Welcome to the Vista Vantage Point! We have compiled news and updates from each program throughout Vista to keep you up to date and to celebrate all the good things happening for our clients, staff and community. If you have any questions or would like to make a suggestion for our next issue, please contact communications@vistaautismservices.org.

As we reflect on the season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the profound gratitude I have for our Vista community. This past year has been filled with accomplishments, compassion, growth and grace, all made possible by the dedication, patience and resilience of our staff, the support of our families, and the achievements of those we serve.

As we transition into the holiday season, a time of joy, connection, and reflection, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other cherished traditions, this season is an opportunity to honor, cherish, and embrace what matters most—our loved ones, our shared goals, and the bright futures we are building together.

With the new year approaching, I am excited about the possibilities ahead for Vista. Together, we will continue advancing our mission of improving lives and inspiring hope. I am confident that the incredible work we’ve accomplished this year sets the foundation for even greater achievements in the year to come.

ALL Vista locations and programs are CLOSED on:

• Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24 and 25
• Wednesday, January 1, 2025

All Vista Day 2024 was a day of connection, celebration, and reflection as Vista staff came together to honor the dedication and achievements that drive our mission forward. The event highlighted teamwork across all programs, with activities ranging from games and trivia to creative workshops and delicious offerings from local food trucks.

The day’s highlight was the Service Awards Ceremony, recognizing staff for their incredible commitment to Vista over the years. Among this year’s honorees were Kenny Kinter, celebrated for 15 years of dedicated service, and Sabrina DeLong and Bridget Natale, both honored for 20 years of outstanding contributions.

Adding to the fun, staff had the chance to showcase their vocal talents during karaoke, and a photo booth invited teams to capture creative photo souvenirs of the day. A variety of games and activities kept everyone engaged, making the day both meaningful and entertaining.

A special thanks go to Hollywood Casino for generously donating $50 shopping and dining gift cards for all of the award winners, adding an extra touch of appreciation to the festivities.

These milestones and moments of camaraderie reflect the dedication and passion that make Vista Autism Services a leader in supporting individuals with autism and their families. Together, we continue to advance hope and innovation in all that we do.

Halloween Magic at the Early Intervention Center

The Early Intervention Center was buzzing with Halloween excitement as staff and children brought their creative costumes to life! Themed outfits ranged from Inside Out and The Wizard of Oz to Bluey and a playful "bugs" group complete with a fly swatter.

This year’s Best Costume Winner was Disgust from Inside Out, paired with an adorable polar bear buddy. Their delightful duo captured the spirit of fun and creativity, spreading joy throughout the day.

The halls were filled with classic characters, unique costumes, and lots of laughter as our talented team created a magical experience for the little ones. A huge thank you to our incredible staff for going above and beyond to make the day special!

Team shout-outs

A big thank you to Kayse Lawton for her incredible efforts in organizing the breezeway and toys. This was no small task, as there were many materials to sort, and her hard work ensures that sessions with clients run smoothly and efficiently. Kayse also continues to advocate for our Spanish-speaking families, providing equitable care by translating important letters and home notes.

We’d also like to recognize Amy Woodward for her dedication in managing a large client load while consistently delivering exceptional care and services to each individual.

Program Highlights

ABA Services continues to grow and innovate to better serve our clients and community. Over the last quarter:

• Services were provided to 32 clients across Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin Counties, supported by three full-time and one part-time behavior consultants.
• The team is preparing to implement a new client instruction and progress tracking system with training led by Jody Muldowney.
• With the help of Vista’s Training Department, ABA Services has streamlined staff training and finalized operational plans, set to be published soon.

Staff Updates

• Welcome to the Team: ABA Services welcomed Krystal Joubert, a Behavior Analyst serving Dauphin County, and Mackenzie D’Angelo, an RBT serving Perry and Cumberland Counties.

Team Shout-outs

• Behavior Consultant Scott Gerber continues to excel, meeting productivity targets and maximizing service hours to provide outstanding client support.
• Krystal Joubert has made an exceptional impact since joining the team.
• BHTs Melissa Wright and Mackenzie D’Angelo stepped up to train their fellow BHTs, showcasing their dedication to collaboration and growth.
• Congratulations to Toni Snyder and Kristen Strayer, who achieved their BCBA certifications!

