Thriving. Confident. Role model. That’s how her parents describe their five-year-old daughter Sadie. That wasn’t always the case. “She had a hard time with anger and emotional outbursts,” her mother, Heather, recalled. “She had a tough time building empathy and relationships. She wasn’t able to express herself. She’s completely Read More ›
COVID-19 consequence: Emergency funds needed
I don’t normally make requests like this, but these are desperate times. COVID-19 is already hurting Maine people with disabilities and their families in countless ways – and we are quickly working to respond. Would you please make an urgent gift to help? I just got off the phone with our Early Learning Center Director. She is concerned about Read More ›
Pine Tree Society launches remote Community and Home Support services
Pine Tree Society is committed to discovering abilities together and, during this time of social distancing, technology is one of the critical ways to bridge distances and keep connected. Under the best of circumstances, adults with disabilities are among those most at risk of being socially isolated. During times like these, that risk increases Read More ›
75 Years of Pine Tree Camp…and counting
It was forward thinking The year was 1945. Like all Americans, the lives of Maine people had been shaped by the Great Depression, two World Wars and the effects of debilitating diseases like polio. The typical Mainer lived on a farm or worked in a local mill or factory. Against that backdrop, Pine Tree Camp began. Polio was very common Read More ›
Pine Tree Camp shares its expertise with other camps across New England
Pine Tree Camp is recognized for its expertise in creating a summer camp program designed to meet the needs of all. Last week, Pine Tree Camp Director, Dawn Willard-Robinson, and Assistant Camp Director, Mary Schafhauser, virtually shared their expertise at the 2020 New England American Camp Association's annual conference as a way to to help Read More ›
Tips to maintain your child’s communication skills at home
Three ways to maintain your child’s communication skills By Linda Bonnar-Ivery, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP Director of Communication Pathways, Pine Tree Society When school isn’t in session, how do you maintain the skills it took your child, with support of their educators and therapists, months to achieve? While the structure of your child’s Read More ›
Telepractice: Technology keeps us connected
Our technology has a name: It’s called telepractice At Pine Tree Society, we’re committed to discovering abilities together, and one of the ways we can be together during this time of social distancing is through the use of technology. Maine is a big state and we’ve used technology to bridge distances for years. Providing ASL interpretation Read More ›
Four ways to have fun getting active
Four Tips for Getting Active By Linda Bonnar-Ivery, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP, Director of Communication Pathways, Pine Tree Society Looking for some ideas to promote movement this week? Here are four tips that are easily adaptable for children of all abilities. 1) Kids Yoga There are lots of different poses you can use and you can Read More ›
Tips for homeschooling during COVID-19
Tips for homeschooling during COVID-19 By Linda Bonnar-Ivery, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP, Director of Communication Pathways, Pine Tree Society With the developments over the course of the past few weeks, families have found themselves in the position of homeschooling their children. Making the transition to homeschooling can be challenging – Read More ›