The students were gathered in a semi-circle, some in chairs, some in walkers and others in wheelchairs, staring in anticipation at Melissa Gould. She was explaining that they would be trying out a different style of dance called tap. Somewhat confused by this unfamiliar dance but excited by a new challenge, they all watched intently as Melissa played a short video on the computer. As the dancers on screen moved around stage, their tap shoes clicking and clacking, the smiles on everyone’s faces grew and there were claps of excitement to begin.

In preparation for the weekly dance class, teacher Betsy Allemand had created “taps” for each of

ART OF INNOVATION - DANCE

her students by tying a string to each side of a metal washer and tying the string around a student’s foot. Once everyone was ready, Melissa showed them how to touch their toes to the ground to create a sound. Classroom staff worked individually with each student to allow them to use their taps. Seeing Edwin struggling to strike his tap to the floor from his walker, Melissa ran to him and grasped both his hands in hers. She helped him out of the walker to the cheers of his classmates and staff members. Edwin tried to tap, at first tentatively and to no effect, and then with greater confidence as with each attempt his taps grew louder and his smile

1

Continued on page 3

CPNJ’s Board of Trustees has named Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez, the Senior Vice President for Operations, as the Interim President & CEO. Angelica’s appointment follows the resignation of Jim McCreath in December to pursue other career opportunities. “We are thankful for Jim’s four years of service to the agency and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Board Chair Helene Jaffe. “And we’re thankful to have someone of Angelica’s caliber to take the reins and ensure our agency remains focused on delivering superb programming for our consumers while we launch an intensive search for a new CEO.”Prior to joining CPNJ in 2013, Angelica’s most recent appointment was at The Pingry School, where she served as the Director of Counseling. Prior to Pingry, she served as the Director of Student Counseling, Psychological, and Disability Services at Stevens Institute of Technology, Chief Psychologist and Director of Training for an APA-accredited psychology pre-doctoral internship program, the psychiatry residents and the masters and bachelor-level externship programs at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Dr. Diaz-Martinez also served as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Montclair State University. Currently, Angelica is volunteer faculty at the Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, serves as the Chairperson for the Medical Review Panel for the New Jersey State Civil Services Commission and consults with the College Board on disability issues. “We are going to continue to move forward and evolve as an agency to meet the emerging challenges in the field,” said Angelica. “Our consumers deserve nothing less and we will not disappoint them.”

LEADERSHIP CHANGE

Independent A REGULAR NEWSLETTER OF CEREBRAL PALSY OF NORTH JERSEY WINTER 2015

Dance instructor Melissa Gould

helps Edwin show off his moves.

CPNJ’S BOARD OFTRUSTEES

Edward H. Becker

Darren BurnsSecretary

Shari Caspert

David J. Carlson Vice Chair

Ronald J. Greenberg Co-Treasurer

Chris Halkyard

Bette Hanauer

Brad Jacobson

Helene JaffeChair

Bruce Kleinman

Brian T. KlozaCo-Treasurer

Brian Kronick

Ruth Legow

Clark Machemer

Kelly MarxVice Chair

Maxine Myers

Barry Ostrowsky

Jennifer Pollak

Beth S. RoseVice Chair

Justin P. Walder

H. O’Neil Williams

Amy Ziebarth

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Edward I. Burns

Burton L Eichler+

Thomas L. Litwin+

Jerome N. Waldor+

+Deceased

MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO

2

In this issue of the Independent,

you will read the third and final

installment in our series focusing on

program innovation. Our Horizon

School has added dance to an arts

program that already included music

and theater. Our efforts to bring arts

opportunities to students reflects

both our understanding of the unique

opportunities they provide for our

students to express

themselves and

our commitment

to offering our

students access to

the same enriching

experiences as

their non-disabled

peers. One of our

greatest strengths

– our innovation – is

manifested in our ability to adapt

activities to ensure that all of our

students can participate.