Milestones

• Clinical Administrative Chassitty Askins-Hurst celebrated the birth of her first grandchild in August. Congratulations, Chassitty!

Success Story

Behavior Consultant Jen Sweeney has been working with PS on developing self-advocacy skills, such as expressing wants and needs and learning to say no. With support from Jen, PS’s mom has successfully implemented interventions to help him transition smoothly between activities. These efforts have led to increased time in the community for PS, enriching his daily experiences and opportunities for growth.

Back to School Open House Recap!

In October The Vista School hosted a successful "Back to School" open house, welcoming over 50 parents to connect with their child’s classroom staff and explore the incredible work happening at the school. Families were able to meet with support teams, including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Transition Services, and more, while learning about the creative projects their children have been working on.

The event featured a stunning showcase of student artwork, highlighted by a collaborative school-wide project where students painted a vibrant tree and crafted a colorful dreamcatcher. These projects beautifully reflect the creativity and dedication of both students and staff.

It was a joy to see the excitement and pride shared by parents and students alike. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this open house such a memorable day! 

Vista School Fall Parade Fun!

Our Vista School students had an amazing time at this year’s fall parade! Dressed in creative costumes and carrying their personally decorated bags, they made their way around the quad, collecting candy from our incredible staff along the way. Despite a bit of wind, the day was filled with smiles, excitement, and festive fun.

A special thank you to Erik Delk at T-Mobile for donating the candy and to Hersheypark for the wonderful toys and souvenirs that brought even more joy to our students. Your generosity helped make this event truly memorable for everyone involved! 🎃🍬

Program Highlights

Transition Services has been buzzing with activity and success!

Volunteer Partnership:

• We’ve re-established our partnership with Love Inc. in Hershey, where Middle School student SA is excelling in his cleaning duties.

SA at Love INC in Hershey

Employment Successes:

• JS increased his work shifts at GP&M to two 3-hour shifts and is thriving.
• DP, a high school student, has been offered full-time employment at Maple Press after graduation and is excelling in new tasks.
• MN, a recent graduate, successfully transitioned to VASO Employment Services thanks to a collaborative effort between School and VASO teams.
• SW continues to impress at Fitness 4 Focus, where his employer raved, “the gym is the cleanest when he works!”
• LI secured a new job at Parma Pizza, where he will build pizza boxes after transitioning from The Vista School. Congratulations, LI!

Pre-Employment Services:

• MS began her first off-campus Work-Based Learning opportunity at the Harrisburg Humane Society, excelling in her duties while enjoying interactions with volunteers and animals.
• Students have been crafting friendship bracelets and keychains for the SWAP Store, which have been a hit with customers.
• ZS and CH are thriving at Power Packs, demonstrating independence and versatility while contributing to assembly line tasks with enthusiasm

MS at Harrisburg Humane Society

EA making bracelets for the SWAP store

CH at Power Packs

ZS at Power Packs

Team Shout-out

A huge thank you to the VASO Employment and School Employment teams for their collaboration on MN’s successful transition. Your teamwork ensures lasting success for our students and clients!

Upcoming Event:

Don’t Miss Our Webinar on PA ABLE Accounts!

Join us on January 14th at 11:00 AM for a special webinar hosted by Jason Velencia from DVB Financial, focusing on PA ABLE accounts. This session will provide valuable financial advice and an opportunity to ask questions directly to a financial planning expert. Ideal for all Vista families and guardians, but of particular importance for those in the transition program, the webinar offers insights into managing and planning your financial future with PA ABLE accounts.

Can’t make the live event? No worries! The webinar will be available on our YouTube channel after it concludes.

Click the button on January 14th at 11:00 AM to join the webinar.

Welcome to the Team

In September, we welcomed Abby Edrington to the Outreach team! Abby supports students at an elementary school in Carlisle and has quickly become a positive asset to the team, bringing valuable experience and enthusiasm to her role.

New Case Management Responsibilities

Outreach Itinerants have embraced new case management responsibilities with professionalism and dedication. Their hard work has resulted in the development of high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Re-evaluation Reports (RRs). A heartfelt thank you to Dawn Jeter, Amanda Maloney, Christina Reisch, and Sarah Richards for their commitment to this new challenge!

