May 2016 Newsletter

Save the Date for May

CONGRATULATIONS
Social Groups!
GRADUATES!
Everyone had a blast at our carnivals in April and
PAI is so proud of all of our we hope you will plan to join us for our social
group and parent info session this month. Be on
staff members who are the lookout for an invite from your Lead!
graduating this month! We Columbia: Friday, 5/20 (4:30-6:30 pm) at
look forward to seeing how Irmo Town Park

you use your degree to Upstate: Saturday, 5/21 (10:00-12:00) at

Cleveland Park in Greenville
continue to change the lives
of others. PAI would like to wish a very
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the
CELEBRATION following staff members:
SPOTLIGHT - Amanda Allen - Daelan Johnson
- Stephanie Baker - Christy Little
In future newsletters, we would like to celebrate
the wonderful things both the children and our - Nicole Campbell - Rachel Mobley
staff members have going on in their lives.
- Hannah Derrick - Tonya Moss
Parents- let us know what things your child has - Stacey Estep - Jennifer Murphy
accomplished, fun trips you went on, or what is - Cierra George - Moriah Payne
going on at school for your child.
- Karli Green - Sara Pound
Staff- let us know about things you are doing in - Lesli Hooker
the community, new babies, exciting plans you
have.

We want to celebrate with you!

Email your good news to Lacey at
laceyknause@palmettoautism.com to be
featured in next month's newsletter!
Meet Our Line Therapist of the Month: Suzanne Blais
What part of the state do you work in?
I currently work in Gaston.
Where are you from?
I am from Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Are you in school? What are you studying?
I attend the University of South Carolina. I am a Junior studying Public Health aspiring to
become an Occupational Therapist!
What made you want to be a Line Therapist?
I was online looking for local jobs, and I came across PAI! I already knew I wanted to
become an Occupational Therapist and work with children with disabilities, so as soon as I
read the description of a Line Therapist, I knew it was a perfect match! I have been working
as a Line Therapist for about a year now and I love what I do!
What do you like most about working for PAI?
I love the freedom of creativity I am able to have with the kids! I love doing different
activities and working in different environments! All of the families I have worked with have
been so sweet and welcoming!
What is your favorite activity to do during a session?
I have many favorite activities such as scavenger hunts, hide and seek, red light/green
light, and crafting! I also enjoy doing holiday and seasonal themed crafts and games.
If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?
I would be Minnie Mouse because she is adorable and always fashionable.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I would fly so I wouldn't have to worry about car troubles, traffic, or paying for gas.
When you were little, what was your favorite toy or book?
As a little kid, I loved Dr. Seuss books and my favorite toy was the bop-it! I could spend hours trying to get the patterns right!

Suzanne was nominated by Lead Therapist, Amber Brennan. Congratulations, Suzanne!

We are so happy to have you as part of the Palmetto Autism team!
Have a line therapist you would like to nominate? Contact Lacey Knause at laceyknause@palmettoautism.com

May means one big thing for most kids- School is

out for summer! Bring the beach home with this
fun fish craft!
What you will How it works: 4) Glue your fish's
need: 1) Cut a big oval fins on in a
- Construction out of construction colorful pattern
paper paper
- Glue **If you want to tie
- Scissors 2) Use markers to this activity in with
- Markers draw the fish's a story, you could
-Cupcake/Muffin face add glitter to a few
liners fins to make
3)Cut your Rainbow Fish!
cupcake liners in
half or triangles to
make fins
 April was Autism Awareness Month
and we had SO much fun "lighting it up
blue" all month! Check out the photos
to see what we have been up to the
past few weeks!

Right: Everyone
had a blast at
our social group
kickoff
Carnivals! We
hope you will
join us this
month!

Weston, his sister, and Line

Therapist, Alyssa had blue
everything- silly string, shirts,
water guns, and glow sticks!

Sloan and his Lead Amber painted

blue puzzle pieces- who needs a
brush when you can paint with
dinosaur feet instead!

Thomas LOVED the

parachute at social group!
Connor was looking too cool
in his blue outfit for our
"Wear Blue Fridays"
Left: Super
Callie Ann
was
lighting it
up blue
with her
superhero
cape!

Elijah made blue cupcakes to

****** went all out with his face eat while in his blue chair
paint choice at social group! under his blue umbrella!
 Teaching Through Play-
The Building Blocks For Success
Palmetto Autism Interventions highly values teaching through play and our teams work to incorporate a
variety of goals into various activities. Play truly sets the building blocks for success in later learning. For
the next couple of months, we will spotlight the important concepts that children are learning from
common play experiences.

WATER PLAY READING

When Children Do This: They Are Learning: When Children Do This: They Are Learning:

- Make boats sink Recognize cause/effect - Turn the pages of a book To read a book
(science) (logical thinking) from left to right
(reading and writing
- Play beside other children To get along with others readiness)
at a pool (social skills)
- Listen to a story and talk To love books,
about what happened remember details,
- Pour without spilling To use their small muscle and express ideas
skills (language
(physical coordination) development)

Who do I contact? We Are Hiring!

Meet Our Admin Team-
Main Office- 803-929-1112
Beth Bunge and Teri Todd- Owners
LuAnn Hiter- Director of Services
luannhiter@palmettoautism.com
-In home placement, pre-service training,
time off, or other service related questions
Lacey Knause- Coordinator
laceyknause@palmettoautism.com
- Hiring, CPR and ABA training schedules,
newsletter, waiting list
Alison Heinecke- HR Administrator
alisonheinecke@palmettoautism.com
- HR questions, new hire paperwork, HR
requirement renewals, Portal issues,
benefits questions
Shawn Thomas- Finance Manager
shawnthomas@palmettoautism.com
- Finance, insurance, benefits, W2's,
payroll
Lindsey Duncan- Office Manager
lindseyduncan@palmettoautism.com
- Website, social media accounts
Know someone who would make a great addition to our team as a Line
Therapist? Let us know! Please encourage them to send a resume to Lacey
Knause at laceyknause@palmettoautism.com.
We are seeking part time caring, ABA experience is not required. Those
enthusiastic and reliable individuals to best suited for the job have experience
provide in home 1:1 ABA therapy to and/or education in child care,
children with autism. education, health related professions,
or psychology.
Therapists will be trained to teach skills
in communication, socialization, play, ABA training and CPR/First Aid will be
motor development, cognitive areas provided prior to in-home work
and self-help with a focus on behavioral beginning and applicant will be paid for
development across all areas. On-going training hours. Transportation is
training and support will be porvided required and applicants must be willing
by our staff. to travel a minimum of 15-20 miles.
Like us on Facebook:
Learn about www.facebook.com/PalmettoAutism
upcoming
community events, Follow us on Instagram:
fun activities, and @palmetto_autism
see what our teams
and families have
been up to!
Check out our Website:
www.palmettoautism.com