The Community Skills Program® Newsletter BrainWaves

Volume 30 Issue 3 Fall 2014 The Importance of Information For and From Consumers

Consumer choice is a stated principle in many rehabilitation At the conference programs and is also a standard New Roads, New identified by organizations with Directions: Finding the responsibility for certifying Your Way after Brain Injury, Howard and/or accrediting facilities and Blumberg and Carol programs that deliver services. Bardsley, along with But the principle of consumer another individual with a brain injury choice becomes difficult to up- and another therapist, hold if the choice is not informed spoke on “Returning choice. It is essential that suffi- to Work with Job cient, timely information be pro- Coaching.” vided to individuals throughout the rehabilitation process, so that substance abuse concerns, poten- one thing any person knows their choices are based on current tially beneficial medications, better than anyone else, and that knowledge and best practices in social networking, and the bene- is where the shoes pinch his own the field of rehabilitation. fits of journaling, mindfulness, feet...Every individual must be We offer our congratulations yoga, art and music, and more. consulted in such a way actively, on the successful conference for Approximately 300 persons not passively, that he himself consumers presented by the attended, providing many brain becomes a part of the process of MossRehab Traumatic Brain injury survivors with the infor- authority and his needs and Injury Model System on Novem- mation needed to make current wants are considered in deter- ber 8, 2014 at the and future choices. mining social policy.” Convention Center in Philadelphia, Of course, also of utmost impor- PA. The conference, New Roads, tance is hearing from consumers— In This Issue New Directions: Finding Your listening to their narratives and Way after Brain Injury, deliv- understanding what is important Tips on Managing the Holidays ...... page 2 ered on its promise to provide to them as they progress through survivors of brain injury and their rehabilitation and the rest of Who’s Who and What’s Happening ...... page 2 family members and friends with their lives. Even many years a broad array of lectures, work- ago, John Dewey (1859-1952), Spotlight on... shops, and resource materials. a noted American psychologist, Terri Chase ...... page 3 The topics spanned medical and philosopher, educator, social Creativity Corner ...... page 6 mental health issues, cognitive critic, and political activist, said, and vocational challenges, among other things, “There is Race for Recovery ...... page 7 Page 2 BrainWaves Fall 2014

Tips on Managing the Holidays Who’s Who…

 Welcome to our new clients— With so many holidays coming soon, planning for them has been on our Brigette, Caitlyn, Charles, Cody, minds. Although most people look forward to the holidays, many people Ian, Jesse, Jim, John, Joseph, also acknowledge that they feel substantial stress when trying to get everything done in advance of the holidays and then managing holiday Michael, and Paul. activities. Last year, Stefani Eichelberger, M.S.W., LCSW, CBIS, our ...and What’s Happening! client services liaison in south central Pennsylvania, and Ashley Fake, M.S., NCSP, neurorehabilitation specialist on our staff, prepared some  Stefani Eichelberger, M.S.W., handouts on helpful ways to manage the holidays, and distributed them at LCSW, CBIS, our client local brain injury support groups. We decided to include the suggestions services liaison in south central in this issue of BrainWaves, in case some of our readers are feeling the Pennsylvania, and her husband, stress of the holidays as well as the excitement. The following are just Clark, had their first child on some of Stefani’s and Ashley’s suggestions, based on their personal and September 4, 2014. Caroline professional experiences, and a review of ideas on resources such as Hope Eichelberger was 8 brainline.org: pounds, 10 ounces at birth and  Plan ahead for holiday events and activities. was 21¼ inches. Congratula- * Make a list of activities and prioritize them; decide which ones are tions to them! (Stefani will be important to you and plan for them. (No one has to go to every back to work on December 1, event to which he or she is invited!) 2014.) * When planning to attend an event or activity, find out the details.  Reneé Puglisi, B.S., CTRS, ° Learn who, what, where, and when. CBIS, our client services ° If possible, find out the timeline of events. (The more you liaison in New Jersey, returned know, the more prepared you will be!) from her maternity leave on ° Try to anticipate or imagine what will happen at the event. November 3, 2014. We are very happy to have her back. * Keep to your daily routine as much as possible, including exercising, and be sure to take your medications as prescribed.  Congratulations to Kate Schenk, * Use your calendar to schedule the activities/tasks you plan to do. M.A., CBIS, for passing the  Pace yourself. exam to be recognized as a certified brain injury specialist. * Be realistic about what you can do. * Be aware of your body’s signs of stress and fatigue and take a  Christine continues to volun- break when you feel you need one. teer independently at a pre- * Spread out activities to lessen stress and increase enjoyment. school and to routinely attend the adjacent Senior Center, (You don’t have to do everything in one day!) where she has made friends.  Surround yourself with supportive, caring people. * Stay positive; focus on the fun you can have.  Jeremy has been taking GED preparation classes at a local * Ask for help if you need it. (You don’t have to do everything community college, and has by yourself! No one has to!) begun volunteering as well.  Keep gift-giving simple.  Following a period of services * Limit gift exchanges. through Community Skills * Give gift cards. Program, Julia returned to her * Give some people the same gift; that is okay. job as a school crossing guard * Make cards with thoughtful messages. and has made an impressive * Make homemade gifts. transition back to work.

