Eric Lindey Appointed As New President/CEO Step by Step, Inc

Newsletter - Fall 2020

Eric Lindey Appointed as New President/CEO Step By Step, Inc. We’re confident that Eric is that per- ies. is pleased to wel- son who will leverage the leadership Eric Lindey received an honorable come Eric Lindey, examples set by Jim Bobeck and Mike discharge from the United States Ar- who has joined Bernatovich, while taking us to the my Reserve, serving an 8-year com- the Agency as next level of success for our consum- mitment. He is a past recipient of the President/CEO. ers and employees.” Linda Rosen Memorial Award for He succeeds Mike Bernatovich, Interim President/ “Outstanding Direct Care Staff” given James Bobeck, CEO stated, “We look forward to Eric by the Allegheny County Department who retired after joining the Step By Step Team. His of Human Services. In 2017, he was 42 years with wealth of experience in the Human named a Wishart Fellow by The Step By Step. Eric Lindey most recent- Service field is impressive and will help Forbes Funds and attended the Car- ly served as Executive Vice President Step By Step strengthen its reputation negie Bosch Institute at Carnegie PA Adult IDD services at Inperium, Mellon University. In addition, he is a Inc. and President/CEO of Supportive as a quality-driven agency.” member of The National Association Concepts For Families, Inc. Throughout his 30-year career in hu- of QMRP’s, American Association of man services, Eric Lindey has worked George Rable, Chairperson of Step By Developmental Disabilities, the Na- in a management capacity with coun- Step’s Board of Directors, shared: “On tional Association of Direct Support ty government, supports coordina- behalf of the Search Committee and Professionals, and the American Col- tion, and provider organizations. He Board of Directors overall, I’m excited lege of Healthcare Executives. was the founder and CEO of The Hab to welcome Eric Lindey as the next Group before merging it with a large We are excited to have Eric Lindey in leader of the Step By Step team. This non-profit provider. He holds a Mas- our Agency and believe his talent, search process was lengthy, and we ters of Arts from Seton Hall University skills and experience will enable Step cast a wide net to get the right pro- and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Stud- fessional to lead the Agency forward. By Step, Inc. to reach new heights.

A Message From Mike - Goodbye to My Step By Step Family

Upon the retirement of Step By say goodbye. Who we have all worked tirelessly and oper- Step, Inc.’s President/CEO Jim knew back in Septem- ated as a well-oiled machine to ensure Bobeck in February 2020, Mike ber of 1980 that I quality was a cornerstone of all our Bernatovich, Executive VP Op- would end up cele- services. For that I take great pride, as erations/COO, graciously brating a 40-year ca- should all of you, in what we have agreed to serve as Interim Presi- reer with Step By Step accomplished. dent/CEO. Now that a Presi- and holding down the I hope long after I am gone, you will dent/CEO has been found, fort as your Interim never forget the importance of Heinz Mike will be leaving the compa- President and Chief ketchup. Remember my mantra .... ny to begin the next chapter of his life. Executive Officer. "Step By Step is the ‘Heinz ketchup’ of Following is his farewell letter: Over these years we have celebrated the human service field!" Always #1; By now you probably know that I will together, challenged each other, and never settling for second best! Never be leaving Step By Step with Novem- shed a tear together. We have forget the importance of "TEAM." ber 20th my last day in the office. Hav- watched each other grow both pro- With good communication, good exe- ing worked with many of you for fessionally and personally, have wel- cution, being open to new ideas, years, I have to say that I have truly comed new team members along the learning from our mistakes, always enjoyed your support and your friend- way, parted ways with some, and striving to get better, we, as the Step ship and I will cherish these memories grieved the loss of respected col- -continued on page 5- for years to come. It will be difficult to leagues. But through all these years, Page 2 The Vision 2020 Direct Support Professional Recognition/Staff Celebrations September 13-19, 2020, Direct Sup- portant work of our direct support our incredible direct support profes- port Professional Recognition Week, professionals and applaud their re- sionals, and demonstrate just a small was a great opportunity to highlight sponse to the unprecedented chal- fraction of the recognition that they the dedicated, hard-working, and lenges of 2020. Throughout Step By deserve throughout the year. innovative direct support workforce Step’s regions, our goal during this Various staff celebrations/ recogni- that are the heart and soul of Step By year’s DSP Week was to showcase the tions were held throughout Step By Step, Inc. We recognize the im- amazing and often unsung work of Step’s regions, as follows: Southeast Region - Honoring Our Heroes and Staying “Stronger Together”

