LATHAM PROFILES: Gina Desimone

LATHAM PROFILES:
Gina Desimone
Adult Residential Counselor


What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy all of the experience and skills that working for this company has given me. I have been able to apply my trainings to real life situations and continue to build on my expertise in this field. Latham has allowed me to be very flexible with my work schedule, and you never live the same day twice in this work environment, every day is different.

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

In my current position at Latham, I am responsible for med administration, meal prep and ensuring the general safety of the individuals that I help support. I encourage them to be the best they can be and role model appropriate behavior. I spend most of my time with the individuals I help support just doing regular daily activities; watching movies, going out into the community, playing board games and decorating for holidays and celebrations.


What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

Patience and humor are two very important things that can really be helpful in this line of work. Being confident in your decision making and following Latham’s general rules and guidelines can also help you excel in your position. Communication is always a great trait in the workplace. Working with the individuals that Latham supports also requires a lot of improvising and creative thinking, you have a lot of freedom to try new ideas and have a lot of fun with the people you work with.

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff?

There is a lot to learn and pay attention to at Latham. It is normal for it to take awhile before new staff are settled in. The best thing you can do is continue to ask questions. Everyone here is very helpful and so many people working for this company can be great mentors to help you along the way.

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

I love experiencing the big things that happen in their lives with them; from graduations to Birthdays and holidays, to new jobs and responsibilities. It’s really special to see the joy and pride in their eyes when something important and exciting happens to them, especially when you see how hard they’ve worked for it and encouraged them along the way.

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?

This job has taught me that I can handle confrontation well, and I can be very level headed when faced with some difficult decision making in tough environments.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham?

When I am not working at Latham, I spend my time at home raising my two kids and enjoying my time with our family.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

Working for Latham is an experience that is well worth trying. It will teach you skills and give you some experiences that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. 



Interested in a career at Latham Centers? Click HERE to view our latest job postings.

LATHAM PROFILES: Ron Sume

LATHAM PROFILES: 
Ron Sume
Activities for Daily Living Teacher

Ron has worked at Latham Centers in the Children's Program since July 8th, 2001. Throughout this interview Ron was smiling from ear to ear. This emphasizes how much he loves the work and being a part of our students' lives.

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

The work is enjoyable. Everybody is different. There is a lot of fun to have. To witness the changes in the students and to think I might have had something to do with it. Appreciate the small changes. Assisting students with how to act in the community and increasing their manners in the community.

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time. 

Planning for everyday activities. Planning and running community trips. Food shopping and meal prep. Running activities. The big ones are always a lot of fun. In the house, keeping everyone respecting each other. Much of my time is spent problem solving with students. These guys have individual problems and behaviors they are working on every day. For me the most important part of the work is to: talk and laugh with them, share ideas, get through tough times and have fun.

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs? 

Patience and understanding with what they are going through. Teaching takes time to help them get to where they need to be with life. Understand where they are coming from. Care for them.

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff? 

Patience, understanding, don't jump to conclusions, take time for you and students to get to know each other, learn--do not act like you know more than they do, have a thick skin--it is not always a good day, sometimes there will be hurt moments. This job is not for everyone.

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs? 

Through daily routine they can be successful. This routine can alleviate anxiety. They love to have fun! Talking with my students before and at the end of the day. Making sure to spend time with them before leaving shift. I love the conversations with the students. Sometimes there are tear jerking moments. I love when they are really thinking something through and ask: "What should I do?" You talk with them and get from them what they think and feel. I also love being able to use humor throughout the work!

Has this job taught you anything about yourself? 

It has increased my patience. Now that I have a family of my own I want to carry on with this patience.
 
How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham? 

Fishing, time with family, friends, and my boy.


What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers? 

Wow--come and check it out! Get to know these students. Give it a chance, even if your career is in something else. When something is new to us we need to try and take our time.




