News Views – Summer 2012 - Kennedy Child Study Center

Volume 5 Number 2 Summer 2012News & ViewsBOARD OF DIRECTORSMichael W. O’Shaughnessy, ChairMichael A. O’Conor, TreasurerRichard Ellis, SecretaryDesiree Collazo-SotoJames E. Farrell, Jr.John G. GibbonsMaurice HalifiMartin L. KeatingAndrew KrausDonna Stockinger-KrausMichal LementowskiCatherine H. LenihanKenneth LohsenLawrence F. McGovernMark O’FrielDr. Pola RosenMelissa SalernoElizabeth SchmeelkMadalena Nicole SheehanRev. Msgr. Kevin SullivanChristopher ThomasJu Nie ThongPeter P. Gorham, Executive DirectorMANHATTAN151 East 67 th St. New York, NY 10065212-988-9500BRONX1028 East 179 th St. Bronx, NY 104601071B East Tremont Ave. Bronx, NY 10460718-842-0200www.kenchild.orgContentsNew Executive Director Appointed 1Farewell 2Autism Research 318th Annual Spring Benefit 4How to Help KCSC 8New Executive Director AppointedThe Board of Directors of the Kennedy ChildStudy Center has named Ms. Jeanne Alter asthe Center’s new Executive Director. Ms. Alter(photo at left) will assume her post on Monday,July 2, 2012.Ms. Alter brings to Kennedy over 30 years of impressiveexperience in the field of developmentaldisabilities and special education. Most recently sheserved as Assistant Executive Director at The ShieldInstitute.“I am delighted to introduce myself to the KennedyChild Study Center. Introducing oneself as the leader of an existing and successfulagency is a daunting task,” Ms. Alter said. “Kennedy has an excellent reputation inproviding highly effective programs for young children and their families. My excitementis in becoming part of the Kennedy story!”In announcing Ms. Alter’s appointment to the Kennedy community, Board Chair MichaelO’Shaughnessy said, “Over the last six months, the Search Committee of the Boardworked diligently to identify a talented individual to build upon all of the successes atthe Kennedy Child Study Center. We believe that Jeanne Alter is that person, and weare delighted that she will join the Center as its next Executive Director.”The Search committee was comprised of three Board members familiar with recruitmentand the field of developmental disabilities and special education. “The committeescreened over 30 applicants for the position,” remarked Melissa Salerno, who chairedthe committee for the Board of Directors. She continued: “Jeanne Alter immediatelystood out as a top candidate. In moving forward, we are confident that the Center is inexcellent hands.”Ms. Alter worked for 18 years at HASC, the Hebrew Academy for Special Children,Inc., serving as Principal of it early intervention and preschool program in NassauCounty, and as Chief School Adminnistrator for five school programs in Kings, Nassau,and Rockland Counties.In addition, Ms. Alter served as Executive Director of BOLD in the Bronx, an agencyunder the management of Lifespire, and as an Executive Vice President of Lifespire.She teaches a graduate course at NYU’s Steinhart School of Education, and previouslyserved as a Trustee on the Eastchester School Board.A graduate of Boston University, Ms. Alter earned her Master of Arts degree in SpecialEducation from NYU, and went on to earn an advanced certificate in School Administrationand Supervision from Brooklyn College. She is certified as a New York StateSchool Administrator Supervisor.The Kennedy Child Study Center extends a hearty welcome to Jeanne Alter.

