MIP, Me In Progress

About #MIP: Me, In Progress: Funded by Flagler Cares and developed by Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, #MIP: Me, In Progress is a free teen wellness program that is offered exclusively in Flagler County. The purpose of the #MIP program is to enhance the well-being of high school students through exploration and connection. Through #MIP, students will have access to mentors and other community leaders to help them navigate the infinite paths to self-discovery. Enroll today or Join the MIP Community with this link: CLICK HERE

Our Services: The #MIP program was developed to combat the mental health crisis impacting our youth. In the last 10 years the number for students diagnosed with anxiety has increased by 20% to 1 in 3 high school students. In the same time period the number of hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts and attempts has doubled. By offering a variety of wellness programs and events #MIP will equip students will the skills and confidence needed to overcome adversity and build resilience. Students enrolled in #MIP will have access to our mental health counselor and behavioral health specialists.

Our #MIP program is student centered and designed, meaning our programs are based on the needs of our students. As a result, our programs will always be evolving and changing. Programs may include: college readiness, transitioning to the workforce, yoga, intro to weight lifting, outdoor recreation, driver’s education and much more. #MIP values the empowering benefits of giving back to our community and will also provide students with ample opportunities to gain community service hours

#MIP Center: The #MIP Center is a 3,000 SQ ft space equipped with a snack café, reading nook, gaming lounge and space to hold various wellness events. The #MIP Center is located at 3389 N. State St in Bunnell.Take an inside look at the #MIP Center. Watch video HERE

Meet the #MIP Team:

Deanna Dempsey (Dee): For the past 13 years, Dee's career has been focused on student development and empowerment through wellness at the collegiate level. Dee has worked at the University of Florida, University of Connecticut, MIT and most recently Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She is thrilled to work with #MIP students to develop innovative wellness programs that meet their needs and help them realize their full potential.

Brandon Stewart: Brandon Stewart is from Miami, Florida. His passion for young people is his divine purpose. Currently, Brandon is the head coach for defending state champion Girls Basketball Team at Mainland High School. Brandon is a firm believer that the future is now and what we did with our today determines our tomorrow. Brandon is looking forward to making a difference in Flagler County teenagers through #MIP.

FAQ's

How much does #MIP Cost?

o Enrolling in #MIP is free. Once enrolled #MIP students will have access to the #MIP Center and our wellness programs and events. One on one appointments with the #MIP counselor is not included in the enrollment of #MIP. Insurance is accepted for one on one appointments with the #MIP counselor.

What are the hours for #MIP?

o Typical hours of operation are Monday - Friday 2:00 - 7:00 PM. Our hours are subject to change to meet the needs of our students.

Who is the target audience for #MIP?

o #MIP is for high school aged students willing to participate in our wellness services and professional development opportunities. Students do not need a diagnosis or a referral to be part of #MIP, just a interest in enhancing their well-being and the well-being of others.

How do students get to #MIP?

o #MIP has a van for after school pick ups and will pick up students from Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high schools. Parents will need to request afterschool transportation when enrolling their student into #MIP.

How can I enroll in #MIP?

o To request an enrollment information register via this link.

Can I refer a student to #MIP?

o Absolutely! You can fill out our referral form and our #MIP will connect with the student and/or family you referred.

Follow, Like and Share: Facebook

Instagram

Programs

Our blog

Easterseals Welcomes Local Community and Disability Advocate Staci Tramont to the Board of Directors
Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 2:00 AM

Easterseals Welcomes Local Community and Disability Advocate Staci Tramont to the Board of Directors

Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 2:00 AM

What prompted you to begin your board relationship with Easterseals?As a mother of two children on t…

What prompted you to begin your board relationship with Easterseals?
As a mother of two children on the spectrum and the caregiver of my adult sister with special needs it's imperative for me to help educate other parents, caregivers and our community of the resources available to them. I can think of no better organizations than Easterseals that helps bridge the gaps of accessible care and education early on in one's journey.

Were you involved with Easterseals or disability advocacy prior to joining the board ?
I have not, but am excited to be apart of Easterseals and hope to be a great asset to the board.

Why did you choose Easterseals as a recipient of your generosity, time and talent? What do you hope will be your niche within Easterseals scope of services?
I have a passion to serve families and individuals with unique abilities.
It's important that we strengthen and encourage the relationships, engagement and participation within our local communities. I look forward to assisting with "Community Outreach" and helping create lasting partnerships with community leaders and local businesses.

Why is Easterseals important to our community?
Early intervention is key to educating and getting families the services they need. Easterseals is leading the way!

Staci lives in Port Orange with her husband Chase, and together they have four children: Shea, Chloe, Jacob, and Kennedy Reagan.

Read this Post
Pediatrician Specializing in Autism Joins Easterseals Northeast Central Florida
Thursday, August 25, 2022, 2:00 AM

Pediatrician Specializing in Autism Joins Easterseals Northeast Central Florida

Thursday, August 25, 2022, 2:00 AM

Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, based in Daytona Beach, welcomes James M. Walker, MD, its fir…

Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, based in Daytona Beach, welcomes James M. Walker, MD, its first in-house, Board Certified Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician.

The focus of Walker’s practice will be twofold: autism diagnoses for young children (ages 18 months - 48 months) and support for families with children diagnosed with autism. Walker will be the first Easterseals-based physician who exclusively serves this growing and complex population.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Walker has joined our team of professionals focused on children with autism,” said Bev Johnson, President/CEO of Easterseals. “His commitment to our families is a gratifying culmination of years of our leaders strategizing and planning, as we comprehensively serve children with autism from the youngest age to full independence and their families.”

