Easterseals Northeast Central Florida has created a new category for recognizing outstanding staff members as part of its “Emerging Leaders” awards.
 
Recently at Easterseals' annual meeting, board member Melissa Burt DeVriese recognized three staff members recognized by their supervisors for overall initiative and growth mindset for the Easterseals organization. The honorees -- Deanna McGrath, Michelle Bucalos and Christina Hopkins -- are listed below. Read more about them and join us in recognizing their incredible effort, top-notch professionalism and investment in Easterseals mission!
 
Deanna McGrath, School Therapy Coordinator and Autism Case Manager – Deanna stepped into a new position at Easterseals as a school therapy coordinator last year and hit the ground running. She has assisted in scheduling, paperwork, is known for her consistent friendliness and upbeat attitude. She’s also an impressive seeker of new opportunities for the organization as a whole.
 
Michelle Bucalos, Programs Manager – Michelle is a lifelong learner and has jumped at opportunities that have presented themselves. She was one of the first staff members to fully engage in the training and use of Easterseals' donor relations management system, and she recently began writing grants as well. (Notably, Michelle found two grants that may be a good fit for Easterseals, researched them, wrote the narratives and secured funding for Easterseals through both opportunities!)
 
Christina Hopkins, Assistant Principal, Charter Schools – Christina has worked tirelessly building her team and building relationships in DeLand to increase quality and improve our students and families’ pre-school experiences at the Charter School there. She has done an outstanding job advancing the school, surpassing all expectations with performance. Christina is dedicated to her job and her team and families and demonstrates it daily. Most recently, she oversaw a complete renovation of the DeLand location as she acted as project manager, cheerleader, a hands-on "worker bee" and role model. Christina and her team did an incredible job to transform the Deland Charter School into a charming, inviting community school.
 
We are thankful for Deanna, Michelle and Christina and their ongoing efforts to help Easterseals fulfill its mission: to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Learn more about Easterseals programs and how our incredible team brings them to life at www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

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. 

Meet Jaslyn (Jas) Clemmons, an Easterseals IMPACT Team member, teacher of the two-year-olds at Easterseals Charter School and Joey’s Respite program coordinator.

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.

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

“I enjoy helping families reach their child’s highest potential goals,” said Jas, adding that she wants to be known for the impact she’s made in children’s development.

Jas is right at home on the IMPACT Team at Easterseals as well. IMPACT is a new team of Easterseals leaders who are creating positive changes at the organization. The inaugural (spring) Team was formed as a result of strategic planning at Easterseals and is a method for enhancing employee engagement.

Jas is excited about the opportunity to share and draw new ideas from other team members – something she values in her daily teaching experiences too. She’s proud of how she’s grown personally and professionally by serving Easterseals families for 11 years.

“I’ve become more knowledgeable about ways to work with children and families, and I’ve taken many courses through the years to help me expand and become a better teacher and professional,” Jas said.

Ever focused on customer services, Jas added: “When people think of Easterseals, I want them to know us for how well we serve clients in all departments.”
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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.

The spring 2019 IMPACT Team at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is in full swing, and Courtney Gibson is proud to be a part of it!

Courtney is an administrative assistant with Early Steps. Early Steps is a program of the Florida Department of Health that, through Easterseals, provides early intervention programs aimed at providing support families and caregivers to empower them to help their children learn developmentally appropriate skills.

Courtney joined the Easterseals team three years ago. In her day-to-day work, she’s responsible for analyzing data, and scheduling and structuring information for internal and external distribution throughout Early Steps. She loves working with families and having opportunities to provide guidance and directions to those who may have uncertainties about their child’s development.

Courtney is thrilled to be a member of Easterseals’ inaugural IMPACT Team, a group comprised of future Easterseals leaders who are empowered to implement new ideas and to help shape Easterseals’ future.

“As a member of the IMPACT Team, I believe that collaborating amongst my peers will allow us the ability to generate fresh ideas on how we can productively grasp a new approach on what Easterseals has to offer,” Courtney said. “Working at Easterseals Early Steps has given me a clear perspective on what it looks like to be an advocate for children who require additional assistance.”

Courtney takes her position as the first point of contact with families at Easterseals seriously and with heart.

“I pride myself on being a resource,” Courtney said. “And, I’d like to be known as an empathetic listener who provides encouraging words to families and friends of Easterseals.”

Added Courtney: “When people think of Easterseals, I hope they are reassured that it is a dedicated organization that continues to break barriers and stigmas for children living with disabilities.”

                                                                                                          ***

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.

In honor of national Easterseals 100th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to check in with some of IMPACT team members to inquire about their love of Easterseals and how they feel they’re making the biggest impact.

