Day Treatment Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Outreach

Outreach
Outreach
Fa l l 2 0 0 9
Day Treatment Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Continued from Page 1…
Day Treatment Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Continued from Page 5…
DGS psychiatrists play a significant role at
each site. In addition, the staff is supported
by speech and occupational therapists, a
school psychologist, a learning disability
specialist, and an academic principal – all
from
the
Delaware
Children’s
Department.
“During the past 20 years I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful and dedicated employees, most of whom have gone on to highly successful
careers – many with DGS. I cannot thank them enough for all that they have given over two decades, and for all that they continue to give today.
The Day Treatment staff makes sure
graduation day is a unique and special
experience for each child. While one staff
member takes the graduating student out
to pick out their own cake, the rest of the
students make cards to present to the
graduate during a small ceremony. The
Lewes Day Treatment Staff (from left): Joseph Scott, Lindsay HudsonHubbs, Shana Powell, Dawn Fleming, Jacqueline Bull, Sylvia Kemp.
Not pictured: Stacey Lowe
Regarding Day Treatment’s long-term
success, Director of DCMHS Susan Cycyk
states, “The program has continuously
evolved to address emerging issues and
changes in the population, and to adapt to
advancements in mental health treatment
for children. The DGS team works
diligently to assure positive family member
participation and achieve high quality
results. DCMHS appreciates our longstanding partnership with DGS and
looks forward to continued collaboration
on behalf of Delaware’s children and
families.”
– Leslie Robertson
PAID
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
Delaware Guidance Services
The Right Help at the Right Time.
Dover Day Treatment Staff (from left): Camethia Baker, Vanita Clark,
Kamalah Griffith, Tim Rex, Maria Darby, Amanda Stryker.
Not pictured: Chris Hampton
The atmosphere would lead one to believe
that these are just a bunch of typical kids
engaged in an interesting science lesson.
and remain in a classroom setting while
undergoing therapy. The program was
very well-received and six years later
another classroom opened in Lewes to
serve the needs of Sussex County.
Over its 20-year span, Day Treatment has
seen tremendous success—of the 55 kids
who participate in the program every year,
90% will graduate and go back to a
typical classroom setting and continue
therapy on an outpatient basis. Only 10%
will need even more intensive services
than DGS offers or will return back to the
program.
theory, the teachers are hired to provide
the schooling and DGS the mental health
component, but in practice the Day
Treatment staff functions as one cohesive
team, working together to help each
troubled child meet his or her academic
and therapy goals.
Each six-hour day provides the staff with
a multitude of educational and behavioral
opportunities to help the children. For
example: an aide is assisting a student
with a math problem he’s having difficulty
solving. She seamlessly switches into a
clinical mode as he begins to get anxious
and possibly explosive. Before Day
Treatment, this child would have thrown
objects or attempted to hurt someone;
but now the Aide encourages him to use
his “tool box” to find appropriate ways to
deal with his frustration. These tools might
include deep breathing or visualization to
help him regain his composure. As the
child begins to exercise self-control, the
math lesson is resumed. Similar scenarios
occur dozens of times throughout the
school day.
20
Looking twice, however, you will see that
there is a wide range of ages in the
classroom (6 to 14 years old) and that for
a small class size of 10 students, there’s an
unusually large number of staff members
(3-4) sprinkled throughout the room
assisting the children. A “quiet room” for
kids who need a place to decompress
borders the classroom and observation
mirrors are built into the back wall so that
clinical staff and parents can witness the
students’ behavior.
WILMINGTON, DE
PERMIT NO. 613
DGS Training Director Jon Baylin, PhD,
who meets with both the therapists and
the on-line staff on a monthly basis, is
impressed with the way the Day
Treatment program has integrated cutting
edge concepts and practices from the
Day Treatment Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
A
Delaware Guidance Services
The program runs year-round with
holiday breaks interspersed throughout.
The average length of stay for a student
ranges from about three to six months.
New students enter the classroom at “level
zero.” A system of rewards for good
behavior will help them make their way
up the ladder, earning more freedom and
privileges in the classroom. For example,
a reward could be extra time on the
classroom computers or a few minutes
more on the playground. When the
student reaches the highest level, they
become candidates for graduation.
A PUBLICATION OF DELAWARE GUIDANCE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, INC.
t first glance the classroom at
DGS’ Day Treatment program
looks like any other classroom
across the state of Delaware: desks and
chairs sit in a neat order of rows facing a
chalkboard, art work and charts decorate
the walls, a smiling teacher is giving out
instructions, and a diverse mix of boys
and girls is examining the contents of a
pile of soil.
for Children and Youth, Inc.