This year’s annual During DSP Week, to support all staff and celebration of staff were show- consumers. Christine Direct Support ered with gifts Coughenour, Vice Presi- Professional’s such as donuts, dent Operations/SE, Week and the fall-themed bas- reports, “We have some Southeast Re- kets, Step By Step very special staff who g i o n a l S t a f f winter hats, raf- have worked long and Award Luncheon fle baskets, HERO tirelessly providing ser- and Training was car magnets, and vices to our compro- l to r: Oluwayomi Adewale, Ma- affected greatly a special lunch riama Barry, Willliemena Innis, mised individuals and by the COVID-19 that was provided at and Marian Weiah. filling in for staff who Lynnette Womack, pandemic. the end of the week. were recovering from holding her HERO Staff were invited to the virus at home. We car magnet. Despite the con- come out earlier in the week to enjoy identified each of them as a HERO and stant obstacles ice cream, receive a Step By Step mask they received an exclusive personal- and hurdles of planning an event dur- and accept their tenure awards, along ized water bottle, along with a hand- ing this time, it did not dampen spirits. with a photo op. written letter of gratitude. We will New avenues were pursued to show continue to explore ways to boost appreciation of the hard work and Undeterred by the difficult and trying staff morale and create fun and health- dedication of each and every staff times that we all faced together, the ful interactions throughout the year, who saw us through these trying Southeast Region adopted the slogan hoping that this era will swiftly end.” times. “#Stronger Together” in a joint effort Western Region - Staff Appreciation

week for which all “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. direct care staff It makes what is excellent in others were eligible. In belong to us as well.” Voltaire addition, this year, Program Manag- with cloth masks with the Agency ers were asked to logo, and “stronger together” Step By nominate Step beanies. Program Mangers wrote “outstanding” staff personalized thank you notes to each for a of their team members, and lunch was Photo1: l. to r.: Shawn Holmes and Lea Urbano. Photo 2: Denise chance to provided to the teams at each program Cavenaugh, Brenda Andrews, Ellen D. and Toyatta Allen. win a spe- location at some point throughout the cial prize. week. The Region even took to social During Direct Support Appreciation The “outstanding” staff nominated media this year, with a few managers Week, the Western Region honored its were: Monica Kabbaz, Bobby Davis, and the Regional VP, appearing in a hardworking and dedicated Direct Desiree Allen, Gladys Amandong, video message on Facebook, convey- Support Staff, Mobile Direct Support Rosemond Adjei, Daniel Tirop, Bukola ing appreciation and gratitude for our Staff, Program Assistants, DSS Leads, Benson, Oscar Ojah, Isaac Aidoo, Bren- direct support staff. and Program Instructors with a variety da Andrews, Christina Rymarowicz, Denise Cavenaugh, Vice President Op- of activities and giveaways aimed at Jeff Hardy, David Abe, Jessica Camp- erations/West, stated, “Our frontline showing them all just how much we bell, Jonah Ike, Darvin Gray, Angela staff are our most valuable resource, value and appreciate the supports they Gittings, and Hakeem Bello. and we are grateful for the opportuni- provide to the individuals we serve. The Senior Leadership team in the re- ty to recognize their dedication to the The week’s activities included the an- gion enjoyed taking the time to deliver people we support in each one of our nual gift basket raffle each day of the “snack sacks” to each location, along programs.”

