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Robin Galleher retiring in October

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“She makes everyone feel at home the moment they walk through the door.”

That’s how Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society describes Robin Galleher, MSPA-A, CCC-A.

Robin has been the Director of Audiology at Pine Tree Society since 1999.  This October, she is retiring after 21 years of service.

“Robin built Pine Tree Society’s Audiology Department into what it is today: a premier provider of audiologic services,” Noel said. “She enjoys getting to know her clients and understanding their needs. The audiology program she developed blends the highest standard of audiologic care with comprehensive education; allowing each client to find the right solution for their hearing loss.”

Robin has been an audiologist for 41 years and has a diverse background.

“My first job was working with people with developmental disabilities.  I then worked at a hospital for many years with my husband, who is also an audiologist,” she recalled.  “When I first started at Pine Tree Society, the audiology program had been successfully operating for some time and they were looking for new ways to grow the program.  There was a true need in the community and there was a lot of room for growth.  I’m proud of what we’ve done and what I’ve accomplished.  I’m glad I chose to become an audiologist.”

As past president of the Maine Academy of Audiology, Robin worked to enrich and improve audiology in the state of Maine by helping organize statewide conferences featuring leading experts in the field.

“In the 19 years I have known Robin, I have always been impressed by the thoughtfulness she brings to her work,” said Terry Berkowitz, Chief Operations Officer of Pine Tree Society.

Robin brought that same care and thoughtfulness to her succession planning.  In 2017, when recruiting for an opening in the audiology program, Robin was looking for her successor.  After a careful search, Rich Bothfeld, Au.D. CCC-A, F-AAA was selected to join the team.

Upon Robin’s retirement, Rich will become Pine Tree Society’s new Director of Audiology.

“Rich believes in the mission, vision and values of Pine Tree Society,” Robin said. “I am confident he will continue to put the needs of our clients first and successfully grow the program.”

Rich looks forward to the challenge and to the opportunity to build upon Robin’s legacy.

“Even though the field of audiology is ever changing, the core of the department that Robin both professionally and personally worked so hard to create, will not only carry Pine Tree Society’s audiology department into the future, but allow it to grow and flourish to provide the best audiologic care to the residents of Mid-Coast Maine,” he said.

A Maine tradition for over 50 years

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Pine Tree Society’s 2020 holiday cards feature beautiful paintings by two celebrated Maine artists: Sandy Crabtree and Carlton Plummer.

Crabtree’s paintings have been featured on Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards 12 times. She is a noted children’s book illustrator and a longtime Bath resident who taught at Morse High School for nearly 30 years.

Plummer, who passed away in February, will always be remembered through his art.  He was born in Brunswick and spent his childhood on his grandparents’ farm outside Augusta before attending art school in Boston.  He served as a combat artist during the Vietnam War before going on to become a full-time painter and professor of art.

In the 1960s, Pine Tree Society staff had the idea that a Maine-themed holiday card could be the perfect fundraiser.  More than fifty years later, the tradition is still going strong and holiday card sales have raised over $3 million dollars.  One hundred percent of proceeds support Pine Tree Society’s programs and help Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives.

Winter Sunlight 

Sandy Crabtree’s Winter Sunlight captures one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses and its keeper’s cottage on Maine’s rocky coast.  A crisp winter day serves as the backdrop for a snow-covered landscape of twinkling lights with a festive balsam wreath adorning the cottage.

 

Dover-Foxcroft Village

Carlton Plummer’s Dover-Foxcroft Village is a captivating rendition of a quintessential Maine village during the holidays with neighbors coming together to share a sunny and brisk winter’s day amidst the snow-covered roads, trees and homes.

 

Holiday cards can be ordered online or by calling 207-443-3341.

Pine Tree Society providing in-person audiology services during COVID-19 thanks to support from Davenport Trust Fund

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For more than 40 years, Pine Tree Society’s audiology program has been a trusted partner for people of all ages who are living with hearing loss. Every client who comes through the door receives services designed to meet their unique hearing needs, and those needs did not stop during COVID-19.

