newsSUMMER 2014 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2

CrystalSprIngs•New Abilities for a Better Tomorrow

Here at Crystal Springs School, we know how critical effective communication is when attempting to reach students who may not necessarily have the ability to speak and/or listen through traditional methods. With a student body that is largely non-verbal, and several who are either deaf or hearing-impaired, American Sign Language has been long and successfully used to enhance communication in every aspect of campus life. Our firm belief in the principle of continuous improvement requires that we be vigilant in learning new methods and techniques in order to improve our own skills. For this reason, we are very excited to announce our partnership with Ms. Marianne Molinari. Beyond even the impressive accomplishment of earning her Certification in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies from Northeastern University, Marianne has become a highly regarded and sought after ASL instructor and trainer due to her ability and willingness to uniquely immerse herself within the deaf community. In a workshop series that began on Aril 30th and will continue for six weeks, Marianne is providing our teachers, therapists, and residential counselors with the opportunity to learn not only new ASL signs, but new and insightful methods to effectively promote communication and understanding among students who cannot hear or speak. Even from the very first class, several staff members

report already seeing a positive difference for their students in the classrooms, therapy sessions and community outings.

Ensuring that proper ASL signs remain em-bedded within our cur-riculum is simply one more way in which we can further enhance the effectiveness of our total communication philos-ophy. We hope to con-tinue this partnership with Marianne into the future so that we, as an agency, may offer these sessions to not only our own staff members and students’ families, but also to professionals from other schools and organizations as well. After all, as Queen Al-Abdullah’s beautiful words demonstrate, it is only through genuine communication that we as people can develop true strength and intelli-gence. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to impart these gifts to all who live and learn at Crystal Springs. For more information about Crystal Springs School,, please contact Director of Children’s Services Jennifer Lambert, M.Ed, CAGS at 774.855.3473 or jlambert@crystalspringsinc.org.

“We are stronger when we listen, and smarter when we share.” - Rania Al-Abdullah, Queen of Jordan

American Sign Language Trainer/Specialist, Marianne Molinari

As part of our ongoing effort to inform the community about the highly individualized educational programs and services that Crystal Springs provides to both children and adults with autisim and intellectual and physical disabilities, we have begun advertising on buses and trains. So be sure to look for our bus and train ads while you’re out and about this summer in the SouthCoast and Greater Boston areas!

Spreading the Word

Crystal Springs School Announces Partnership with ASL Trainer

SRTA Bus Ad

Albert Einstein once proclaimed experience to be the only true source of knowledge. We at Crystal Springs are fortunate to have so many staff members who not only possess the skill, education and passion to support those who live with intellec-tual and physical disabilities, but vast amounts of experience as well. With over 65 years of combined service at Crystal Springs, the members of our Adult Services Team can tell you that their greatest asset – both as individual profession-als and as an interdependent group – is the hands-on, working knowledge that they have each gained through years of experience.

When asked for potential reasons as to how so many professionals whose skills and experience are in extremely high demand could have such collective longevity with one organization, responses from all six members were interestingly consistent, yet deeply personal. Having served an Assistant Residential Manager, Residential Manager, and now Adult Services Coordinator, Jennifer Jusseaume joyfully explains that her main reason for choosing Crystal Springs as her career “home” is due to the individuals she supports and the impact they have had on her life. Christine Gouveia, Behavioral Technician and ABLE 2 Director, echoes that sentiment and adds that, “We not only empower the individuals we support with new abilities and daily living skills, but they in turn teach us so much about ourselves. It is a great feeling to see how even the smallest accomplishment produces a look of incredible enthusiasm on not only the face of the individual, but on those of their supporters as well!” Residential Director Susan Gagnon credits

her desire to remain with Crystal Springs to the satisfaction she receives from being part of a team of professionals that not only knows “the what and how” of supporting individuals with disabilities, but also the commitment and profound

