The CCRN administration team is participating in a series of professional development activities and events throughout 2011 to motivate all those who come into contact with CCRN like never before! This inspirational program of positive leadership was designed by the company founder, Donna M. Williams and Co-Owner, James R. Williams. It kicks off in January with a trip to sunny Florida to participate in a motivational conference featuring speakers such as Collin Powell and Rudy Guliani. Regardless of political affiliation we can learn what to do and what not to do from leaders before us while developing an understanding of the importance of strong leadership on many levels. CCRN administrators will continue to assist direct service clinicians in accessing the best quality professional development working together toward a level of excellence far greater than ever achieved. New opportunities for team-building on the direct service level will be fun and exciting and set the tone for the passion we promise to bring to our work.

The CCRN administration team will participate in a high-adventure program this year stretching their comfort to new levels. The team has discussed zip-lining, white water rafting, and consideration was even given to jumping from an airplane together as a way to increase confidence and understand that all challenges are able to be overcome with enough commitment and desire to succeed. While some of us are more comfortable with both feet planted securely on the ground; the idea of stretching our comfort means being brave and confident enough to try new things. We feel these types of confidence and team building activities will better promote thinking outside of the box in the workplace and enable us to continue to be creative in the manner and types of services we deliver to you. We know that helping those in need of CCRN supports is an honor and we want to provide you with services that pack the same level of motivation as these high-adventure experiences. Life is a high adventure in many ways so, here we go!

We hope that this CCRN resolution impacts all those with whom we come in contact in the most positive and productive ways. Check back for photos throughout the year. We will share our journey to excellence with you throughout 2011. And, remember “A journey of a thousand miles, must begin with a single step” — Chinese Proverb.

Happy 2011 and let the challenges and successes begin!

To kick off this year in high gear, the admin team took a trip to Estero, Florida to attend the Get Motivated Conference featuring speakers such as Laura Bush, Krish Dhanham, Lou Holtz, Rudy Giuliani, and many other fantastic motivational speakers and leaders.

Micki and Becky Murder Mystery Train Ride

CCRN Admin Team at The 2011 Women’s Conference April 6 2011.

Geri Henderson

Geri Henderson is one of our most popular respite providers. She willingly opens her home to anyone age 1-101 in need of respite and is known to never say no at a time of need. She has a wide range of skill and compassion and a knack for knowing exactly how to make CCRN respite consumers and their families feel welcomed, appreciated, and just like a part of the family. Visits to her home are often considered vacations where Mrs. Henderson serves as the chief gourmet cook and events coordinator. Your loved one will be safe, happy, and fulfilled while visiting with Mrs. Henderson and her beautiful family. Mrs. Henderson has been honored by CCRN as Respite Provider of the Year and it is our pleasure to have her on board as a part of our dedicated team.

Tim Stoner

Tim Stoner enjoys working with individuals with special needs. He finds assisting others with adapting to the demands of society very fulfilling. Mr. Stoner loves interacting with a variety of personalities every day and has found his work as a PCA to be an ideal opportunity to utilize his own hyper-active nature to benefit others! Mr. Stoner brings a great respect for others and a vibrant, positive attitude to every assignment he assumes. Mr. Stoner treats those he serves as members of his own family and in doing so brings comfort and a sense of trust to his daily interactions laying the foundation for great strides in behavioral, social, academic, and other successes. We are proud of Tim Stoner and his many talents. When you visit our office you will notice our gorgeous reception desk crafted by Mr. Stoner especially for CCRN. Thank you, Mr. Stoner, for all you do!

 

Malik Feamster

Malik Feamster happily provides PCA and Bus Aide support services to children with special needs. Mr. Feamster’s strong presence combined with his gentle approach in dealing with the unique challenges of the students he serves is by far one of CCRN’s finest direct service professionals. Mr. Feamster brings a smile to work with him every day, is admired by his peers as well as by school and bus personnel, and is ready and willing to go above and beyond to bring about success. He is a skilled clinician with a wide range of expertise in handling difficult behaviors. Mr. Feamster is kind and compassionate, has a sense of humor, and understands the importance of professionalism. Mr. Feamster is lovingly referred to as CCRN’s best dressed!

 

Rachel Orlando

Rachel Orlando provides Behavior Specialist Consultant services to  CCRN Behavioral & Educational Supports clients for over four
years.  She has over eleven years of professional experience
working with children diagnosed with Autism, Down Syndrome, ODD, ADHD, and a broad range of other diagnoses.   Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kutztown University followed by a Master’s degree in Higher Education Counseling from West Chester University.  Rachel completed the BCBA program at Penn State University and is in the process of becoming BCBA certified.  Additionally, she is
pursuing her professional license in counseling. Rachel is extremely passionate about her job and the clients and families she works with.