 

“If anything, the needs increased as people realized how much they were struggling with understanding what their friends and family were saying while wearing masks,” said Robin Galleher, director of audiology.

Thanks to a grant from Davenport Trust Fund, Pine Tree Society can safely see clients in person for evaluations and hearing aid fittings and services.

Davenport Trust Fund is a 93-year-old private foundation serving the Bath, Maine area.  They have worked with Pine Tree Society for several years providing scholarships for Pine Tree Camp. In recent years, they have also supported various upgrades to audiological services.

“We understand the financial burden meeting the unprecedented safety requirements of COVID-19 has placed on local nonprofits,” said Barry Sturgeon, trustee of the Davenport Trust Fund.  “We are pleased that our grant will help Pine Tree Society continue to provide important services.”

This grant provides funds for the materials needed to ensure client and staff safety protocols for physical distancing and cleaning.

“The Davenport Trust Fund supports the audiology team’s ability to follow CDC guidelines for safe physical distancing, mask wearing and sanitization by providing the necessary funding for cleaning supplies, air purifiers, disposable earphones, gloves, masks, face shields, hand sanitizer and a gate system to help direct flow in the clinic,” said Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society.

When clients arrive, they are screened at the door by a trained staff member who takes their temperature and completes a COVID-19 questionnaire before entering the building.

“People are also required to use hand sanitizer when arriving and leaving,” Robin continued. “Unless a client truly needs someone with them at their appointment, family members are asked to safely wait in their car.”

Every chair, surface and piece of equipment is sanitized in between each client and there are individual air purifiers in each hearing testing booth.

Masks are required to be worn at all times and, in the event someone relies on lip reading, staff wear face shields to assist with communication.

Hearing aid repairs are being done via curbside pickup.  By appointment, staff safely meet clients at their car to pick up the hearing aids in need of service.  Once repaired, they are returned to people in the same fashion, with staff wearing masks and gloves.  Pine Tree Society’s audiologists are offering both telephone and telepractice appointments for trouble shooting hearing aids and any training people may need to support the use of hearing aids.

“It is a true source of pride for us to be able to continue to serve people during this challenging time,” said Noel.

For more information or to schedule an appointment or services, please contact audiology@pinetreesociety.org or 207-386-5920.

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Pine Tree Society transforms Auburn program site to have a deeper impact in the community

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“The therapeutic value is going to be huge.”

That’s how Karen McClure-Richard, director of Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center describes the renovations to their building in Auburn.

This building at 589 Minot Avenue is home to both Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center and Adult Support Services.  Originally a warehouse, this industrial space is being transformed into an inviting environment in which people of all ages can grow, connect and reach their goals.

“Before the renovations, the adult space was one large, open room,” said Shelley Zielinski, director of Adult Support Services at Pine Tree Society.  “We’re breaking up the space into several different rooms including a computer lab, craft area and a place to store our recreational equipment.  Something as simple as being able to easily see and access our gear will go a long way towards prompting ideas for what people might like to try.”

Less noise and distraction will allow clients to better focus on their goals by removing barriers for exploration and discovery.  For example, increasing the number of computers from two to six and placing them in a quiet space will allow people to learn technology and research activities and interests without the distraction that can occur in a multi-purpose space.

“We’re working to really soften the space,” Shelley continued.  “People are excited.  They saw the new windows and HVAC system being installed and they have already experienced how much of a difference painting the ceiling and walls has made.  They are involved with choosing the colors and it’s a very empowering feeling for everyone.”

To maintain some history and provide a familiar feeling in the space, the adults selected various sections of artwork that had been painted on the walls and took photographs which will be transferred to canvases and hung on the new walls.

“It was artwork many people had seen for years and they have really enjoyed having that piece of history with us still as we have modernized the space,” said Shelley.  “Everything we’re doing has really been a mood booster for so many people.  They realize we’re doing all this on their behalf and there’s a true sense among everyone that Pine Tree Society is doing this because they care about me and they care about my space.”

The softening and modernization of the space is also very beneficial for the children.  Colorful kite like baffles will hang from the ceiling of the Early Learning Center indoor playspace not only to add whimsy but to also absorb sound critical for students with sensory challenges like autism.