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . Terri Chase

Spotlight: Tell us about your Spotlight: You said you were in disability. the hospital for 30 days. What hospital did you go to? Terri: I had two strokes. My first stroke was in 2007. My carotid Terri: I was at The Reading artery was 95% blocked. Hospital and Medical Center in West Reading, PA. Spotlight: Did you have any side effects from your first stroke? Spotlight: Where did you receive rehabilitation? Terri: My right arm was limp and I had surgery. I had no other side Terri: I received inpatient thera- effects. pies at The Reading Hospital. Spotlight: Did you have any cogni- Spotlight: Did you receive any Terri Chase tive problems? outpatient therapies? Spotlight: Can you tell us a little Terri: No. Terri: Yes, I went to HealthSouth [HealthSouth Reading Rehabili- about yourself? Spotlight: Did your doctors make tation Hospital in Reading, PA]. Terri: My name is Terri. I am 44 any recommendations? The Reading Health Rehabilitation years old and live in Reading, PA. Terri: My doctors told me I needed Hospital in Wyomissing, PA had I am a die-hard Steelers to take better care of myself. I was not opened yet. fan. I like Hello Kitty. I also like smoking one and a half packs of Spotlight: While at HealthSouth, pigs. cigarettes a day and was not eating did you receive occupational, Spotlight: Can you tell us about healthy. The doctors told me that I physical, and speech therapies? your family? would end up back in the hospital if I didn’t take better care of myself. Terri: Yes, I had all three. I had Terri: I live with my boyfriend, speech therapy for about one Duane. I have a 26-year-old son Spotlight: Did you follow their month, and occupational and recommendations? named Payton. My mother, Brenda, physical therapy for about six is my best friend, and we are always Terri: Not exactly. I continued to months. I later had some additional there for each other. My mom and smoke and not eat right. A year and outpatient therapies at The Reading my boyfriend are great support a half later, on August 13, 2009, I Health Rehabilitation Hospital, for systems. I talk to my mom every had a second stroke as a result of a one year. day. I try to do things on my own, brain tear. My entire right side of Spotlight: Did you have any but I know I need help. For example, my body was affected. I was in the cognitive issues after your second I need help carrying items up and hospital for 30 days. down stairs. stroke? Spotlight: You said your entire Terri: I did not notice any I also have many friends. I met right side was affected; can you immediately after my stroke, but some great friends in the Women’s elaborate? Therapeutic Activities Group of for the past two to two and a half Community Skills Program. I thank Terri: I have to wear a brace on my years, I have noticed that I stutter. God for that group. right foot. I also could not use my I have also noticed that I have more right hand and had to learn how to short-term memory problems. I Spotlight: What is your educational do everything with my left hand. I also interrupt people if there is background? have had multiple surgeries on my something I want to say, because I Terri: I went to Reading High School right hand to help it not be so don’t want to forget it. in Reading, PA. I left school in March contracted. I will never have full of my junior year and got my GED. use of my right hand. (continued on page 4)

