Aug 10, 2020 | Education, Employee News and Events, GEMS, Milestones
Crystal-Nicole Skuderin – 10 Year Milestone
Classroom Aide – The School at Springbrook GEMS Program
Congratulations to Crystal-Nicole Skuderin on her 10-year Springbrook Milestone! Crystal shares that working at Springbrook has changed her perspective on many things. “It has been a long journey of learning and self-growth. I have learned what helps my students get through their hard times, and I have applied those same ideas to help me get through the hard times in my own life.” Crystal has taken her passion and discovered a way to make a difference in the lives of the students she supports and shares that watching the students learn and achieve their goals makes her heart “melt.”
Crystal began her Springbrook career in January of 2000 at the Kelly Corners Community Home, where she worked until 2004. After a 5-year hiatus, Crystal returned to Springbrook as a Shared Aide in the School at Springbrook’s Residential Program, where she discovered her passion for being a part of the student’s growth and progress. While working in the GEMS program, Crystal was able to hone her skills in ABA, TLC, Pre-wages, and early academic programs. Since then, she has become a Classroom Aide and has a goal of soon receiving her LTA.
When we asked Crystal why she has stayed at Springbrook throughout the years, she shared, “There have been times when I have thought about a different job, but when I’ve looked at Springbrook overall and realized this place had become a second family for me. Family sticks together.” Thank you for your years of service, Crystal, and congratulations on your milestone achievement.
Aug 9, 2020 | Capstone Dayhabilitation, Community Services, Employee News and Events, Milestones
Michele Cleveland – 10 Year Milestone
Day Habilitation Coordinator – Capstone Day Habilitation Program
Today we recognize Michele Cleveland for her 10 year Springbrook Milestone! Michele began her career at Springbrook as a shift coordinator at the Milford Community Home, hearing about Springbrook through a friend. Later she was promoted to a residential supervisor and then transitioned to her current position as a Day Habilitation Coordinator. When she first began, Michele never thought she would be in a supervisor’s role, but Springbrook recognized her skills and dedication, and Michele has made a career at Springbrook. Michele shares that she has stayed at Springbrook all this time because she loves what she does, and loves having the ability to move up in a great organization that has great benefits and an amazing community.
Working at Springbrook has reinforced Michele’s values and has given her the opportunity to help people from all different walks of life. When we asked Michele what she got out of working at Springbrook she said, “I get the joy of knowing that I am making someone’s life a little brighter whether it be sharing a joke, listening to music, or watching a movie together.” Thank you for your continued service Michele, and congratulations on your Milestone accomplishment.
Aug 8, 2020 | Capstone Dayhabilitation, Community Homes, Community Services, COVID-19 Resources, Education, Employee News and Events, Employment Services, Events, GEMS, Home and Community Based Services, Housing Navigation Services, Kids Unlimited, News, Self Directed Services, Situation Saturday, Social Seven, Tom Golisano Center for Autism
Happy Situation Saturday! Today we want to encourage family, friends, and staff to attend one of next week’s scheduled Family Webinars. On Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11, we are hosting a series of webinars for families regarding our Reopening Plans. Attending one of these webinars will be an excellent opportunity for you to take part in our planning process! To register, simply find the appropriate webinar below and click on the link.
Re-imaging Springbrook Day Programs – Adult Day Services Reopening
Monday, August 10 – 3 pm
Click here to register
Kids Unlimited Preschool Reopening Plans
Tuesday, August 11 – 2 pm
Click here to register
The School at Springbrook Day Program Reopening Plans
Tuesday, August 11 – 3 pm
Click here to register
The School at Springbrook Residential Program Reopening Plans
Tuesday, August 11 – 4 pm
Click here to register
Aug 7, 2020 | Education, Employee News and Events, GEMS, Milestones
Shannon Carreras – 10 Year Milestone
Interim Special Education Teacher – The School at Springbrook GEMS Program
Congratulations, Shannon Carreras on your 10-year Springbrook Milestone! Shannon started at Springbrook as a Direct Support Professional at The School at Springbrook’s Penthouse Residence. From Penthouse, she transferred to Sunshine house and then received a position as a classroom aid for the education program. Her transition to the education program inspired Shannon to obtain her Licensed Teaching Assistant certification and continue her education to get a degree in teaching. Shannon has been working as a Special Education teacher at Springbrook for three years now and enjoys going to work each day and seeing the students she works with and the excitement on their faces when they see her.
Many of Shannon’s most memorable moments at Springbrook involve the students she supports and their hard work to gain new skills. She gets to see students she works with growing, succeed, and live fulfilling lives—this has been one of the many reasons Shannon has stayed with Springbrook through the years. “I simply love what I do and the students I work with. They give my work a greater purpose, and I could never thank them enough. I have made amazing relationships over the years with families, students, and co-workers,” shares Shannon. Thank you for your years of service, Shannon, and congratulations on your Springbrook Milestone.
Aug 5, 2020 | Community Homes, Employee News and Events, Milestones
Sarah Lohr – 15 Year Milestone
Assistant Director of Community Homes
Congratulations to Sarah Lohr for reaching her 15-year Springbrook Milestone! Sarah started working at Springbrook as a House Manager at the Glensbridge Community Home. She shares that some of her best days were working there, getting to know the people who lived there and being creative to ensure that residents lived a quality life. Sarah then became an Assistant Director, where she could share all her skills and expertise with a broader range of people.