Come join our team! Latham Centers offers a dynamic and supportive work community where your skills, experience, and passion are valued and put to great use. Check our job listings HERE

LATHAM PROFILES: Meghan Pouliot

Latham Profiles: Meghan Pouliot
Teacher at Latham Centers



What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best part of my job is when I see the students working together. It makes my day when I see one of my students help another student during a difficult time. All they may offer them are coping skills or just an open ear, and you will see the other student instantly feel better. It’s the best.

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

Some of my responsibilities include creating interactive lessons, managing the classroom, and implementing each students IEP. Most of my time is spent in the classroom working with my students.

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

It is a toss-up between a good sense of humor and patience. When a student is going through a challenging time, it is important to be patient and listen to their needs or concerns. I also find that humor works well in assisting a student back to baseline.   

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff?

Take in everyone’s perspective. This goes for both my colleagues and students. When working with anyone, it is important to understand the reasoning behind their actions and not to just jump to conclusions. 

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

The compassion and dedication they have is amazing. I am constantly in awe of my students. When I think I have seen the height of their compassion, they do something that leaves me speechless.

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?

I have a voice. Prior to Latham, I mostly kept to myself and was somewhat shy. Latham has forced me to come out of my shell both personally and professionally. While working at Latham you can’t help but to advocate for your students’ needs. Not only have my students brought me out of my shell, but my colleagues are the best support system I could ask for.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham?

While not at Latham, I spend a lot of my time trying not to think about Latham! When you love what you do, it’s hard to not think about it. But when I am relaxing, going to the beach with a good book is the best. Now that’s its colder, I enjoy surrounding myself with family and friends.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

Do it! You will not meet a more dedicated and helpful staff. When I first started at Latham, I was petrified with starting my career. That quickly ended when I realized how united the staff are. They made me feel at home, and when I had a question, they were supportive and ready to help. Not only are the staff great, but the students are out of this world. They are creative, funny, and eager to learn. I could not ask for a better working environment. I’m lucky!


Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest job postings HERE.

LATHAM PROFILES: Katrina Fryklund, Development Associate

LATHAM PROFILES
Katrina Fryklund
Development Associate

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Every day I am so grateful to have the opportunity to help raise funds to further enhance the life-changing programs here at Latham Centers. Moreover, I enjoy telling the story of what we do at Latham Centers and how amazing our residents and staff are – they are truly my inspiration!

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

As a Development Associate it is my responsibility to help with fund raising. This is done through event planning, community outreach, sound media/donor communications, grant writing and working with board and Capital Campaign Committee.

What skills are most important for professionals who raise funds for individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

When you’re raising funds for residents like ours who struggle to raise monies on their own, or have limited vocational opportunities, it is critical that the public knows how special and brave everyone is at Latham Centers. As a fundraiser, you need to know how to tell these stories in an eloquent and interesting manner.

One question I get all the time is, “How can you ask people for money?” My answer? I feel that I’m not asking for money, rather I’m asking for funding to support our amazing residents and innovative programs.

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff and what advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

Annually the Development Team works with a summer intern. I tell them to keep their head up when giving is down, think of new and innovative ways to raise monies, and to ALWAYS say, “Thank you for your generosity.” Also, I tell them it’s about who you know and how you network – don’t be afraid to be outgoing and to involve yourself in community events.

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

When given the great opportunity to go to campus or adult residential homes I love seeing the appreciation and vivacity of each and every one of our residents. They motivate me and help me to stay engaged on a daily basis.

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?

This job has made me impress upon myself and others, “What’s the worst that can happen when you ask for funding – they might say no?” The positive energy that comes from our donors, friends, volunteers, staff, and residents is absolutely contagious and I’ve learned to act as a sponge and absorb that enthusiasm.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham?

When not at Latham I enjoy time spent with friends and family, as my roots are on Cape Cod – whether it be lounging on the beach in the summers or teaching my nephew new and exciting things about Cape Cod. I also work in restaurants on the side and enjoy the customer interaction that comes with the service industry. Lastly, I find myself getting more involved with other causes such as CCYP, and co-chair the Live for Lou Fund.

LATHAM PROFILES: Christine MacDonald

LATHAM PROFILES:
Christine MacDonald
Residential House Manager


What do you enjoy most about your job?

