We are delighted to announce the restructure of the Family Support and Recreation program to a structure that will not only support our current program offerings but will expand its focus to families of young children, youth transitioning to adulthood, and individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum. Our current clinical director Kristen Lamoureux has been promoted to the Senior Division Director of Family and Clinical Supports. Her responsibilities cover family supports including recreation, clinical supports, advocacy, and day habilitation. The restructured Family and Clinical Supports Division has added 25 hour Program Assistant for Recreation Corine Baker. Corine currently works part-time and this change brings her to a full time position. Interviews are taking place for the Program Director and I expect an offer will be extended within a week. Finally, we will be adding a ½ time Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) to the team. This is an essential position to support families with individuals on the autism spectrum. These changes represent a significant investment in our Family Support programming.
Mary Camacho, Program Director for CBDS, is returning from a leave of absence on October 5. We are thrilled to welcome her back!
Facilities Team Member Wayne Boyd began his joyfully anticipated retirement on September 30. He has been a valued member of The Arc staff for more than 25 years. We wish him well as he begins this new stage of life.
Cheryl Robillard will complete her service at The Arc on October 16. She has touched many lives and her energy and commitment will be missed. (See the invitation to her sendoff in this newsletter.)
Jim Casperson, who has served in many roles in his thirty plus years at The Arc, will complete his work with us on October 16. A few years ago, he decided to wrap up his career doing what he did when he entered the field – working directly with individuals – thus he has spent his last three years with family support.
The 24/7 residential program has been restructured with one Senior Division Director to oversee all homes to create a high degree of excellence, consistency, and innovation in our group homes. Kathleen Lamoureux has been appointed to the Senior Division Director position. An Assistant Division Director position has been created and will be posted shortly. Families in the North Central area know Kathleen for her dedication to the individuals, her unflappable personality, and her creativity.
Please join me in congratulating those in new positions and thanking those who are completing their service to The Arc!
Mary Heafy, President and CEO