![]() 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. ![]() 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. *** 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. ![]() 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.” *** 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. ![]() 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.” Welcome to the Easterseals family, Terry! We’re happy you’re on our team. ![]() One of Easterseals Northeast Central Florida‘s biggest champions for the past several decades has been David Hood. We learned earlier this week that David passed away with his family by his side. We at Easterseals are heartbroken at this news, while at the same time we continue to be grateful for his life, legacy and all he’s accomplished for our Easterseals families. David was an incredible leader in Easterseals gift planning initiatives, and through his personal dedication and widely embraced leadership style, helped Easterseals realize some of its most spectacular wishes and dreams. David’s leadership made possible Easterseals Autism Center of Excellence, Easterseals Charter School, Easterseals Tennis Everyone! program, and Easterseals nearly $3 million capital campaign, which he co-chaired with the late Gloria Cook. And, this is just the beginning of what David helped Easterseals achieve since he became a volunteer director more than three decades ago. After serving as a board member, chairman of the board, and honorary director, David was named an Honorary Life Director. He also was a recipient of the Lily award, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida’s highest local honor. It may go without saying that David also was a generous financial supporter of Easterseals, not only during its community-wide campaign drives, but also privately and behind the scenes when specific needs have arisen. David is the kind of leader who asks, “What does Easterseals need most right now?” and his heart led his service. Easterseals President & CEO Bev Johnson continues to see David’s legacy of caring leadership at Easterseals. “When I first joined the organization and let people know I worked for Easterseals they all asked how David was,” said Bev. “He was so passionate about Easterseals that the mention of the organization almost seemed to automatically connect him to it. “While I didn’t enjoy the privilege of knowing him personally, he certainly left a legacy of kindness and caring for our clients and the families who love them,” she added. Former Easterseals President & CEO Lynn Sinnott remembers David with reverence and affection. “David Hood demonstrated his commitment to individuals with disabilities in many ways. He served on the Easterseals board in many capacities, including the chairman of the board, board chair for the newly established Easterseals Charter School, and co-chair of the Capital Campaign Committee that raised $2.7 million for the renovation and expansion of the Easterseals facility on Dunn Avenue,” said Lynn. “David shared his business and leadership expertise with board and staff, serving as my mentor when I first started at Easterseals. “In addition, David was a major donor, helping Easterseals start several major programs that changed the lives of individuals with special needs,” added Lynn. “I know he will truly be missed in the Daytona community.” Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family during this difficult time. Easterseals Northeast Central Florida always will be indebted to this great man, humbled by his servant leadership and forever transformed by his passion. He will be greatly missed. ![]() Easterseals Northeast Central Florida’s passionate supporter, lifetime director and beloved matriarch Gloria Cook passed away on March 17. While we at Easterseals are brokenhearted at the news, we also remember Gloria with great reverence, and honor all she’s meant to our organization – the one that was closest to her heart for more than 60 years. Gloria’s relationship with Easterseals Northeast Central Florida began in 1953 when she, as a young Junior Service Leaguer, donned a crisp white uniform and worked hands-on with an Easterseals therapist to treat the special needs of children with disabilities. That first volunteer assignment began a lifelong unpaid career in serving the needs of people of all ages with disabilities. Gloria’s involvement in day-to-day activities of the Junior League Orthopedic Center (which became Easterseals) eventually evolved into fundraising and volunteer management, and she soon worked her way up to the board and presidency of the local and state Easterseals affiliates. By 1980, Gloria was elected as the National Easterseal Society President and was the first Floridian and only the second woman to occupy that position. As national president, worked with as many as 800,000 volunteers across the country, and met with various private and governmental agencies and hospitals, national media offices and state rehabilitation facilities and all Easterseals affiliates to further the mission of serving persons with disabilities. Gloria was named Honorary Lifetime Director for Easterseals Volusia/Flagler in tribute to her continuous board member and committee roles and in 2004 was honored with Easterseals’ Volusia and Flagler’s highest honor, The Lily Award. Additionally, she served multiple leadership roles with the statewide Florida Easterseals chapter over a span of 21 years – including president, vice president, secretary and past president – and assisted the House of Delegates of Easterseals national headquarters. Her commitment to serving others also flowed into several additional national and local roles, including the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health and the National Institute of Health. One of Gloria’s most notable achievements as an Easterseals director was co-chairing with the late David Hood a $3 million capital campaign to construct Easterseals’ Daytona Beach facility. Notably, Gloria was the Easterseals chair when the original facility was built as well. Her leadership brought both projects to reality, though more than 40 years separated them. Gloria’s life’s work for Easterseals shaped countless public policy and helped decision-makers understand issues important to Easterseals. And, while she often focused on state and national initiatives, she remained equally engaged in the local agency’s day-to-day projects. From collection donations for Harley Give-Aways during Bike Week, to supporting the inaugural and now decades-established Rotary/Easterseals Golf Tournament (a tournament started by her late husband Tom in tribute to Gloria’s dedication), Gloria was a hands-on supporter. Easterseals VP-Gift Planning Susan Moor recalls their friendship and Gloria’s sincere interest in Easterseals families. "Gloria was a wonderful friend and mentor to me since day one and throughout my Easterseals career,” said Susan. “I think what I valued the most in her contagious and unbridled pride for all things Easterseals, was her incredible ability to remember and value details about her interactions with our clients and their families. Our clients meant the world to her and she would often arrive at meetings and functions early enough to peek into the classroom and therapy areas to see kids at work and play." “Gloria has been a guiding light for us at Easterseals for many, many years,” said Easterseals President & CEO Bev Johnson. “Her kind spirit and love and dedication to the clients we serve is absolutely irreplaceable. She will be missed greatly.” Former Easterseals President & CEO Lynn Sinnott also shared her sentiments. “Gloria Cook loved Easterseals and served individuals with special needs throughout her adult life. She served in so many capacities during more than 60 years she was a part of Easterseals it would be almost impossible to name them. “I remember her as gracious, strategic, fun, loving and caring,” added Lynn. “She took time to discuss a small or strategic issue with me, pen the most beautiful notes, help to make a connection and even questioning a budget number. Every action was handled thoughtfully. I will miss her, as will whole Easterseals organization and all who experienced her passion.” Instilling in her children a love for Easterseals and a desire for service, Gloria’s daughter Sheryl continues to be a leader with Easterseals Northeast Central Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cook family during this difficult time. Gloria’s vision, heart and loyalty live on in Easterseals Northeast Central Florida. She always will be an important part of our family – a beloved matriarch to whom we owe much gratitude. ![]() 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.” *** 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. |
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