understanding that can only come from years of experience. In her role as Case Manager, Jennifer Pina has learned “life lessons about compassion, empathy and empowerment” as she works closely with parents, families and staff members alike. ABLE 1 Director Sharon Pothier expresses her

amazement that no matter how long she has worked here, there is always more to do and learn, yet she finds daily motivation as she witnesses so many successes among the participants of the day hab program that she oversees. Perhaps Christopher Rego, who started out as a Community Recreation Aide in the Children’s Program while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree thirteen years ago and has since worked his way to his current role as Director of Adult Services, captured it best when he said, “There is nothing that can compare to the gratification that comes from witnessing a child or adult achieving a goal that was once thought to be impossible for them; and that is something that happens almost every day at Crystal Springs.”

Equipped with specialized training, pertinent degrees and strong character, the expansiveness and quality of our Adult Team’s experience is what truly makes them so invaluable to Crystal Springs and the people they support.

For more information about our Adult Services Program, please contact Director Christopher Rego at 774.855.3347 or crego@crystalspringsinc.org.

Experience Makes a Difference at Crystal Springs

Sharon Pothier, Jen Pina, Sue Gagnon, Chris Rego, Jen Jusseaume, Christine Gouveia

At Crystal Springs, our purpose is to equip our students with the education and tools they need to acquire new abilities and attain their full potential in life. Essential services like speech/language, occupational, music, and physical therapies enhance our students’ abilities to learn at higher levels in their classrooms, communicate with greater effectiveness and live more independently with increased confidence and self-esteem.

In an effort to truly maximize the therapeutic experiences that our students and adult residents receive, we have begun to plan and develop an exciting new Sensory Room. This space will provide several special features, including lots of new and innovative technology and equipment and a much larger area in which residents will actively participate in various therapies, learn a great deal, work hard and, of course, have lots of fun in the process!

Funds raised from this year’s Springtime in Paris event will enable us to get the ball rolling with design, construction

and some of the equipment and technology purchasing. However, in order for us to truly create the space that our students need and deserve, we will continue to need additional support throughout the summer and fall months. For information on how you could potentially play an important role in this project, please contact our Director of Marketing & Development, Dennis Farias at 774.855.3758 or dfarias@crystalspringsinc.org.As always, we thank you for your continued interest in and support of all who live and learn at Crystal Springs.

Enhancing Therapeutic Services

Cody M. working with Physical Therapy Assistant Cathy Gardner.

Famous Last Words…Life is a journey with many twists and turns. When I first informed the Board of Directors of my intention to transition into a new phase of my life last September, I must admit that the end of my tenure as Crystal Springs’ CEO seemed very far away. Yet now, with my time remaining being measured in mere days rather than weeks or months, I find myself experiencing a not-unexpected combination of conflicting thoughts and emotions.

First and foremost, I must express the sincere gratitude that I feel for having had the opportunity to lead and be a part of an organization as wonderful as Crystal Springs. I have devoted my career to improving the lives of those in need. More important than income or the size of an office, the fact that I could have the opportunity to make a positive impact on others is how I have always measured my personal success. While I have been fortunate to experience this kind of satisfaction throughout my career, I know that without question, my years here have been among my very best. Getting

to know and support the children and adults in our care, while also having the privilege to work with talented and dedicated employees has provided me with the opportunity to give my very best on behalf of all who live, learn and work at Crystal Springs.

I am also truly humbled by the accomplishments that we, as a collective team, have achieved together. Having been recruited to bring a wonderful organization to the next level, I believe that our team of hard working and creative employees have achieved a great deal during the past three and a half years. New initiatives such as the CEO Advisory Council have fostered more open communication and cooperation throughout the agency at every level. Increasing our marketing efforts has put us on a path that is quickly leading away from being “the best kept secret” in special education to being more widely known and respected within our field. Additionally, I feel a true sense of pride in having developed a new leadership team within our organization. With this strong team of outstanding professionals, I am confident that Crystal Springs is stronger than ever before and in perfect position to serve and support those children and adults who can benefit from our vast array of services.

