A Message from the Executive Director

TLC is lucky to have such an active and supportive community of individuals committed to improving lives and expanding possibilities for people with special needs. The time, effort, and personal investment made by our generous and caring community has made a major positive impact on those we serve.

Although we are missing the summer, fall and the new school year bring about new excitement and possibilities for the entire TLC community. The Katherine Thomas School is already moving full steam ahead; we have our high school dance scheduled for November 2nd,  and the Student vs. Staff Annual Basketball Game scheduled for November 22nd. The Parents Association is running the Charlestown Wrap fundraiser to help support our school. The Gaither Road office is offering 2 new groups for elementary and middle school-aged children: The Worry Free Me Group and The Social and Emotional Skills Group.  We are gearing up for the upcoming Fall Luncheon, honoring The Greif Family. We hope you can join us to celebrate our mission.

In this e-newsletter, we will share the results of our annual TLC Outpatient Consumer Satisfaction Surveys; those we serve are always NUMBER ONE. The results were overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the dedication and efforts put forth by our faculty, staff, and clinicians. A community of knowledge with compassion is always the goal, to provide a foundation for the achievement of greater personal independence and success from the youngest child to the wisest adult.

We appreciate all of TLC's supporters who help us to expand possibilities and change lives. Here's to continued excellence!

Patricia A. Ritter, PhD
Executive Director, The Treatment and Learning Centers
Development Digest

Hamilton Raffle Tickets for Sale!


Don't forget to purchase your "Night on Broadway Package" raffle ticket. The prize includes: 4 tickets to Hamilton-An American Musical;  2 rooms for a 1 night stay at the New York Marriott Marquis in Time Square; and a $500 dinner credit. The total value is over $5,000.00! Raffle ticket proceeds will benefit TLC. The cost is $200 per ticket, or go in with a group of people and purchase 3 tickets for $500. Click here to purchase your ticket/s. The winner will be selected on October 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Annual Fall Luncheon


Please join us for a celebration in honor of a TLC Champion, The Greif Family Peter and Susan Greif and the Late Roger L. Greif, and their twenty-five plus years of dedicated giving and service to TLC and its' mission to improve lives and expand possibilities for individuals with special needs. The luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood County Club (13901 Glen Mill Road Rockville, Maryland 20850). To RSVP, contact Teresa Witt at 301.424.5200, ext. 155, [email protected] or register  online

We would like to thank our major sponsors for helping to make our Luncheon a success!
Marketing Department

TLC on Social Media!

To be a highly visible, leading-edge organization, we need your help to spread the word about TLC. Please "like," "share," and "follow" us on the social media platforms below.

Facebook: 


Instagram: 
The Katherine Thomas School
 
Back to School

KTS faculty and staff were excited to kick off a new school year, and did so in superhero fashion! School started well with the students greeting old staff and meeting new.  We started the school year with 152 students with the high school almost at the 100 student mark.  The high school had their Back to School Night that was packed full and well received. We had a fabulous Fall Picnic, where students and their families enjoyed Bingo, ZamDance, games on the playgrounds, pizza and socializing.

KTS Parents Association

Thanks to the Parents Association for a new commercial kitchen,  including the following appliances: 2 stoves, griddle, 2-drawer fridge, toaster, 2 commercial microwaves, and a 3-compartment sink. The new kitchen items are just one of the many generous contributions made from the annual Parents Association Auction. The students in the restaurant program are immensely enjoying their professional new equipment and learning how to be ace cooks for their families now (yay), and perhaps for a job later! 

Below our adorable KTS preschooler is enjoying new OT equipment, also courtesy of the PA Auction.
Don't forget to order  Charlestown Wrap, to help support KTS Charlestown Wrap  gifts include wrapping paper, ribbons, gift bags, kitchen items and many other fun things. You can click here  to make your order and support KTS!

