Easterseals Northeast Central Florida’s inaugural IMPACT Team – the Spring 2019 class – recently was recognized at Easterseals’ annual meeting in Daytona Beach.

IMPACT Team was formed as a result of strategic planning at Easterseals and is a method for enhancing employee engagement. The purpose of IMPACT Team is to create opportunities for employees to affect the future progress of Easterseals and to empower them to be leaders who bring their strengths and ideas into their leadership roles.

To President/CEO Bev Johnson, the group as a catalyst for making positive changes throughout the organization as well. She empowered team leaders Susan Moor, Brenna Giblock, Debbie Neller, Michelle Bucalos and Teresa White to design the program around Easterseals’ strategic planning goals that related to employee engagement and visibility.

Future IMPACT Teams will commence twice annually and will consist of several required components: five sessions, team projects and participation in an Easterseals fundraiser.

This year’s IMPACT Team had many goals for their involvement, including encouraging positivity and growth for employees, gaining greater insight into programs, serving families better, and using the new skills on and off the job. The team is comprised of members who have been endorsed by their supervisors and directors to participate, who also are excited about the opportunity for their employees. They are: 

• Davine Vincent, Case Manager, Autism Center of Excellence
• Deanna McGrath, Coordinator, School Therapy/ Autism Center of Excellence
• Maria Monaco, Client Relations Supervisor
• Stephanie Ford, Special Events Manager
• Jaslyn Clemmons, Teacher, Early Childhood Center
• Starr Legere, Assistant Teacher, Early Childhood Center/ Charter School
• Courtney Gibson, Administrative Assistant, Early Steps North Beaches
• Crystal Smithers, Family Service Coordinator, Early Steps North Beaches

​Congratulations to the Spring 2019 IMPACT Team participants! We are proud of this first “graduating class.” 

The leaders of Easterseals Northeast Central Florida readily recognize that its staff is extraordinarily involved in Easterseals overall success and adherence to its mission. These dedicated professionals do the meaningful, hands-on work at Easterseals and are the driving force behind Easterseals’ purpose. They are the link to clients as well, giving insight into the real impact Easterseals has in stories and in numbers.

Recently, Easterseals honored outstanding staff members at its annual meeting. In addition to recognizing longtime employees, Easterseals’ Chair-Elect Steve Sevigny honored select team members with “Extra Mile Awards.” The honorees were nominated by the Easterseals leadership team for being living examples of the values Easterseals represents. Below are this year's honorees: 

Terri Borzner (Early Steps) – Terri was recognized for the many hours she has dedicated to Early Steps billing to bring all the records up to date. 
John Borzner (Admin/Maintenance) – John was honored for handling the DeLand facility updates, all the room changes in Daytona CDC and keeping the building(s) functioning while staying completely calm and good-natured about it!
Debbie McLaughlin (Accounting) – Debbie was recognized for jumping in whenever she is needed and helping get Early Steps billing up to date too.
Deanna McGrath (School Therapy) – Deanna was honored for embracing the school therapy coordinator position and bringing it to new heights.
Susan Tyler (School Therapy) – Susan was recognized for jumping in whenever needed and for helping with all the staffing changes in Speech Therapy.
Kasey Grebosz (School Therapy) – Kasey was honored for managing an incredible caseload in school therapy and staying positive throughout!
Debbie Raiman (School Therapy) – Debbie was recognized for managing an incredible caseload in school therapy and staying positive throughout as well!
Debbie Neller, Shari MacFarlane, Davine Vincent (Autism Center of Excellence) – These three ladies – our 'power Autism Center of Excellence team' – were honored for working many evenings and Saturdays in support of ACE outreach and its clinic operations.
Ammy Schleifman (Daytona Early Steps) – Ammy was recognized for going above and beyond with interpreting services (covering three counties) while maintaining a large caseload of clients.
Crystal Smithers (DeLand Early Steps) – Crystal was honored for her connection and commitment to the families served by Easterseals Northeast Central Florida.
Diane Barber (Leesburg Early Steps) – Diane was honored for her outstanding work as Service Coordinator lead, through which she managed two locations. During the process, she maintained an above average caseload in a challenging service area.
Erica Garris (Daytona CDC/Project WARM) – Easterseals recognized Erica for bringing creativity and passion to the Child Development Center and for managing a large amount of staffing transitions at Project WARM.
Angela Crooks (Project WARM) – Easterseals honored Angela for assisting in every way possible to help with a variety of transitions at Project WARM.