And they are, according to Lewes Clinical
Coordinator Dawn Fleming. Dawn
remarks “You will not find a more
committed, caring group of staff members.
They work as a fluid team with the
children every minute of the day through
every minuscule concern to serious
problem and they keep coming back.
They’re constantly striving to learn better
ways to help our young clients and
they participate in every training session
possible to achieve this goal. They do it
not because it’s their job, but because it’s
their passion. The on-line staff should be
commended and revered for their dedication
and drive to make the world a better place.”
Chris Hampton, Day Treatment Clinical
Coordinator in Dover, explains, “It is
extremely gratifying to witness the change
in students’ behaviors throughout their
time in Day Treatment, whether it’s a
student who once had difficulty staying
seated and focused who can now fully
concentrate or a student who came to us
possessing aggressive and/or self-abusive
behaviors who is now free of those
behaviors. All of our students deserve a
second, and sometimes third, chance at
becoming successful in life and we work
very hard everyday in providing them that
opportunity. On graduation day the room
is typically filled with joy, and sometimes
tears, due to the amount of countless
unconditional efforts our staff pours into
each and every student. Our greatest
reward is witnessing the transformation of
a student’s common facial expression from
an angered and/or sad look to the
contented look of a happy child.”
I especially appreciate the work of the two Clinical Coordinators, Chris and Dawn, who have both been with the programs for over 17 years. Unfortunately,
Dawn recently accepted a career opportunity near her home in Maryland. While she will be missed, Day Treatment will continue to strive to meet the level of
excellence that she and Chris have always established.”
Howard Sims, Day Treatment Program Director
1213 Delaware Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19806
Milieu Assistant Maria Darby explains,
“Your heart has to be in it. I tell staff
members when they begin working here
that any problems they’re having must be
left at the front door before they walk into
that classroom. These kids need us to be
100% there for them.”
A typical day of school will include
breakfast, academics, recess, lunch and
therapy. Periodically the class might
venture out on a field trip in a controlled
setting. Many of the kids who come to
Day Treatment have limited exposure to
cultural and recreational activities and so
the staff tries to provide unique experiences
for them.
graduate will offer encouraging words to
the other students and will call on the staff
to provide positive feedback regarding his
or her achievements. While some kids
don’t want to leave the safety and security
of Day Treatment, most are proud of their
accomplishments and ready to move on to
the next stage in their young lives.
Address Correction Requested
Children who participate in the program
are referred by DCMHS. Many have been
abused and neglected from an early age
and have not formed healthy attachments
with adults. The staff ’s first goal is to
provide an environment where they can
establish trust. Experts agree that a child’s
environment has a great effect on his or
her behavior and so all staff members
focus on the “milieu” (French for
“environment”).
mental health field and applied them to
the day-to-day, moment-to-moment
interactions with children in the milieu
setting. Says Dr. Baylin, “In my opinion,
Day Treatment has been our most creative
program in its integrative approach to
understanding and working with children
who come to us with high levels of trauma,
poor attachment, and underdeveloped
“executive” abilities for controlling their
attention, emotions, and behavior. In the
Day Treatment setting, I see these kids
begin to feel safe with adults for the first
time and to experience what it is like
to have the luxury to learn and explore
without having to be in a constant state of
wariness and defensiveness.”
Step back a little further and you will see
that this classroom is not one of many
situated within an ordinary school building,
but rather it stands alone inside the
mental health clinic of Delaware
Guidance Services. Here, kids are not just
learning science, math and reading… they
are facing their mental health challenges
head on and learning coping mechanisms
and social skills to last a lifetime.
Created in 1989 through a partnership
with the Division of Child Mental Health
Services (DCMHS), the first Day
Treatment program began in Dover in an
effort to help severely distressed kids stay
out of hospitals and residential centers
As one of the first collaborative efforts in
mental health treatment in the state, Day
Treatment has also proved that state
government and private agencies can work
together cooperatively to bring about
positive change. Says Howard Sims,
current DGS Sussex County Director and
Program Director for both Day
Treatments since their inception, “These
programs are truly the result of a private
organization and a public agency working
together in a successful partnership over
the past two decades to serve the children
of Kent and Sussex Counties.” He also
explains that DGS works with several
other state and private agencies including
the Division of Management, the
Department of Family Services, Delacare
Licensing, the Board of Nursing,
the Department of Education, and the
Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations. DGS must
remain in compliance with each of
its policies and procedures.