Walking into the house I manage every morning and getting warm, smiley greetings from the clients. If they’re happy, I’m happy!

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

A lot of my day is spent scheduling and making sure the clients get where they need to be. They are my main concern, and I want them to lead the most meaningful lives possible, and keep them engaged in activities.

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

Patience, calmness, and flexibility.

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff? 

A lot of our clients have led some really challenging lives before coming to Latham. Always, always, always take the time to build a relationship with a client, even if it means finding that one connection to start a conversation.  

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS or other complex special needs?

I enjoy laughing just as much as my clients enjoy laughing. Every day we find new ways to be silly and help bring cheer to our Latham community! 

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?

Absolutely! This job taught me to be selfless and increasingly patient. I realized I wanted to make Latham my career. I started at Latham Centers almost 6 years ago as a residential counselor in the children’s program and currently manage a house in the adult program. 

How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham?

I enjoy reading, going to the beach, playing trivia, going to the movies, playing with my dog, and spending time with family and friends.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

You will never know unless you try. You have to be willing to give 100% every day.
 

Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest job postings HERE!



Related Posts:
Latham Profiles: Amie Gould 
Latham Profiles: Kara McDowell
Latham Profiles: Meaghan Hengst

LATHAM PROFILES: Kevin Monteiro, Maintenance Dept.

LATHAM PROFILES: Kevin Monteiro, 
Maintenance Department

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy working with a great team and knowing that what we do impacts the lives and well being of residents that live here at Latham.

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

My responsibilities include landscaping, which sometimes involves having the students help with gardening and clean up. Maintenance in general is a big part of my day and we also have the students participate in a “maintenance class”. In a group of three to six students, we will pick up or fix things around the campus.

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS?

I believe the ability to listen and show patience is important when working with our students and residents. Being caring and having the willingness to learn about the cause and effects of PWS are important. It is key to know how best to care for individuals with PWS.

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff?

How to be present in the moment and realize that each resident is different and may require a different approach.

What do you love about working with individuals diagnosed with PWS?

Watching and helping them to achieve goals that are set before them. I also enjoy the teamwork displayed in the groups.

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?

Working at Latham has helped me with my patience and has taught me to put other people’s needs before mine. It has also taught me that I can handle situations that I wasn’t sure I could.

How do you spend your time when your’re not working at Latham?

Spending time with family and friends and enjoying all that Cape Cod has to offer.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

I would tell them that working at Latham gives you a great feeling about what you do every day. Working here with the great staff and residents is very rewarding.


Interested in a career at Latham Centers? Click HERE to view our latest job postings.

LATHAM PROFILES: Meaghan Hengst

Latham Profiles: Meaghan Hengst
Children's Residential Counselor


What do you enjoy most about your job?

The things I enjoy most about my job is that I am able to go to work knowing that I will be amazed every day and that I’m making a difference in the lives of the residents here at Latham Centers. I also have an amazing group of coworkers who offer great support to help keep the students and Latham at its best.

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

Some of the responsibilities that I have here at Latham are that I help to teach the students proper hygiene, eating etiquette, and social skills that they can use and apply when they leave Latham. I plan activities that bring the students into the community. I also help the students to identify something that is a challenge for them and figure out ways to handle this challenge appropriately. 

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS?

The skills that are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS are the qualities that one needs to possess even before starting to work with children with special needs which are patience, compassion and adaptability. Another huge skill to have is to be able to let go of power struggles. 

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff?

The students each have their own history and therefore come to Latham for various reasons. Get to know each student by what the student says and also by their individual behavior plan. These students come here for consistency and support so it is our job as a whole Latham community to provide that consistency. 

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS?

I admire their courage in dealing with this syndrome. To have the constant effects of this illness and yet be able to laugh, smile, form friendships, and have fun is amazing. 

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?

This job has taught me that I have far more patience than I ever believed I had!

How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham?

