Can you briefly describe your background prior to becoming Program Director?

I was born in Denver and raised here until I was about 13 years old. In 2012, I moved back to Colorado to be closer to my aging grandparents. I desired a more meaningful career and decided to go back to school. In 2016, I received an Associates of Occupational Studies from Pima Medical Institute and in September of that same year, I started my career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program (NRADP). I pursued this path because I knew it would be a meaningful way to help people in need. As COTA, I assisted program participants to obtain and maintain their abilities to live as independently as possible in their home and community. In 2019, I started my new role as Program Director for NRADP and love the community that we serve. As Program Director, I oversee our team of 6 staff, including 2 full-time staff (a Physical Therapy Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant) and 4 part-time staff (a Speech Language Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist, a Physical Therapist, and a Therapy Aide). I’m responsible for planning our curriculum, recruiting new participants, and overseeing therapies in order to make sure that we are all meeting the needs of the population we serve.

What neurological disorders does this program provide services for and how long are services offered? Are there any disorders that are more common at this program?

Stroke is the most prevalent neurological disorder we see at our program. However, our program is open to people living with other neurological disorders, including but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, MS, TBI, Stroke, etc. Our services do not have an ‘expiration date’ and participants can attend for as long or as little as they want.

What does a typical day look like for participants attending this program? How do you apply variation or creativity to your day-to-day programming?

Our program runs from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Friday. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are available through an adult day program environment, assisting participants in their pursuit of independence.  Caregivers resources, employment resources, social security application assistance, and benefits counseling are also offered. We apply variation and creativity during individual therapy sessions and thoughtful group activities so all can participate. The therapy and group sessions vary widely from day to day and from participant to participant, but a typical day looks something like this:

• 9am – Participants begin to arrive
• 9am-10am – Coffee and a snack
• 10am-11am – Therapy/exercise
• 11am-12pm – Lunch
• 1pm-3pm – Cognitive activity
• 3pm – Participants pack up to go home

How does your team handle some of the most common physical and mental challenges participants face and make sure their needs are being met?

We approach all situations with our participants on a individualized basis and as needed. Everyone is unique and we try to tend to the needs individually. As a team, we need to be flexible and be able to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

How is ESC’s program unique or different from other rehab programs?

Our program is one of the only skilled adult day programs in the Denver Metro area. We offer skilled services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) with no time limit, while other adult day programs do not offer these services. Participants that experience a neurological event may come to our program for as long as they want or need. We have participants that have been here for 9+ years! These participants see improvement and maintain their current level of function year-to-year through continuing therapy and our program is a place to find community, support, and friendship.

What is most rewarding about your job? What is most stressful about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is that I get to be with the most motivational, positive and inspirational people every day! I leave work with a full heart every day.

The most stressful part of my job is making sure that everyone’s needs are being met, from participants to the staff.

What other experiences (outside of therapy) do you think would benefit the participants in your program?

I am looking forward to our partnership with Spark the Change Colorado. They offer pro-bono individual mental health services and group lessons. I’m excited to offer this element of therapy to program participants because it is often a topic not widely discussed among stroke survivors. Mental health is as important to recovery as physical health. With the impact stroke has on the brain, stroke survivors often experience emotional and behavioral changes including depression, anger and anxiety.

Do you have any advice for student therapists working towards receiving their degrees?

Occupation Therapy is the most amazing field to work in. I love working in a non-traditional COTA role especially with people who have a neurological disorder. It is so rewarding! None are alike, all need to be treated in their own unique way, and it keeps you on your toes.  Lastly, don’t give up! You are never too old to change careers.

Written by Kristine Burrows, Director of Older Adult Day Services (OASIS) at Easterseals Colorado

It is an exciting time in the world of intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. As the population continues to live longer, we have a great opportunity to provide resources specifically for older adults with disabilities, who in the past, have not had great access to these type of services, care and resources. That’s why, in September 2019, Easterseals Colorado launched OASIS, a program for older adults over 50 that includes daily exercise, meaningful activities and social interaction. We are proud to be one of the first resources in the country to provide services specifically for older adults with disabilities.