Of the seven staff members at each
location, two are supplied by the state (a
teacher and a teacher’s aide) and the
remaining five are employees of DGS. In
Therapy in Day Treatment takes many
forms. Most importantly, the staff views
all interactions with the students, whether
it is clinical, academic, or recreational, as
an opportunity for the child to learn and
grow. More traditional clinical modalities
include group therapy, which is part
of the regular school day and an
essential component in helping students
understand how their behavior is
perceived by peers; intensive individual
and family sessions with licensed
therapists; and a behavioral level system.
Continues on Page 5…
DGS News
Outreach
Outreach
BOARD
Staff News
DGS Benefits from Harrington ERA Charity Golf Tournament
Board Member Justin Harrington of Harrington Development
Company, Harrington Insurance and Harrington ERA Realty
recently presented a $3,500 check to Delaware Guidance
Services. DGS was one of 10 local organizations to be named a
beneficiary of the Harrington ERA Charity Golf Classic held
May 21st at the Wild Quail Golf and Country Club in
Wyoming. For the past six years Harrington ERA Realty has been
able to host a very popular and highly-regarded tournament while
helping to further the missions of worthwhile charities all across
Kent County.
Bob McWilliams left DGS to join his wife in beautiful Sante Fe, New Mexico. The staff and board are grateful for the contributions Bob
made to DGS while acting as Director of Finance and we wish him well in his new endeavors out West.
DGS welcomes Jessica Wilson as the new Director of Finance. Former V. P. of Finance for Planned Parenthood of
Delaware, Jessica brings 16 years of non-profit administration experience to DGS. Jessica holds master’s degrees in both
business administration and long-term care administration from Widener University and has worked for agencies such
as the Delaware HIV Consortium, Generation’s Home Care and Connections Community Support Programs, Inc.
Jessica Wilson
From left to right: Chris Anderson (board member),
Rhonda Quin (Kent County clinical director), Sophia
Kramedas-Ghanayem (board member), Susan Hillebrecht
(director of development), Justin Harrington (board
member) and Jeffrey Wark (board member).
OFFICERS
Gary J. Marini, Esq. President
Patrick E. Dolan
Vice President
Raymond Manza
Vice President/Treasurer
LeDee L. Wakefield
Bruce Kelsey, LCSW
Vice President/Secretary
Executive Director
DIRECTORS
Charles A. Albano
Connie Cooper
Andrew W. Milligan
Gail Croft, LPCMH, was a presenter at the First Annual School and Community Summit, “Cultivating Awareness” held
at J.B.M. Intermediate School in Smyrna. Gail spoke about the many programs DGS offers kids in the community.
Chris Anderson
Mary Davis
Elisa Komins Morris
Kathleen Atkins
John Dennison
Warren A. Scott
Congratulations to Steve Moores, LPCMH, for winning the System of Care (SOC) Award from the Delaware
Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families.
Constantine Azarcon, MD
Marta Diaz-Pupek, DO
J. Richard Tucker, Esq.
Sharon K. Baker
Justin Harrington
Steve Walczak
Brooke Bashore-Smith
Jeffrey L. Keefer
Jeffrey Wark
Doug Brown
Marion Klein
Robert C. Wheatley
Thomas Brown
Sophia I. Kramedas-Ghanayem
Kay Wilke
Charles Burton
Leonard F. Kraus III
Mark L. Carrier
Maria Geary Lehman
The Dover Staff battled it out in a Kickball Challenge June 19th. The Blue Thunder was matched against the Uptown Rebels, and after a
rousing 9 innings the Uptown Rebels came out on top with a 10-8 win. Clinical Director Rhonda Quin tells us, “I have never experienced
such an exhibit of both athletic prowess and intense competition coupled with humor and rigorous debate over every close call. It took weeks
after the event for people to be able to walk straight and bend without groaning.”
Best of Delaware
Held at the Chase
Center on Wilmington’s
Riverfront July 30th,
the Best of Delaware
Party was once again a
tremendous success. For
a fourth year running,
DGS was named a
beneficiary of this
Tomeka Mapp, Joseph Scott and Chonice
exciting night of food Glover enjoy a taste of Delaware’s Best.
and fun, along with
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware and the Delaware’s Children
Museum due to open next year. The event gives participants a taste
of all of Delaware’s best while channeling much-needed funds to
organizations that serve
Delaware’s children.
“We are so grateful
to the Today Media
Charitable Foundation
for the financial support
they have shown DGS,”
says Susan Hillebrecht.