Shout-out to Amanda Maloney

A special shout-out to Amanda Maloney for her exceptional work in transitioning six former CoVE students into general education settings with Outreach support. Amanda’s dedication and student-first mentality ensured these students received the academic and social support they needed. Her collaboration with CoVE and school district teams has made a meaningful difference in their lives—thank you, Amanda, for your outstanding work!

Team Fun and Camaraderie



The Outreach team enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun and camaraderie during All Vista Day! From cornhole competitions to one-legged races and a spirited Family Feud game, the team showcased their competitive spirit and sense of humor.

Looking Ahead

The team is gearing up for Safe Crisis Management training, which will further enhance their skills in understanding students and their behavior, helping them continue to provide exceptional support.

Program Highlights

VASO has made significant strides in staff retention, reducing the annual turnover rate from 65% last fiscal year to 35% so far this fiscal year. This improvement is a testament to the positive culture being cultivated by leadership and embraced by staff. Team members actively support one another daily, celebrating accomplishments, offering advice, and fostering a compassionate work environment.

Team Shout-outs

VASO’s success is driven by its incredible program managers:

• Ashley Weaber (Hershey) and Aylea Richardson (Camp Hill) lead the Day Programs, creating opportunities for clients to engage in skill-building activities and develop meaningful community relationships.
• MaryLou Winters oversees Employment Services, guiding her team to achieve tremendous outcomes by securing employment for clients who defy expectations daily.
• Brandy Smith leads the Intensive In-Home & Community Supports program, focusing on evolving the clinical design to help clients build skills and achieve their dreams.
• Angie Rhodes, head of Behavior Support Services, ensures that the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis guide treatment decisions across VASO programs.

Thank you to these outstanding leaders for their dedication and innovation!

Upcoming Updates

With winter approaching, VASO is preparing for potential inclement weather. Leadership aims to keep programs open as long as safety allows and will use an automated messaging system for timely updates about closures or schedule changes. Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date with program leadership. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Adult Day Services - Hershey

Program Highlights

The Hershey Adult Day Services program has had an exciting and activity-filled season! Our activities calendar has been a big hit, with clients eagerly participating in planned events and even contributing ideas for new activities.

In October, clients enjoyed a trip to Paulus Farm, where they took a hayride, fed animals, picked pumpkins, and treated themselves to ice cream.

In November, our CEO joined us for a butter-making session—what a workout that was! Other highlights included dance fitness, slime-making, baking cookies and pumpkin pies, and client favorites like Bingo and Karaoke.

December is set to bring a variety of holiday-themed activities, including:

• Dec. 10 & 11: Making Tree Decorations 🎄
• Dec. 13: Gingerbread Houses 🏠
• Dec. 18: Christmas Cookies & Karaoke 🍪🎤
• Dec. 20: Ugly Sweater Day & Christmas Party 🎊
• Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Party 🎉

Team Updates

We’re excited to welcome Monica Bridge and Ashley O'Keefe as Life Skills Instructors, who are already making a positive impact. Congratulations to Kelvin Vasquez, who was promoted to Lead & Supervising Life Skills Instructor in October. Kelvin is thriving in his new role, and we’re excited to see all he’ll achieve.

Staff Spotlight: Zack Kime

Zack joined the team in August and quickly became a valued member. His calm demeanor, creative approach to client engagement, and ability to diffuse difficult situations have been a huge asset. Zack’s positivity has led to staff requesting him for more client teams.

Thank you, Zack, for your dedication and enthusiasm!

Client Spotlight: CoHu

CoHu, a former Vista School student, has been making incredible progress in Hershey Day Services, especially following a significant change to the structure of the Community Integration Center (CIC) in July. Previously, CoHu often had the CIC space to himself, but with the introduction of group activities, he has had to adapt to sharing the space with others.

This transition has been a big adjustment for CoHu, but he has shown remarkable tolerance and flexibility in navigating the new group dynamic. In addition to this, CoHu has made great strides in his programming, including visiting new locations, increasing his time in the community, and overcoming personal challenges.

We are immensely proud of CoHu’s resilience and growth, and we look forward to celebrating even more of his achievements in the months ahead!

Adult Day Services - Camp Hill

Program Highlights

The Camp Hill Day Services program has been buzzing with festive activities this season!

