Concert fundraiser to celebrate acceptance |
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Whether it’s a piece of music with dark, contrasting notes or something light and complex, Will Deinzer finds joy in the sounds his piano makes as his fingers dance across the keys. For 10 years, Will has practiced his craft and now he’s excited to share his talents while giving back. Will is hosting a concert event at
2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Denton Cottier and Daniels, 460 Dodge Road, Getzville, to celebrate his brother, Luke, and to support The Summit Center. |
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Luke participated in Summit’s Community Services programs where he worked on social skills, communication, and job exploration. Will said the program was immensely helpful to his family during the height of the pandemic. Luke has become successful as a student at Erie Community College and recently started an internship.
“Summit is a major part of why Luke is successful today,” Will said. “My brother and I are different, yet we complement one another. We get along very well, and despite our varying passions, we have a deep connection. I couldn't imagine my life without him, since he has made me into the person I am today.”
Throughout the pandemic, Will practiced new pieces and expanded his repertoire. He credits his skill and passion to his teacher of nine years, Steven Bianchi. Will hopes the event conveys his passion for music while raising awareness about accepting everyone for who they are.
“This event is a celebration of music, Summit, difference, understanding, and my life leading up to college,” Will said. “The concert includes many of the great romantic and classical works such as 'Ballade No. 4' by Chopin, 'Mephisto Waltz No. 1' by Liszt, Beethoven's 'Appassionata,' and many more. I have chosen some of the most memorable and complex pieces in my repertoire, which have all brought me great joy throughout my piano career.” Additionally, Will learned web development in order to build his fundraising site from scratch. He plans to major in computer science when he goes to college next year.
Will hopes to make this event as special as possible for his family, friends, and the community.
“I appreciate all that Summit does for children on the autism spectrum and their families, so I would love to contribute to this effort,” Will said. “I truly believe in the ability of all people to reach their potential, and Summit is instrumental to this process for so many families.”
To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit willdeinzerfundraiser.com. |
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Students return to school for a new year |
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Summit Academy welcomed back its students for the 2022-23 school year earlier this month. Students and teachers alike were excited to get back in the classroom to start another year of learning and growing together. This year, Summit Academy has 260 school age students and 73 preschoolers enrolled.
"I would like to welcome our students, staff, families and caregivers back for another great school year with a focus on providing meaningful instruction, developing partnerships with caregivers, and a spirit of hope," said Mary Bennett, principal of Summit Academy. "Along with members of the Academy Leadership team, I look forward to seeing how our students grow and reach new milestones throughout the year.” |
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Celebrating DSP Appreciation Week |
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While The Summit Center celebrates its direct care staff all year round, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Week is a time to focus on the incredible work DSPs do each day.
Summit’s DSPs and life skills trainers (LSTs) ensure the needs of the children and adults they support are met by providing the best services possible. They are caring, creative, and reliable, and they come to work each day with a positive attitude. Our direct care staff are dedicated to helping others reach new milestones and live the most independent lives possible. “I work with individuals with disabilities to support their physical and emotional well-being as they grow up,” said Jenna Donati, respite DSP. “It is important for me to know that they feel supported and cared for when they come to Summit respite programs.”
“Without Summit’s incredible direct support professionals, essential programming would simply not be possible,” said Laura Shepherd, coordinator of Community Services. “It is because of their time and dedication to the people they support that parents can work full-time jobs, adults can gain competitive employment, and individuals can interact with their peers in a social setting. Every day I get to watch the people we support in our programs grow and learn from the work that Summit’s DSPs put in. I couldn’t be more proud of this team!”
Summit’s direct care staff do an incredible job every single day and have gone above and beyond during the past two years to meet the changing safety guidelines due to COVID-19. They stepped up to tackle new challenges brought on by the pandemic and continue to provide a safe and fun environment for the individuals they serve. We thank all of our hard working, dedicated, and passionate employees for giving your all to help others! |
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Summit Foundation Board elects new member |
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Tinika Dandridge, pharmacy services trainer and diversity/belonging/inclusion committee member at Independent Health, has been elected to The Summit Center’s Foundation Board of Directors.
Currently, Tinika is a member of the Party for Summit planning committee. She was inspired to join the Foundation Board after learning more about the services and resources Summit offers to families.
Tinika shared, "I look forward to sharing my expertise and leadership skills and bringing a diverse perspective to the board." |
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Marketing director recognized
at Women of Influence Awards |
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Ellen Spangenthal, director of marketing and communications, is a recipient of Business First’s Women of Influence Award.
Ellen was recognized in the Behind the Scenes category for her meaningful contributions to the community. During the course of her tenure at The Summit Center, Ellen has helped the agency advocate for critical resources and navigate national concerns like the pandemic. She plays an important role in informing families, and the community, about programs and services that make lives better.
Congratulations, Ellen, on this well-deserved recognition! |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Shawndra Langlotz!
What is your role at Summit?
My role at Summit is life skills trainer in the S.T.EP.S. (Success Through Engagement and Positive Supports) program. I provide support to some of the most wonderful individuals. I assist them in identifying solutions, and performing daily tasks and functions that may be currently difficult for them. To watch them grow emotionally and socially is a pure delight.
What do you like most about working at Summit? The individuals are the reason I love Summit. I love watching them grow in their independence, develop confidence, and start advocating for themselves. |
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I also enjoy working for Summit because of the staff. I am fortunate to be working with a great group who is knowledgeable and willing to adapt to any situation. Name someplace on your bucket list. Alaska is on my bucket list. I love cold weather. Since I was a kid I have always been intrigued by the views, nature, and the living environment. What is your favorite movie? The Outsiders
Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York? My favorite restaurant is Texas Roadhouse. My family loves the atmosphere and the steaks. |
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Saturday, Oct. 8 - Piano Concert to benefit The Summit Center: Will Deinzer is hosting a piano concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Denton, Cottier and Daniels, 460 Dodge Road, Getzville, NY 14068. All proceeds will benefit The Summit Center to support services for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. For tickets or more information, visit willdeinzerfundraiser.com.
Sunday, Oct. 16 - Sensory Friendly Trick or Treat event: The Summit Center is partnering with the Buffalo Autism Project for their annual Sensory Friendly Trick or Treat event from 3 - 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, at Explore & More Children's Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. To register for this free event, visit the event page here.
Friday, Nov. 4 - Party for Summit: A Night in Las Vegas: Get ready to place your bets at the Party for Summit: A Night in Las Vegas presented by Reeds Jewelers! The event will be held at
6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 at The Atrium at Rich's, 1 Robert Rich Way, Buffalo, NY 14213. The evening will feature the Hope Awards, live and silent auctions, casino games, and more. Raffle tickets for a pair of David Yurman diamond earrings are now on sale! For more information, visit PartyForSummit.com.
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Scientists believe that genetics likely play a role in autism spectrum disorder. Environmental factors may also affect gene function and development, but no specific environmental causes have yet been identified. Multiple studies have shown that vaccinations to prevent childhood infectious diseases do not increase the risk of autism. (NIH) |
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