“Our staff always enjoys
Susan Hillebrecht and Howard Sims make
volunteering at the
sure every party goer gets a DGS stress ball!
party and the visibility
this event generates for DGS in the community is unmatched.”
of Directors
Support DGS through GoodSearch & GoodShop
DGS welcomes Leonard Kraus (Trey) and Thomas Brown as our newest members of the Board of Directors.
GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine
that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny
per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just
as you would any search engine, get quality search results
from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!
Trey is co-owner and president of Carltons Men’s Wear, Inc. in Rehoboth. He also serves on the Beebe Medical Foundation
Board of Advisors where he co-chairs the Best of the Beach Art Auction Dinner & Dance fund raising event.
GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which
donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your
favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including
Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and
Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and
every time you place an order, you’ll be supporting your
favorite cause.
Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter
Delaware Guidance Services as the charity you want
to support. Better yet, make www.goodsearch.com
your home page. And be sure to spread the word to your
family, friends and colleagues!
Just Say 0265!
The 2009 United Way of Delaware campaign is underway! Please remember that you can now designate your contribution
directly to partner agencies. If you’d like to specifically support DGS with your contribution, simply write code 0265 in the
appropriate space.
Tom is a senior vice president at Nanticoke Health Services. He is an active member and former president of both the
Nanticoke Rotary Club and the Seaford Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the board of directors for the Sussex County
United Way and the American Heart Association.
Spotlight on LeDee Wakefield, Vice President - Secretary
“Uptown Rebels”
Top row: Irfan Gill, Tina Mench, Rhonda Quin, George Oney, Paul
Gitlin. Middle row: Tiffany Tomaski, Malia Boone, Amanda Stryker,
Sarah Schultz, Jennifer Cropper. Bottom row: Chris Hampton
“Blue Thunder”
From left: Camethia Baker, Lindsay Fitzgerald, Kamalah Griffith,
Maria Darby, Kelly Stanley, Stephanie Proctor, Kerri Lohrfink
2009 DGS Service Awards
Congratulations to the following staff members who are celebrating the following milestones this year!
20 Years of Service
Howard Sims, FACHE
Vaughan Dashiell
15 Years of Service
Rosaria Balzamo-Walker, LPCMH
Scott Selby, LCSW
10 Years of Service
Peggy Bastianelli, LPCMH
Carlette Dickerson
Janine Howell-Conkey, LCSW
Natasha Mullen, LPCMH
Vereta Simon
Janice Wienhold, LPCMH
5 Years of Service
Adam Bowman, MD
Patrick Casey, LPCMH
Gail Croft, LPCMH
Maria Darby
Victoria Davis
Donna Jeandell
Judith Jones, LCSW
Shamla McLaurin, PhD., LPCMH
Dionne Patterson
Rhonda Quin, LPCMH
Sylvia Todd
Donna Walker
Mission:
Delaware Guidance Services for Children & Youth, Inc. exists to provide quality mental health services for children, youth, and their families.
We believe that all children have a right to good mental health and should have access to quality therapeutic care, regardless of their ability to pay.
After eight years of service on the Board of Directors, LeDee Wakefield has earned a reputation as a
consistent and dependable resource—especially on the Development Committee she co-chaired for
several years. A lifelong resident of north Wilmington, LeDee acts as Comptroller of her family’s
business which includes the Inn at Montchanin Village, Krazy Kats Restaurant, the Back Burner, and
Everything but the Kitchen Sink.
LeDee first became involved with Delaware Guidance Services back in 2001 when friend,
supporter and past Board Member Cam Yorkston introduced her to the organization. Like so
many people, LeDee had never heard of DGS. Says LeDee, “I am Wilmington born and bred. I
have lived here all my life and I didn’t
even know DGS existed.” Once enlightened
Outreach is a publication of:
about the critical mental health services DGS
Delaware Guidance Services
provides Delaware’s children and families, she decided that helping to get the word out
1213 Delaware Avenue
on DGS would be one of her first priorities.
Wilmington, DE 19806
LeDee has been instrumental in the success of the annual Champagne Celebration over
(302) 652-3948
the years, serving on the silent auction committee and securing donations that often
www.delawareguidance.org
bring out the highest bidders. Before joining the DGS team, LeDee was active on the
Editor – Leslie Robertson
boards of Preservation Delaware, Planned Parenthood and Young Friends of the
Contributors – Susan Hillebrecht
Brandywine.
Howard Sims
LeDee resides in Montchanin with her husband, Dave, and her beloved dogs Lulu
Layout, Design & Printing – AnyColor, Inc.
and Taber. When she’s not working she enjoys time spent with family at the beach
in Rehoboth.