If you have any tips, news, or content that you would like to see in the Springs Staff Scoop, please feel free to email Stephanie Keister.
It’s time to nominate your colleagues for the 3rd quarter FY2021-22 ABDC and Customer Service Superstar Awards! Nomination forms are below, as well as the eligibility requirements for the ABDC award:
Customer Service Superstar Nomination
DEADLINE for Nominations: Wednesday, April 27
by Megan Baker, Clinician – Aspen
This month, I was reflecting on the trauma-informed care topic of safety and was reminded of an instance safety was established and evaluated with a client. Recently, a client made themselves larger than myself, physically, by quickly standing up within inches of me as I sat in my office chair; they did not speak or make eye contact before or during this interaction. My initial thoughts were, “what is their intention” and “am I safe right now?” In that moment, I recalled learning tips to de-escalate situations such as these. I made sure not to stand up and encroach on their space. I positioned my body in my chair such that I opened space in the room facing my client at more of an angle than directly on. My hands were visible and arms not crossed, and I proceeded with a calm demeanor and tone requesting my client resume the session in the chair across from me. They then proceeded to slowly sit back down and the session was able to resume after a brief pause.
What helped me have a sense of safety prior to this encounter was knowing there were panic buttons accessible and functioning, having an office orientation that provides accessible exit routes for all parties, having co-workers in the area in the event I needed assistance, and the ability to process with my supervisor the emotions that come up in sessions. Because I was able to feel physically and emotionally safe, I was able to provide a safe space for this client in the moment, as well as proceed in a calm manner, myself. As they continued to return, session after session, I was reminded by others that they must have felt a sense of safety as well.
As we continue to discuss trauma-informed care, we ask for your reflection. If you can, take a moment to reflect on how your co-workers have assisted you in maintaining safety (via phone or in-person). What did they do for you?
Post your answer on ELoops and earn points!
For those who have requested that Eloops be available via website (versus just a phone application) – your request has been heard! An Eloops website is now available:
This comes just in time as Peer Specialist Brian Bretton gets ready to toss a pie in the face of Circle/WRC Program Director Megan Navarro on Thursday, March 3!
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mind Springs Health, one employee per month will be picked (via a random drawing) to receive a paid day off (to be used within 8 weeks of the date it’s awarded). March’s winner of a paid day off is Tessa Hill, Clinician in Steamboat Springs!
You can focus on health and enjoy your burrito, too! Share healthy habits with your co-workers via ELoops and bring in the makings for a burrito party at lunch. And wear jeans!
Click here for a handy sign up sheet for your team/office Burrito party.
Who doesn’t love a comforting grilled cheese sammy? Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda . . . add some bacon, turkey, or avocado. Bring in your favorites for grilled cheese today. April 13 is Scrabble Day – celebrate a day early by playing Scrabble at lunch. And wear jeans!
Click here for a handy sign up sheet for your team/office Grilled Cheese Day!
Pick one of your work buddies and dress alike today. And share your favorite banana recipe. Or maybe everyone should just dress up as bananas. And yes, bananas can wear jeans.
Thank our administrative staff for the wonderful work they do! And wear jeans!
Are you interested in helping our organization become more diverse and knowledgeable about equality and equity within our communities?
Please join the next CET meeting on April 27, 2022
OR . . .
Are you interested in sharing an experience or something you have learned? Write a DEI piece for the Springs Staff Scoop!
As an incentive, you will be awarded with Eloops Fun-Nominal Funds! If you have any questions about the CET, please outreach Dr. Amy Gallagher.
By David Hayden, MBA, CHC, LPC
In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
Recent estimates from the CDC show that in the United States, one in six children between the ages of three and seventeen have one or more developmental disabilities. Many private and public organizations, such as the CDC, work to better understand developmental disabilities by studying how common developmental disabilities are, who is more likely to have them and whether there are changes in the disability over time. Along with that, identifying the factors that put children at risk for developmental disabilities, studying the possible cause, and lastly, improving identification of developmental delays early on so children and families can get the support and services they need.
Ways in which National Disabilities Development Awareness Month can be celebrated and promoted include:
Resources for Providing Therapy to Persons with Developmental Disabilities:
Working with adults with developmental disabilities
EMDR Therapy and Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