At OASIS, we want to engage our participants physically, mentally and socially every day. That includes activities like walking, yoga, dance classes and stretching – anything to improve mobility, strength and flexibility. Other activities such as science demonstrations, educational seminars, multi-cultural club and cooking classes help promote continuing education and mental engagement. We also make an effort to explore the community by visiting various museums, going bowling or touring local organizations.

Most recently, the OASIS group met with Governor Jared Polis on a tour of the state capitol, learned about mountain weather from the Colorado Mountain Club, learned about pet safety (and met a cute puppy named Juicy) from the Denver Dumb Friends League and toured the Denver Art Museum with Art & About. Engaging with the community breaks down stereotypes, proving that our older adults with disabilities are thriving and leading productive lives.

“I like all of the opportunities to do stuff when I come to day program!” – OASIS Participant

OASIS is currently accepting referrals for participants who are over the age of 50 and have an intellectual, developmental and/ or physical disability. We are also looking for volunteers and guest speakers who can spend time with our group and share their skills. For more information on OASIS, click here.

OASIS Staff:
Kristine Burrows, Director of OASIS – kburrows@eastersealscolorado.org
Natalie Tufford, Manager of OASIS – ntufford@eastersealscolorado.org
Stephen Alonzi, Direct Support Professional at OASIS
Ann Doran, Part-Time Direct Support Professional at OASIS

2019 was a year full of growth for Easterseals Colorado. From welcoming new staff members to opening a brand new lodge at Rocky Mountain Village Camp, this year has allowed us to continue providing high quality services to individuals with disabilities, older adults, and their families. Take a look back at our top stories of this year!

One highlight of 2019 was the opening of the Friendship Lodge at Easterseals Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Village Camp. This lodge is fully ADA accessible and features a kitchen area, bunk rooms for campers, large bathrooms, and private bedrooms for counselors. This lodge represents the opportunity for more children and adults with disabilities to enjoy the experience of RMV camp for years to come, and also for private rental groups to enjoy in the off-season.

The 2019 summer session at Rocky Mountain Village Camp was a magical one. Many campers who have been attending RMV camp for 30 years (or more!) were celebrated this year. In addition to six weeks of Easterseals Colorado camp sessions, RMV hosted weeks in collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Hemophilia Foundation, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Camp Comfort. Throughout the 10 weeks of summer camp, RMV employed 65 full-time seasonal staff members, hosted over 90 volunteer counselors including individuals from Italy, Hong Kong, and Brazil, and served over 500 campers with disabilities from across Colorado and the United States!

In November of 2019, Easterseals Colorado held its 9th Annual Season of Lights Gala: Diamond Jubilee. The night honored three incredible individuals for their impact and commitment to Easterseals Colorado and our community – Maddie Olson, Lyda Hill, and Amy Purdy. With entertainment by Ali Stroker and Raising Cain Band, the event was full of fun and raised over $360,000. Stay tuned and join us for one of our many fundraising events in 2020.

In 2019, raising awareness was a priority for Easterseals Colorado online and in person. May was Stroke Awareness Month and focused on raising awareness around the common causes and symptoms of stroke. Individuals participating in Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Center were featured during this month, shining a spotlight on the strength and joy found in recovery. October was Disability Employment Awareness Month and we spread that awareness through busting myths about workers with disabilities. Our VP of Northern Colorado Services represented Easterseals Colorado at several Larimer County proclamations to spread disability employment awareness and recognize its importance to the community. This led to our ‘Ability Day’ program being listed as part of a goal in Larimer County’s 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, a day for our employment clients to job shadow Larimer County employees. Additionally, our respite care program, Colorado Respite Coalition, launched their Colorado Caregiver Awareness Campaign this year in an effort to help caregivers self-identify and get connected to resources. This campaign was a great success with over 30,000 TV and Radio spots statewide, over 6,000 users visiting the campaign landing page, a 20% increase in users from 2018, over 450,000 impressions across the state through digital ads!

We also celebrated the launch of our new older adult day program, OASIS, serving adults 50 years of age or older with disabilities. Our person-centered care services offer support and respite for caregivers while also providing supervision, assistance and quality care for their aging loved one. This program enables participants to stay in their homes longer by providing the additional help and support they need during the day. A win-win for everyone!