 

Holy Cross is proud to offer a Feeding Program. Every child attending school receives a high-protein breakfast and lunch at no charge. Because many families are not able to afford adequate food to provide their children with the nutrition they need to grow and learn Holy Cross has taken on the responsibility of preparing meals for close to 500 children daily. The Feeding Program is always in need of donations. CCRN’s President, Donna M. Williams has been invited to sit on the school board and with great honor is considering this position. Williams has reviewed the school operations budget and will personally assure that each contribution reaches these beautiful children in need.
Anyone interested in participating in supporting our Adopt-A-School Program should see the following for a complete list of needed school supplies or contact Donna M. Williams for more information about how you can be a part of this special mission.

• Notebook loose leaf paper
• Erasers to put on pencils
• Rolls of clear contact paper
• Regular use tape
• Rolls of clear, wide packing tape
• Heat activated laminating sheets – must be HEAT ACTIVATED
• Permanent wide tipped markers – Black, Blue, Green, Brown, No red
• Coloring books
• Crayons
• 3 hole punches
• Wireless microphones
• Brother PT-70 electronic label maker – refill label tapes
• Costumes – story book characters, princesses, etc (not scary ones or monsters)
• Pocket folders
• Fancy pencils for rewards
• Index cards – small, medium and large
• Bottles of Elmer’s glue
• Batteries – ‘AAA’, ‘C’ and ‘D’
• Construction paper
• Staple Guns and staples
• Foam sheets for craft projects
• Foam stickers
• Glue guns and glue sticks – need 6
• Scissors – adult and child
• Stickers
• Small presents we can use for rewards
• Tennis shoes – adult sizes 1 to 8
• Tissues
• Liquid hand soap
• Water line tablets
• Pens
• Used or new laptops

Check out Pennsylvania Health Services Foundation on the web at: www.pahealthservices.org for more information or if you wish to donate to this great cause! You may also check out PHSF on FaceBook and get valuable updates!

In the spirit of community giving a portion of the proceeds earned from the hard work and dedication of the CCRN direct service providers in 2010 was contributed to supporting the following causes:

1. Make-A-Wish Foundation (helping children with cancer)
2. St. Jude’s Research Hospital (turning no child or family away even if they cannot pay for treatment)
3. Autism Speaks
4. Avon Grove Charter School Positive Behavior Program
5. Pennsylvania Health Services Foundation
6. Various churches supporting Chester and Lancaster County communities
7. Good Will Work Program (assisting individuals with special needs to gain employment)
8. Boy Scouts Commission (sponsoring children who could not otherwise afford to be a Boy Scout)
9. A portion of one private adoption
10. And, a variety of other organizations with missions similar to ours. Improving the lives of others is important and at CCRN we strive to contribute $30,000 annually back to the community to help those in need.

March 17, 2011 – CCRN Participated in Autism Alliance of Chester County’s Summer Camp Expo held at United Sports. 

March 29, 2011 CCRN supported the Pennsylvania Health Services Foundation Fundraiser hosted at Chick-Fil-A  located at Ashbridge Square in Downingtown. Girl Scouts Troop #4642  volunteered for this worthy cause and so did the owners of CCRN and their dedicated son! 

Shirl Costello

Shirl Costello
CCRN Receptionist

Ms. Costello’s previous career experiences have ranged from receptionist to Human Resource Administration. She brings with her lots of great experience and is a valuable asset to all of us here at CCRN.

After 20 years of dedication as an administrative professional, Ms. Costello made the decision to semi-retire. She and her family moved into the Oxford area in 2006. Ms. Costello recently chose to re-enter the work force and it is our pleasure to employ her as a receptionist here at CCRN. We know you will enjoy her pleasant and helpful demeanor as she is willing to help direct your needs and is just a phone call away!

Adults with special needs may require social skills instruction and opportunities, on-the-job support and instruction, in-home or community support in a variety of individualized ways. We do this well! Adult individuals with Intellectual Differences or Autism Spectrum Disorders benefit from Home and Community Personal Care Assistant (PCA) support. Service needs vary from just a few hours weekly up to 40 or more hours a week of PCA intervention. To determine if Home and Community PCA is a right for your loved one or to discuss funding options please contact Donna M. Williams.