December 2019
TLC E-Newsletter
A Message from the Executive Director 
With gratitude, we move into December. We are thankful for our active and involved community. Without the energy, enthusiasm, and "can do" attitude of both our staff and clients, we wouldn't have accomplished so much together! We had many individuals within our family of services gain recognition for their excellence and efforts: Katie, a KTS student who is a member of the Horsemanship Club, was selected to showcase her horse skill at a gala hosted by Great and Small Therapeutic Riding ; Outcomes Adult Service Director of Vocational Services and Quality Assurance Karen Morgret was a selected by MD Works as the "Transitional Professional” of the Year. Karen was also awarded the "MRA Administration Award" by the Maryland Rehabilitation Association

TLC is also still actively developing partnerships with other organizations to best serve members of our community. Don't forget to attend Metropolitan Ballet's "The Nutcracker Suite" for a special Sensory Friendly performance co-hosted by TLC on Sunday, Dec. 8, 10:00am. When you purchase a ticket ( click here ) and use the code "MBT4TLC" to purchase a ticket, 15% of proceeds will be donated to TLC. The code will be valid for all "The Nutcracker" and "The Nutcracker Suite" performances Dec 7-15th!

We look forward to our continued relationships in the New Year, and wish you warm and Happy Holidays!

Patricia A. Ritter, PhD
Executive Director, The Treatment and Learning Centers 
The Katherine Thomas School
On Tuesday, November 19th, Dr. Jeni Stepanek, award-winning speaker and writer, advocate for personal and world peace, as well as for children’s and families’ needs and rights in health and education, and Executive Director of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation, came to The Katherine Thomas School to film for a documentary she is making. Dr. Stepanek interviewed Wendy Epstein/Teacher, Christina Bernabe/Education Director, Lower and Middle School Programs, and Joy Thibeault/Social Worker (the KTS Peace Committee) as well as some students who were involved in the peace certification last year. 
The Family Hearing Center
The Effects of Hearing Loss on a Spouse
If you are suffering from hearing loss, you’re not alone. While an estimated 36 million American adults experience some degree of hearing loss, those closest to you—your immediate family—are affected even if they don’t share your hearing impairment. Your spouse, in particular, may have a difficult time dealing with your hearing loss.

Many spouses complain of a lack of communication. They resent having to repeat themselves, and adopt strategies such as positioning themselves in front of their husband or wife when speaking, encouraging lip-reading and relying on handwritten notes.

The big effect is on everyday activities, mainly television and telephone use. Spouses must deal with increased volume when the TV is on, making it uncomfortable for them to watch television in the same room. They also tend to be the ones to answer and make all telephone calls. There is also a reduction in social activities, with the hearing-impaired partner more likely to want to stay at home rather than venture
out and put him or her in a potentially uncomfortable situation.

Naturally, these factors lead to resentment and put a strain on the marriage. Increased tension often leads to a lack of intimacy, causing serious damage to the relationship.

If you are hearing impaired and married, there are steps you can take to improve your relationship with your spouse and ease their burden. If you own hearing devices, use them—and if you don’t, speak with your audiologist to see if they will help. There is a direct correlation between hearing device use and
relationship satisfaction.

Of equal importance: accept your condition rather than wallowing in self pity or despair. Nobody wants to have difficulty hearing, but dealing with it in a positive manner can go a long way toward maintaining a solid marriage. When you accept your impairment, your spouse is more willing to help and it’s easier for both of you to adapt to the situation.
Introducing a Special Hearing Offer!
For a limited time get $600 off when you purchase a pair of hearing devices, or $300 off when you purchase a single device.

Call today to take advantage of this offer. (301) 738-1415
Outpatient Services
Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling staff member Robyn Davy, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Dance Movement Therapist is leading a parenting group held at TLC entitled Circle of Security®. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is an evidenced-based program that promotes and strengthens secure parent-child relationships. Register online here or call Robyn 301-424-5200 ext.229. 

TLC is excited to have a partnership with the Harbor School in multiple capacities, including providing speech-language and occupational therapy screenings, running a weekly social skills group, holding three parent workshops, leading two staff workshops, and giving five consultations with staff and four “mini” consultations in staff meetings. We are excited about what the future holds!
Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Therapy have been very busy out and about in the community! Both departments have offered screenings at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School for the 5 th consecutive school year, Whole Kids Academy for the 3 rd consecutive school year, Harbor School for the 1 st school year, Kiddie Academy for the 1 st school year, and at our outpatient clinic every Fall and Spring.

Occupational Therapist Catherine Gavin was selected by her peers to be awarded TLC's Stein Award. Catherine is always willing to help others, reaches out to other professional for different opinions in order to provide the best occupational therapy, she is always smiling and keeps the moral high, and is a huge asset to the occupational therapy team.

Keep your eyes open for TLC's Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy annual holiday gift recommendation list; a list of toys recommended to promote language and play skills in your child. 
The Outcomes Service
Don't forget to enroll in What's Next? Life After High School, a workforce development program for high school juniors and seniors to prepare for work or post-secondary education. Contact Contact Karen Morgret, Director of Vocational Services and Quality Assurance
240.813.6909 kmorgret@ttlc.org to enroll.