To all these outstanding employees all our team members, we thank you for you continued dedication to serving Easterseals families. You are the reason we can take on disability together and change lives. 

Star Legere has been a paraprofessional in Easterseals Northeast Central Florida’s classrooms for three years. In her position, she assists lead teachers and works with children on their individualized developmental goals, helping them reach – and surpass – them.

Star said she finds that many folks have a misconception about what it means to be a paraprofessional.

“One thing most people don’t understand about being a paraprofessional is that it’s not a babysitting job,” she said. “I’m there to help children grow to reach their fullest developmental potential and to care for their needs.”

Star is dedicated to children’s growth and understands how important her relationship with students’ families is.

“What I enjoy most about working with families through Easterseals is bonding with them,” said Star. “Connecting with the families helps me understand their children’s needs better.”

Star said she loves working in Easterseals’ team-focused environment; it has helped her become a better paraprofessional.

“There are other people (on my team) whom I can count on when I need help, or when I need to review ideas that most help the families we serve,” she said.

Star never stops pursuing learning opportunities; it’s one of the reasons she’s right at home on the IMPACT Team at Easterseals. IMPACT is a team of Easterseals leaders who are creating positive changes at the organization. The inaugural team was formed this spring as a result of strategic planning at Easterseals and is a method for enhancing employee engagement.

Personal growth and professional development remain important to Star.

“When I first began at Easterseals I had my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential,” she said, “and, through working with my encouraging coworkers, I now have my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.”

Star has immediate plans to continue her professional development too: She will be pursuing her director’s credential in late summer.

“When people think about Easterseals, I hope they think of the caring and loving people that help their children reach their developmental goals,” said Star. “It’s a happy environment.”

Indeed, with Star on the Easterseals team, it seems that her students’ potential – as well as her own –  has no limits at all.

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If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org  for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit www.GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

Barbara (Barbie) Overton is a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach. In her role, Barbie works to lay the foundation for creating a love of learning that will stay with her students throughout their lifetimes. 

From day to day, her classroom activities focus on helping students build empathy and compassion, problem solve and enter kindergarten ready to learn. She focuses on designing activities in a creative learning environment that keep the youngsters’ interest, all the while teaching them how to be their best. 

“Some of the outcomes I want to see in my students are being able to cooperate, share and care for others; being able to think for and express themselves confidently; and being able to appreciate diverse views,” explained Barbie, adding that being resilient in the face of adversity and having a lively curiosity about things are daily goals for her students, too. 

Barbie enjoys many aspects of teaching, but one stands out. 

“I love seeing the growth that my students make,” she said. “Not just the big growth made from the beginning to the end of the school year, but all of the smaller ones in-between. Kids have a lot of ‘aha’ moments and I love being a part of that.”

It’s no surprise that this enthusiastic teacher, like so many others, also values teaching children how to have fun and care for others, too.

“I enjoy seeing my students' faces light up and hearing their laughter when they are having fun doing the learning activities,” said Barbie. “And, I treasure it in my heart when I witness compassion and caring in my students for others, such as comforting someone who is sad or hurt, helping someone remember what to do, or working peacefully and happily together on a project.”

A common misconception about how preschoolers learn is that they are learning even when it looks like “just playing,” she said, adding that the more teachers a child has in their life the better they are and the further they will go. She encourages parents and caregivers to become a teacher for their children. 

Added Barbie: “Make everyday moments teachable moments, especially ‘oopsies.’ We often learn best from our mistakes.”

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​If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org  for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

Jasyln (Jas) Clemmons spends her weekdays caring for youngsters at Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach. Her classroom of spunky two-year-olds keep her on her toes, and she loves it.

Jas joined Easterseals as a floater/substitute in the Child Development Center in 2008. Her responsibilities include overseeing and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities, while ensuring a safe environment for the little ones. She’s focused on creating experiences at Easterseals that help children thrive.

Day to day, the activities in Jas’ classroom help the children reach key developmental milestones. Jas and her team focus on many skills such as potty training, gross motor development, language development and building emotional, social and communication skills. 

