A Publication by Bethesda PA Treatment & Healing

www.pathtochange.org

April 2008, Volume 1, Issue 8

Board of Directors

Joseph Pugliese

Chairman  

Timothy Gage

Vice Chairman

Jerilyn Keen

President

Fred Martin

Director

Mary Tiffin

Director  

Chris Bingaman

Director

Dr. Chris Boyatzis

Director  

Stacey Kifolo

Secretary

Gene McCarty

Treasurer

Advisory Committee

Jerilyn Keen

Scott Constantini

Stephen Gaito

Robert Vanderwall

Jennifer Evans

Don Coleman

William Rossnock

Joseph Talarico

Dr. Elizabth Ciaravino

Thomas Bell

Captain William Weber

Larry Weidman

John Gigunto

Matthew Yonkin

Consultants

Dr. Vikas Passi

D&A Medical Director

Dr. Frederick Maue

Mental Health Director 

Dr. Matthew Emery

Psychological Consultant

Dr. Hugh Smith & Associates

Psychological Consultants

Roger Smothers & Twin Tier Psych. Services  

DELETE THE STRONGHOLDS

As children, we come into this world believing that we can become anything we dream of becoming.  Ask a child what he wants to be when he or she grows up and they will most likely tell you “I want to be an astronaut, or a superhero, a doctor, a fireman, a princess, or a star”!  Untainted by negative thoughts about their abilities, their dreams are big. We all start out like new computers straight from the manufacturer, arriving into this world programmed by our Creator. God brings us into the world with unending hope. Children have big dreams because no one has contaminated their minds with self-doubt or negativity.

As we go through life however negative thoughts about ourselves, doubts, and insecurities; contaminate our minds much the same as a virus contaminates a computer. Where do these negative thoughts come from? They are the result of life experiences and our environment. We do not come into this world programmed with negativity. It is often past down from our parents, grandparents and others we spend time with. Negativity is not an option from our manufacturer.  Psalm 139:14-16 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.  Instead of being reminded of our value, many of us may have been told we were no good or treated as though we were inadequate and unlovable. As a result, what we think we are is what we become. Lies not detected and deleted can sink down into our memory, contaminating our purpose and potential. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are not to be conformed by the pattern of this world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Before negativity begins to permeate our thoughts, we must delete the virus and reprogram our thinking. We can not hold onto insecurities, inferiorities, and negative thoughts and expect they will not affect us. Negative thoughts are strongholds that keep us from being all that we were created to be! They cause us to compare ourselves with others and think less of our God-given uniqueness. We must learn to identify these strongholds and delete them instead of saving them to our memory. Computers have the potential to do amazing things but one virus can destroy their ability to function as intended. We must reprogram our thoughts with faith and hope, canceling out the lies that grow into strongholds, ultimately limiting our potential. If we fail to purge the strongholds, we are likely to pass along the same negativity to others that have been passed onto us.

I close with this analogy of the incredible power of influence.  A large dog, pregnant with a litter of pups was hit one day by a car. Her back legs were broken but she was able to crawl off of the road finding a place to lie until she had delivered the pups. By the time she was found, her broken legs had already begun to heal.  She survived but had to drag her back legs around behind her because they were permanently maimed by the accident. The pups were born healthy, however as they opened their eyes and began to move around the oddest thing happened. They dragged their back legs just like their mother.  They did this even though they were perfectly capable of walking normally. This is an example of the power of modeling and influence in our lives. Like the pups, we are born completely capable of accomplishing all our dreams but instead take on the infirmities, addictions and mindset of our parents, or other powerful influences in our lives instead of living up to the amazing potential that God programmed us with from the start.

From My heart to yours,

Jerilyn

Jerilyn A. Keen, M.A.

President

News from our Corporate Office…

Chairman Joseph Pugliese, President Keen, and the Board of Directors welcome Dr. Chris Boyatzis as our newest Director to Board! Dr. Boyatzis is a Professor of Psychology at Bucknell University . He became aware of the Bethesda PATH through his experience with sending some of his students to the Milton Center for internships. Dr. Boyatzis has been published many times for his work with human development and psychology of religion. We are extremely privileged to have someone of his caliber serving on our board and look forward to developing a partnership that will include outcomes based research to promote our effectiveness.