- Continued on page 3 - Page 3

2020 Direct Support Professional Recognition/Staff Celebrations (continued from page 2) Celebrating Lehigh Valley’s Sheroes and Heroes September 13- Drawing by Phil Fritchey. er our Super Hero Wall 19 was a week Tuesday – Delivery of of Fame! It was great designated to Shero/Hero T-shirts and to collaborate with celebrating our PPE kits (Step By Step each other and come Sheroes and cloth Facemasks, hand up with special names Heroes who sanitizer and gloves). for each of our have been ab- Wednesday – Take-out MDSP's! It was also fun solutely stellar picnic and dress as your decorating our office throughout the shero/hero day! and showering them entire COVID- Thursday – Delivery Diane Barrett (l.) and Elizabeth with gifts throughout 19 pandemic. of snacks to all loca- Popadick on “donut hole Monday.” the week. Thank you Shero Wonder Coronavirus inter- tions. Friday – Deliv- for everything Step by Woman aka Bren- rupted the Re- ery of Step By Step Step did to make us na Grimm. gion’s typical Staff lunch bags and water bottles. Photos ALL feel special that week!” Dorothy Celebration and of the Superlative teams came up with Myers, Outpatient Clinical Supervisor, Annual Picnic. With the challenge of for each member. recaps the week as follows, “In a world creating a meaningful and fun week, where people in general are so often It was such a fun week! Dawn Shan- the Recruitment and Retainment (R&R) taken for granted, how can I describe non, Recruitment & Development Co- Committee designed a plan to cele- how it feels to be repeatedly thanked ordinator says, “ … the highlight was brate in a completely unique way that for our service, showered with gifts being able to go to some of the sites kept everyone safe. Special thanks to and treats, and celebrated for a whole and thank the staff in person. To be Grace Petchonka for all the amazing week as heroes and sheroes? It is like able to thank them, live face-to-face graphics, Kim Orner-Rauch’s coordina- being handed a million dollars.” was the best!” Aimee Santee, Home & tion of the picnic, and all our packers Community Supervisor shared, “I am Janet Romero, Vice President Opera- and couriers that made the week a consistently trying to express to my tions/LV, said, “Congratulations to the success. team how grateful I am for each of recipients of Years of Service Awards as Sunday – Every Supervisor provided a them, but simply saying ‘thank you’ well as our annual Employees of the handwritten personalized Thank You never seems to be quite enough. Year Awards winners! Thank you to note and pen to their team members. Shero/Hero Week helped remind me Mike Bernatovich for making an ap- Monday – Donut hole deliveries to all to go that extra mile and do some ex- pearance via a cardboard cutout to locations and the announcement of all tra special things to show them how congratulate our Years of Service recipi- the Annual Award recipients via Zoom. much I appreciate everything they ents.” The first of the daily Zoom Tchotchke do. I especially had fun putting togeth- Northeast Region - Thank You For All You Do In the North- apples, a variety Meg Lukaszewski, east, man- of snacks, and a Vice President Oper- agement pumpkin, were ations/NE, shared: “I was focused delivered to all know Direct Support on doing a residential sites. Professional week is variety of Tuesday: A live over, but please things to Facebook draw- know that you are show appre- ing for 30 $50.00 appreciated every ciation to all gift cards donat- week of the year. l to r: Renee Edwards of their direct ed by the Staff Meg Lukaszewski proudly displays Many of you have and Heather Ebert support profes- Appreciation Com- treats distributed to Northeast sites. worked throughout sionals. These mittee was held this pandemic and it amazing individuals were thanked (congratulations to all of our winners). is because of you that our consumers and acknowledged publicly with a Wednesday: Hoagies were delivered have stayed safe and cared for. In our very large billboard display on Mundy to all our sites. Thursday: Candy bags day programs, community support Street in Wilkes-Barre. Also, a full-page with a Step By Step face mask were services and children’s programs, we thank you appeared in local Wilkes- delivered to sites. Friday: Fresh pop- have had to meet many challenges to Barre newspapers, The Citizens’ Voice corn, made by a local vendor, and a ensure both our consumers and staff and Times Leader. lottery ticket were delivered to all sites. are safe. All of you have risen to that Because of location and distribution challenge. The planning and re- During DSP week, a different event issues related to our children’s pro- sourcefulness all of you have shown is took place each day: Monday: Fall gram, instead of food items, a gift bas- amazing. Thank you for all that you baskets, which included fresh picked ket was raffled off. do!” Page 4 The Vision Spotlight on Property & Risk Management: Tips to Prepare for the Cold Months Ahead