Naturally, I feel a great sense of loss in the knowledge that I am moving on from this most rewarding experience and our wonderful employees and families. However, this is mixed with a feeling of great anticipation as I transition into a time of life in which I can aspire to new goals, both personal and professional. I am truly looking forward to spending more quality time with my wonderful wife and extended family, as well as pursuing my personal passion for sailing and restoration projects. And since I cannot change who I am, I will naturally be involved in various professional and charitable endeavors as well. Having begun my career as a commissioned officer in the Navy Medical Services Corps many years ago, I am very much looking forward to working with the Wounded Warriors Project, as it will provide me with meaningful work while also bringing my career full circle.

As strange as it will be to no longer come to work here every morning, the fact that the Board of Directors has, through a national search, found a highly qualified and exceptional person to serve as my successor has certainly put my mind at ease. Ms. Kathleen Lovenberry, who has served as Executive Director of the Stetson School and, most recently Vice President of the Stetson program of Seven Hills, will officially take the helm on May 19th. In spending many hours with Kathleen, I am extremely confident that Crystal Springs will not only be in very capable hands, but will certainly continue to move forward as it enters a new and exciting era of its own.

As I prepare to move on to the next phase of my journey, I am reminded of my first visit to Crystal Springs in December of 2010. My first impressions came from a drive through our beautiful campus. Then, after being here for a surprisingly short period of time, I realized that the impressive physical condition of the campus paled in comparison with the genuine affection and remarkable level of care that our children and adults receive from our dedicated staff. It is this extraordinary level of care and commitment that has guaranteed Crystal Springs a special place in my heart. I shall therefore say “Farewell for now”, and I will leave with the knowledge that a lasting relationship has been formed and that important work will undoubtedly continue.

My very best wishes to you all,

Dr. Spencer A. MooreChief Executive Officer

Editor’s Note: Due to a delay, this issue of our newsletter was published two weeks after Dr. Moore’s official last day, for which we apologize. We wish Dr. Moore the very best in his future endeavors, and thank him for his leadership and tremendous efforts on behalf of our students, adult individuals and staff. Our new Executive Director, Ms. Kathleen Lovunbury, officially joined us on May 19th. Be sure to look for our next issue to learn more about Kathleen’s vision for the future of Crystal Springs!

38 Narrows Road / PO Box 372 / Assonet, MA 02702ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

CrystalSprIngs•

Address Service Requested

Graduation & Prom ...................June 12, 2014

Family Day .........................September 7, 2014

Dr. John Manning Open ...........Sept. 15, 2014

Executive DirectorMeet & Greet with Parents ........June 23, 2014

CrystalSprIngs Up-coming Events•

Whether helping us to provide our students and residents with everyday necessities, Christmas gifts, or innovative technology enabling them to communicate more effectively, the generosity that our friends, family members and partners demonstrated to us in 2013 helped to change lives.

Many of you joined with us to raise money through annual events like our Taste of Spring or the Dr. John Manning Golf Open; and more recently, our End-of-Year Appeal. While it may seem like a cliché, every gift we receive, big or small, truly does make a difference. We thank you for your continued friendship and commitment to the children and adults we serve.

To learn more about how you can support Crystal Springs and the work that we do, please contact our Director of Marketing & Development, Dennis Farias, at 774.855.3758 or dfarias@crystalspringsinc.org.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” - John Andrew Holmes

Thank You for Supporting What We Do

CrystalSprIngs•Board of Directors

Timothy Kelleher, ChairmanJacqueline AshleyMichael KehoeRobert KelliherTom PasternakGloria PerperasJohn PicardMichael PierreJames Rebello

Executive Director

Kathleen Lovenbury

Senior Management Team

Dennis W. Farias Dir. of Marketing & DevelopmentJennifer Lambert Director of Children’s ServicesLucy Pacheco Executive AdministratorDebra Pittman Director of Human ResourcesChristopher Rego Director of Adult ServicesBeth Sakwa Director of Finance