Donor Support Makes a Difference


Students and parents have spoken, and donor support has made a positive impact on a life! Below are just some of the wonderful quotes that we've received:

Student Quotes
"This scholarship means I can attend a school that helps me with my autism and anxiety in a place where everyone is included and you are encouraged to  accept differences . Thank you for the scholarship, it means a lot to me."

"KTS has helped me find my voice. Without your generosity, I couldn't have said "thank you" on my own."

"If it wasn't for the scholarship I may not be aware of the people and the world around me! It has made such a difference in my life!"

Parent Quotes
"Our child is  thriving due to the AMAZING amount of support from such generous and kind donors. Being part of the KTS family is a gift to us as parents and to the growth of our son. Thank you for choosing to invest in the lives of children who face additional challenges - the experience at KTS is life-changing and uplifting for all."

"KTS has made the seemingly impossible possible. Thanks for the opportunity."
The Family Hearing Center

Washington Consumers' Checkbook

Like previous years, The Family Hearing Center received above-average ratings from Washington Consumers' Checkbook. 
  • Percent of customers rating firm "superior" for "overall quality:" 88%
  • Percent of customers rating firm "superior" for "quality of products:" 90%
  • Percent of customers rating firm "superior" for "reliability:" 95%

Healthy Hearing Website

On the Healthy Hearing Website, The Family Hearing Center earned 5 stars out of 5 stars!

The Family Hearing Center Consumer Satisfaction Survey 

The results of our Consumer Satisfaction Survey for The Family Hearing Center showed very pleased patients. We are proud of our audiologists, who continuously exhibit professionalism, kindness, and empathy for our patients. Below are just some of the many positive comments received:

"Staff were accessible and helpful in a timely fashion."

"Friendly, professional service; audiologist was excellent with my daughter."

"What I liked most about my experience at The Family Hearing Center was the friendliness and professionalism of your staff. They treat you like a family."

"I liked the willingness of staff to spend the time to answer questions."

"The friendliness, kindness, and understanding for elderly woman with Alzheimer's was appreciated."
2017  Outpatient Services

The results of our Multi-Departmental 2017 Consumer Satisfaction Survey are out, and we are proud of our clinicians for working tirelessly to expand possibilities for those that we serve; their dedication shows. 

TLC Outpatient Services Consumer Satisfaction Survey

Based on a scale of 1 (Needs Improvement) to 5 (Excellent)
Staff knowledge and skills
4.9
Explanation of test results and recommendations
4.8
Staff considered my input
4.9
Staff listened and communicated well
4.9
Progress made
4.7
Staff developed individualized treatment goals
4.9
Quality of report
4.8
Timeliness of report
4.6
Recommendations and/or referrals, when needed
4.7
Responded to your first call by end of next business day
4.8
Ease of scheduling an appointment
4.8
Courtesy of staff who scheduled appointment
4.9
Courtesy of reception staff
4.9
Efficiency and response of billing department
4.6
Answers to my insurance questions, if applicable
4.7
Building neatness and comfort
4.6
Overall rating of TLC
4.9
Likeliness of Referring to TLC
4.8
Total Average by Department
4.8
2017 Summer Camp

The results of our 2017 Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy Camps Consumer Satisfaction Survey are out; we are so very pleased that both campers and parents were happy with our services!
Some direct quotes received from parents of our campers are below:

"My son was so happy and excited to come to camp each day and to find out what new and fun activity they would be doing. The teachers and volunteers were hands-on and always rose to to the occasion. They offered a lot of great advice and tactics. Everyone from the office staff to the volunteers was professional and a pleasure to work with. Looking forward to next summer!"

"The staff and volunteers were courteous and very helpful with my child during his time at the camp. I was well informed about how he did during the time and what they were doing in terms of helping him."

" Excellent communication between camp and home (daily camp bulletins were informative, talk time with SLP and OT were very helpful); Fun (while learning or improving upon skills) activities for the kids."