A Message from Peter P. Gorham,Executive DirectorWriting my last report has been arather bittersweet experience. Imust admit to feeling a certainsadness in leaving at this time, for I havegreatly enjoyed my association with thededicated employees and Board membersof Kennedy.Prior to the recession that has been with us since 2008, we were able to make significantstrides in expanding our services and reaching more children in need. Forthe past 4 years, however, we have struggled to maintain our programs in the faceof significant cuts in public funding.Our goal has become remarkably simple yet extremely complex: to stay in businessso that the Center can continue to serve children with developmental disabilitiesin the future. This has been an outstanding collaborative effort – with realeconomic sacrifices on the part of employees and tireless diligence by the Boardas it has sought to safeguard the Center’s existence. It is my hope that the worsthas passed and that new service efforts will emerge in the next year or two.Now I am, of course, looking forward to my retirement at the end of June. At thetop of the list is a wish to spend more time with my wife Ursula, who has supportedmy work in so many ways for the past 42 years. I will also be visiting more oftenwith my son Brien in Seattle and my daughter Ursula in Maryland (where our wonderfulgrandsons Joseph and Dillon can be found).His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan presentedPeter Gorham with the MeritoriousService Award at the Annual Catholic CharitiesConvening on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.So I will keep on the go, but there will always be fond memories of the people that make the Kennedy Child Study Center such aremarkable organization. My thanks to all for your constant support.Sincerely,Peter P. GorhamRetiring Executive DirectorKennedy Child Study Center Welcomes a New Board Member - Kenneth LohsenIn April, the Kennedy Child Study Center welcomed Kenneth Lohsen to its Board of Directors, bringingthe total number of Directors on the Board up to 22.Mr. Lohsen is a senior executive with some 30 years of experience in the financial industry. He hasworked at Credit Suisse for more than 25 years and is currently a Managing Director at the company,a position he has held since 2004.Mr. Lohsen manages a team of 40 professionals in the area of accounting, tax and financial reportingfor the company’s managed private equity funds; investment transaction structuring; fund marketingmaterials; and investor correspondence. He began at Credit Suisse in 1984 as a Director in chargeof eight professionals in the corporate tax department, during which time his responsibilities includedcorporate and partnership federal, state & local income tax preparation; provision for income tax computations;and IRS and State audits.Before joining Credit Suisse, Mr. Lohsen worked at Price Waterhouse as a Staff Accountant for threeyears. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University, and is a Certified PublicAccountant and a Member of the American Institute of CPAs.Mr. Lohsen lives on Long Island with his wife, Lisa, and is the father of five children. He has a daughter who is studying musictherapy in college and a family member with a disability.2

Carolyn ClevelandNew Developments in Autism ResearchAnew development in autism research is among TimeMagazine’s “Top Ten New Findings in Parenting” for theyear.In one of several year-end top ten lists on the newsweekly’swebsite, the magazine highlights an October study whichfound that premature babies have a five times higher risk ofautism.Time put the study, which appeared in the journal Pediatrics,at number eight on their list of the most significant findings ofthe year for moms and dads.Other developments to make the list include the discovery thata healthy diet during pregnancy can reduce chances of spinabifida and other neural tube defects, findings about the safetyof sex during pregnancy and new information about the impactFacebook use has on a child’s grades in school.The magazine said that the number one finding in parentingthis year was a study which found that women who believethey can strike a perfect balance between work and home responsibilitiesare more likely to suffer from depression thanthose who accept that they cannot.The autism study featured in the Time top ten list followed agroup of New Jersey children through age 21 who were bornbetween 1984 and 1987 weighing less than 2,000 grams, orabout 4 pounds, 6 ounces. Researchers found this group hadan autism prevalence rate of five percent, which is significantlyhigher than the one percent rate of occurrence reported bythe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for thegeneral population.“Parents of preemies need to be especially aware of the potentialfor this and really pay attention to what’s happeningwith their children,” the study’s lead author, Jennifer Pinto-Martin of the University of Pennsylvania, told Disability Scoopin October.Hacking AutismThe popularity of iPads and their applications (apps) hasgrown exponentially in the past few years. But if you think theheight of app achievement is AngryBirds, think again. Developers andeducators have discovered a differentuse for this new technology:as a tool for people with autism.The mental health community hashad great difficulty finding ways totreat autism, and it’s no surprise.Reaching people who are oftennonverbal or incapable of normallyexpressing emotions is no easytask.Photo above: Two preschool children in Jackie Donofrio’s classworking together on an iPad.Special therapeutic devices are expensive, unwieldy, and difficultto manipulate. Additionally, bulky devices can carry astigma for children trying to fit in.Not so with a gadget like Apple’s iPad. Sleek and user-friendly,devices like these are having miraculous effects on autisticchildren. The touch screen alone is a huge advancement, andis integral for children who lack the fine motor skills tomanipulate a traditional mouse or keyboard. There is no disconnectwith a touch screen; the child can see the immediateeffect of their finger on the device. Additionally, in this hypertechnologicalworld, early exposure to technology is vital andwill benefit children throughout their lives.There is a growingpush to provideschools withtouch screen devices,and theKennedy ChildStudy Center hasseveral iPadsavailable for staff.Preschool teacherJackie Donofriouses iPads toenrich her lessonplans and reinforce her teaching. “The iPad keeps their attention,”Ms. Donofrio says, in ways that traditional learningmaterials sometimes cannot.Early learning apps address both academic and social skills.Ms. Donofrio listed some of the children’s favorite games: aletter tracing game meant to sharpen fine-motor skills; an interactivemonkey that challenges the player to match letters,name colors, and solve puzzles; and the Playhouse app,where children navigate a normal home and practice simpletasks, like feeding the character lunch, turning lights on andoff, or washing their hands.Sarah Wendel, (photo above) a KCSC speech and languagetherapist, uses iPads as rewards for good behavior. The promiseof half an hour with the iPad encourages students, and theiPad reinforces the lessons that came before it. One popularapp asks the child to say a word, and depending on how wellthe child repeats it, the character on the screen congratulatesthem or asked them to repeat it until they say it perfectly.In spite of the proven efficacy of iPads in teaching childrenwith autism and other learning disabilities, funding remains ahuge issue for both schools and families. Most insuranceplans refuse to cover the cost of an iPad. As knowledge of thebenefit of this technology grows, hopefully access to it willgrow as well.iPads and educational applications are effective learning toolsthat cover a broad range of developmental difficulties.continued on page 7Sari Anthony3