With winter and water hose is disconnected and that the cold months the water valve is empty and shut off. upon us, we need This is often the most common area to be on guard for extreme cold will begin to freeze and problems that may occur in our homes burst pipes. 6. Install an insulated pro- due to the cold. Below are a few sim- tective cover over the outdoor water ple tips that can help you navigate valve to help keep it warmer. This inex- winter’s hazards safely. pensive safety measure can be pur- Insulated water valve protective cover. chased at any home improvement or Depending on how well your site or plumbing store for around $3.00. In- following are working correctly: home is insulated and the tempera- stallation is simple (see photo). 1. The furnace filter is clean and or ture, water pipes can freeze and burst replaced. 2. The furnace is clean and in as little as three hours. Outside pipes If Pipes Freeze: 1. Make sure you and vacuumed out of soot and debris. can freeze faster. To keep water pipes staff members know how to shut off 3. The blower belt and motor have from freezing: 1. Let hot and cold wa- the water. 2. NEVER try to thaw a pipe been oiled. 4. There are no leaks ter trickle or drip at night from a faucet with an open flame or torch. If the around doors or seals. 5. Make sure all in extreme cold. Ironically, hot water pipes freeze at your site, do not try un- intake and exhaust vents are unob- pipes can freeze faster than cold water freeze them yourself. Contact a quali- structed. 6. All thermostats are func- pipes. A hot water pipe is also more fied plumber or maintenance person. tioning properly. likely to burst than a cold water pipe. 3. Always be careful of the potential for 2. Open cabinet doors to allow more electric shock in and around standing In addition to the above tips it is also a heat to get to un-insulated pipes under water. 4. And finally, NEVER use your good idea to familiarize yourself with a sink or near an outer wall. 3. Make home’s oven to provide additional heat the Agency Warm and Cold Weather sure heat is left on and set no lower the site. Precautions and Procedures Policy than 55 degrees. 4. If you plan to be 2410.92 that can be found on the Have your furnace and heating system away from the site for a long period, Agency Intranet. With a little precau- professionally checked. A properly have someone check the site to make tion and good judgement, we can nav- maintained furnace is essential during sure the heat is still on to prevent freez- igate the hazards of winter safely! the winter months. Ensure that the ing pipes. 5. Ensure that the outside Administrative Overview Training As we come together to slow the overview of the Administrative De- Region: Nicole Carter, Danielle Clem- spread of COVID-19, training looks a partments: Lehigh Valley: Dawn ents, Devin Crisanti, Jeni Martin, La- lot different than it did in the past. In Shannon. Northeast Region: Pen- vonne Robinson, and Adjoa Sampson. response to this, Step By Step, Inc. nylee Butler, Charles Evansky, Deb Although the format was different, most recent Administrative Overview McGlynn, and Susan Reavy. South- the information sharing did not Training Day was held via Zoom. east Region: Natasha Billie, Ebony change. Those in attendance were Daniels, Kathryn Dougherty, Madona The following 18 participants, repre- given a valuable overview of the Ad- Ganda, Lindsey Gauger, Mariama senting each of Step By Step’s four Jusu, and Mario Magnotta. Western ministrative Departments. regions, attended this informative

Step By Step’s Transformation to Trauma-Informed and Equity Practices We are ex- the Step By Step team will be part of tors. Trauma creates cited to an- the Agency’s exciting transformation Although the direct consultation change you nounce that towards being trauma-informed." The takes place with a core team of 12 DON’T choose. Step By importance of being “trauma- Step By Step team members repre- Healing is about Step, Inc. informed” is immeasurable for the senting a cross section of the Agency, creating change has been workforce and the individuals receiv- the transformation process involves you DO choose. selected to ing services. This opportunity will every member of Step By Step. As an -Michelle Rosenthall participate take us on a journey during which we Agency, we are choosing to spend in the Na- will receive technical assistance from the next twelve months creating tional Council for Behavioral Health’s national expert, including virtual ear- change that brings healing. Stay 2020-2021 Trauma-Informed, Resili- ing sessions and individual coaching tuned for more information and spe- ence-Oriented Equity Call to Action calls, programmatic and organization- cifics on what role your team will play Community of Practice. al assessments, and tools to support organizational change with identified in this important endeavor. Over the next year, every member of outcomes and performance indica- Page Page 5 5

A Message From Mike - Goodbye to My Step By Step Family (continued from page 1) By Step Team has and will continue and look forward to the next chapter warding! I wish you all nothing but to score touchdowns, win games, of my career. Maybe in the human the best. I will always have Step By and keep the spirit of success alive service field, maybe not...... but wher- Step in my heart and will check in on and well. ever I land and whatever I end up things often. doing, I hope that it provides me with Retirement is not in my plans at this Stay safe. Stay well! the same level of enjoyment that I point in my career. I will be moving have experienced here at Step By Michael Bernatovich to Texas this month, joining my wife Step. Interim President/CEO and family and taking a few weeks off to enjoy the Holidays. After that, I Thank you all for making my years at will hang out the flag of availability Step By Step so enjoyable and re-