You will also read about our success

in being re-certified by CARF for our

community residences and adult

training centers and by the Middle

States Association Commissions on

Elementary and Secondary Schools

for our Horizon Schools. Neither

certification is required in order for

us to provide these services. Rather,

we chose to use these processes

to challenge ourselves, to continue

to raise our expectations of our

programs to ensure improvement

remains ongoing. We will continue

to seek out these and other means of

keeping CPNJ focused on the needs

of those we serve.

In our next issue, you will learn

about New Jersey’s transition to

fee-for-service billing

for programs serving

adults with disabilities.

These programs, which

include our adult

training centers and our

community residences,

will have to bill Medicaid

for each individual

service provided. We

are intently focused

on preparing for this major shift in

funding and on restructuring our

programs to ensure we continue to

offer optimal services. Enjoy the issue

and we welcome any feedback you

may have.

Sincerely,

Angelica Diaz-Martinez, Psy.D.

Interim President & CEO

CONTACT USDavid BishopEditor

(973) 763-9900, ext. 1601

dbishop@cpnj.org

Like us on

facebook.com/CerebralPalsyofNorthJersey

Follow us on @cpofnorthjersey

www.cpnj.org

www.horizonschoolsnj.org

Continued from page 1

3

ATCS AND RESIDENCES TAKE A BOW

CPNJ has been accredited by CARF International for a period of three years, the maximum awarded. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and it is the fourth consecutive three-year accreditation CARF has awarded to the agency.

CPNJ was accredited in two areas: Community Service: Housing Services and Community Service: Community Integration. The accreditation for Community Integration recognizes the work of the organization’s three adult day programs in Orange, Irvington and Wayne that serve more than 200 adults with developmental disabilities. The accreditation in the area of Community Integration acknowledges the agency’s work in its 14 community residences in Maplewood, Bernards Township, Orange (2), Plainfield (2), Newark (2), Paterson, Livingston (2), West Orange (2), and Warren that provide around-the-clock care and support.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

“We are exceptionally proud of our ATC and residential staff,” said Interim President and CEO Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez. “CARF is about setting exceptional standards and then holding yourself to them, and our staff clearly demonstrated that they want to push our standards even higher.”

Interim President & CEO Dr. Angelica Diaz-

Martinez congratulates Site Coordinator

Diane Scott and members of her team on

their successful CARF accreditation.

Continued from page 1

broader. “You’ve got it!” Melissa bellowed as Edwin as his classmates tapped away.

As her classmates grew more excited, Erica turned pleadingly to physical therapist Mark Liebert. While she can move her feet, she was unable to do so while seated in her wheelchair. Mark adjusted her footrest and Erica was soon tapping along with her classmates. “I love it! Keep going Erica” shouted Melissa as she leaped around in excitement.

Melissa has been providing dance classes to Horizon School students for over a year. Thanks to a generous donation from CPNJ Board member Ed Becker and his wife Barbara, the school was able to contract with Melissa’s dance company, Just Dance, which has experience working with students with disabilities. “I love teaching dance, and I have never had a more exciting and fulfilling teaching opportunity than I’ve enjoyed here at Horizon,” said Melissa. “These students clearly enjoy the art of dance, and I am amazed every week how far their technique has progressed. For me, Fridays can’t come soon enough so I can see my students. I just love coming to Horizon.”

“The dance program is a lot of fun for our students,” said Linda Peroff, Coordinator of Therapy at Horizon School. “But for our team it is also a wonderful opportunity to integrate therapy into the lesson. Dance provides added motivation and students don’t even realize they’re working on their physical therapy goals.” For Horizon School Principal Tina Volpe, the dance program is representative of the spirit of the school. “We are working constantly to develop new and innovative programming and to provide the expertise that will allow our students to adapt and participate in the same activities as any other student,” said Tina. “And as you can tell by the smiles on our students’ faces, dance is truly for everyone.”

4

THE HORIZON SCHOOL GYM IS NOW OPEN!SUMMIT AREA PUBLIC FOUNDATION SUPPORTS NEW PT GYM

The pride was evident in the faces of Horizon School physical therapists as they escorted students into their new therapy gym. Supported by a grant from the Summit Area Public Foundation, the gym boasts an array of equipment that includes:

TREADMILL: The new treadmill is used in conjunction with a device called a LiteGait, which utilizes a suspension system to provide proper upright posture as well as balance and safety. A harness supports the student in the trunk and groin, redistributing weight that would otherwise have to be borne by the legs.

