Canned Food Drive Contest ‘Tis the season for giving!! All of our centers will be organizing a canned food drive this month. Staff will be competing to see which centers reach their ultimate goal. If they reach their goal, their staff will receive a pizza party. At the end of the month, a Cornerstone client will count and organize the canned food, then we will donate the cans to a local shelter or food bank.
Nov 26-27 | Cornerstone Closed Our centers will be shut down for Thanksgiving on these dates. We hope everyone enjoys the extra time spent with loved ones!
January 2021 | Opening in Avon, IN We are excited to announce that we will be opening a small center in Avon in January 2021!! We have long wanted to serve the west side of Indianapolis, so 2021 is the year! Stay tuned for additional updates as they become available.
Thank you to these staff members for Maximizing Those Who Struggle, Embracing Those Who Love and Fulfilling Those Who Serve.
Kayla Unkrich, MS, CCC-SLP This year I have hiked and explored many new state parks. I am currently working to learn Spanish, take more time to read, and train for a 10K. I am my happiest when I am outside, hiking, kayaking, picnicking, or lounging in a hammock. I enjoy listening to podcasts, eating breakfast on my balcony, having game nights with friends, and planning my next opportunity to travel.
I am inspired by people who are relentless in their efforts to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. I am fortunate to have met quite a few of these people through Cornerstone. When I hear a story of someone who has overcome odds, worked hard, or challenged others to make a positive difference, I feel motivated and uplifted.
One of my favorite things about my job is the opportunity to set up language systems for clients who are not able to speak or who are limited in their ability to express themselves verbally. It is exciting to assist them in bridging the gap between their current communication abilities and all of the things that they are trying to communicate. This gap is, reasonably, often very frustrating for the child. Therefore, I love to celebrate the small wins, such as asking for a “drink” or to “play outside”, that bring joy and a sense of communicating with ease to that child’s life.
Bo Brown, Therapist I love going on adventures with my girlfriend and our dog, Millie. I also enjoy running, playing sports and playing D & D with my surf buddies.
I am staying in touch with my surf camp crew, planning our next annual surf trip to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
My favorite place is Hilton Head Island (HHI), SC. I have so many great memories in HHI on vacations with friends and family, from learning how to skimboard to catching my first shark. I still love going to HHI to this day.
The best thing about working with my clients is the change to make a lasting impact on how they can improve their own day-to-day experiences.
Ashley Duncan, Therapist My mom is the person who inspires me the most. She is the strongest person I know. She has always tried her hardest to go above and beyond for her family. Her selflessness and willingness to put others before herself is what inspires me to be the best person and therapist I can be.
Since coming to Cornerstone, I have been able to accomplish many of my goals and dreams. I have moved out of my parents’ house and taken on my own living expenses. I got married to the most wonderful man. I was even brave enough to purchase a Jeep Grand Cherokee!
One of my favorite quotes is: “Never let the sadness of your past and the fear of your future ruin the happiness of your present.” I like the quote because there will always be things in life that make you sad or scare you, but the most important thing to remember is to live life to the fullest and live in the moment.
The best part about working with children who have autism is being one of the few people who are able to connect, understand and communicate with the child in a way that works best for them. I also love witnessing the childrens’ determination to master each skill. The look on a child’s face when they independently do what they have been working on is absolutely priceless.
Leaf Hedgehogs from Crafty Morning
To prepare this craft, bring your little learner on a Fall nature walk. Pick up leaves as you go! Bring them home and work on fine motor skills by drawing your hedgehogs, cutting them out and gluing the leaves to the hedgehog’s bodies. Draw a sweet little nose.Grow your child’s vocabulary : Fall, leaves, hedgehog, brown, nose, eyes, mouth, smile, orange. Learn more by clicking here.
Getting Through the Holidays | BCBA Angie Robbins
Between families, traveling, gifts and gatherings, the holidays can be stressful and a bit challenging for everybody. No matter what tradition you celebrate – Hanukkah, Christmas, Ramadan, or Kwanzaa – we all are celebrating the lives of our children and families getting together, acknowledging changes, losses and most importantly love. It’s a time to be close, to give thanks, help the less fortunate and look forward to new comings and a brighter future. In order to make the holidays easier for you, and your family, there are some tips for getting through the holidays from BCBA Angie Robbins. Read more by clicking here.
Educational Tool: Original Mood Flipbook for Kids
This flip book has 20 different moods and emotions to help individuals with autism communicate how they are feeling.
Kids will enjoy flipping to the character that expresses their current mood, and the corresponding positive choices that can be taken.
- Teach kids about different moods and emotions, along with positive actions that can be taken in a fun and educational way.See the tool on Amazon by clicking this link.
Medicaid Waiver…What Is It?
Parents of a child with autism can apply for the Family Supports Waiver (FSW) for their child. This program is funded by Medicaid and allows families to access funding for services which will help build independence, increase community supports, and lead to improvement of the individual’s quality of life. Learn more about the Medicaid Waiver by clicking this link.
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