under the Big Top and Monster Mash. Several special visitors are already lined up to visit our camps including a therapy dog, a miniature pony, and a dance therapist.
Our outpatient Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Therapy departments have also been busy this Spring offering free screenings in our clinic as well as providing these screenings in local private schools.
Brigid Baker, OTR/L, Director of Outpatient Clinical Programs, completed a year-long collaboration with the Harbor School in Potomac, MD. The focus of this collaboration was on creating sensory-friendly classrooms. Brigid provided workshops for Harbor staff during their professional development days, visited classrooms, met individually with teachers, and provided input on how best to integrate tools and strategies for individuals and groups of students in day-to-day learning.
Registrations for our Summer Interaction Group, co-led by Shirley Wietlisbach and Kelly Strub, are nearly fully enrolled this summer. The Interaction Group is based on the DIR/Floortime model – a Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based model. It promotes development across a wide range, including regulation, joint attention, communication and language, motor skills, cognition, ideation and execution, and social problem-solving Our Interaction Groups run year-round.
Our Occupational Therapist department continues to grow, and we have hired two additional full-time staff who will begin this summer!
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OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT
TESTING, TUTORING, AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT UPDATES
We provided a reading tutoring program for a local Montessori school during the last school year, and we will continue the program this summer.
TTC continued to work with Sidwell Friends in providing psychoeducational and educational neuropsychological assessments for their students.
We strengthened our relationship with Montgomery County Child welfare by providing assessments to foster youth who are aging out of care.
TTC therapist, Robyn Davy, took advanced training in autism to earn an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Certification this spring.
TTC will be renewing our work with the Howard County Head Start program to provide a parent support group this fall. TTC has provided the parent support group all year.
We’ve continued to develop our counseling training program by bringing on a predoctoral psychology extern in counseling as well as a master’s student in counseling. They will be finishing up this summer.
TTC has a strong team that is well recognized at TLC. Our Director was awarded the Dick Pavlin Leadership Award. Sarah Towne was awarded the Outstanding Staff Award, and Robyn Davy was awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENTS STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Catherine Galvin in the outpatient Occupational Therapy department was chosen for the Dick Pavlin Leadership Award and received this award at our Annual Board Dinner. Catherine has taken the lead in the department as an informal mentor. Her coworkers come to her seeking guidance and advice on clinical matters and input on working with families. Catherine willingly takes time to share her knowledge and experiences and places a high value on collaboration with her colleagues. She mentors OT’s who are new to TLC on documentation guidelines that meet strict insurance standards, ensuring the quality of the department’s documentation. Her passion for the profession and her families as well as her dedication make her an asset to TLC and a great choice for this leadership award.
Emilie Schmidt in the outpatient Occupational Therapy department was presented with the Outstanding Staff award in the Spring. Emilie’s highly collaborative spirit, strong clinical skills and advocacy for her clients led to multiple nominations for this well-deserved award.
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OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT
OUTPATIENT STAFF RECOGNITIONS CONTINUED
Congratulations to Dr. Melissa Smith for being awarded the Richard Pavlin Leadership Award. Melissa's outstanding leadership skills have been evident since she began her role as Director of Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling. Her ability to support and value staff, advocate for their needs, and grow the department has been exemplary.for being awarded the Richard Pavlin Leadership Award. Melissa's outstanding leadership skills have been evident since she began her role as Director of Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling. Her ability to support and value staff, advocate for their needs, and grow the department has been exemplary. Melissa's excellent clinical skills, combined with her newly added neuropsychology credential, have allowed her to expand the services offered by the department including adding insurancereimbursable services. Additionally, her engagement with the community through presentations, services, and training has earned her a well-deserved reputation for excellence in her work.
ANNUAL BOARD AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS DINNER AWARD PICTURES
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THE KATHERINE THOMAS SCHOOL
LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We finished another successful school year! Students are learning and staff are enjoying being part of our wonderful community.
Earlier this year KTS was recognized by the MANSEF board for excellent implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.)
Three staff completed the Orton-Gillingham Plus Certificate. This is a 60-hour intensive program for teaching reading skills.
Three staff completed the updated Zones of Regulation training program. This program helps students recognize how their body is feeling and what strategies they can use to be regulated and ready for learning.
LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL FUTURE EVENTS
July 3-August 11: Extended School Year Program
July 3-August 11: Summer Learning Enrichment Program
July 3-28: Summer STRIDE
September 5th: School resumes
LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS
Casino Night was a great success. Thanks to the PA for raising over $59,000! A full album is viewable on TLC's Facebook page.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day was a great opportunity to invite families into our building to see some of the amazing work our students are doing. The theme this year was "Around the
World". We had over 90 guests attend this year. A full album is viewable on TLC's Facebook page.
Field Trips to Hyperkids, the National Zoo, and Baltimore Museum of Industry were all great opportunities for students to spend time outside of KTS practicing their social skills and learning about the world. It was great!
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THE KATHERINE THOMAS SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL
KTS ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
another school (I couldn t say it any better), Ssuuna s presentation enriched the lives of our students by teaching them a different language along with dance and music native to his country. He also taught the students about self-respect, discipline, and valuing different perspectives...”
The amount of positive energy flowing through the school building was palpable. Students were divided into groups, and they rotated throughout the day with one period with our artist in residence and then classes with school staff for the remaining periods. The whole focus was on Africa, and the classes included:
Storytelling
Making terrariums and soil research, Making galimotos (from a book called, “ Galimoto” –galimoto means “car” in the national language of Malawi) from wire and other materials
Immersion in the math/music connection by making Kalimbas and performing songs, making batik flags (traditional method of dyeing cloths), and researching and cooking East African breakfast food.
On Tuesday, with the counseling department, the students participated in activities around accepting differences while using 3D glasses. On Wednesday, students traveled to Kenya with the Speech-Language department to explore the social customs of East Africa and how they are similar to and different from ours. On Thursday, the OT department focused on the Zones of Regulation and while playing charades, identified different strategies and whether they are appropriate for home, school, or both. On Friday, students performed their dances and drumming for the whole high school program. The roaring cheers were a perfect tribute to the exhilarating week!
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THE KATHERINE THOMAS SCHOOL 2023 CELEBRATIONS
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THE OUTCOMES SERVICE
2023 TLC OUTCOMES SERVICE EMPLOYER RECOGNITION BREAKFAST
The TLC Outcomes Service held their employer recognition breakfast recognizing the employers who have hired 93 individuals utilizing our Outcomes Service. A diverse workforce makes the workplace stronger, and we are proud to partner with 62 employers who hire the individuals we serve. A highlight of the event was watching the video of TLC Participants Jen and Conor, who attended this event. In the video, Jen and Conor sit down to discuss their experiences and personal stories, highlighting the impact of TLC Outcomes on their professional and personal lives. The organizations that were abl attend our event to receive reco included CVS Health, GMMB, IB National Institutes of Health (N Peter's School, Skookum, and W Comp Staffing Solutions. We lo forward to continuing our succe partnerships with these employ entering new relationships with employers who are just discove value and positive business imp hiring individuals with disabiliti
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THE OUTCOMES SERVICE
PATRICK'S EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS STORY
The TLC Outcomes Service advocates for adults with disabilities to find and keep jobs and live independently in the community We succeed in finding our participants competitive, substantive jobs and educational and social opportunities that are vital to their independence and wellbeing.
Here, we highlight the employment experience of Patrick, a participant utilizing the TLC Outcomes Service. Patrick’s experience is just one example of the various types of employment opportunities we facilitate, support, and help blossom.
Patrick works for multiple employers, utilizing his various strengths, talents, and work experience. He is employed by the FCC, Senator Tim Scott’s Office, and a chocolate factory. For this article, we will discuss his work experience Senator Tim Scott’s office through an informal interview.
TLC Outcomes Service recognized Patrick’s multiple talents and capabilities that could help a business thrive. When asked what his role was in Senator Tim Scott’s Office, he stated “faxing, petitions, meet and greets, and receptionist.” His diverse skillset helped fulfill various essential areas of need in Senator Scott’s office.
Patrick stated “he has worked in the Senator’s office a long time,” demonstrating his dependability and value. When asked what he likes about his job, Patrick stated, “doing the meet and greets, meeting people, and helping in the office.” Patrick is a capable employee with both interpersonal and administrative skills; his potential is vast.