"We love, love, love TLC! B really benefited from the combined Speech and OT camp in the two short weeks that he attended (noticeable improvements in pencil grip and cutting scissors to name a few)...Can't wait for next summer!"
Occupational Therapy 

The results of our Consumer Satisfaction Survey for the Occupational Therapy Department  responses to "what I like most about my experience at TLC is . . ." are in. We are very proud of our staff and encouraged by the results of our kids!

  "(O.T.) was wonderful and so helpful, and (son) really looked forward to working with her each week."

  "We love (O.T.)!  (Son) has showed much growth since working with her and she knows how to help him overcome his "stubborn" days."
 
"Good therapists; explain all the process with my kids; help to understand more his goal to help them at home."
 
"It was very delightful to work with (O.T.).  My son and I had good experience at TLC.  (O.T.) helped my son make good progress.  She did her job above and beyond.   She's very loving and caring!" 
 
  "The experience and knowledge of (O.T.), (SLP) and (SLP).  The enthusiasm in making sure that (son) progresses."
Speech-Language Pathology

The results of our Consumer Satisfaction Survey for the Speech Language Pathology Department  responses to "what I like most about my experience at TLC is . . ." are in. The therapists are once again lauded for their dedication and caring attitude towards our clients.

"Everyone is caring and friendly, and works together to make a supportive and positive speech experience."
 
"Very professional- best experience we've had yet in area with speech therapy.  Very pleased with (SLP)."
 
"My child likes the therapists and the activities, and he has made great progress."
 
"Detailed feedback in post-session debrief with (SLP).  (SLP) is extremely competent, and we're very happy with the service and advice she provides."
 
"(SLP) works so hard for (son's) best.  We appreciate her professionalism, her patience, her compassion."
Testing and Tutoring
The results of our Consumer Satisfaction Survey for the Testing and Tutoring Department responses to "what I like most about my experience at TLC is . . ." are in. Our psychologists are warm and friendly, and it shows.

"(Psychologist) immediately made (son) feel comfortable and explained what he should expect.  Her combination of professionalism and warmth made the experience a positive one.  I felt very comfortable with (Psychologist), and that I was treated with respect, caring, and courtesy."
 
"Everyone is very professional and friendly, making us feel welcomed."
 
"There seems to be a genuine interest in providing a uniform level of excellent service on the part of all the staff that we interacted with.  They all cared that our needs were met and happy to assist us."
 
"(Tutor) was very caring and went over and above her job to make sure my son received the tutoring that he needed."
 
"Staff in different areas collaborate to work for my son's best."
NEW!  SOCIAL AND
EMOTIONAL SKILLS FOR
GIRLS AND BOYS GROUP!

This social and emotional group is designated for elementary and early middle school children. Using role  play and fun activities in a structured peer group, we will work on:
  • Developing positive peer relationships
  • Flexibility
  • Assessing the size of a problem
  • Managing anger
  • AND MORE!
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION!

This group is led by Donna Cruickshank, LCSW-C. She is a seasoned therapist with 30+ years of  experience in clinic and school-based mental health settings.

For more information about this and other groups, contact Melissa Smith, Director of Testing,Tutoring, and  Counseling [email protected], 301-424-5200, ext. 226.

N EW! THE WORRY FREE ME
GROUP FOR BOYS AND GIRLS!

Does your child experience:
  • Fear of new situations?
  • Excessive worry about grades and sports?
  • Meltdowns?
  • Headaches and stomachaches to avoid social situations?
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION!

This group, for older elementary/younger middle school children, will tackle the anxiety bully. We will learn
new coping strategies and build an Anxiety Free Tool Box.

This group is led by Donna Cruickshank, LCSW-C. She is a seasoned therapist with 30+ years of  experience in clinic and school-based mental health settings.

For more information about this and other groups, contact Melissa Smith, Director of Testing, Tutoring, and  Counseling, [email protected], 301-424-5200, ext. 226.