Jas also focuses on maintaining regular communication with the children’s families as part of her role as a pre-school teacher. She understands that helping a child reach his or her potential is a group effort.

As an Easterseals team member, Jas also participates in several opportunities for trainings that help make her most effective in the classroom and as a professional outside of it. Jas loves expanding her knowledge with the trainings. 

Jas also is a key member of Easterseals’ Joey’s Gift Respite program and always is willing to help wherever and wherever she’s needed. 

All of these reflect Jas’ dedication to her classroom, her young students, their families and Easterseals, which is evidenced by her 10-year-plus commitment. 

“The first five years of a child’s development are critical,” said Jas. “I enjoy seeing each and every child grow and meet their individual goals. Our role is very important.”

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If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org  for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

​Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida welcomes Stephanie Ford to its Daytona Beach-based team. In her new role as Special Events Manager, Stephanie is responsible for developing and managing major internal and external annual fundraising events for Easterseals. Her key tasks include planning and analyzing cost-effective events; setting revenue goals; forming relationships with and soliciting event sponsors and donors; and coordinating and managing sponsors, contractors, vendors, employees and volunteers.

Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from the University of Florida. 

Before her position at Easterseals, Stephanie owned and operated Stephanie Rae Events, LLC, an event-planning organization that specializes in conducting corporate and professional retreats. 

Her skills include event planning and facilitating, sponsor relations, community outreach, fundraising, public speaking and social-media marketing. 

Stephanie is passionate about creating fun and positive experiences through events. 

“I have been in the events field for many years and worn many different hats,” said Stephanie. “I love creating experiences for people that impact, enhance, or empower their lives.”

She’s an early riser who loves to start her day with a good book. And, when not in the office, Stephanie loves being active and makes the most of living in New Smyrna Beach with her husband, stepson and two fur babies.

“We love spending time at the beach, riding bikes, and hanging out with friends and family,” Stephanie said. “I play tennis when I can and am passionate about health and wellness.” 

She added: “I'm pretty involved in my community and love supporting local business, especially if it's a food & wine event!”

Welcome, Stephanie, to the Easterseals team! Look for Stephanie at Walk With Me, Easterseals’ flagship fundraising event, on April 26 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Learn more about Walk With Me, donate and join a team at www.walkwithme.org/daytona. 

Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida recently welcomed Speech/Language Pathologist Gabriella Walton, M.S., CCC-SLP, to its team in Daytona Beach. In her role, Gabriella is responsible for assessing, diagnosing and determining courses of treatment for clients with speech and language challenges or disorders.

Gabriella earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in speech language pathology from Nova Southeastern University.

In her role at Easterseals, Gabriella works with client families who attend Easterseals Charter Schools and the Autism Center of Excellence, and consults with outpatient clients.

"I love helping everyone find their voice." said Gabriella, who joined the team after the New Year. When not helping families at Easterseals, Walton enjoys playing tennis and traveling.

Welcome, Gabriella! We're glad you're here.

Yes, it seems like magic, but in fact there’s a team of teachers, administrators, assistants and a variety of hardworking folks who help Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida change lives in our community.
 
Easterseals serves more than 17,500 individuals and families with a range of disabilities to help them achieve their full potential. Our programs and services are focused on five key areas: those that help children and adults live, learn, work, play to their fullest potential, as well as advocate for programs that support the same. This is how we at Easterseals are taking on disability together.  And, it’s our team of staff members and volunteers that brings it all to fruition.
 
Davine Vincent (pictured above, middle) is a case manager in Easterseals Autism Center of Excellence. She has enjoyed her role since fall 2016. Working with children on the Autism Spectrum has taught her as much about herself as it has the children and families with whom she works.
 
“I enjoy working with Easterseals because I get to be an advocate for these wonderful kids and their supporting families in more ways than one,” said Davine.
 
As a case manager in ACE, Davine says she’s able to build her knowledgebase as she assists families through the diagnosis process and link them to other relevant resources. 
 
“Our team also works to educate community members and partners about ASD so that they in turn can better serve these children and their families,” added Davine. “This position has allowed me to grow and open my heart to the families who come to Easterseals for help, hope and answers.”
 
If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell,
and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.