I enjoy going to the beach, reading, listening to live music, and spending time with friends and family.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

The advice I would give someone who is considering a career at Latham is to be energetic, have an open mind, and be ready for many challenges that are, in the end, extremely rewarding. Also, one can review the website because it offers a great deal of information that will help you decide if Latham is the right fit for them.


Interested in joining our team? See our latest job postings HERE!

LATHAM PROFILES: Kara McDowell

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The flexibility in the opportunities to implement personalized curriculum here that creates memorable experiences, cannot be found in many schools. Each teacher here at Latham is allowed to be creative in their approach which makes our school extremely complex and unique. I am a part of an amazing educational team that is supportive and dynamic. It makes this job enjoyable and exciting. 

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

As a classroom teacher I am responsible for creating engaging lesson plans, drafting Individualized Education Programs for each of my students, and creating an environment that is safe, social, and stimulating. I spend much of my time teaching my class basic school subjects, as well as providing support in social scenarios, implementing anti-bullying curriculum, and supporting each student’s individual needs. 

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS?

Flexibility, resiliency, and patience are all important for working with individuals with PWS. The ability to “think on your feet” and change your plans as necessary, is extremely important. Our students need people who will do anything they can to help them achieve their goals. 

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff?

The most important lesson I attempt to teach new staff is to listen. Listen to the students’ stories, comments, concerns, etc., and you will learn more about them as individuals. Listen to veteran staff’s advice, helpful hints, stories, etc., and you will learn more about how to be successful with our population. 

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS?

Their perseverance and ingenuity is incredible! All of the students at Latham are capable of surprising themselves, peers, and staff everyday! 

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?

As a recent college graduate embarking on my first teaching career, I did not realize that I was accepting a position that would teach me so much about myself. This job has taught me that I have incredible patience, tenacity to help others achieve, and an amazing sense of creativity and imagination.  

How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham?

As a new resident of Cape Cod, I spend most of my time exploring all this area has to offer and enjoying the beach. I also enjoy relaxing in my apartment by reading and painting in my free time. 

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

Learn about what we do here at Latham! Take a look at our website and blog to see what we do and what we are all about. Learning about the individuals we serve and their complex needs is also essential to any one’s success here at Latham. And if you want to be a part of a wonderful team.. apply! We are an amazing group of professionals and we work with an even more amazing group of young individuals!

Latham Profiles: Amie Gould

What do you enjoy most about your job?

    "I love when a student comes running up to me saying, “Amie, Amie, you’re going to be so proud of me, I used the skill you taught me and it really worked!!!!” I enjoy when the students are proud of themselves for using a coping skill that we have practiced over and over again in the classroom. When they are able to use it in a situation that may have been challenging for them in the past, successfully, I know the hard work was worth it!" 

Describe a few of your responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

    "I am a classroom teacher at Latham Centers. A few of my responsibilities include creating interesting and meaningful lesson plans, and managing the classroom. I also help create individualized education plans, and give input on behavior support plans. When I’m with the students, I am responsible for teaching them and practicing important social skills, supporting them in times of need, and creating an environment that is safe and conducive to individual growth."

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS?
   
    "I believe the most important skills one must have when working with individuals with PWS are patience, humility, creativity, and flexibility."
   

What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff?

    "The most important lesson I attempt to teach new staff at Latham is to follow the students’ plans. The plans are put in place for a reason, and it is very important to know the plans of the individuals you are working with. I also stress that you must take student concerns seriously and attempt to make a plan with them on how they should handle it. The student needs to know that their voice is being heard. I also think it is important for new staff to ask lots of questions and feel comfortable enough to do so in the moment."

   
What do you love about working with individuals with PWS?

    "I love my students’ sense of humor, which can arise in just about any situation. When the day has been tough, one sly joke or comment can make your heart melt. I love their determination and will to succeed in everything they do. I love their caring and compassionate nature for others. I love seeing them smile and hearing them laugh, and hoping that I was just a small part of making their day a little less difficult, and little more enjoyable."
   

Has this job taught you anything about yourself?
   