Sheri Stocklin, Admissions and Community Supports Coordinator and Karen Morgret, Director of Vocational Services and Quality Assurance participated in the Transitional Youth fair held at Montgomery College Rockville on Saturday, November 2, 2019

Sherri Stocklin and Stacey Briggs,Director of Community Services presented to KTS and the public the training was called High School & Beyond The TLC Outcomes Service....
 
Karla Laney, Community Development Specialist, participated in the Patient First Open House in Germantown on October 5, 2019. Karla also participated in the Choice Career Fair on November 14, 2019. Karla has been supporting 2 KTS students so that they can develop skills in the administrative area.
 
Ingleside at King Farm (IKF) , a premier, life plan community located in Rockville, Maryland, was recognized by TLC in receiving the Community Builder Award for their dedication and support in building inclusive communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Princess Ugorji, Community Resource Advocate at TLC, was also honored for her dedication and support of individuals with disabilities.

Social Worker Donna Cruickshank was selected by her peers to be awarded TLC's Stein Award. Donna supports innovation, collaboration, and gives consumers opportunities to connects and thrive in many ways, gives 100% attention and allows consumers to talk about their life situations and challenges, and is an important part of many people’s day and her efforts greatly appreciated.

Karen Morgret was a selected by MD Works as the "Transitional Professional” of the Year. Karen was also selected by the Maryland Rehabilitation Association to be awarded the MRA Administration Award.
Development Digest
Thank you to all guests who attended the TLC’s Annual Fall Luncheon at Lakewood Country Club. Thanks to our sponsors and friends we raise over $47,000 dollars including the special ask for the Caring Neighbor Fund which helps TLC serve individuals who rely on services to improve their possibilities. TLC is committed to providing services to individuals in the community who could otherwise not afford them.

We like to thank our sponsors and Committee members who made this event possible. On behalf of the individuals who will benefit from your generosity, thank you for your support.

Special thank you to our lead sponsors:
GEICO
Athena Consulting
Avenue Wealth
Shulman Rogers
Total Quality Services

Congratulations to our Raffle Prize Winner. The winner was chosen on November 1 st . We are excited to report we raised over $15,000 from the event. Thanks to all who participated and for supporting our mission.

We are beginning the Giving Season. Please consider TLC as your charity of choice during the season. Here are several ways you can make an impact.

Giving Tuesday is December 3 rd this year. If you are giving on that special day consider TLC.

2020 marks TLC’s 70 th Anniversary and The Katherine Thomas School's 25 th Anniversary. We will be having special milestone events to celebrate our service to the community. Stay tuned for upcoming happenings
Marketing Department
Don't forget to attend Metropolitan Ballet's "The Nutcracker Suite" for a special Sensory Friendly performance hosted by TLC on Sunday, Dec. 8, 10:00am. When you purchase a ticket ( click here ) and use the code "MBT4TLC" to purchase a ticket, 15% of proceeds will be donated to TLC. The code will be valid for all "The Nutcracker" and "The Nutcracker Suite" performances Dec 7-15th!

If you haven’t liked us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please do, and encourage your friends to as well! Help up help others improve lives and expand possibilities.

TLC Programs
Sign up for one of our great programs at TLC! Check out some of the options:

The Circle of Security® Parenting™ Program
  • January 21st- March 10th 2020
  • Tuesdays (4:00 to 5:30 PM). 8-week parenting program
  • $50 (90 min. session), per person
  • Register online: https://conta.cc/2QxVue3 or contact Robyn Davy, 301-424-5200 ext.229

What's Next? Life After High School
  • Option 1: Mondays, February 3, 2020 – May 11, 2020, Option 2: Thursdays, February 6, 2020 – May 14, 2020
  • 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., 2092 Gaither Rd, Ste 100, Rockville, MD 20850
  • DORS-funded for Maryland students. $111 per session for DC and VA students.
  • Open to students from all area schools. Students will be screened for eligibility.
  • Contact Karen Morgret, Director of Vocational Services and Quality Assurance 240.813.6909 kmorgret@ttlc.org

KTS Parent Workshops: BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL FOR D.C. FAMILIES
  • Free and open to the public
  • Date: WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11, 2019
  • Time: 6:30 PM
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
  • RSVP: Click Here

Therapeutic Interaction Group
  • Ages: 2.5-6
  • Day/Times: Groups will be Tuesday/Thursday morning 8:45-11:15 and Wednesday 1:00-3:30
  • Sign up: Call Lisa Torvik 301.424.5200 x306

Social & Emotional Skills Groups
  • Date: Wednesdays
  • Ages: Elementary to Early Middle School
  • Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
  • Location: Gaither Rd. office
  • Sign up: MESmith@ttlc.org, 301.424.5200, ext. 226

Individual Speech-Language Therapy
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 159

Individual Occupational Therapy
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 159

Counseling
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 226

Tutoring
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 306

Online Plus Tutoring
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 306