Summer 2019 TLC E-Newsletter
A Message from the Executive Director 
Congratulations are in order for completing another school year! Our KTS graduation was an inspiring event with the graduate speeches bringing laughter, tears, and pride to those who attended. A theme of the event was transition. Most of us look forward to transitioning into the summer with vacations, less traffic, and a slower, more relaxed pace. Change is good, change is scary, change is a constant in our lives. If we weren't challenged to go outside of our comfort zone, we would not learn, grow or find the wonderful possibilities of life. Whether you are a student graduating from school, or a parent re-inventing their role as their child transitions into more independence or adulthood, or whatever the situation may be, embrace the spontaneity and life lessons that come your way.

We look forward to a summer full of new friends, new places, new roles, splashing, relaxing, excitement, and ongoing learning!

Patricia A. Ritter, PhD
Executive Director, The Treatment and Learning Centers 
The Katherine Thomas School
Preschool - Lower School

Led by Rebecca Abrahams (Senior Social Worker), Wendy Epstein (PE/Health Teacher), and Joy Thibeault (Social Worker), the lower and middle schools met together at an assembly to kick off the theme of peace and kindness  for this year’s Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Students participated in multiple peace and kindness activities, featured here in this special edition Peace and Kindness E-Newsletter. All of the peace and kindness activities led to KTS becoming a Peace Certified School by the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation. We are so proud of our community!
High School

We are incredibly proud of our 2019 KTS graduates! This class of thirteen dynamic seniors was inspiring. The graduation ceremony was emotional, and the keynote speaker, Walter Suskind, infused humor and real life advice into his speech.
The Family Hearing Center
The Family Hearing Center at TLC is pleased to announce that during the month of July we will be demonstrating the most advanced digital products in the hearing health care industry. In fact, we will be showcasing the new Oticon Opn S TM !

Our trained audiologists will be on hand for a special two-day event, July 16-17 (Tuesday-Wednesday). During this special two-day event, we will be offering the following services FREE OF CHARGE:

• Complimentary hearing screening
• Review of medical and hearing history
• Thorough otoscopic examination. You may just have wax in the ear!
• Demonstration of the new Oticon Opn S technology that helps you break free of restrictions and join the conversation in difficult listening environments
• Review and demonstration of the latest treatment options for ringing/noises in the ear
• Thirty-day risk free trial of the latest technology

Hearing involves more than just your ears. When you are experiencing a hearing impairment, your brain must work harder to fill in the missing pieces. This can negatively impact your emotional well-being, leading to isolation and depression. That’s why it makes
sense to take care of your hearing health the same way you care about the rest of your health; there’s a lot more riding on it than just your hearing.

Please RSVP by calling (301) 637-4161. Appointments are limited, and remember, there is no cost for these services during this special event.
Outpatient Services
Summer Fun is in full swing in our outpatient Occupational Therapy department.
 
Our summer camps started on June 24 th . The programs provide a combination of speech-language, occupational therapy and special education services for children from 3-7 years of age. Here are some pictures from our first water day of 2019! Fun weekly themes include: Fun with Friends, Stars and Stripes, Where the Wild Things Are, Space is the Place, Movement Mania, Down on the Farm and A Disney Adventure!
 
Our summer Interaction Group also began on June 24 th and will run until mid-August. The Interaction Group is for young children ages 2 ½ - 5 and is based on the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) model, focused on developing and improving communication, social interaction and sensory motor skills. The DIR model provides a developmental framework for interdisciplinary assessment and intervention for autism and other developmental and mental health challenges, and uses affect-based interactions and experiences tailored to individual needs to promote development. 

Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling launched Online Plus  Tutoring. TLC Online Plus Tutoring is a unique program that provides individualized tutoring services. If you or a family member needs skilled tutoring, but struggle to find the time to drive to a tutoring center, TLC Online Plus Tutoring will provide an integrated approach to tutoring while offering convenience and accessibility. We know that one size does not fit all, and this provides a convenient option for our tutoring students and their families.

TLC's newest therapist to join The Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling department, Robyn E. Davy, MA, BC-DMT, LCPC-S, submitted an article to Washington Parent: " Is it really that simple? Yes, children SHOW us exactly what they need." The article should be published in the August 2019 issue of Washington Parent!

TLC's Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling Psychologist Kristin Olsen, Ph.D. presented a workshop to the Goddard School "How Can I Help My Child Build Confidence and Resilience?" Dr. Olsen described what expectations parents can have at their children's different developmental stages. Dr. Olsen will also provided some suggestions about how we as parents can help nurture our children’s strengths and their ability to handle what comes their way.
The Outcomes Service
On May 16, 2019, TLC's Outcomes Service welcomed and recognized employers who are actively committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. The recognition ceremony was held at the offices of Shulman Rogers, and was a very inspiring and exciting celebration of TLC's workplace partnerships. For a complete list of honorees, click here . The ceremony ended with a panel discussion regarding working with individuals with differing needs. The panel discussion can be found here . Pictured below are some of the honorees.
GMMB
Wegmans
Didlake
NLH Contracting
Summer Programs
There is still time to sign up for one or more of our many Summer Programs at TLC! Check out some of the options:

Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy Summer Camps
  • June 24 - August 9
  • M-F, various times-- visit the TLC website for details
  • Call Lisa Torvik for more info: 301.424.5200 x306

Learning Enrichment Program: Lower Middle School
  • July 1 – August 9
  • M-F, 9am-3pm
  • Contact Dr. Nicole Abera, 301.738.9691 x205 or [email protected]

Learning Enrichment Program: High School
  • July 1 – August 9
  • M-F, 8am-2pm, or 8am-12:30pm
  • Contact Vanessa Vera, 301.738.9691 x126 or [email protected]

Great and Small Riding Together Camp
  • Session 1: 08/12/19 - 08/16/19
  • Session 2: 08/19/19 - 08/23/19
  • For more information, visit our website
  • Contact Tina Morrissey for more info or to enroll: 301.424.5200 x141 or [email protected] 

Therapeutic Interaction Group
  • Ages: 2.5-6
  • Day/Times: Groups will be Tuesday/Thursday morning 8:45-11:15 and Wednesday 1:00-3:30
  • Sign up: Call Lisa Torvik 301.424.5200 x306

Social & Emotional Skills Groups
  • Date: Wednesdays
  • Ages: Elementary to Early Middle School
  • Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
  • Location: Gaither Rd. office
  • Sign up: MESmith@ttlc.org, 301.424.5200, ext. 226

Individual Speech-Language Therapy
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 159

Individual Occupational Therapy
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 159

Counseling
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 226

Tutoring
  • Call 301.424.5200, ext. 306
Development Digest
 TLC’s 28th Annual Golf Classic was on Friday, June 7, 2019! T he day began with a “Rocket Shotgun!” by our very own students at The Katherine Thomas School, to highlight our goal to raise funds to support STEM programs at the school. This incredible event raised more than $50,000 to support TLC’s mission of improving lives and expanding possibilities for children and adults with special needs in our community. Join us next year on June 5th, 2020 for another great day on the course! Support TLC by getting involved as a sponsor, golfer, or volunteer
Marketing Department
Did you know that TLC offers 6 Main Services: Outpatient Services (including Speech and Occupational Therapy Services), The Family Hearing Center, The Katherine Thomas School, Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling, The Outcomes Service, and Summer Programs? We help individuals with various needs. Please spread the word about our services to your friends, family, etc.

Also, if you haven’t liked us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please do, and encourage your friends to as well! Help up help others improve lives and expand possibilities.