25th Anniversary

The Path

"Guiding People on the Path to Change"

A Publication by PA Treatment & Healing

 

www.pathtochange.org

 November 2009, Volume 2, Issue 5

From the President’s Desk...

Who Started This Christmas Thing?  

One mid-December day a mom was Christmas shopping with her two small children.  After many hours of looking at rows of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children ask for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it, extremely exhausted to the elevator to leave the mall.

Instead of being filled with Christmas spirit and the joy of the season, she was feeling what so many of us do during this busy, over commercialized time of the year. She was consumed by the overwhelming pressure to be at every party, every school event, bake tons of cookies and candy, decorate the house like Martha Stewart, find, buy and exquisitely wrap that perfect gift for every single person on her shopping list, make sure not to forget anyone on her card list…..and oh by the way….do all of this while smiling and being extra jolly!   

Arms weighed down with packages, the elevator doors finally opened and there was already a crowd inside.  Pressed for time, she pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids inside along with all of the bags of stuff she couldn’t really afford but felt pressured to purchase that day.  When the doors closed, in exasperation she said loud enough for everyone to hear “whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot”!  

From the back of the elevator everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, “Don’t worry we already crucified Him”.  For the rest of the trip down in the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.   

This year don’t forget to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase and word.  If we all did, just think how different the entire season would be!

The Candy Cane

·         Its shape is like a shepherd’s staff.

·         Its red stripes remind us that Jesus shed His Blood for us and “by his Stripes   we are healed.” Isaiah 53.5

·         Its white stripes stand for purity, and by His death we are made pure.

·         The peppermint flavor is very much like hyssop which was used in the Bible times for purification. Psalm 51.7

·         Its taste is sweet , as it is to talk with Jesus.

·         Turn the candy cane upside down and it’s a J for Jesus.

May you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

All my best,

Jerilyn

Jerilyn A. Keen

President

 

Board of Directors

Timothy Gage

Chairman  

Jerilyn Keen

President  

Fred Martin

Director

Mary Tiffin-McGarrity

Director  

Chris Bingaman

Director

Dr. Chris Boyatzis

Director  

Ted Hancock

Director

Gene McCarty

Treasurer

 

Erica Frey

Secretary

 

Advisory Committee

Jerilyn Keen

Scott Constantini

Stephen Gaito

Robert Vanderwall

William Rossnock

Joseph Talarico

Dr. Liz Ciaravino

Thomas Bell

William Weber

Larry Weidman

John Gigunto

Matthew Yonkin

 

Mental Health Director- Dr. Frederick Maue

Medical Director- 

Dr. Vikas Passi

 

Psychological Consultants

Dr. Matthew Emery & Associates

Dr. Antoinette Hamidian

Roger Smothers & Twin Tier Psych Services

Dr. Sara Camaerei

Lycoming Therapuetic Wrap Around Services, Inc.

Pamela McCloskey

Dr. Hugh Smith & Associates

Karen Livingood

Dr. Elizabeth Ciaravino

Dr. Jennifer Hartey

Dr. Kenneth Kindya

News from our Corporate Office…

We recently wrapped up our two weeks with the Dept. of Health's Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Program Licensing site inspections!  Again we had a very successful year!  Kathy Macrovich, Licensing Specialist, was very impressed with the agency's uniformity, documentation and overall outpatient substance abuse treatment being provided!  Great job guys! 

The D&A staff met on November 4, 2009 for their bi-monthly D&A Clinical Meeting.  The time was spent reviewing the results of the BDAP inspections, discussing ideas on how to continue to refine some of the client file paperwork to make it less burdensome, and also discussing techniques to engage this difficult population and coordination of services. 

The Clinical Supervisors also met in November for a day of sharing and camaraderie. They discussed that Bucknell University, under the direction of Professor Chris Boyatzis, has agreed to analyze our OHIO scales data and provide us with much more insight on what our scores are projecting!  We are currently working through the preliminary data conversions necessary to make the research possible and are looking forward to a productive study for both entities!  We are also pleased to report that the revised Intensive Adolescent Day Treatment Program Description was just approved by the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services, OMHSAS!

On November 11th, several of our community monitors gathered for their annual Driver’s Safety Systems Training which was instructed by Corporate Business Manager, Josh Weisen.  This training is to prepare van drivers and update them on driving laws.  It  also serves as a refresher course for the seasoned community monitors on topics such as safe winter driving tips for the upcoming season.  Everyone at the training had a chance to discuss tactics and swap victory stories of what was working in their center.  It was a great day for PATH community monitors to get together and build on their knowledge and to outreach with the other centers!