On April 22, President Keen, Michele Barrows, and Erica Frey attended the Danville Service Area Planning Meeting where Joan L. Erney, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, gave her State of the State Presentation.

On April 11, Joan Mosier from the Family Support Alliance conducted training for PATH staff from the Central and Western regions of the state.  She provided 6 hours of training on the proper methods of reporting suspected cases of child abuse. Ms. Mosier has over 2 decades of experience in the Children’s Services Field. On April 25^th she conducted the same training for staff of the Northern and Eastern PATH Treatment centers. (See picture from one of the trainings below).

The very first Relationship-based CBT Model training was held at the Corporate Office on April 30, 2008 by President Keen. Approximately 17 staff were selected to participate in the work session and unveiling of the manual, tools and graphic illustrations! Drum roll please…..The feedback was extremely positive! Regional and Program Managers, Clinical Supervisors, Experienced Management Team members affirmed that the new model is even better than the Relational healing model that we used in the past. Training at the Centers of all staff will begin as soon as the manuals, posters, and illustrations are completed. The graphic artists at MoJo Interactive are working on making the Path Of Life Diagram and all of the other visual tools ready for training our staff, clients and referring agents. President Keen would like to thank Erica Frey and Jennifer Napp-Evans for their assistance in writing and editing the manual. Our very own DTS Heather Heiny served as the artist for the project! Just wait until you see what we have come up with Team! Get ready! You’re going to love it!

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

PATH - Bloomsburg: April has been a month of beautiful weather and we have certainly taken advantage of it!  The Day Treatment (IA/ ASE ) clients have been going to the park to do teambuilding exercises and play basketball.  We are proud of our clients as they have been able to look beyond their differences and work together.  The Day Treatment clients have been focusing mostly on respect, discipline, and responsibility and have been trying to work on these areas in their own lives. The AEP students have also been working on history projects on subjects such as Hitler and the Civil War.  We are trying to have the kids apply what they’re learning about these topics to life today. Eric E. was chosen as client of the month because of the huge improvements he has made in his relationship with his mother and family.  Eric has done a great job using positive coping skills to improve the quality of his life! Our staff members have been working together swiftly and smoothly and this has resulted in many positive changes being made.  We look forward to new staff coming aboard.  

PATH - East Stroudsburg: We have been busy promoting the IA Program! Recently, Regional Manager, Steve Gaito, and Program Manager, Lisa Alfieri, met with a representative from the Kidspeace partial program. Lisa and Dwight also met with a representative from MH/MR in order to share more information about the IA program. Hillary is currently working on a creative group project with the ASE /IA clients which involve them designing their own magazine covers as a way of expressing themselves. Our AEP students recently said goodbye to their mentors from ESU who all received certificates on the successful completion of the program. The seniors have been continuing to work on their senior project of helping out at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. They are all looking forward to graduation!  

PATH - Honesdale: Our AEP students have been taking advantage of the local YMCA during the colder and rainy days this month. The clients earned free gym time by doing community service and it worked out very well through the “April showers”! We are proud of two of our center’s seniors who have completed and passed their senior projects with ease. Way to go! Recently, the AEP staff have been incorporating documentaries into their History and Science lessons. They have been taping shows on the History and National Geographic Channels to use as visual aids in their lessons. This has proven to be a good idea! It seems to make the students more interested in the subject. The After-School Evening staff have continued to facilitate groups that focus on anger management, victim’s awareness, and relationships. The clients have been developing positive relationships with the staff which has led to a more conducive therapeutic environment.  Due to the influx of new clients, our staff are anticipating the new Relationship-Based CBT Model! We have been focusing on getting the new clients oriented into the program and creating a positive normative culture. We would like to recognize Jeanine Marcella, Day Treatment Supervisor, as she will be graduating from Marywood University in early May with a Master’s Degree in Social Work! Congratulations!