    "Working at Latham Centers has taught me so much about myself. It has honestly been a life changing experience. I was young and did not know what I wanted to do with my career. Through working with the students and staff at Latham, I have realized many skills that I never knew I had. My patience and kindness with others has helped me to form meaningful relationships, and positive experiences with my students. Latham has also given me confidence in myself that I did not have before. The staff and the students have guided me in overcoming many personal fears with their gentle and caring support that I will always be grateful for."
   

How do you spend your time when you’re not working at Latham?

    "When I’m not at Latham, I’m usually thinking about Latham, but……. I try to relax and enjoy Cape Cod. I was born and raised on the Cape and still have many family members and friends that live here.  I try to unwind by taking long walks, going to the beach, and I also take a Pilate’s class once a week. I enjoy spending time with my family and also spend time on my fiancés family farm in Truro."

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

    "If I could give advice to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers, I would encourage them to learn about our population and educate themselves first. I would also encourage them to look into the many career opportunities Latham has to offer. If someone was seriously looking into a career at Latham I would definitely support them. I think very highly of this organization and believe that the individuals that live here deserve the best."

LATHAM PROFILES: John Bonanni

Latham Profile for: John Bonanni
Residential Counselor

What skills are most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS?

John: "I find patience is the most important skill, followed by a sense of humor, compassion, neutrality, and finally, firm limits. Education and training about PWS is also vital to the work we do, but equally important is to remember that the syndrome is simply a part of the person, not wholly what defines him or her. Treating the individual like a person, rather than “a disabled person,” is absolutely essential."

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS?

John: "I love that what's therapeutic for them is often therapeutic for me. I love sharing in their experiences, like the first time they see a Monet up close or hiking a monument to watch a Cape Cod sunset. I love seeing them help and comfort each other. And I love that the kids I work with have a profound ability to constantly surprise me with the progress they make--whether that means learning to do a load of laundry on their own or exercise deep breathing as a new coping skill. I love the freedom involved in activity-planning and I love that the team I work with offers their support in every way possible."


What is most helpful to individuals with PWS?

John: "Most helpful to individuals with PWS is a nurturing, but structured environment that combines predictability with a sense adventure. Sometimes it's important to "forget" about the syndrome and take risks. They are teenagers. They want to laugh and joke and dance and listen music adults don't like. Reflecting this feeling, I also find that allowing the kids to expand their comfort zones through wider community integration is essential to their growth (and mine)." 

What do you do when you are not working at Latham?

John: "When I'm not at Latham, I substitute teach English at local high schools. For recreation and sanity, I run long distance, read, write, and paint."

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." 

~Henry Adams

Related Posts:

LATHAM PROFILES: Kelly McCarthy

LATHAM PROFILES: Carol Sullivan

LATHAM PROFILES: Holly Hanlon

LATHAM PROFILES: Carol Sullivan

Latham Profile for: Carol Sullivan
Executive Assistant for Latham Centers

Picture a Juggler! That’s me! Hi, I’m the Executive Assistant for Latham Centers and I have been working here for going on 12 years. My job requires lots of multitasking. There is always a variety of work to do; it’s fun, exciting and sometimes crazy-making, but never boring. I enjoy my work and the people I work with.

One of my responsibilities is in development and fundraising. Did you know that there have been 31 foundations that have given to Latham over the 12 years that I have been working here! That’s amazing! We also have more than 400 faithful and generous individuals, companies and organizations that have given over the years to our bi-annual appeals. Newsletters are sent out twice a year to keep everyone up-to-date on what is happening at the school and in adult services. We recently joined Network for Good, an online marketing and fundraising company. On our website, there’s a convenient Sign-Up button to receive our online communications and you can now easily and securely donate to Latham using the Donate Now button.

Right now I’m working on an upcoming fundraiser in October. We’re having our First Annual Latham Centers Charity Golf Classic. You can find out all about it on our website. If you’re a golfer, you can download the registration form; or if you would like to sponsor the event, the sponsorship forms are available too.