18th Annual Spring Benefit“Seeds That Are Planted At Kennedy...”Board Members Mark O’Friel and MichaelO’Shaughnessy, Kennedy Board Chair.Board Members Elizabeth Schmeelk, anhonoree, and Martin Keating, BenefitChair.Rev. Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, who is ExecutiveDirector of Catholic Charities, and EmceeMagee Hickey.Vincent Sheenan, Denise Sheehan (right)and another guest of the Schmeelks.Guests Margaret Conroy and DorotheaMcElduff.Board Member John Gibbons and guestsof Interaudi Bank.Richard Ellis, Secretary of the KennedyBoard of Directors, Marty Keating andBrandon Wagner.Retiring Executive Director Peter Gorhamand his wife, Ursula.Pam O’Conor with John Fawls (left) andJack Roehrig (right).4

“Seeds That Are Planted at Kennedy...”At the 18th Annual Spring Benefit on Thursday, May 3, 2012, the Kennedy Child Study Center recognizedElizabeth Schmeelk, a longtime member of the Kennedy Board of Directors, and Peter Gorham, the Center’sExecutive Director who is retiring after eight years in the position.More than 200 guests attended the event at the New York Athletic Club, including His Eminence, EdwardCardinal Egan, who presented Elizabeth Schmeelk with the Kennedy Angel Award and Peter Gorham with theKennedy Service Award. Photo at left: Ms. Schmeelk accepting her award with (l-r) Benefit Chair MartinKeating; PIX 11 news reporter Mike Sheehan, who introduced Ms. Schmeelk; and Cardinal Egan. Photo atright: Mr. Gorham accepts the Service Award with (l-r) Kennedy Board Chair Michael O’Shaughnessy, whointroduced Mr. Gorham; Cardinal Egan; and Mr. Keating.On a clear spring evening in early May, more than 200friends of the Kennedy Child Study Center gatheredfor the 18th Annual Spring Benefit at the New YorkAthletic Club across from Central Park to celebrate two individualsfor their dedication and efforts on behalf of the children andfamilies who are served by the Center.Longtime Board member Elizabeth Schmeelk received theKennedy Angel Award and retiring Executive Director PeterGorham received the Kennedy Service Award.The evening’s Honorary Chairs were His Eminence, EdwardCardinal Egan and the Family of Lawrence F. Hickey. The event,“Seeds That Are Planted at Kennedy...” was chaired again byMartin L. Keating, a member of the Kennedy Board of Directors;and co-chaired by Donna Stockinger-Kraus, Parker SantaLucia,and Madalena Nicole Sheehan.The evening’s emcee was PIX 11 News reporter Magee Hickey,a daughter of the late Lawrence F. Hickey, who served on theKennedy Board of Directors for 35 years − most of them asBoard Chair.We are deeply grateful to our Silver Sponsors, Bronze Sponsors,and Patron Sponsors for their strong support.SILVER SPONSORS Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York Elizabeth Schmeelk and Michael Schmeelk Martin L. KeatingBRONZE SPONSORS Michael and Pam O’Conor Interaudi Bank.PATRON SPONSORS Cantor Commercial Real Estate Donna and Andrew Kraus Mark O’Friel Laura and Michael O’Shaughnessy Sterling National Bank Marilyn Volpe and Nina Volpe.he Center extends appreciation to everyone who helped to makethe 18th Annual Spring Benefit a success.Finally, kudos to the Benefit Committee. As we always say to thechildren at Kennedy: “Good job!”5

18th Annual Spring Benefit“Seeds That Are Planted At Kennedy...”Betty Schmeelk accepting the KennedyAngel Award.Nina Volpe, a member of the BenefitCommittee, and her father.(l-r) Mike Sheehan, PIX 11 news reporter,Elizabeth Hickey Lavin and her husband,Tom Lavin.At right, Board member Donna Krauswith her guests.Marty Keating and Jake Latchman.Michael O’Conor and Andrew Kraushappily collect their silent auction prizes.David Highsmith and Michael O’Conor.Peter Gorham surrounded by Kennedystaff members.Board member Melissa Salerno and herguest Keith Mobilia.6