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to the Office of Vocational [Community Skills Program’s office SPOTLIGHT ON... Rehabilitation in Reading, PA.] in Wyomissing, PA]. Sometimes we stay at the office; other times, we go Terri Chase Spotlight: How did you hear about into the community. I wish the group OVR? (continued from page 3) would meet more than once a week! Terri: I heard about OVR through Spotlight: What transpired from the Ticket to Work program [for Spotlight: What strategies do you your meeting with Dr. Kneipp and Social Security beneficiaries]. I do use to help with your memory? Ms. Moser? not remember if I contacted OVR Terri: I have a calendar on my wall or if someone contacted OVR for Terri: They wanted to wait until with all my appointments on it, and I me. after my hand surgery to start a have a little calendar in my purse. I CBWA [Terri is referring to a com- Spotlight: What was the process? take notes in a notebook that I keep munity based work assessment], but in my purse. I also have a list of my Terri: OVR sent me an applica- I wanted to move forward immedi- medications that helps me remember tion. I filled out the application and ately and convinced Sally and April. what medications I need to take. had to attend a meeting. I was Spotlight: When did you start your assigned a vocational rehabilitation Spotlight: You mentioned that you CBWA? counselor, Susan Badu, M.A., did not listen to your doctors after LMHC. I was told I had five places Terri: I started on February 11, your first stroke. Do you listen to to choose from to receive services. 2014 at AIM. [Terri is referring to them now? Susan told me about Community Abilities in Motion, a center for Terri: Yes. When I was in the Skills Program, and I was inter- independent living, in Reading, PA.] hospital for 30 days, I was able to ested because they would know You met me there. [Terri is refer- quit smoking. I have also been a more about traumatic brain injuries ring to Megan Dissinger, B.A., diabetic since 2000, so I now take and strokes. I met with Sally [Sally CBIS, her neurorehabilitation diabetes seriously and try to watch Kneipp, Ph.D., CRC, director, specialist with Community Skills what I eat and to eat healthier. I also Community Skills Program] and Program, who conducted this take all of my medications as was later introduced to April [April interview.] prescribed. Moser, B.S., CBIS, neurorehabilita- Spotlight: When did your CBWA tion specialist with Community Spotlight: Are there any doctors end? you would like to mention? Skills Program, who is now the liaison to OVR for Community Terri: My CBWA ended on March Terri: My orthopedic surgeon is Skills Program]. April told me 25, 2014. Leonard L. D’Addesi, M.D. [Ortho- about the Women’s Therapeutic Spotlight: What has transpired since paedic Associates of Reading, in Activities Group. your CBWA? Reading, PA]. My family doctor is Ilana A. Rachshtut, M.D. [The Spotlight: You mentioned the Reading Hospital Medical Group, in Women’s Therapeutic Activities Laureldale, PA]. My therapist is Group earlier. When did you join Kathryn Ann (Kate) Stufflet, LCSW the group? [Wyomissing, PA]. I have been Terri: I joined in October 2013. I seeing Kate for over a year. She is am glad I did. I love the group and my lifeline. the people in it. I made new friends Spotlight: Prior to your injury, were and I get to participate in activities you working? with people who are going through issues similar to mine. Everyone is Terri: Prior to my first stroke, I very understanding and accepting. worked as a bartender for four years. I was laid off in November 2007. I Spotlight: When does the group was looking for a job and then had meet? Terri (left) and Bec Yura making a pizza during a session of the Women’s Thera- my second stroke. I did not work Terri: The group meets every peutic Activities Group, held at the after my second stroke until I Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 of another group member, Angie Ficco (see contacted OVR. [Terri is referring p.m. We usually meet at the office her photos on pages 5 and 6).

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Terri: I used to enjoy playing pool, Spotlight: What advice would you bowling, and going to concerts. have for others who are recovering Walking can be difficult and causes from a stroke? me to be tired. I have a difficult Terri: Never give up. If you can time walking up and down flights find a local support group, join it. of stairs. But I am positive that, in Listen to your doctors. I have been the future, I will be able to do some stroke-free for five years and want of the activities I used to enjoy. to keep it that way. Spotlight: What does your week Spotlight: What are some goals you consist of now? would like to reach in the future? Terri: Taking care of doctors’ Terri: I would like to be working appointments for me, my boyfriend, more hours, even if it is not at the and my son. On Tuesday and job I have now. I would also be Thursday, I work. Wednesday is interested in volunteering in the the Women’s Therapeutic Activities future. I like to help. Group. I go to the movies or out with friends sometimes on Mondays Spotlight: How has having a stroke or Fridays. I also enjoy hanging out changed your perspective on life? with my son. Terri: I am so different now than I Terri (left) with her friends from the Spotlight: What are some of the was before the stroke. I am very Women’s Therapeutic Activities Group, Holly Stricker (center) and Angie Ficco challenges you still face? organized now, because I have to be. I do still forget things. I am (right), at the 2014 Steelers Women’s Terri: Prior to my strokes, I would Training Camp (see article on page 6). more irritable than I used to be and I look at people with disabilities out can be hard-headed. There are of the corner of my eye. Now I Terri: I liked being at AIM, so I times I want to do things on my notice that people and their children volunteered there a few days a week own, but my boyfriend or son will sometimes stare at me. I tend to after my CBWA. In May, AIM want to help or go with me. offered me a job as the front desk look down or away from people’s receptionist. stares. I do not go out as much as I Spotlight: Is there anything else used to, because of what others you would like to add? Spotlight: When were you hired? might think, or they stare. I also Terri: I am very thankful for my Terri: My first official day was cannot dress up like I used to do, mother, my boyfriend, and my son June 3, 2014. because of having to wear a leg brace. for all their support and help. They Spotlight: How many hours do you But I don’t let it ruin my life. If do so much for me. They under- work? there is something I really want to stand me, even on my worst days. I do or see, I will go. I recently went appreciate and love them. Terri: I work on Tuesdays and to the training Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 camp with two friends from the p.m. I would like to work more Women’s Therapeutic Activities hours, but this is a good start. Group. Editor’s Note: We want to echo Terri’s appreciation of the support Spotlight: What do you like most Spotlight: How was your experi- about your job at AIM? she receives from her mother, son ence being at the training camp? and Duane, and from Susan Badu, Terri: I like my co-workers, and I Terri: The whole thing was great. M.A., LMHC, her OVR counselor, like to be able to help people who I had a really good time. I partici- and Corrine Dietrich, B.S., program call in to AIM. I have met and specialist at AIM, who was instru- pated in many of the activities, mental in setting up the community talked to many interesting people. I except for some of the things on the like the interaction. based work assessment for Terri at grass. I have a hard time walking AIM. Terri’s performance during Spotlight: What are some of the on grass. I took a lot of pictures of the CBWA led to her part-time things you have not been able to do my friends. [See the article and position at AIM. since your second stroke? photos on page 6.]