Today, we heard from Deanna McGrath. Deanna is a school therapy coordinator/Autism Center for Excellence (ACE) case manager and she’s been with Easterseals Northeast Central Florida for one year. In her role, Deanna is responsible for coordinating and responding to Easterseals therapists’ needs so that, in turn, they can give the best service to Easterseals families. This may include ordering supplies, collecting billing and helping therapists be successful on all fronts. She also assists as an ACE case manager, working one-on-one with families and assessing and addressing individuals’ needs.

Easterseals’ ACE program is growing, and Deanna says she’s excited to be part of its growth.

“I am proud to help our families gain knowledge about not only our autism services but also the autism spectrum in general,” says Deanna. “Supporting families when they first walk in the door and throughout their journey is very fulfilling.”

As a 2019 IMPACT Team member, Deanna is part of a group that’s been empowered to create opportunities to affect the future progress of Easterseals.

Here’s more about Deanna’s role at Easterseals and how she makes a difference every day:

Easterseals: What’s it like working on a team at Easterseals? How does your teamwork positively affect families?

Deanna: We work great as a team! When something needs to be finished or “tightened up,” we all feel comfortable working together to get it done. I love the feeling that it is everyone’s job to see that the Easterseals families are taken care of well. It also projects a sense of calm to our families when they see everyone working together with a smile.

Easterseals: How have you grown personally and/or professionally in your position(s) with Easterseals?

Deanna: I come from a totally different line of work…I never would have dreamed I would be here. But, life is put into perspective when you have a child with special needs (which I do). When I talk to families about our services, I keep in mind that I was once in their shoes. I also have been the parent looking for services and not knowing where to turn. Easterseals has given me the know-how to not only help my family but other families as well.

Easterseals: What’s one thing most people sometimes don’t understand about your position?

Deanna: My job required incredible organizational skills! I work with two dozen therapists. I check their orders for accuracy as I work through Volusia County Schools. I collect orders and follow up if something’s missing. There’s a lot involved. It’s not glamorous, but very challenging.  

Easterseals: What’s one thing that you want to want to be known for in your position?

Deanna: I would like to be known at Easterseals as being a hard worker who communicates well and is a helpful liaison between Volusia County Schools, Dorothy (Lefford, OTR/L, VP-Clinical Services) and the therapists.

Easterseals: When people think about Easterseals, what do you hope comes to mind for them?

Deanna: This is easy! Every time I tell someone out in the community I work at Easterseals, their response is always positive, and they explain how Easterseals has helped their family. I feel it is part of my job to make sure that Easterseals’ impact in our community continues for generations.

​                                                                                                            ***

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 Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

Crystal Smithers is a Family Service Coordinator with Early Steps in DeLand. She’s been serving in the role since 2016 and is proud to be part of the Easterseals Northeast Central Florida family.

Early Steps is a Florida Department of Health program overseen locally by Easterseals. Within the program is Early Steps North Beaches, which serves Volusia, Flagler, Lake, Sumter, and Putnam county families. In her role, Crystal is responsible for coordinating therapy services for eligible children, and she assists families in developing and updating their Individual Family Support Plans tailored to the specific needs of their child and their family routines.

Crystal also is a member of Easterseals’ 2019 IMPACT team – the first of its kind for Easterseals Northeast Central Florida! President/CEO Bev Johnson said the IMPACT Team was created by a small employee task force in response to strategic planning outcomes that recognized the need to enhance Easterseals employee engagement.

In celebration of national Easterseals’ 100th birthday, Crystal shared with us a bit about her role at Easterseals and why it means so much to her:

Easterseals: What do you enjoy most about working with families through Easterseals?

Crystal: The best part of my job is seeing children learn new skills that will be with them for the rest of their lives. Watching children learn to walk or using signs and words for the first time to get their needs met is an amazing experience.

Easterseals: What are the advantages to you as an individual professional in working in a team-focused environment? How does this, in turn, become an advantage to those whom you serve?

Crystal: Working in a team-focused environment helps me feels secure in knowing my coworkers are more than willing to jump in and help me (most times before I even need to ask). This works in favor of our clients in ensuring they continue to get the best level of care and assistance without slipping through the cracks.

Easterseals: How have you grown personally and/or professionally in your position with Easterseals?

Crystal: Working at Easterseals has given me the confidence of knowing I do my job well. In no other position, in any other organization I have worked in, have I felt as confident in my skills and abilities in helping my clients as I do at Easterseals.

Easterseals: What’s one thing most people don’t understand about your position?

Crystal: Most people don’t understand that my job is not only about paperwork and deadlines! My job first and foremost is to make sure our kiddos and their families are getting the best services we can provide.

Easterseals: What’s one thing that you want to want to be known for in your position?

Crystal: I want to be known as someone who understands their job well and is open and available to help others better their craft in this field. I want to be a resource not only for our families but also my coworkers.

​Easterseals: What’s a growth opportunity you currently are challenged by in your position at Easterseals?

Crystal: Being part of the IMPACT team is the newest growth opportunity I have been given. I am excited to work closely with coworkers in other departments to help Easterseals do what we do even better!