Kennedy Board Member Pola RosenHonored by Teachers CollegeCongratulations to Dr. Pola Rosen, a member of theKennedy Child Study Board of Directors, who receivedthe Teachers College President’s Award ofHigh Distinction at the April Teachers College’s AcademicFestival.Dr. Rosen is the founder and publisher of Education Update.She was honored for her achievements and tirelesssupport in the sharing of information in the name of education.Teachers College President, Susan Fuhrman, said that Dr.Rosen “raised the level of informed interest in New York about public education, independenteducation, and services for children with special needs.”Education Update was cited as the ‘paper of record’ for the education community inNew York. President Fuhrman stated that the publication “reaches every corner of theeducation sector.” She added that “it has embraced technology and evolved into apublication of the times, connecting with readers not only on the web but through socialmedia as well.”Dr. Rosen earned her Doctorate in Education in Special Education and her Mastersof Arts in Education Administration, both from Teachers College. She is a memberof the Teachers College Advisory Council, and joined the Kennedy Child StudyCenter Board of Directors in January 2009. Dr. Rosen founded the monthly freenewspaper, Education Update, in 1995.HELPING TO PLAN FOR THE CENTER’S FUTURERemembering the Kennedy Child Study Center in your estateplans is one way to make a lasting contribution.Planned Giving vehicles, such as legacy gift or bequest,may have benefits for a donor’s heirsin addition to benefiting the Center for years to come.Hacking Autismcontinued from page 3They are fun, user-friendly, and engagingfor children of all ages and capabilities.They can even be life-changing forchildren suffering from severe disabilitiesor severe cases of autism. Thepoignancy of the iPad’s effects is illustratedin the words of one nonverbalautistic teen. “For ten long years,” heshared in an online forum, “I remainedsilent in a lonely prison. [Then] my silencechanged to golden words of freedom.My life is now filled with endlesspossibilities.”In your Last Will and Testament, you can designatean outright gift of cash, or you can leave a gift of property ora life insurance policy. These kinds of deferred contributionshelp to ensure the programs and services of theKennedy Child Study Center for the future.Please call the Development Office at the Kennedy Child Study Centerat 212-988-9500 for more information about makinga planned gift through estate planning.As with any legal matter, we suggest that you seek the adviceof your legal counsel or financial advisor.News & Views is a publication of theKennedy Child Study Center.Peter P. Gorham, Executive DirectorJoan Dwyer, Chief Operating OfficerSari Anthony, Director of Development &Communications, Editor & DesignerPrinting: Digital Graphics ImageryPhotography: Sari Anthony, Tina Buckman,Carolyn Cleveland, Jacqueline Donofrio,Jenny Gordon, Peter Gorham, Seth Miller, andJoseph Spanberger.For more information about theKennedy Child Study Center,please call212-988-9500 in Manhattan or718-842-0200 in the Bronx.7

SOME FACTS ABOUT AUTISM Autism is a developmental disability involving significant impairmentin socialization, verbal and non-verbal communication,and behavior – with possible cognitive and sensory-motor deficitsas well. Autism affects some 1 to 1.5 million Americans, and is thefastest growing developmental disability with a growth rate of 10to 17% annually. Approximately one of every 150 live births results in a diagnosisof autism. The Autism Society of America estimates that the annual cost ofautism to society is $90 billion, with 90% of the costs in adult services. Early diagnosis is associated with dramatically better outcomesfor individuals with autism. It is estimated that the cost of lifelongcare can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. The American Pediatric Association recommends that all childrenunder two years of age be screened for autism. Identificationof a developmental delay before the age of three will result in thebest prognosis.For more about Autism, see page 3 of this newsletter.HOW YOU CAN HELP KENNEDYWHEN YOU MAKE A PERSONAL GIFT TO KENNEDY, youwill make a difference in the lives of some very youngchildren with developmental challenges and related disabilities.There are many ways to help:n DONATE CASH - you can write a check to the KennedyChild Study Center, or make a credit card contribution;we accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard.n MATCH YOUR GIFT - If you work for a matching giftcompany, you can double or triple the size of your gift.Check with your HR office.n DONATE SECURITIES - Gifts of appreciated securitiesmay offer you tax advantages.n REMEMBER KENNEDY IN YOUR ESTATE PLANSMake a provision in your will for a cash bequest, a gift ofreal estate or property, an insurance policy, or nameKCSC as a direct beneficiary of a portion of your retirementresources.For more information on how to help the Kennedy ChildStudy Center, call 212-988-9500. As with any legal or financialmatter, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a legalor financial advisor.DONATE NOW!THE CHILDREN & FAMILIES OFKCSC NEED YOUR HELP.1KENNEDY CHILD STUDY CENTER151 EAST 67TH STREETNEW YORK, NY 10065Address Correction Requested