The News that Matters
Behavior Matters-- Serving families in Alaska and Nebraska
Happy New Year
Being a parent is one of the hardest, most important jobs we have. Being the parent of a child with special needs is even more challenging. I use to call myself the CEO of my child's education and therapy team. I heard another parent said she felt like the General of a small army. At times you are an advocate, attorney, therapist, nutritionist, physician, care giver and.... well the list goes on and on. Please remember that you have to take care of yourself first. Think about the message you hear on a airplane, "Put the oxygen mask on yourself, then assist others". Our mental and physical health is important! Try to take time this year for you; take a evening walk, read a book or go to a movie. Breathe!
I hope this year brings you much joy and peace,
Rebeka
S.T.A.G.E.S of Learning Center- Alaska's newest private school
The curriculum for our primary students focuses on direct instruction and fluency. We are using Reading Mastery and Math-U-See and will also be adding Language for Learning. Our students in the primary level have a later start time so that they can overlap with clients on the clinic side. This allows for natural environment and social skills training.
The secondary students are being taught using the Unique Learning System by N2Y and A Functional Assessment and Curriculum by Valletutti, Bender and Baglin. We also have other books and materials to supplement the individual needs of the student. Along with academic skills, we offer instruction in pre-vocational, daily living, recreational and communication training, both in the school and in the community.
Let me proudly introduce the amazing staff that will be working with these students:
The School Director is Dr. Tonya Shangraw, BCBA-D. Tonya has a doctorate in clinical psychology and a background in science education. Please contact Tonya with any questions about the scheduling, treatment plans (IEP, WSP) or programming issues. Tonya's email is toshka73@gmail.com.
The Program Manager is Beth Hastings. Beth has a MBA and a bachelors in psychology. She also a veteran and a BCBA candidate. Beth will be coordinating our curriculum and community relations. Beth's email is bethhastings.bxm@gmail.com.
The Teacher is Amy Rees. Amy has a BS in Education from DePaul University. She holds special education certification in Illinois and North Carolina. Amy very recently moved to Alaska. She will be working closely with our students and staff on implementation of IEP goals and instruction. Amy's email is amyrees.stages@gmail.com
Our Lead Tutor is Olivia Colon. Olivia attended UAA for a bachelors in psychology with a focus on ABA. Olivia is also a veteran and was a senior Behavior Technician on the clinical side. Olivia will assist with staff training and planning community outings. Olivia's email is olivia.stages@stages.com
Our other tutors are Wendy Carrio, Terri Akers & Dawn Bliss. Wendy has a bachelors in psychology and has begun to work on a masters degree in ABA. She was also a senior Behavior Technician with Behavior Matters. Terri Akers is a certified special education teacher and has a bachelor's degree in exceptional education. She come with a wealth of experience. Dawn Bliss has a bachelors in psychology and has developed a love of the science of ABA. We have also hired a Teachers Assistant, John Godfrey. John is going to assist on community outings and work along side students on vocational skills. John has begun training and will come on full time in February.
The general email address for the school is stagesak@gmail.com. This mailbox is checked daily.
STAGES is located at the Behavior Matters clinic. This will allow our clinical and administrative staff to assist or fill in if needed or use for generalization trials. The number for the school cell phone is 907-726-3350. Feel free to text as well.
Alaska
Our afternoons are bursting at the seems. Clients come in with backpacks, lunch boxes, boots and coats. The therapist work on academic skills, daily living skills, group and play skills. On my most recent trip, I loved watching one kiddo hurry to finish his homework so he could play a board game with his friend.
Beginning Summer 2015, the clinic will move to block scheduling. The times offered will be 9-12, 12:30-3:30 and 4:00-6:30. There will be some flexibility within the blocks. More info to come.
Nebraska
We have an office in LaVista. At this time, the office is primarily used by the therapist to get and house therapeutic toys, materials and supplies. As we continue to expand, we may begin to offer clinic based sessions at this location. At the bottom of the newsletter is a survey, please take a few minutes to fill it out. We will also continue to offer home, community and school based services.
Speech & Language Therapy Omaha
At this time, we only accept Tricare but we are working to get her credentialed with other insurances.
Brittany Warby, M.S., CCC-SLP, received her degree from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in 2012. She has worked in school, clinic, home, rehabilitation, and hospital settings, and has treated patients ranging in age from 1 to 82 who have various delays or disorders. Some of the disorders she has treated include the following: Articulation delays and disorders; language delays and disorders; fluency disorders; cognitive difficulties; childhood apraxia of speech; autism spectrum disorder; neurological disorders; Down's syndrome; cochlear implant; traumatic brain injury; and swallowing disorders. She has received her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a member in good standing of ASHA.
Nebraska Resources
http://www.unmc.edu/media/mmi/pdf/NebraskaAutismParentBooklet.pdf
Another recommendation was PTI Nebraska. PTI is a statewide resource.
http://pti-nebraska.org/, info@pti-nebraska.org
2564 Leavenworth St, Suite 202, Omaha, NE 68105
They are located in the Alliance Group Building
(402) 346-0525, (800) 284-8520, (402) 934-1479 - Fax
Behavior Matters
Alaska
Behavior Matters
S.T.A.G.E.S. of Learning Center
12836 Old Glenn Hwy Eagle River, AK 99577
907-726-5330 BXM office 907-726-3350 STAGES cell
907-726-5366 office fax
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Behavior-Matters-LLC/113120778749159
Nebraska
Behavior Matters
7200 S. 84th St LaVista, NE 68128
253-686-6958 cell 855-726-5366 fax
Email: bxmatters@gmail.com
Website: www.behaviormattersllc.com
Location: Alaska and Nebraska
Phone: 907-726-5330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Behavior-Matters-LLC/113120778749159
Twitter: @behaviormatters