PATH - Lehighton: Students and staff have been working on coming up with different fundraisers to help out with summer activities and trips. The Competency Class is starting to wrap up.  We have been very happy with how well the classes have gone! We are also getting ready to start community service at the end of May.  

PATH - Middleburg: The Halfway House residents have been working hard therapeutically as well as learning more about exercising self-control, establishing self awareness, and making positive choices to help regulate their own behavior. We are glad to see them making improvements in these areas. Developing skills will help them be successful in the future. The residents are also anxious to prepare a garden again this year! They are planning on planting corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, and tomatoes, as well as a variety of other vegetables. We have found that gardening proves to be therapeutic for several of the residents and are looking forward to them getting started on this project. The residents have also completed some spring yard clean up by picking up outside debris, weeding, and performing grounds upkeep. The HH has had the wonderful opportunity to host some visitors recently.  Lycoming County J.P.O., Stacey Losell, recently visited the facility. Also, President Keen and Deputy Chief, Matt Yonkin, were welcomed and provided a tour. Thanks Jon and staff; you represented us well!  

PATH - Milton: The Milton Center was happy to host Bill Broeker from Northumberland County MH/MR.  Jonathan Sharpe and Denise Scott were able to highlight the Intensive Adolescent Program and the benefits it offers to his agency.  Supervisors from the Milton Center were recently able to meet with representatives from Montour County Children and Youth and Juvenile probation earlier in April.  The meetings were held to advertise the Intensive Adolescent and Specialized Foster Care Programs.  The Milton Center had an unfortunate, but interesting accident in April.  Towards the end of the school day, someone lost control of their vehicle and struck the side of the Milton center.  Luckily, no students or teachers were hurt in any way.    The students in the AEP have been working hard to earn a trip to Hershey Park later this month.  Only those clients who model positive behavior and maintain a high level of academic performance will be permitted to go.  Teacher, Kurt Eck, has been performing some very interesting science experiments throughout April!  The students were given the opportunity to learn about anatomy and physiology by dissecting worms and also created natural “environments” that were used to mature meal worms into Darkling Beatles.  Our clients have been continuing to volunteer at St. Andrew’s Church by helping to set up for the weekly community dinner. We have also been assisting the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce with their monthly newsletter mailing. The Milton Center would like to welcome Brandon Peck, Social Worker, back to the PA Treatment and Healing team!  

PATH - Scranton: As the end of the school year grows closer, we have recognized that our students are getting more and more anxious for summer break! To help hold their attention, we have been trying to add creative and expressive activities to their day. Also, three lucky clients and one staff member are going to be treated to a VIP Yankees game at P.N.C. Field in Moosic! This exciting experience will include a baseball cap, tour of the stadium, a picture on the field, and an opportunity to “Meet & Greet” the players! This sounds like a great time!  

PATH - South Montrose: Our students have recently completed all PSSA testing for the year and we would like to commend them for their great efforts! We would also like to thank all who were involved in this process, especially Carol Potter, Teacher’s Aid, for her endless commitment to our students and center! The AEP program welcomed two guest speakers this past month. Sergeant Tony Chapman met with students regarding the opportunities provided by the United States Army and a representative from the Susquehanna County Health Department gave an enlightening lecture on the dangers of STDs and promiscuity. Our Day Treatment clients enjoyed a Saturday Art Therapy project with Clinical Supervisor, Cindy Wohlken, in which students learned about expressing feelings with paint and imagery.  We are excited that, due to the word spreading about the IA program, several CYS and Probation officers are expressing more interest in referring clients.  Also, Social Worker, Dan Beesley, is currently busy researching community service projects for the upcoming summer.  

PATH - State College: Our Day Treatment clients have been focusing on making changes in their lives, both internal and external.  Their goals for next school year and in treatment are to develop better relationships with all of their family members and to avoid interruptions in family life. The students are all very excited for summer and have started the countdown until school’s out! Recently, the students had some fun with a creative writing assignment in which they created their own characters and dialogue that were then role-played. Also, we would like to welcome Clinical Supervisor- Jessica Montrella, Social worker- Chris Miller, and Dean of Students- James Herlinger!  