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the world today, affecting 1 in 44 children. In response to this trend and the resulting demand for services, Easterseals’ Autism Center of Excellence autism program has continued to grow at a rapid pace since its inception in 2008. Today, the program is a recognized autism leader offering early diagnosis, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and intervention treatment for children with ASD.

“Dr. Walker is well known and respected in pediatric autism research, diagnosis, and treatment circles,” added Johnson. “By bringing him into the Easterseals network throughout North Central Florida, we open more avenues for families to receive the comprehensive services our organization offers.”

In various roles, Walker has served children in Ohio and Florida since 2000. These positions include Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Harbor Behavioral (Toledo, Oh.), University of Florida College of Medicine(Jacksonville), as well as Medical Director of Developmental Pediatrics at Harbor Behavioral and Director of Developmental Pediatrics of North Florida (Jacksonville).
Walker earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Plymouth, Montserrat, and is licensed to practice medicine in Florida and Ohio.

Walker’s services will be available to families who receive Easterseals autism services via the Autism Center of Excellence. Learn more about Easterseals Northeast Central Florida and its Autism Center of Excellence at www.easterseals.com/necfl. ###

About Easterseals Northeast Central Florida
Easterseals Northeast Central Florida offers life changing supports and services for over 5,000 local children annually, partnering with their parents and physicians to improve lifetime success. Children receive early intervention and developmental screening, early childhood education, autism diagnoses and functional assessment, pediatric specialty therapy interventions and family supports such as respite, wrap around care and adaptive technology focused on helping children reach their full potential in how they live, learn and play.

Read this Post
Easterseals Northeast Central Florida welcomes our first 3rd generation board member
Thursday, October 28, 2021, 12:24 PM

Easterseals Northeast Central Florida welcomes our first 3rd generation board member

Thursday, October 28, 2021, 12:24 PM

Ashley Leonhardt Lee, Vicki Cook Leonhardt, and Sheryl Cook Ashley Leonhardt Lee was installed by he…

Ashley Leonhardt Lee, Vicki Cook Leonhardt, and Sheryl Cook
Ashley Leonhardt Lee was installed by her aunt Sheryl Cook at Easterseals’ annual meeting, who performed the ceremony as Easterseals only Honorary Lifetime Director, an honor her mother and Mrs. Lee’s grandmother Gloria Cook held for many years. Sheryl and her sister Vicki Cook Leonhardt, owners of Tom Cook Jeweler have followed the community footsteps of their parents Tom and Gloria Cook, who were Easterseals champions, locally and nationally for over 60 years. Now, Ashley Leonhardt Lee, Vicki’s daughter and Sheryl’s niece, is excited to embark on her own charitable journey as an advocate for her community and most especially, the children of Easterseals.

“I believe we have one of the best volunteer boards in our area with a healthy make up of seasoned, long term Easterseals supporters and a new class (or cohort) of diverse volunteers with a fresh set of ideas and experiences to help drive us into the future” says President & CEO Bev Johnson. “As a point of interest, we have a board where there is generational involvement. Several board members are 2nd generation volunteers and we have just inducted our first 3rd generation volunteer. We are incredibly fortunate to have longevity and history coupled with new vision and ideals. Our board members are able to honor our past with a strong vision for the future.”

Read this Post
Meet Dawn Melani, Charter School Principal
Thursday, September 9, 2021, 1:40 PM

Meet Dawn Melani, Charter School Principal

Thursday, September 9, 2021, 1:40 PM

Dawn Melani, Easterseals Charter School Principal My name is Dawn Melani, Charter School Principal. …

Dawn Melani, Easterseals Charter School Principal
My name is Dawn Melani, Charter School Principal. This is my 4th year with Easterseals.

My Primary responsibilities as the Principal are handling all of the day-to-day operations of the Charter School including teacher and paraprofessional supervision and training.

I enjoy building strong relationships with families. Our students benefit in so many ways when they have a strong home-school connection.

I believe to be successful you have to grow both personally and professionally. I have set my goals high and I’m committed to learning everything I can about my position. I embrace change and that has helped be grow personally as well.

I want to be known as the person any staff member or parent can go to for support or resources.
I love to be a mentor, help and give back!

I hope that when people think about Easterseals, they think about all the valuable child development and educational services we provide to help guide parents through the preschool years.

Read this Post
The PLAY Intensive Workshop Online FREE in October
Thursday, September 9, 2021, 1:24 PM

The PLAY Intensive Workshop Online FREE in October

Thursday, September 9, 2021, 1:24 PM

We are offering any family who has a child with autism the opportunity to attend the PLAY Intensive …

We are offering any family who has a child with autism the opportunity to attend the PLAY Intensive Workshop Online FREE. Please Share with any family that you feel would benefit from this training. Follow the link and enter CODE: IWOParent1021 https://playproject.org/project/intensive-workshop-online/

The PLAY Intensive Workshop Online (PLAY IWO) is a professionally designed course that is fun, engaging, and educationally effective.
You will learn to effectively and playfully engage young children with autism by taking The PLAY Intensive Workshop Online (PLAY IWO), a professionally designed course that is fun, engaging, and educationally effective. The IWO has approximately 10 hours of content to be completed asynchronously and has two live sessions to answer your questions in person.

Instead of having to attend two full days of training, missing work, and/or planning for childcare, learners can take the course when it is convenient for them over a three-week time span! Contact Dorthy Lefford at dlefford@esnecfl.org for more information.
Read this Post