UPPER BODY ERGOMETER: The ergometer helps with upper body strength and overall endurance. It will help students to improve functional use of their upper body for transfers, activities of daily living, dressing, handwriting and other fine motor skills.

THERABAND SYSTEM: This piece of equipment functions as a pulley system, but uses colored elastics of varying strengths rather than traditional pulleys. It is a great way to improve upper body strength as well as core muscle strength.

OBSTACLE COURSE EQUIPMENT: An array of new equipment allows physical therapists to set up obstacle courses (tailored to the individual student with whom they are working) that will help students work on motor planning skills, balance, functional mobility and coordination in a manner that is highly motivating and fun.

CUFF WEIGHTS AND RACK: A range of cuff weights or various weights can be attached to students’ legs and arms for upper and lower body strengthening exercises as well as proprioceptive activities.

ELECTRIC HI/LO MAT: Transferring students from wheelchairs to a therapy mat can be challenging for students and their therapists (particularly with larger students). The Hi/Low Mat is specifically designed to assist with transfers, as it can be raised and lowered to make the transfer as easy and comfortable as possible. Once on the mat, students can practice working on their mobility skills and the top portion can also be angled for students who are not able to tolerate being in supine (on their back) position.

PT Tami Pantiliano works with

Cameron on the LiteGait and treadmill

Lenny shows off his skills on the

obstacle course with PT Tami Pantiliano

“We are thankful to the Summit Area Public Foundation for their continued generosity,” said Linda Peroff, Coordinator of Therapy for Horizon School. “Horizon School has an unparalleled therapy program and this PT gym is another step in ensuring we remain a state-of-the art school. It has the tools to allow our team to deliver the most effective therapeutic services possible.”

5

PT Mark Liebert works with

Zeed on the ergometer

PT Steve Pasterick works on stretching

with Breanna on the hi/lo mat

HORIZON SCHOOLS SHINE FOR MIDDLE STATES

Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez (left) congratulates

Horizon Elementary School Principal Tina Volpe

and Horizon High School Principal Chris Lynch

CPNJ’s Horizon Schools have again earned accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement. The accreditation is for seven years, the maximum awarded.

Accreditation is a self-evaluation process the schools voluntarily undergo to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of performance standards. The process helps schools to continuously grow and improve. The process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school and requires input from school leaders, teachers, therapists, parents and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Association member schools conducts an on-site peer review visit to observe school operations and interview various stakeholders. The visiting team then makes its recommendations to the Middle States Association Commissions, which votes on the accreditation.

“We are pleased to have earned accreditation by the Middle States Association and to share in our success with the greater school community, especially the therapists, teachers, parents and students who worked so hard to make this possible,” said Horizon High School Principal Chris Lynch. “Accreditation confirms and validates the work we do each and every day to ensure a top quality education for our students.”

6

ENCOURAGING “UNSELFIE” ACTS VOLUNTEER VISITS

Students from Golda Och Academy visited Horizon

School in January to engage in various activities.

Students from their robotics club worked with Horizon

student Mark on adapting a remote control stuffed

animal to be controlled by Mark.

Giving Tuesday is a nationwide event designed to encourage charitable giving. The event was developed to counter the materialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday by establishing a day each year for giving to the charities of your choice.

CPNJ joined the movement for the first time in 2014, launching an “unselfie” campaign on social media. “The concept of the unselfie is to take a photo of yourself helping others,” said Corry DeMarco, CPNJ’s Coordinator of Volunteers, who spearheaded the effort. CPNJ reached out to consumer families, volunteers and staff members and asked them to submit unselfies and to make a gift on Giving Tuesday. In response, we received a host of heartwarming photos and contributions of more than $5,000.

“We are thankful to everyone who participated,” said Corry. “They not only helped our agency, they helped bring back the true spirit of the holidays.”