Sarah shares that working at Springbrook gives you a different perspective on people. “I’ve supported individuals and staff in the best of times, and in the most challenging of times, and in return, I have experienced kindness and loyalties that I would never have otherwise.” These experiences are some of the many reasons that Sarah’s coworkers, friends, and family describe her as an incredible and passionate person.
Sarah enjoys what she does, and also finds it hard to believe how many years it has been. “Just the other day, I spoke to the mother of someone I worked with when I first started. We had to review Covid matters, and when she mentioned her grandchildren, I automatically thought of them as 2 and 4 years old…wondering to myself how she was going to manage to support her son and grandchildren on a visit. She gently reminded me that the grandchildren are now teenagers,” said Sarah. Congratulations on your 15 year Springbrook Milestone!
Aug 5, 2020 | Community Services, Employee News and Events, Home and Community Based Services, Milestones
Lindsey Symonds – 10 Year Milestone
Assistant Director of Community Services – HCBS
Today we recognize Lindsey Symonds for her 10-year milestone at Springbrook. Lindsey has worked in many Springbrook departments during her career. She started in a part-time position as a substitute Residential Counselor in Community Homes while she was in college, working toward degrees in Human Services and Psychology. After graduation, she became an HCBS Coordinator in the Norwich office—helping to coordinate habilitation and respite services for people Springbrook supports. As Lindsey gained more experience, she advanced to her current position as an Assistant Director of Community Services.
When Lindsey first began working at Springbrook, she thought it was going to be a temporary job during college to gain experience in the human services field, but she has stayed because of how rewarding each of her positions have been. “Springbrook has allowed me to grow in my career from the time I was working on my education to when I graduated college and beyond. I have been able to find positions that align with my education, interests, and lifestyle,” shares Lindsey.
Lindsey enjoys helping people and knowing that she has made a positive difference in their lives, and she feels that she has been able to accomplish that with each of the positions she has held at Springbrook. For anyone interested in a career at Springbrook, Lindsey shares, “apply for any positions you think you may enjoy and take full advantage of the trainings Springbrook offers. There are so many different types of positions that appeal to so many different people with various levels of education, experience, and interests.”
Aug 5, 2020 | Capstone Dayhabilitation, Community Homes, Community Services, Employee News and Events, Milestones
Jennifer Grace – 10 Year Milestone
Day Habilitation Assistant – Oneonta Capstone Day Habilitation
Jennifer Grace is a Day Habilitation Assistant but has worked other positions in her 10 years at Springbrook. Jennifer began working overnights as a Residence Counselor at Stone Quarry, then transferred to Averill Road until she became a Day Habilitation Assistant at the Oneonta Capstone Day Hab. Since establishments of the Home Units, Jennifer has been working at the Pierstown residence.
Jennifer is genuine, hardworking, and sincere. She shares that she enjoys working at Springbrook because she loves what she does, and has formed so many life-long friendships with the people she supports and their families. Jennifer was recognized for her hard work, dedication, and passion when she received the Belden Award, given to Springbrook’s most exceptional employees. Jennifer shared that receiving the Belden Award was an honor and a moment from Springbrook that will stay with her forever.
Jennifer shares that all future Springbrook employees should, “…ask questions, be honest, and always go into each shift with a fresh perspective. It can be difficult, but always remember not to take anything personally”. Congratulations, Jennifer, on your 10-year milestone, and thank you for making a difference in the lives of everyone you support at Springbrook.
Aug 4, 2020 | Community Homes, Social Seven, Take a Look Tuesday
On this Take a Look Tuesday we wanted to share a few photos from an amazing trip that Robin—a resident of our Sherburne Community Home— took to Florida back in January. With Robin’s mother, Kim, living in Florida for part of the year, meeting her daughter for a visit at Disney World was something she had wanted for a long time. After a few months of planning, coordinating, and preparation, Direct Support Professionals Octavia Bishop and Jillian Quattrocchi helped Robin and Kim connect for a truly memorable vacation!
Aug 3, 2020 | Employee News and Events, Milestones
Michelle Myers – 10 Year Milestone
Clinical Coordinator – The Golisano Program at the School at Springbrook
Congratulations to Michelle Myers for her 10-year Springbrook Milestone! Michelle is currently the Clinical Coordinator for the Golisano program, and over her time at Springbrook has been an Assistant Behavior Specialist and an Assistant Clinical Coordinator.
When Michelle first started at Springbrook, she enjoyed it but shared that she began with the organization as a backup plan. She wanted to work as a Sports Psychologist. But, the longer she worked at Springbrook, the less it felt like a job, but rather a staircase for her career. Michelle shares, “My position in this field might evolve, but the goal for my career will always be to provide the best support for the individuals I support.”
Michelle shares, “Being able to work professionally to help students gain independence has been very rewarding. Any improvement, no matter how big or small, is intrinsically satisfying for me.” Michelle has been able to do what she enjoys and build a career at Springbrook. Some people have the opportunity to change the lives of others indirectly, but Michelle gets to do that for hundreds of individuals directly, and she says the feeling is “euphoric.”