Describing a typical day further shows the diverse skill set Patrick has, and the trust his employer holds. Patrick states he “puts out the daily newspapers, fills the
peanut baskets, stocks business cards, stocks the fridge, shreds paperwork, refills the printers, checks for the petitions and record, and greets people as they come into the office.” Patrick encounters multiple departments every day, which is a mutually beneficial experience for both Patrick and the various employers from different departments.
The TLC Outcomes Service empowers, supports, and embraces participants and their unique strengths and skill sets. When Patrick was asked about what he learned on the job, he stated “how to communicate and be on time ” Patrick added that having a job made him feel “great,” and one of the best things about his job was getting paid to do things that he enjoys. The TLC Outcomes Service is an essential community resource for individuals with disabilities and employers to both thrive and exceed potential.
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THE FAMILY HEARING CENTER
LATEST NEWS
ASBURY VILLAGE MOVE
The exciting news this month is we’ve moved our second office at Asbury Village in Gaithersburg to a new space and our hours are extended to Wednesdays and Thursdays. Audiologists Grace Richards and Michal Schimmel are available by appointment to provide a full range of audiology and hearing aid services to residents.
LATEST TECHNOLOGY
All the audiologists are busy keeping up with the many new hearing aids, products and software that are being manufactured to provide better hearing benefits to children and adults. These changes require us to adjust in how we fit hearing aids and associated products.
SUPPORT GROUPS
We continue to participate with retirement communities in our area, and meet monthly at Ingleside King Farm with a well-attended Hearing Loss Support Group. We hope to participate in more meetings this summer with both Asbury and Ingleside to help residents learn about hearing, cognitive health, and ways in which they can gain knowledge about their hearing health.
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THE DEVELOPMENT DIGEST
TLC'S ANNUAL BOARD DINNER
The TLC Annual Board Dinner and Awards
Celebration was held on May 23rd, 2023 at Lakewood Country Club. At this event we recognized and celebrated members of the Board of Trustees, staff, and our community who have contributed above and beyond towards the mission of The Treatment and Learning Centers to improve lives and expand possibilities for those we serve. This year's awardees were:
Volunteer of the Year Award
Joshua Phillips, TLC Board of Trustees
Outstanding Service Award
John Bogasky, TLC Board of Trustees
Joe Parlanti, TLC Board of Trustees
William “Bill” McDonald, TLC Board of Trustees
Richard J. Pavlin Leadership Award
Catherine Galvin
Dr. Melissa Smith
Teamwork Award
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
Rema Haddad
Dr. Melissa Smith
Rob Townsend
Barry F. Scher Award
David Schek
Employer of the Year Award
HomeSense represented by Tim Zeis
Benefactor of the Year Award
Victor Moran and Ana Rivera
Rosemary Colston Award
Michael Chow, TLC Board of Trustees
Outstanding President Award
Barbara Sable, President, TLC Board of Trustees
TLC GOLF CLASSIC: JUNE 2, 2023
On June 2nd, 2023, The Treatment and Learning Centers held its 32nd Golf Classic at The Club at PB Dye in Ijamsville, MD, with 72 golfers participating. It was a beautiful day for golf and a fun time was had by all. Pictures can be viewed on our Facebook page. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and golfers, almost $59,000 was raised for TLC. A very special thank you goes out to Conrad and Lois Aschenbach, our Gold Sponsor, and Taurian Consulting, our Platinum Sponsor. In addition, TLC would like to thank our Silver Sponsors: Rockville Fuel & Feed, Washington Property Company, and Work Comp Staffing Solutions. Ourisman Lexus of Rockville provided a brand new 2023 Lexus RX500 SUV as a Hole-in-One incentive on Hole #14. Thank you to our many other sponsors for the day, and to the golfers who so generously supported TLC We hope you can join us again next year! Congratulations to our 2023 TLC Golf Classic winners below:
1st Place:
Michael Sheridan
Walter Neel
Lexie Lewis
John Mullins
2nd Place:
Fuad Sahouri
John Gregg
Mike Gibson Guest
SPONSORS:
3rd Place:
Andre Jaundoo
Pete Greer
Charles Lee
Sae Oh
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