PATH - Williamsport: On April 4^th, Robert Vanderwall, Jamie Yonkin, and Todd Puderbach met with Clinton County’s Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Gina Foresman, and new Juvenile Judge, Judge Miller, to discuss the “Be Challenged” Program.  This meeting went extremely well and we are anticipating referrals from them in the near future! All of our day treatment staff have been putting a tremendous amount of effort into the Intensive Adolescent Program and we are seeing lots of progress and success! The AEP is busy planning and getting the center ready for an Open House in May.  Each teacher is responsible for different student presentations for the event and we are looking forward to seeing them. We would like to extend a special thanks to teachers, Robert Wallace and Steven Eutsler for the extra time they put in to paint the AEP! Our community service program recently received special recognition on the opening day for Loyalsock Little League due to our extensive work on the field!  

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

Jack Schreck, Program Manager

State College Treatment Center.

Jack and his wife, Mary Ann, are the proud parents of three children- John (24), Will (19), and Megan (14). Jack has been employed by PATH since September 2006.  During Jack’s illustrious career before being employed by PATH, he held the position of Deputy Chief Probation and Parole Officer for Montgomery County, Maryland. After which, he became a Federal Probation Officer for the District of Maryland. He also held a position as a Gang Liason/Pupil Personnel Officer for Prince George ’s County, Maryland School District. In addition to his many responsibilities as Program Manager/Clinical Supervisor of PATH State College, Jack is also a Professor at Penn State University!

Jack is a graduate of Villanova Univeristy. He has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and earned his master’s degree in Master’s Degree from West Chester State University .

When Jack first came to work with our agency we were located in Lewistown. Seeing the potential for growth and the need for our services, Jack opened doors for PATH in the State College area and with Centre County. This eventually led to the relocation of our Treatment Program there. We are most appreciative of Jack’s initiative and his Public Relations Skills. Jack rolls up his sleeves and does anything that it takes to make things happen! 

Jack is very involved in his community! He is involved with the  Borough Council of State College as a member of the Transportation Commission and Intermediary Council for resident students who live in the Borough of State College and PSU. Jack is also very proud to be an Eagle Scout. In addition to public service, his interests are in sports and coaching of all kinds, as well as gardening.

Jack’s thoughts on PATH’s mission are his desire to give kids hope that they can be successful even in situations of desperation! He believes that we should strive to show them that they can succeed in accomplishing their goals, no matter what has happened at home or in spite of all that has happened in their lives! We are blessed to have someone with Jack’s experiences and personality on our Team!

On April 23,Corporate Administrative Assistant, Marcie Long was selected as a winner of an Administrative Professionals Day Contest that was held by the Central PA Chamber of Commerce! Marcie received nominations from each of her coworkers (pictured below) and Jenn Evans who was not present for the picture. Marcie received several prizes, including two tickets to see the Blue Man Group, a tote bag filled with flowers, an umbrella, Bath and Body Works shampoo and conditioner, a one night stay in a king-size room with a Jacuzzi as well as dinner for two at the Watson Inn!  Congratulations and keep up the great work! We are so proud of you and appreciate you so very much!

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH….

The following staff were also nominated for Employees of the Month for April:

• Heidi Bennett, Teacher's Aide, Bloomsburg

• Colleen Miterko, Secretary, Honesdale

• Daniel Beesley, Social Worker, South Montrose

• Michael Burns, Case Manager, Halfway House, Middleburg

We thank these staff for their dedication to our Agency!  

Welcome to our family…

Mary Kate Baldi, Teacher, Scranton   

Sheri Dailey, Teacher's Aide, South Montrose 

Maurice Murray, Community Monitor, Williamsport            

James Herlinger, Dean of Students, State College

Rebecca Miller, Teacher's Aide, Williamsport

Kelly Keen, Office Assistant, Turbotville

Christopher Miller, Social Worker, State College

Jessica Montrella, Clinical Supervisor, State College

$$ Cost Cutters $$

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