The Safety Committee reminds everyone to allow themselves extra time in your travels throughout the winter months and to pay attention to road conditions. Always keep your fluid levels in your vehicle full and your tires in the best condition to avoid accidents or injuries. 

The safety committee would also like to remind everyone to be safe during these holiday months and don't allow friends or family members to drive drunk or chemically impaired.  Truly value the time and ability you have to be with friends and family! Please keep the service men and women who can't be home with their families over the holiday in your prayers as they protect us everyday so that we may have the ability to be with our loved ones!

This is “What’s Happening” at our Centers…

PATH – Bloomsburg:  The clients from our Intensive Adolescent (IA) and After-school Evening (ASE) programs are continuing to work hard on their Path of Life assignments. There was recently a therapeutic group done on the topic of intellectual intimacy where clients were asked to give answers to their parents that turned our to be very interesting and effective for the kids! The IA and ASE programs have also been learning about the importance of personal hygiene so we recently had a group on dental hygiene where the clients saw pictures of what happens to your teeth when you don’t brush them!  The kids are all definitely brushing faithfully now!  Our Alternative Education Program (AEP) is also continuing to run smoothly!  The earth science class is currently studying alternative energy sources, renewable resources, the formation of mineral deposits, and ways to protect our resources.  They did experiments to simulate oil spills and then learned how to clean up after one.  The students are also still continuing to work on their bridge projects!  We were also happy to recently have Dan Knorr, the Mayor of Bloomsburg and District Attorney, Gary Norton, come and speak to our clients about the importance of taking responsibility for yourself and achieving your goals!  Mayor Knorr actually became the Mayor of Bloomsburg at the young age of 22!  We also welcomed Chief Leo Sokoloski who spoke to the clients about figuring out who they are and moving on to the next part of their lives in a positive direction. 

PATH – East Stroudsburg:  Our center would like to congratulate Alternative Education (AEP) student Josh C. who was able to return to his home school district at the end of the 1st marking period due to his strong academic performance and consistent positive behavior over the last year!  The AEP students in Ms. Standiford’s science class have been busy painting a mural and did a great job!  (See picture.) The Day Treatment and Intensive Adolescent clients have been continuing to participate in weekly groups on topics such as forgiveness, stereotyping, fear, and making good choices.  They are also in the process of adopting a local highway and have been working hard to keep the county as litter free as possible over the last several months!

PATH - Honesdale: This month went by quickly!  Our center has been transformed to reflect the colorful beauty of autumn.  The Alternative Education (AEP) and After-school Evening (ASE) clients did a great job decorating the halls and walls of the center in a fall motif.  All of our AEP kids have settled into the routine of school and are doing well!  We had 4 kids with perfect attendance so far! Great job Nick B., Pete E., Sharrod M., and Ryan S.!  On Friday, October 30, the AEP participated in some Halloween fun!  Dean of Students, Linda O’Hagan, and her staff organized an afternoon of team-building competition!  The students played a game of vertical bobbing-for-apples and also participated in pumpkin races. (See pictures.)  The AEP is also looking forward to a field trip to the Lackawanna Coal Mine which is planned for November.  We are very excited that Mr. Lee, and one of our clients, are building a ping pong table for pledge level clients to use!

PATH - Lehighton: Our Alternative Education (AEP) staff would like to congratulate Robert and Hope for their hard work and positive attitudes!  They both successfully returned to their home school districts in late October!  Robert was also in the Intensive Adolescent (IA) program for the past 6 months and made positive improvements in all aspects of his life during that time! Way to go guys!  We would also like to recognize Jason and Zach for recently earning honor club status!  They have both been displaying their leadership abilities and promoting positive attitudes towards other students and staff.  We are very proud of both of them!  Our After- School Evening (ASE) and IA programs are beginning to prepare for their Thanksgiving feast which will be held on November 20th!  We are all excited as most of the food is going to be made by our #1 cook - Miss Marisa!  All of the staff are planning to participate and are looking forward to providing our clients with a giant Thanksgiving meal! 

