Pine Tree Society is pleased to announce that Paula Schrank and Mike Bell have been promoted to Case Management Team Leaders!

Paula will be the Team Leader for the Adult Case Management team. Paula joined Pine Tree Society in 2010 and looks forward to the challenge and opportunity this new position will bring.

Mike will be the Team Leader for the Children’s Case Management team.  Mike has been working for Pine Tree Society as a Children’s Case Manager for 8 1/2 years, and previously as a Program Coordinator overseeing a large early childhood program for children with developmental disabilities.  He is looking forward to his new position and continuing his work alongside his amazing co-workers in the Case Management department.

Congratulations to Paula and Mike!

Pine Tree Society is pleased to announce that Dana Zimmerman has joined the team in the position of Assistant Camp Director at Pine Tree Camp. 

Dana graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Recreation Administration and Outdoor Leadership, with the ultimate goal of being a Camp Director. She worked her way though the ranks in the camp industry starting as a lifeguard at a day camp in high school and most recently as the Assistant Director at a special needs camp in Texas. She is very excited to be in the beautiful State of Maine. She is an outdoor enthusiast; spending most of her free time hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing and snowboarding.

Dana is passionate about the development of the campers and staff alike. She says, “Needless to say I just love people, and being a part of their personal growth journey.”  

She is looking forward to her first season at Pine Tree Camp.  Welcome Dana! 

 

Pine Tree Camp has been chosen by the Newport Hannaford as the January beneficiary of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program!

Every time anyone purchases the blue reusable bag with the “Good Karma” message at the Hannaford located at 33 Moosehead Trail in Newport, Maine during the month of January, Pine Tree Camp will receive $1.

If you visit the Newport store, please find the reusable bag rack and buy a reusable bag to benefit Pine Tree Camp!

 

Congratulations to Nona Wills from New Gloucester!  She was the winner of the Christmas Sweeps drawing at Pine Tree Society. Pine Tree Society Sweepstakes raises money to help Pine Tree Society transform lives. For information about the sweepstakes, call us at (207) 443-3341.

Pine Tree Society announced that Shelley Zielinski has been promoted to the position of Director of Adult Support Services.

Zielinski was hired by the agency in 2004. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta and holds MHRT/C and LSX Certifications.  She brings 15 years of experience in the field of Adult Support Services, having worked as a Direct Support Professional, PCP Coordinator, and the Adult Services Coordinator.

Zielinski embraces the additional responsibility that comes with the new position.  She said, “I am looking forward to the challenge of creating stronger programming with greater impact for those that we support.”

Pine Tree Society Human Resources Director, Denise White, commented on the promotion, “Shelley is a natural fit for the responsibilities of this position, not only because of her experience in the field, but also because of her demonstrated leadership abilities and her true passion for people of all abilities. I believe she is the right person to spearhead changes that will result in more opportunities for those we support.”

Pine Tree Society helps people in Maine with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives. Too often, people with disabilities feel left out, even isolated. With the help of Pine Tree Society, they’re not alone. We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day. For more information, please call (207) 443-3341.

Dysart’s on Broadway is hosting the annual “Pancake Breakfast with Santa” on December 3rd, and again on December 17th, from 9:00 to 11:00 to benefit Pine Tree Camp. Bring your camera to capture those precious photos of your little ones with Santa.  The cost is $10 per person, and the kids eat free!  This is an excellent opportunity to have fun with your family, eat a delicious breakfast at Dysart’s, and help support Pine Tree Camp.  We hope to see you there!

Pine Tree Society is pleased to announce the expansion of Children’s Case Management services to the Auburn location.

“Pine Tree Society has been providing Children’s Case Management services in our Scarborough location for 16 years and I am excited that we now have the opportunity to provide the same quality service with dedicated staff to the Auburn area as well,” stated Julie Brennan, LMSW, Director of Case Management Services.

This expansion of service follows Pine Tree Society’s January 2016 acquisition of the Auburn-based non-profit organization, Pathways, Inc. in an effort to better serve the Lewiston-Auburn area. Bringing Children’s Case Management to Auburn further strengthens the spectrum of care offered from early childhood through senior years. Children’s Case Managers focus on forming relationships to get to know the unique needs of the child and family to identify resources and solutions. They provide stability and support, while helping the child reach his or her goals.

Pine Tree Society is now accepting new Children’s Case Management clients who live within an hour of the Auburn office. Parents and caregivers may self-refer for this service and may get more information by contacting Julie Brennan at (207) 386-5952.

Learn more by clicking here.

Pine Tree Society is pleased to announce that Children’s Case Management is now available in the Lewiston – Auburn area.

Samantha Laverdiere has joined the Pine Tree Society team as a Children’s Case Manager based out of the 589 Minot Avenue office in Auburn. While attending the University of Maine, she worked as a Behavioral Health Professional helping families with Rehabilitative and Community Support as well as Home and Community Treatment services. In 2013, Samantha graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology. She spent two years in Massachusetts as an Assistant Special Education Teacher and Caregiver, and has now has moved back to Maine to assist children and families with their case management needs.

How would Case Management benefit your child? A case manager is a professional who can help connect you to resources and services that meet the unique needs of your child and family.  The case manager will help guide and support you and advocate for your child and family in the often overwhelming experience of navigating the complex web of programs and services.

For more information, check out our Children’s Case Management page.

To find out how Pine Tree Society Case Management Services may be able to help you, contact Julie Brennan, Director of Case Management Services at (207) 386-5952.

 

During November, Pine Tree Society will spotlight the Career Development Department by highlighting the many contributions of workers with disabilities and provide education on the value of a diverse workforce.

We will start by celebrating our very own Pine Tree Society Career Services Team  who bring valuable skills and talents to their work of supporting the mission of Pine Tree Society.

Chad Marshall has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maine at Farmington.  He brings experience in working in the Mental Health Field and a former Case Manager and Camp Counselor at Pine Tree Society. Chad is nationally certified in supportive employment and specially trained in Discovering Personal Genius™  This past August, Chad was recognized as “The Best Employment Specialist Provider in Maine” by the Department of Health & Human Services during their accreditation site review!

Marie DeFranca has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Assumption College AND a Master’s Degree in Communication from Clark University of Massachusetts. As a certified Educator for people with Moderate Disabilities, Marie worked with older youth in the WIA funded – Education for Employment program that prepared out-of-school youth between the ages of 16-22 for the GED exam, post-secondary education, specialized training and employment. Marie also worked at a staffing agency where her work included recruitment, job placements, inspection of job site safety and job performance evaluations. In addition, Marie has a Bachelor of Science degree in the food industry and first-hand experience in working in farming and working knowledge in the agricultural industry – and comprehends the business’ point of view in supported employment.

Lillian Scenna is a licensed social worker with over 30 years’ experience in program development for adults with disabilities. She joined Pine Tree Society in 2014 and has been instrumental in the development of two new program initiatives, the Autism Transition Program and Employment Services. In 2015, she became certified in supported employment through ACRE, a national organization for trainers and educators who work in the field of employment for people with disabilities.

As you can see, our Career Service staff understands how a  meaningful job can transform a life and the value of being a part of the Pine Tree Society Team!