“IDEA Program” Grant

been made. are completed, a Board Certified Be- havior Analyst (BCBA) develops and The “IDEA Program” schedules the child and family for allows children to future visits. Visits are then scheduled receive services im- based on the child’s needs. At these mediately following visits, the BCBA works with the child the assessment and on his/her individual skills, while help- diagnosis of autism. ing the parent learn the most effec- This IDEA program tive ways to help their child. These enables both the services will be provided at Wyoming child and family to From left: George Rable, Board Chairperson, Step By Step; Valley Children’s Association. transition into the Christina Montigney, Clinical Supervisor, Step By Step; next level of service, For more information regarding Step John Cosgrove, Executive Director, AllOne Foundation; while also serving as By Step’s “IDEA Program,” contact Michael Bernatovich, Interim President/CEO, Step By Step; Meg Lukaszewski, VP NE Region, Step By Step; and John an extensive training Christina Montigney, Clinical Supervi- McElwee, consultant. opportunity for par- sor at cmontigney@stepbystepusa. ents and caregivers. com or 570-829-3477 Extension 7977. Step By Step, Inc. was recently award- The “IDEA Program” serves children ed a grant from AllOne Foundation between the ages of 2-5. Referrals The mission of AllOne Foundation is to support its Children’s Services IDEA come from multiple sources, includ- to make a real and substantive impact (Immediate Diagnosis and Early Assis- ing the CATCH team, Geisinger ADMI on the health and welfare of the peo- tance) Program. This Program was Clinic, county mental health/ ple of Northeastern and North Cen- formed to combat long waiting lists intellectual disability services, early tral Pennsylvania by improving ac- families often experience to receive intervention services, pediatricians or cess, affordability and quality of services after an autism diagnosis has self-referral. Once the assessments healthcare. Page 6 The Vision Compliance Self Monitoring The Quality & Compliance Depart- reviews completed elec- Service Teams have five days to ment of Step By Step, Inc. is committed tronically or via data confirm and correct any claims to providing a high level of support shares at the administra- discrepancies and must work and service verification for Step By tive office. Although through underpayments or over- Step, Inc., our staff and our consum- there are limitations payments with our Fiscal Team. ers. We strive to provide meaningful with this style of look Further, it is the service or facility quality initiatives through training, behind audit, it stills pro- management Team’s responsibility resource availability and individual vides a level of service verification for to review the overall audit summary interactions. billed claims. and incorporate any new process or protocols as necessary. There is also In support of our Corporate Compli- The preferred method of audit review an expectation that the service or facil- ance Plan and in conjunction with the continues to be a “100% Claim Re- ity management teams will incorpo- Deficit Reduction Act, Step By Step, view” process for randomly selected rate the knowledge from the current Inc., through the Quality & Compli- individuals from a service covering a review and appropriately apply find- ance Department, maintains a robust dedicated period of time. At any time ings to other similar programs. self-auditing process that considers: a) should an internal audit reveal an ex- adherence to documentation require- ceptional number of discrepancies, it is It is important for all Agency Staff to ments; b) claims documentation, un- the prerogative of the Quality & Com- have a broad knowledge of the or- derpayments and overpayments; c) pliance Department to expand the ganizational Corporate Compliance licensing adherence (as applicable); review to include additional billing Plan and Q&C Departmental initiatives and d) adherence to other state and/ claims and documentation, as well as as we move to maintain and demon- or organizational needs. additional consumer files. Once an strate adhere to all service require- internal audit has been completed, the ments. For more information about Most recently, and as a result of the Quality & Compliance Team will initi- the Corporate Compliance Plan and COVID-19 virus limitations, the Quality ate a claims review summary and an Self-Monitoring initiatives, please con- & Compliance Department has tempo- overall summary for the service audit- tact the Quality and Compliance De- rarily shifted from on-site, face-to-face ed. partment at the Wilkes-Barre Office. reviews to support documentation

Karen Zomerfeld, Editor. For more information on contents in this newsletter, please contact [email protected]. Special thanks to the following employees for newsletter contributions: Patti Blazaskie, Alexis Vaskas, Mike Berna- tovich, Heidi Thomas, Christine Coughenour, Denise Cavenaugh, Janet Romero, Meg Lukaszewski, Sue Kauffman, Tony Astaneh, Susan Roman, and Bob Blazaskie.