PATH - Middleburg: The Halfway House residents continue to keep digging into treatment and enjoy positive family outings on Fridays.  They have had a great time going to local high school football games and college volleyball and soccer games!  When it comes to treatment, we are happy that our current residents are blessed to have the support of their parents.  Some of the best treatment happens when parents take the time and effort to invest in their youth.  We personally see the accelerated progress they make because of such support.  A shout out has to go out to the staff at the Halfway House!  Once again, we were blessed to have a smooth BDAP inspection! Great job guys!  We would like to welcome the new addition to our staff, Steve Anderson!  Steve comes to us with over 8 years of human resource experience, military experience, and a desire to give back to youth who are in crisis.  We are happy to have him as part of the team!

PATH - Milton: The Alternative Education Program students from Mr. Kurt and Mr. Matt’s class participated in national fire prevention week by studying the science of combustion, emergency preparedness, and the use of fire extinguishers.  The week culminated with a trip to the Milton Fire Department where the clients were shown different firefighting equipment and vehicles.  Mrs. Carrie and Mr. Curtis’s class recently spent a day touring the Pioneer Coal Mine in Ashland where they were able to take a train to explore an old mining tunnel!  They learned about the methods and dangers of mining in that era, as well as the lifestyles of the minors of that day.  The Day Treatment Program has been facilitating some very innovative and effective groups.  Recently, Clinical Supervisor, Darlene Johnson, had clients create dolls that represented themselves.  The clients used all types of different materials to make their dolls as accurate as possible.  The dolls were used to talk about topics such as self esteem and knowing one’s self.  There was also some interoffice competition that took place this month!  The Williamsport AEP traveled to our center to participate in a friendly game of flag football!  Although a competitive spirit was present, all students conducted themselves in a respectful and courteous manner.  Following the game, students were treated to a pizza party in the park! It was a great day for all involved!                                                                                                                    

PATH - Scranton: Over the last month, the Scranton Center students and clients have been busy decorating the center for fall!   They painted pumpkins and made other fall decorations with Plaster of Paris.  Students were then able to take these decorations home as gifts to their parents.   The Alternative Education students have been working hard at obtaining high levels and Honor Club status.   We are proud of several of our students who consistently worked hard at modeling positive behavior this month!  We have been rewarding them with eating out and ordering pizza, which they enjoy!  The After School Program continues to complete weekly Relationship-based CBT Groups, as well as other therapeutic, interactive groups.   They have completed their own “Wall of Protection Poster” and have been working on identifying what has upset or angered them.   The clients are also still participating in life skills activities such as helping prepare dinner.  Overall, our clients and students have been invested in their treatment goals this month and we have been happy to see their progress!

PATH - South Montrose: Our Alternative Education (AEP) students are finishing up their 1st marking period of academics and are also working through various therapeutic groups.  Our pledge level students have been enjoying going out to lunch on Fridays as a reward for their great behavior and grades!  All of our students would like to wish Torri and Laura good luck as they transition back to their home school district.  Great job girls!  The planning of the Day Treatment’s annual Thanksgiving dinner is still underway as the clients recently sent handmade invitations to the C&Y workers, probation officers, and family members who are invited to attend!  Our center has also been busy giving back to the community as we have been helping to keep the local roads clean and are also planning to participate in a local food drive to help needy families during the holidays. 

PATH - State College: Within the next month, as many as three new clients will be starting services at the State College Center.  We are also very proud of two of our clients who recently earned part-time status and two of our students in the Alternative Education Program (AEP) who have earned honor club status!  Keep up the good work!  Lately, the behaviors of our clients and students have been improving and they, as well as staff members, are learning what all they have to offer and how to best provide it.  The mood is a good one at State College and, with continued team work and effort, it is safe to assume that continued success will occur!  Our clients and staff are continuing to work hard as we reach the completion of our Holiday Food Drive!  The holiday spirit has hit our center as we have become highly excited about the possibility of raising over 1000 lbs. of food for those in need!  Additional holiday spirits can be found in some projects that are occurring in the AEP program and in the initial steps that are being taken to plan a Holiday Party for our clients and families to attend!  The Intensive Adolescent clients have also been exploring other ways that they could give back to the greater good during this holiday season!  In addition to our community service of cleaning up local parks, we are also planning other projects as winter approaches which include working with the Salvation Army, the SPCA, and local food banks!  Our staff members have been very impressed with the motivation that our clients have shown when it comes to donating their time to and for others.  We would like to welcome the newest addition to our staff, Bonnie Fisher!  Bonnie comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge about the social service field and more specifically, the Centre County Region.  She has earned and Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, both in Social Work from Penn State and South Carolina University.  Welcome aboard!   