Halloween Fun: Clients enjoyed Halloween Bingo and a Trunk-or-Treat event where staff decorated their trunks and handed out goodies.

Thanksgiving Festivities: Clients reflected on gratitude with a "What I am Thankful For" activity, cooked delicious Acorn Squash and Butternut Squash Soup, and made Candied Grapes with Aylea—yum! CEO Nze joined in on the celebrations, crafting with clients and participating in a lively game of Shake Your Tail Feather.

Shout Outs

Welcome Back, LiWe! After being away for some time, LiWe has returned to the Camp Hill CIC, and everyone is thrilled to have her back. She has jumped right back into activities and continues to enjoy her time at the program.

Ayron Bacon: Ayron has been doing an amazing job supporting a new client, MeNe, by creating a warm and nurturing environment. This thoughtful approach has helped MeNe quickly acclimate to the program. MeNe's mother shared her 💖heartfelt gratitude❤️for Ayron’s dedication and care.

Upcoming Events

The holiday season at Camp Hill is packed with exciting activities:

• Dec. 12 & 13: Visit to the Turkey Hill Experience 🦃
• Dec. 16: Christmas Karaoke 🎤
• Dec. 18: Making and Decorating Christmas Cookies 🍪
• Dec. 20: Christmas Movie & Popcorn 🍿
• Dec. 23: Creating a Christmas Craft ❄️

Thank you to the Camp Hill staff and clients for bringing so much joy and creativity to this festive season! 🎄

Behavior Support Services

Program Highlights

Vista’s Adult Services Organization (VASO) is enhancing its clinical services for adults by collaborating with Dr. G. David Smith, BCBA-D, to develop a new clinical framework for Intensive In-Home (IIH) clients. This framework focuses on teaching clients essential skills for meaningful activities and relationships. Starting in the new year, the program will be piloted with one client, with plans to refine and expand it across all IIH clients and eventually other VASO programs. Staff will be trained in evidence-based methodologies, including applied behavior analysis, to deliver person-centered programming. Stay tuned for updates as this initiative progresses!

Adult Employment Services

Vista’s Luke Diminick Honored as Job Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Luke Diminick, a member of Vista’s Adult Employment Services team, for being named Job Coach of the Year by the Lancaster County Employment Coalition! Luke was recognized for his outstanding dedication to helping clients with disabilities achieve success in community employment. His commitment to making a meaningful impact exemplifies Vista’s mission of empowering individuals to reach their unique potential. Great job, Luke!

Luke accepting his award with MaryLou Winters, Manager of Employment Services (left) and his supervisor Brittany Beers (right)

Help Us Serve Our Community and Expand our Team.

At Vista Autism Services, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the best care possible. To better serve our client's needs, we are currently looking to fill several critical roles:

• Lead Behavior Health Technician ABA
• Life Skills Instructor (Hershey and Camp Hill)
• Registered Behavior Technician
• Senior Behavior Analyst
• Lead Speech and Language Pathologist

If you know someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with autism, please encourage them to apply. 

At Vista, we are committed to excellence, teamwork, dependability, dignity, and consistency. Our comprehensive benefits package includes premium health care, competitive pay, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and opportunities for advancement.

Learn more about our open roles at Vista Careers.

17th Annual Walk for Autism

Thank you for supporting the 17th annual Walk for Autism.

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Walk raised an incredible $26,811 thanks to the generosity and dedication of our amazing participants, donors, and supporters. While we didn’t quite reach our $35,000 goal, your contributions will go a long way in supporting vital programs that help individuals with autism reach their unique potential.

A special thanks to The Giant Company for providing snacks and beverages, and to the Hershey Fire Department, Derry Township and Middletown Police Departments, and Jet Response Ambulance Service for joining us with their first responder equipment.

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

Every contribution matters, and your donations will go directly toward supporting the programs and services that Vista Autism Services provides to individuals with autism. These programs help our clients reach their unique potential, and your generosity makes it all possible.

If you missed your opportunity to donate the walk, you can still help us reach our goal by clicking the button below.

Thank you once again to everyone who helped make the 17th Annual Vista Walk for Autism such a success. Together, we are making a lasting difference for individuals with autism and their families.