2019 was a year to celebrate the growth we have experienced and to prepare for the growth we will have in the new year and new decade. We are leading the way to creating a Colorado where everyone, regardless of age or ability, is 100% included and 100% empowered. Thanks to all of our supporters, readers, donors, and followers, our mission is reality. Learn more about our many programs and how to get involved with Easterseals Colorado.

Happy New Year from Easterseals Colorado!

This is the time of year when your in-boxes are being inundated with requests from worthy organizations to support their cause, but we wanted to take a moment to share a few reasons to support Easterseals Colorado on Colorado Gives Day, December 10th, 2019:

1. Celebrate your success.
   Maybe you’ve landed a coveted new job, received that promotion, completed a bucket list goal, or reached an important milestone. Whatever it is, you did it! Commemorate your achievements by donating to Easterseals Colorado.
   
2. Honor your loved ones.
   Looking for a new holiday tradition? Swap gift giving for honoring the people you care about by donating to Easterseals Colorado in their name.
   
3. Invest in your community.
   Donations to Easterseals Colorado aren’t just potential tax deductions. They’re investments in the overall well being and vibrancy of our programs. We use your monetary contributions to provide: camp scholarships, respite to caregivers, rehabilitative services for stroke survivors and so much more. Can your money market account do that?
   
4. Your dollar goes farther.
   All donations made on Colorado Gives Day get a boost from the $1.5 million incentive fund created by Community First Foundation and FirstBank.
   
5. Joy.
   Most importantly, as a supporter you’ll enjoy the experience of giving!

Colorado Gives Day is your chance to give where you live and support Easterseals Colorado – find our profile here, spread the word and make your year-end gift on December 10. Donations can be scheduled now to occur on Gives Day.

Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to increase philanthropy through online giving in Colorado.

Easterseals Colorado’s 9^th Annual Season of Lights Gala, held on November 15^th at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver, brought all of the best parts of a gala together for one amazing night.

With a silent auction, live auction, dinner, performances, and the generosity of our supporters, the gala combined all the best parts of any event in spectacular fashion. The theme of the evening was “Diamond Jubilee” to represent the 100 years of lasting, positive impact Easterseals has had on a national level. Sparkling backdrops and centerpieces adorned the event space. Guests were dressed to match the occasion in plenty of sequins and bling. Food and drink were plentiful.

Entertainment at the event featured Tony Award Winner, Ali Stroker, who performed a sensational medley of songs and shared stories of her experiences at the event. After the program ended, Raising Cain Band brought down the house as everyone danced into the night. The evening was jam-packed with notable moments like these, however, some of the most poignant came from the amazing honorees of the night.  

Amy Purdy – paralymic snowboarder, author, and public speaker – shared her story and her inspiration with the attendees as she accepted one of the 2019 Jake Jabs Community Impact Awards. Amy is the co-founder of Colorado Adaptive Action Sports in Copper and aims to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to do what they love.

The second Jake Jabs Community Impact Award honoree was Ms. Lyda Hill, for her extraordinary contribution to the brand new Friendship Lodge at Easterseals Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Village Camp. Mrs. Hill had previously worked with Easterseals in Houston, Texas and was invited to participate at Easterserseals Colorado by Maddie Olson.

Maddie Olson, the 2019 Lily Award honoree, was featured in a wonderful video describing her integral part in making the Friendship Lodge a reality and accepted her award at the event. Her vision to improve the facilities at camp and to ensure all campers can continue to enjoy Rocky Mountain Village for years to come has been a driving factor throughout 2019.

Nights and events like the 9^th Annual Season of Lights Gala serve to remind us all of how incredible, caring, and open our community is. From those we serve to those who support the work we do, we appreciate everyone involved in making the night great.

Easterseals Colorado would like to extend a huge thank you to our Diamond Sponsor – Franklin D. Azar and Associates, Sparkle Sponsor – Ameristar Casino and Hotel, Light Sponsor – The Chotin Foundation, our eight Glow Sponsors, and or 26 Glimmer Sponsors. Another thank you to every single person who attended, volunteered, and supported this event. None of it is possible without you. THANK YOU!