PATH - Williamsport: The turkey is not the only thing that's stuffed this season, so is our center!  We are happy to be full of clients on both the Alternative Education (AEP) and Day Treatment sides! The Intensive Adolescent program is also continuing to flourish with new referrals pouring in!  We would like to welcome our two new community monitors, Brenna Schemery and Nikki Hendricks! Great job to all of our clients who are continuously bringing in box-tops for the company initiative!  We are also very proud of our AEP students as we had a record number of them earn a place on the honor roll this marking period!  Both our students and staff are looking forward to our annual Thanksgiving Dinner, spear-headed by our own secretary, Sally Edler!  Since November is the month for giving thanks, Williamsport would like to thank Regional Director, Bob Vanderwall for his continued availability!  Also, Congratulations to Day Treatment Supervisor, Shannon Tagliaferri, on her recent engagement!  

OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Each month we feature a member of our Management Team as a way to honor their dedication and commitment to making our Agency the very best it can be!  This month we highlight

 

Mark Bonfiglio, Program Manager

Mark Bonfiglio, the Program Manager at our Honesdale Center, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from William Patterson University in 1998.  Mark then spent a year working in public relations.  He said, “After spending a year writing alone in a small cubical for the benefit of several fortune 100 companies, I decided I needed to follow what I was passionate about instead.  And since being a musician pays even less than mental health, I chose the latter.”  He then went on to earn his Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Marywood University. Since graduating in 2002, Mark has made helping people, most especially adolescents, the focus of his career.  He has gained lots of experience from working in multiple positions, including in private practice, foster care, and in partial and outpatient centers.  He said that this population never ceases to amaze him with their insight and resiliency!  

Mark is a member of the National Audubon Society (the Honesdale Chapter) and the Martin Owners Club, a club for owners and players of Martin guitars.  He obviously likes both birds and guitars!  Mark also enjoys spending time and traveling with his fiancé, Danielle Fleming.  He is also a fan of cooking, cars, cigars, watching football, brewing beer, and playing the piano!  Mark is also involved with the research and development of new products for his fiancé’s company, Danielle & Company, which sells organic body products such as soap, body lotion, candles, etc. (www.danielleandcompany.com)  

Mark’s thoughts on PATH’s mission and purpose: “I truly believe that PATH’s purpose should be the mission of all of its employees - to guide people on the path to change.  Guide is the key word but moreover, it’s about challenging the kids in the program.  Challenging them to become better people and feel better about themselves and their lives in the process.  Personally, I never want to stop changing.  When I do, I have ceased to challenge myself.  The only permanent thing in life is change… and taxes.”

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH….

Ferdinand Bistocchi, a Teacher at our South Montrose Center, has been recognized as the Employee of the Month for November!  Ferdinand has proven to be a fantastic addition to South Montrose’s AEP staff!  He makes it clear that he has a strong understanding of his academic area through the high standards he sets in his classroom!  He also has a great rapport with all of the students and bring an upbeat attitude to the team of staff he works with!  He is very flexible, has excellent attendance, and an outstanding quality of work!  We appreciate all that he does to make a difference!

The following staff were also nominated for Employee of the Month for September:

  • Tara Gillick, Social Worker, Scranton

  • Diane Levan, Secretary, Bloomsburg 

We thank these staff for their dedication to our Agency!  

             Welcome to our family...

Anthony Smith, Case Worker, East Stroudsburg

Bonnie Fisher, Case Worker, State

Brenna Schemery , Community Monitor, Williamsport

Nikki Hendrix, Community Monitor, Williamsport

Steve Anderson, Support Staff, Middleburg

 

The beginning of October marked the start of PATH’s involvement in the Box Tops for Education program.  The PATH centers have started participating in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most as each Box Top that is submitted earns $0.10 towards our fund to purchase equipment, supplies, and other necessities for our Alternative Education Programs!  So far… the Corporate Office has brought in a total of 50 tops, the Williamsport Center has collected 138, the South Montrose Center has a whopping total of 300; and finally, the East Stroudsburg Center has the lead with 398 Box Tops already!  Way to go East!  We are looking forward to seeing how many the centers come up with as the competition continues!  

Upcoming Training Events…

December 2, 2009 - Path of Life Model (Relationship-based CBT) - J. Keen

December 30, 2009 - Dean’s Meeting - P. Charney (East Stroudsburg)

January 13, 2009 - Clinical Supervisors/D&A Meeting - E. Frey & M. Barrows

 

 
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