We are thrilled to announce that Vista Autism Services’ 3rd Annual Gala, Boots, Bowties, and Bling, was an overwhelming success! Together, we raised over $101,000—surpassing our goal and making a profound impact on the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

This year’s gala brought together an incredible community of sponsors, donors, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, gourmet dining, and lively entertainment. Guests enjoyed an elegant meal catered by The Festive Board, live and silent auctions, music, and dancing—all set against the rustic charm of the Harvest View Barn in Elizabethtown, PA.

One of the highlights of the evening was presenting the Vista Impact Award to this year’s honoree, Anthony Worrall. The Impact Award celebrates an individual who exemplifies extraordinary service and dedication to the Vista autism community, and Anthony’s contributions are nothing short of remarkable.

Since 2016, when his family first became part of the Vista community, Anthony has devoted his time, talent, and treasure to ensuring the success and growth of our organization. In his professional life, Anthony serves as President of Reynolds Restoration Services and is a respected leader in the Harrisburg business community. Despite his busy schedule, he has made Vista a priority, offering his unmatched business acumen, heartfelt support for our clients, and steadfast dedication to our staff.

As Vista founder Mike Jarman noted during the award presentation:

“Anthony’s concern for our customers, and particularly his concern for our staff who care for our customers, is most inspiring. If you’ve worked at Vista at any point over the past eight years, you’ve probably met Anthony. His efforts have truly been vital to our success.”

We are incredibly grateful for Anthony’s unwavering commitment to our mission and proud to recognize him as this year’s Impact Award winner.

A special highlight of the evening was hearing from the Klein family, who shared their heartfelt and inspiring story of gratitude for Vista. Their son, Matthew, graduated from The Vista School in 2017, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journey. Thanks to the hard work of Vista’s School Transition Team and Adult Services Employment Team, Matthew has been working steadily since graduation, achieving personal and professional success every step of the way.

Most recently, with the continued support and dedication of Vista’s Adult Employment Team, Matthew has started an exciting new job at VF Industries, a company that embraces the possibilities and strengths of a diverse workforce.

The Kleins shared how thrilled Matthew is to join a workplace where his talents are recognized and valued—he couldn’t be happier.

Speaking with deep emotion, Lori Klein expressed a heartfelt thanks to everyone at Vista for being part of Matthew’s journey. From his time as a student to his achievements as a young adult in the workforce, Vista’s unwavering support has transformed their family’s life. Her testimony moved the audience, serving as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of Vista’s mission and the incredible difference we can make together.

The event also featured remarkable support from the Rothrock Foundation, the Platinum Sponsor of the evening. Their inspiring example of generosity, including matching funds, highlighted how every donation—no matter the size—creates a ripple effect, combining to make a significant impact.

Event Highlights:

• Over $101,000 Raised: Surpassing the goal and directly benefiting Vista’s programs and services.
• Live and Silent Auctions: Included unique experiences like a luxurious Hilton Head vacation and a golf outing at Hershey Country Club.
• Community Engagement: Guests enjoyed a memorable evening while contributing to Vista’s life-changing work.

To everyone who supported this year’s gala—thank you for helping us achieve new heights. Your generosity is creating brighter futures for the individuals and families we serve. Together, we are making a difference.

Maria Waxmonsky and Elizabeth Nichols volunteer at the Wine Pull table where they raised over $800

A few of the items in the Silent Auction, including a one-of-a-kind hand knitted autism throw.

Vista CEO, Nze Obinelo introduces and thanks platinum sponsor Rex Rothrock with the Rothrock Foundation.

Robert Brightbill from Cordier Auctions led the live appeal and live auction portion of the program, where guests could pledge donations or bid on one of the four live auction items.

Music for the evening was provided by Jake's Rockin' Country Band

The atmosphere of the Harvest View Barn was the perfect backdrop for the evening's theme.

We're regularly adding new items to the Vista Branded Merchandise Store! We've recently added new TALL sizes in our popular fleece jackets. Perfect for showing your Vista pride while staying fashionable!

Remember, our store is open year-round, and we welcome your suggestions for new items, sizes or colors at communications@vistaautismservices.org.

Check out the latest offerings and make your pick at our new easy-to-remember URL: http://vistaautismservices.org/store.