Easterseals: When people think about Easterseals, what do you hope comes to mind for them?

Crystal: When people think of Easterseals, I want them to think of hope. Hope that we can help them reach their fullest potential. I hope families that come through our doors can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have found a place willing to go the extra mile to help them live fully and make the most of their unique abilities.

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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.
 

We welcome, Ms. Terry, to the Easterseals Northeast Central Florida family.  Terry has been named Registrar of Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach.

Terry hails from Connecticut, where she was born and raised as the oldest of five children. After high school, Terry attended graduate nursing school, eventually married her husband and started her family.

Terry  moved to Maine and while raising her young son, and while there Terry gained experience working at a private school where strong values and respect for others was the inspiring and expected mode of operation. There, her love of education grew. Her desire to continue in the field paved the way for her next position as office manager for a large high school. Terry recalls the position as offering “daily interactions with parents, students and staff that made it challenging as well as rewarding.”

Upon her relocation to another part of Maine, Terry worked for many years in her District Attorney’s Office where she supervised support staff and managed several attorneys.

But, after experiencing her fair share of northeastern winters, Terry  relocated to Florida to fulfill their dream of living in warm weather and being closer to family. The happy transplants have smoothly transitioned their homestead to the Sunshine State.  They also have proudly watched their son reach his professionals goals as he earned his Ph.D. and now teaches at a New Mexico college.

“I am happy to have accepted a position at Easterseals Charter School,” said Terry. “I hope to use my skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of those I serve.”
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Welcome to the Easterseals family, Terry! We’re happy you’re on our team. 

Easterseals Northeast Central Florida has formed its inaugural IMPACT Team, and Easterseals staff is abuzz about its potential. The group of eight held its first meeting April 15 at Easterseals in Daytona Beach.
 
Easterseals Service Coordinator Supervisor Brenna Giblock, MSW, described the group’s purpose and explained its ability to make a difference through “impact.”
 
“Impact is defined as the impression made by an idea, a powerful effect that something new has on a situation or person, or to have influence on something,” wrote Giblock in the recruitment materials.
 
“This group of Easterseals team members has the opportunity to embrace these ideas and influence Easterseals’ future,” she wrote, adding encouragement for the group to “shake things up and break routines and mindsets that keep them from growing personally or professionally.”
 
The Spring 2019 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. President/CEO Bev Johnson sees the group as a catalyst for making positive changes throughout the organization.
 
“IMPACT Team is comprised of our future leaders. We are committed to doing all we can to encourage them to gain knowledge, grow and move Easterseals forward to benefit our client families,” said Johnson. “I anticipate seeing IMPACT Team make positive differences in our organization and affect how we help others live, learn, work, play and act – all of which are essential ingredients of Easterseals’ purpose.”
 
The program, which will commence twice annually, consists of five required sessions, team projects and participation in an Easterseals fundraiser. Spring 2019 IMPACT Team participants are:

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

 
IMPACT Team members noted in their applications several goals for their participation, including encouraging posivity 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.
 
“I feel (the employee I recommended for IMPACT Team)  has wonderful customer service and organizational skills and would benefit from enhancing her ability to relate to others and be an extension of Easterseals in the community,” said one supervisor, while another added that his employee “has huge potential and already has ‘wowed’ many with her efforts in such a short time.”
 
IMPACT Team meetings are scheduled through July at varying Easterseals offices and events, with graduation planned for August 15.

Did you know Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the world today, affecting 1 in 59 children?
 
It takes a team approach to deliver exceptional care to children with ASD. Nowhere is that more evident than at Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida.
 
As the clinical coordinator for Easterseals’ Autism Center of Excellence, Debbie Neller, OTR/L, has the privilege of meeting with families, conducting autism diagnostic testing, and presenting her findings to physicians.
 
“Every day I am able to discuss observations, situations and unusual findings with others on our team who have wisdom and knowledge I may not have,” Neller said. “I don’t have to look far to find resources for myself as well as for the families I interact with.”
 
As the mother of a special needs child, she understands the alternating emotions of fear and hope that many parents experience.
 
“I am inspired every day by the children we serve and their families who come with concerns, hopes and fears,” she said. “To be able to speak to their concerns, maybe even alleviate some, and connect on common ground is so fulfilling. Having ‘walked a mile in their shoes,’ it is the ultimate full circle to be able to offer guidance and help to families who may feel lost.”
 
Since she joined the Easterseals in 1995, Neller has gained confidence, a sense of purpose, and a drive to help these families. She has also found the uncommon element of pure joy in her work.
 
“I can make a difference,” she said. “On a professional level, I am stretched each and every day. Children are amazing in all they are, and no two are alike. Working together with these amazing children and their parents, the Easterseals team is able to provide quality and compassionate care.”
 
Easterseals’ Autism Center of Excellence is a recognized leader in providing early diagnosis, functional assessment and intervention treatments for children with ASD. Learn more about Easterseals at www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

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.