Page 6 BrainWaves Fall 2014 Creativity Corner Our Day at the Steelers Women’s Training Camp

by Angie Ficco, Holly Stricker, and Terri Chase (members of Community Skills Program’s Women’s Therapeutic Activities Group)

On Sunday, July 27, 2014, Angie Ficco, Holly Stricker, and Terri Chase attended the annual Pittsburgh Steelers Women’s Training Camp, held at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. The camp consisted of 300 women from across 22 states and current Steelers players, coaches, and training staff, as well as previous Steelers Nation alumni. The camp is an oppor- tunity for women to gather together and learn all about football, including game strategies, different positions, and technical plays. The day is full of structured activities, and partici- pants are broken into four groups, allowing every participant the whole experience of football. “Being able to learn from a former Steelers offensive tackle like Tunch Ilkin is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Angie Ficco. “It’s amazing to see a real-life player up so close. It makes you really appreciate the skills and physical endurance these players train for. It also makes you realize just how hard the game is to play, especially when you are at home yelling at your TV.” Holly Stricker got a personal lesson from former Steelers running back Barry Foster in a group conditioning exercise. “There is something very invigorating about being coached by him; it was an amazing positive experience having him on my team and Above (pictured left to right): Angie Ficco, Tunch cheering me on!” said Holly. Ilkin, Holly Stricker, and Terri Chase. Below: Barry Foster and Holly Stricker (running the ball). It was an emotional moment for Terri Chase to take a picture in front of the famous—and largest—Steelers Terrible Towel. Terri said, “I have been a dedicated Steelers fan for over 22 years and now, suddenly, I am here at the actual Pittsburgh Steelers training camp facility, meeting players and having the time of my life!” Participants ranged from girlfriends to grandmothers, mothers, and daughters, to people with disabilities, to the Pittsburgh Passion women’s football team, who assisted in coaching throughout the day. It was such a great experience to meet so many women from all over the country who are Steelers fans. Everyone was nice, and the attitude on the field was one of camaraderie. Along the way, we met up with a group of three sisters who decorated their Steelers outfits with princess attire and tiaras. We struck up a conversation with them and they decided our day would not be complete unless we also wore Steelers princess tiaras. So, for a day, we each felt like a princess in Steelers Nation.

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Published Quarterly by 2014 Race for Recovery Community Skills Program®

BrainWaves is a joint project of the clients and On October 25, ® rd staff of Community Skills Program of 2014, the 3 annual Counseling and Rehabilitation, Inc. and Brain Injury Counseling and Rehabilitation of New Jersey, Inc. Challenge: Race for Recovery was Editor: Sally Kneipp, Ph.D., LPC, LRC, CRC held at Tyler State Publication Assistant: Lisa Sechrist

Park in Newtown, BrainWaves is free of charge. PA. Sponsored by It is available by mail, e-mail, or online by accessing MossRehab Hospital our website at www.communityskillsprogram.com. and the Brain Injury Association of To be placed on our mailing list to receive a copy by mail or e-mail, please return the form below to: Pennsylvania, the event hosted more Community Skills Program® than 300 partici- Counseling and Rehabilitation, Inc. pants and raised 1150 Berkshire Boulevard, Suite 210 approximately Wyomissing, PA 19610 $22,500. Pictured in the photo are Cheryl Boyd, (610) 376-3380 M.A., training specialist with Community Skills Toll-free: (877) 728-5616 Program, and her son, CJ. CJ won first place in his Fax: (610) 376-3392 age group in the 5K run and placed third overall. E-mail: [email protected] Congratulations, CJ! Website: www.communityskillsprogram.com

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Page 8 BrainWaves Fall 2014

Community Skills Program®

Since 1981

Serving individuals with brain injuries in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.