Archive for August 2017
Big smiles and warm summer breezes: Students ride specialized three-wheelers for fitness and fun
One of Latham’s Program initiatives in 2017 is physical fitness, and students on campus are showing us how much fun fitness can be. We’ve been enjoying watching them gleefully ride around on specialized adaptive tricycles. Many of the three-wheeled tricycles were purchased with grant funds, providing students with more opportunities to stay active on campus.…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Don’t tell me no
Andy is a 16-year-old boy in our Children’s Services program. When he was asked what advice he would give to people working with him, he said,“Don’t tell me no.” There are so many restrictions placed on people with Prader-Willi syndrome in the name of safety that sometimes we forget how often we say – either…
Read MoreBest wishes to our spectacular Instructor of Performing Arts and Wellness
Special thanks to Megan Fedor, Latham School’s teacher of Performing Arts and Wellness, who recently left her role to begin a master’s degree program in music therapy. Megan reflected on her time at Latham, noting that she “had an incredible support system of the entire Educational Team who encouraged creativity and risk-taking within lessons.” Megan…
Read MoreVocational opportunities expand in the Orleans Admin office
Part-time jobs for residents at Latham continue to expand, thanks to collaboration between Vocational Services, Admin Office staff, and our direct support professionals. Three Latham adults and one student work a few hours each week at our Orleans office, including a friendly, reliable mail courier; a focused Admin Team assistant and paper shredder, a longtime…
Read MoreFor Latham students and staff, this summer’s Dream Day was the best yet
Latham students attended the Dream Day in July, and it was a fantastic day! This annual event is held at Nickerson State Park by the Dream Day camp counselors. It is an exciting and adventurous day for our students. They each have the opportunity to participate in archery, arts and crafts, fishing, a delicious cookout, and a grand…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Hospital Stays
If your child is hospitalized for any reason, the transition back to home life can be challenging. It is likely that their hospital routine, food, companions and expectations were quite different from what your child is used to at home. Here are some ideas to make the transition easier: Bring food from home. Hospitals will…
Read MoreKathy Van Esselstyn is our new Staff Development Coordinator
After spending more than twenty years in direct support of children and adults at Latham, Kathy Van Esselstyn has joined the Organizational Development team as Staff Development Coordinator. Kathy began her Latham career as a direct care professional in Children’s Services. She later transitioned into the Adult Services Program, serving as a counselor, residential manager,…
Read MoreA glimpse of friendship and fun on campus
Staff member Ronnie and student Anilton were happy to have some outside Res hours following a rainy day last week. Anilton was full of energy and challenged Ron to race him around the track. He inspired other students to join in the fun, too. A friendly competition ensued with staff and students racing around the…
Read MoreAdult residents invite Anne to join their blue crab expedition
For those who have met Latham’s President and CEO Anne McManus, you know she’s up for just about anything when it comes to sharing experiences with the children and adults in our care. Here, she shares highlights of her recent tutorial on blue crabs: I am always learning from our residents who have so many…
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