TrinitasChildren's Therapy Services
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Events & Activities
FREE FINANCIAL & TRAVEL SEMINAR
A free seminar on "Financial and Travel Planning for parents of children with special abilities" took place on November 15, 2011 at Trinitas Children's Therapy Services Therapy Center in Springfield, NJ.
Experts in their respective areas provided valuable financial planning and travel information for those in attendance.
Travel Planning
Presented by Jesemine Jones and Ida Keiper, Starry Night Travel, LLC
Jesemine and Ida created the Starbrite Kids' program specializing in accommodating travel for children with special needs including autism, Aspergers syndrome, cognitive and developmental disabilities. In a combined 50 years experience working with children with special needs and their families, they heard repeatedly how difficult it was for the families to travel. The Starbrite Kids' program provides help and support needed to make travel an enriching experience. This includes helping to choose a destination, book accommodations, and fully prepare for the vacation. The two discussed friendly special needs destinations and gave parents tips and information to prepare for their trip. Jesemine and Ida are certified travel consultants with a background in education. Jesemine has an M.S.W. and currently works as a school social worker in a New Jersey Public school. Ida is a retired special education teacher of 30 years and has worked closely with special needs children and their families.
Financial Planning
Presented by Paul Nichilo, Financial Representative and David Alter, CLU Chief
Executive Officer
Attendees were given a general overview of the important factors that make up a concrete financial and legal foundation for a family with special needs children. David discussed some of the different options used to create lifelong financial security for the family and especially the child, without ever having to exclude that child from the government benefits they deserve. Often times, parents may think that they have to sacrifice their own goals and aspirations to be sure their child will always be financially secure; this group works to show them how achieving both is a possibility. Throughout David's career, one of his main focuses has been helping families with special needs children. It is something he is extremely passionate about and has years of experience in this area. Paul Nichilo reports that "Working with families with special needs children has always been a passion of mine, and when I started working with International Planning Alliance I brought that passion to my career."
TCTS STAFF RECEIVE TRAINING ON NEW JERSEY'S REVISED ANTI-BULLYING LEGISLATION
On November 10th Children's Therapy Services personnel attended a half-day workshop at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick on the revised anti-bullying legislation and its impact on New Jersey schools. The panel of three presenters included attorneys, each of whom is highly respected in his or her field and has been instrumental in the formulation of the law and/or the education of those whom it affects. The panel included Luanne M. Peterpaul, Esq. (Law Offices of Peterpaul & Clark in Springfield), Leisa-Anne Smith, Esq. (New Jersey State Bar Foundation in New Brunswick), and Jerry L. Tanenbaum, Esq. (Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP in Cherry Hill). TCTS therapists learned the definition of the law and its impact on the climate and culture of schools. Case scenarios were discussed and therapists were given insight into their role in bullying prevention. All in attendance received the state mandated contact hours for participation. The feedback from participants was consistently positive. Everyone felt the speakers were extremely knowledgeable on the subject and presented the material in a highly informative and useful fashion.
TRINITAS CHILDREN'S THERAPY SERVICES WALKS FOR AUTISM
Once again the staff of TCTS raised money and participated in the annual Walk Now For Autism Speaks North/Central NJ Walk. Trinitas employees raised more than $2,000 for the event that took place on October 16, 2011 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, NJ.