My other responsibilities include all Board of Directors activities, correspondence with donors and managing the donor database, foundation proposals, worker’s compensation claims reporting and processing, just to name a few. I also have the pleasure of working with some of the individuals who have part-time jobs in the office or help me with special projects, and although I don’t work with them every day (I admire those who do), I am proud of the work I do and feel that it impacts their lives for the better, making my job very fulfilling.

Carol Sullivan

"The only gift is a portion of thyself."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Related Posts:
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Special Olympics Fundraising Pays Off
LATHAM PROFILES: Holly Hanlon

LATHAM PROFILES: Kelly McCarthy

Latham Profile for: Kelly McCarthy
Residential Counselor for PWS students
Kelly has worked with PWS students on campus for two years.


What do you enjoy most about your job?

Kelly: "These amazing kids. They have such warm hearts. I love the moments when I can help them out of a crisis."

What skills are required to work with PWS kids?

Kelly: "Patience is number 1 and this is a skill that can be learned. I’ve grown so much in this area during my time at Latham. Power struggles have to be avoided and you can’t take behaviors personally."

What do you spend most of your time doing?

Kelly: "There is always something going on in the afternoon and evenings. Homework needs to be done, we go on outings in the community, do arts and crafts projects. It’s important to keep the kids busy. Every Wednesday evening we go swimming.

Activities that involve sensory integration are really helpful and they’re fun too. One thing we do is play with shaving cream. We spread it on a table and the kids make designs. It’s fun to touch and play with and one of the results is that the kids pick less. We also use bubble wrap and play tug of war, which gets aggression out and helps with relaxation."

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career at Latham Centers?

Kelly: "You don’t need to have experience with PWS to work here because lots of training is provided. It’s important to make connections with the kids and be able to work cooperatively with the team. It is demanding work and at the end of your shift you need to be able to leave work at work."

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."
~Albert Schweitzer

Related Posts:
Latham Profiles: Jonathan Smith
Latham Profiles: Holly Hanlon
Top 10 Reasons Latham Excels in PWS Residential Placement

LATHAM PROFILES: Jonathan Smith

Director of Children's Services
Latham Centers

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others
cannot keep it from themselves."
~James Matthew Barrie

LATHAM PROFILES: Holly Hanlon

Latham Profile for: Holly Hanlon
Residential Supervisor for Simpkins Cottage and the North Wing Childrens Program

What is your job? Describe your specific responsibilities and how you spend much of your time.

Holly: "I supervise the Children’s Program Prader Willi houses. I make sure the houses are kept clean and everything is in working order and that the staff have everything that they need to run an activity rich sensory program for our students. I often check in to make sure the staff have the right behavioral tools to deal with our students when they are experiencing a stuck moment. We are in the process now of making sure we have “carrot” incentives to get our students through their difficult behaviors."

What skills are the most important for professionals who work with individuals with PWS? What are the most important lessons you attempt to teach new staff?

Holly: "Don’t try and have a lengthy conversation with the PWS student that is in a shut down. They will only hear the first 3 words out of your mouth. Make sure those 3 words count and make them appealing and positive."

"Make sure you offer options that work for you the staff, as well as the PWS individual. The PWS individual needs to be heard, but not over and over again. If they are perseverating and you have answered the question, ask them what you said. This works some of the time."

"It is not prudent to revisit a particularly bad incident with our PWS students. Once the issue or behavior is over, bringing it up again may start the whole behavior you were trying to avoid up again."

"It is our responsibility to keep them safe. That means keeping all food items safely out of sight."

"If there is a change in activities always assure them that their meal will still be given to them at the regular time. Their world revolves around food."

What do you love about working with individuals with PWS?

Holly: "Their enthusiasm for life. I always marvel at how they are always welcoming to new individuals who visit our program and how exited they are to hear we may be having company."

What is most helpful to individuals with PWS?

Holly: "Patience, understanding, fairness, respect and your undivided attention."

What do you do when you are not working at Latham?

Holly: "I’m always working at Latham. On those rare occasions I’m not, you will find me enjoying one of the many beaches on Cape Cod."

"Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. 
Autograph your work with excellence."
~Author Unknown