“Having a softer floor is going to be amazing,” said Karen.  “Our purpose is to learn through play and although we try to get outside every day, there are days we can’t.  But kids still need to be able to use their big muscles.  We brought in equipment that will allow us to do some climbing activities when we can’t get outside. Our visiting therapists will also be able to use that space which will cut down on families having to travel for that service.”

Combining play with the use of big muscles is critical for learning. 

“Our brain needs to work left-to-right when reading,” Karen explained. “In order for kids to learn that skill, they need to be able to shift focus from one side of their body to the other.  For example, many kids use their right hand when something is on their right side, then shift to their left hand for their left side.  To develop their brain for reading and writing, we need to teach kids how to cross their body to get things versus switching hands.  It’s really all connected.”

Opportunities for learning through play will be further enhanced with a complete renovation of the current playground.

The site was not originally designed to be a preschool so the current landscaping is slanted and difficult for kids to navigate.  In addition to leveling the lot, there is a brook and a beautiful green space that the improved landscaping will open up.

New equipment will allow for expanded climbing opportunities for kids to work on hand and leg skills as well as separated areas for the slides and swing sets, all of which will be designed to help children support the muscles that need strengthening and for those with low tone to be able to work on their endurance.

In addition to improving current program spaces, Pine Tree Society will also be adding new services to the building.  A new 360-square foot room will house Pine Tree Society’s Assistive Technology Demo and Loan program. 

“Assistive Technology can be life changing for people with disabilities,” said Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society.  “In partnership with MaineCITE, our Demo and Loan program offers people the opportunity to learn about what’s available and actually borrow devices or equipment to try in their homes.”

The exterior of the building has already been restored and freshly painted and new signage is in place.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction schedule, next steps are now in progress, including: adding walls to not only cover the concrete blocks but to create a warmer environment and adding a new classroom for the Early Learning Center which will translate to serving more children ages three to six who are waiting for an early education environment that can meet their specific needs.

“Our programs have transitioned from remote offerings to small group in-person services based on CDC-recommendations and guidelines,” said Noel.  “We are looking forward to the completion of the renovations and welcoming all of our clients, students and families back into our improved physical space.”  

This work has transformed Pine Tree Society’s Auburn-based programming and, in turn, is impacting the lives of Maine people in tremendous ways at its specialized Early Learning Center for at-risk preschoolers and its innovative day program focused on helping adults discover their abilities through immersing in the community and building critical life skills.

Distance Learning: Top 10 Tips – Introduction

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The 2020/2021 school year is approaching and schools are preparing for multiple scenarios – one of which is distance learning. Pine Tree Society was able to jump in and support schools and their students with special needs during the spring shutdown. There’s no doubt about it, we learned a lot. Everyone did. We wanted to share our Top 10 distance learning takeaways through a series of blog posts over the next few days. Please know, we are here to support your school, your teachers and your students whatever comes this fall – distance learning, a hybrid model or in-person instruction.

“Our expertise and infrastructure sets us apart and allows us to respond quickly,” said Terry Berkowitz, Chief Operations Officer of Pine Tree Society. “For example, after the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly put an end to in-person classrooms and services for Maine people with disabilities, within one week’s time, we started supporting students and clients through distance learning.”

Through strategic use of technology, Pine Tree Society is working to meet the needs of students statewide; bringing much needed services to rural parts of the state where access would otherwise be limited, including: 

  • A team of Speech/Language Pathologists partnering with education teams to meet the needs of students with multiple disabilities;
  • Expertise in Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication to ensure access to curriculum;
  • Certified Teachers of the Deaf available to support teams in designing and implementing programs for students who are Deaf;
  • A specialized and supportive Early Learning Center for students ages three to six who need early intervention services; and
  • Maine’s only ACA accredited camp program for individuals with special needs which began offering remote programming in March to keep people with disabilities connected, engaged and active during the time of physical distancing.

Pine Tree Society is invested in the success of distance learning for people with disabilities and is committed to making a positive impact in students’ lives.