Volunteer Jennie Alvarez does an “unselfie” with

Samantha at the Irvington Adult Training Center

Students from Randolph High School visited Horizon

School in January to do arts and crafts projects with

students, including decorating paper plates to look like

snowmen.

Students from the Morris County Academy for Health

Care Sciences visited Horizon School and Horizon High

School in February. At Horizon, volunteers performed

activities related to the movie “Frozen” while

volunteers at the high school worked with students

to make Valentine’s Day cards.

Doctoral physical therapy students from Rutgers

University visited Horizon School in March to

gain hands-on experience and meet the students

of Horizon

7

Tribute GiftsIf you would like to remember someone with an “in memory of” gift or celebrate a special occasion with an “in honor of” gift, please contact the CPNJ development office at (973) 763-9900, ext. 1602. We will notify the person of your choosing

with a special card telling them that a gift was made.

In Honor Of GiftsFor: Lianna HalkyardBy: Carolyn DeGroot Martin Halkyard Edwin & Nicole Halkyard

For: Richard BermanBy: Lonnie & Bette Hanauer

For: Michael GoldbergBy: Jonathan J. Cohen & Neil A. Owens

For: Bette HanauerBy: Dr. & Mrs. Kopel & Renee Burk S. Kenneth & Carol Jacobson

For: Diane ScottBy: Pam Friedman

In Memory Of GiftsFor: John RitterBy: Robert & Candy Matarazzo

For: Jake Cust, Sr.By: Brian T. & Paula Kloza

For: John Thomas HelselBy: Ted Glarrow

For: Louis DiBellaBy: Brian T. & Paula Kloza

For: Conrad LissBy: Brian T. & Paula Kloza

For: Maxine MyersBy: Barbara Drench

For: Mary RuizBy: Melissa Linney

For: Jack TorreyBy: Raymond Torrey

For: Michael LewisBy: Charlotte Greene

For: Allison HollenderBy: Steven & Lauren Hollender

For: David PeroffBy: Horizon Schools PTTA David & Diane Jacobs

For: Kurt & Gene BaugmartenBy: Beth McNeil

For: Elliot MarkellBy: Ed & Barbara Becker

For: Eitan ZurBy: Brian T. & Paula Kloza

Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey220 South Orange AvenueSuite 300 Livingston, NJ 07039

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 345CALDWELL, NJ

BOARD SPOTLIGHT ON... CHRIS HALKYARD

8

Chris was born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served for four years as a Logistics Specialist before attending the University of Maryland, College Park. After graduating, he embarked on a career in corporate logistics, working with major firms that included FAO Schwarz, L’Occitane en Provence and Marc

Ecko. In 2010, he joined the online retailer the Gilt Groupe, where he rose to become Chief Supply Chain Officer and General Manager of Distribution Services.

Chris and his wife, Nicole, were introduced to CPNJ ten years ago when looking for a school for their daughter, Lianna. “When we walked into Horizon School,” recalled Chris, “the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming and we knew we had finally found the right school for our daughter.” Lianna quickly enrolled and the Halkyards soon immersed themselves in activities to support their new school. Nicole joined the Parent Teacher and Therapist Association (PTTA), helping to organize fundraisers and staff recognition events. Chris joined the event committee for the agency’s annual touch football tournament. And the whole family became major fundraisers for

the school’s annual Wheelin’-n’-Walkin’ Challenge fundraiser.

In 2014, members of the agency’s Board of Trustees approached Chris about joining the board and he agreed. “I worked with Chris on our football event for about six years,” said board member Kelly Marx. “He has expertise in finance and operations that will be invaluable to our agency and we’ve already seen very clearly how supportive he and his whole family is of Horizon School and CPNJ. ”

“I’m honored to be asked to serve,” said Chris. “Through my daughter’s experience at Horizon School, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this agency has on its clients. I want to do all I can to ensure that CPNJ will always be there for families like ours.” Chris and Nicole live in Sparta with their three children, Bret, Lianna and Jenna.

Return Service Requested