To find out how Pine Tree Society can support your school, your student or your family, please contact Terry Berkowitz, Chief Operating Officer at 207-443-3341 or tberkowitz@pinetreesociety.org.

Top 10 Distance Learning Tips

Introduction: Distance Learning — Pine Tree Society’s Expertise

Tips 1 – 3:  Distance Learning — Linda Bonnar, Director of Communication Pathways

Tips 4 – 6:  Distance Learning — Maura Nolin, Director of Interpreting Services

Tips 7 – 9:  Distance Learning — Karen McClure-Richard, Director of Early Learning Center

Tip 10:  Distance Learning — Dawn Willard-Robinson, Director of Pine Tree Camp

Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center partners with Evelyn S. and K.E. Barrett Foundation to support Maine children at risk  

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Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center in Auburn fills a critical need for Maine children. Their expertise in early intervention earned them a Summer Program Grant from the Evelyn S. and K.E. Barrett Foundation.

The Barrett Foundation funds organizations that benefit children in need, which makes Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center’s summer programming a perfect fit.

Thanks to the support of the Barrett Foundation, the Early Learning Center will be able to provide a combination of in-person and virtual classroom sessions all summer long. 

“Our children have the highest level of need and without consistent access to our classroom and educators, they would not only lose momentum, they would regress,” said Karen McClure-Richard, director of the Early Learning Center.

“Summer is the most critical time for early intervention services as many of our students are preparing for the transition to kindergarten,” added Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society.  “A positive kindergarten experience is critical for setting children on a path of success and for positively changing the trajectory of their life.”

Late this winter, in response to Covid-19, Karen and her team quickly adapted to keep children connected through remote learning activities in small group and one-to-one telepractice sessions.

“These past few months, we’ve been maintaining connections with the children and coaching and supporting parents,” Karen continued. “We’ve been providing food access and mental health resources on a regular basis as well as social support and encouraging activities that drive emotional regulation and calming strategies.”

Thanks to the Evelyn S. and K.E. Barrett Foundation, summer programming will expand the Early Learning Center’s ability to provide even more individualized in-person support in a safe, physically distanced classroom as well as maintain remote learning for families who require that service.  The Early Learning Center’s educators will also work with each child’s future kindergarten teacher and team to ensure they have what they need in place for a successful first year of school.

Portland Press Herald: Pine Tree Camp gets creative to aid those with disabilities

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Last week, we held a special demo day to run through our new Pine Tree Camp Adventure Day Pass.  Reporter Deirdre Fleming joined us for a behind the scenes look.

Here’s an excerpt from her story:

“When Tristan and Amy Bouchard started their day at Pine Tree Camp two weeks ago, they got the royal treatment on the camp’s pontoon boat.

Typically, the boat would carry as many as six campers, but to assure social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, Amy Bouchard and her teenage son were the lone campers riding on the boat on North Pond in central Maine, looking for bald eagles and smallmouth bass with three staff members.

Tristan Bouchard, 18, was born with a brain disorder called hydrocephalus that makes some cognitive functions challenging, such as walking and reasoning. For the past four years he has stayed overnight at Pine Tree Camp, which for 75 years has provided outdoor adventures for Mainers with disabilities.

‘I wish there were more things for us to do in the summer like this. I’ve never held him back. The more experiences he has, the better it is for him,’ Amy Bouchard said.”

Read the full article.

Learn more about our Pine Tree Camp Adveture Day Pass.

 

News Center Maine: Pine Tree Camp gives campers a summer experience

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News Center Maine reports how Pine Tree Camp is giving campers a chance to stay connected and have a Maine summer camp experience.

‘Pine Tree Camp to You’ consists of six different themed weeks for campers — nature, fitness, music/drama, arts/craft, science, and cooking. For each full week, staff members pack up boxes with videos and materials that are sent to campers’ homes for them to learn and have new activities to try. A couple of times a week, campers will join Zoom meetings, monitored by staff members, as a virtual “cabin group”, allowing them to connect with other campers.  Check out the full news story.

Learn more about Pine Tree Camp to You.