March 2023

S.T.E.P.S., P.A.C.E. to participate in new

self-advocacy group

This spring, adults in Summit’s S.T.E.P.S. (Success Through Engagement and Positive Supports) and P.A.C.E. (Prevocational and Community Experience) programs will begin participating in self-advocacy group meetings.

The idea for a self-advocacy program came from an OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) Quality Improvement Plan. Melissa Kimmel, assistant director of Community Services, said the goal is to help young adults become even more independent through self-advocacy.

“We want the adults we serve to be able to make their own choices, express their likes and dislikes, and speak on their own behalf,” she said. “We have a lot of people who would be great self-advocates, but first they need to understand what it is and what it means.”

Jessica Reszitnyk, coordinator of Prevocational and Employment Services, will facilitate the meetings, which will take place in a community setting. Each of the four S.T.E.P.S. programs will meet once a month, while the two P.A.C.E. groups will meet twice a month.

“We’ll cover what self-advocacy is, what we want to advocate for, our preferences, our dislikes, and other related topics,” Jessica said.

Eventually, the plan is to have the self-advocacy groups present what they’ve learned to students at Summit Academy.

“The long-range goal is to have the adults in S.T.E.P.S. and P.A.C.E. share what options the students have after they graduate,” Melissa said.

For more information about Summit’s adult programs, visit www.TheSummitCenter.org.

The photos above are from an introductory self-advocacy group meeting held in 2022.

Celebrating Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and Summit Academy celebrated in a special way. Sandy Looker, creative arts teacher, compiled a video of some of our female students holding positive messages like, “I will succeed” and “I can inspire.” The video celebrates our students and their many wonderful capabilities.

Visuals of historic women have also been placed throughout the school buildings, representing female writers, politicians, scientists, activists, and more. The goal is to teach students more about important female figures and their achievements.

View the inspiring Women's History Month video below:

How you can support the 2023 Autism Walk

Donations to the Autism Walk, taking place on Saturday, May 13, are invested in the programs that make Summit so special. If you’ve already registered and started fundraising, you may be looking for additional ways to get the word out.

From April 3 through May 13, The Summit Center will sell autism acceptance pin ups for $1 each. Pin ups will be available for staff at Summit Central and our Creekside location. Businesses or organizations interested in selling pin ups can contact AutismWalk@TheSummitCenter.org or (716) 629-3423.

There are several community-based fundraisers starting March 28 (see the upcoming events section below for more details):

• March 28 – Spirit Night at Red Robin, 6 – 9 p.m., 4080 Maple Rd., Amherst
• April 20 – Tacos, Community & Beer dining out night, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., 6449 Transit Rd., East Amherst
• April 22 – 3rd Annual WNY Beer Trail Autism Awareness Fundraiser, noon – 3 p.m., Resurgence Brewing Company, 55 Chicago St., Buffalo
• April 29 – Chocolate Fusion’s fundraiser for Thèoden’s Fellowship, 2 – 6 p.m., 10065 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls
• May 8 – Pie-O-Mine & Greens dining out night, 4 – 9 p.m., 1725 Sheridan Dr., Tonawanda

If you haven’t registered for the Autism Walk, visit SummitAutismWalk.org. Join parents, community advocates, and other supporters for a 2-mile walk in celebration of autism acceptance and understanding.

Summit's 2022 Annual Report now available

In The Summit Center's 2022 Annual Report, which covers July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, you'll read inspiring stories about the ways our programs have supported children, adults, and families in developing important skills and reaching new milestones.

Included within these pages is:

• A message from our CEO, Dr. Steve Anderson
• A story about Logan, who is progressing by leaps and bounds in the Early Autism Program
• A feature on Chris, who started his first job after participating in Summit’s P.A.C.E. program
• A recap of our first in-person Autism Walk event since 2019
• And much more!

Purchase bricks, pavers for
Summit's commemorative walkway

Through Summit’s commemorative walkway, you can offer a visible, lasting tribute to your child, a teacher, parent, grandparent, or friend. Purchasing a brick is a special way to celebrate a loved one. Your donation also provides meaningful opportunities for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Bricks and pavers make great gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Grandparent's Day, graduation, and more.

Your 6” X 9” brick includes 2 lines for your personal message, limited to 17 characters per line. Engraved 12”X12” granite pavers are also available, providing space for three lines of 20 characters each.

Download the brochure for more information or to purchase your brick today!

Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr

Meet Marlana Pernal!

What is your role at Summit?

I have worked at Summit for almost 10 years and have been privileged to learn so much. My role at Summit is an elementary teacher as well as a teacher mentor for the elementary unit.

Describe what your day might look like.

I usually come in around 7 a.m. and prepare the classroom for the whole group and small group activities of the day. Then I meet with new teachers and support their needs. Around 8:30 a.m., the students start to arrive! I get so excited to greet my students and start the day.

An average day consists of morning work, our morning meeting, social skills, lunch, math, literacy, social studies, and gym. Once the students leave, I clean up the classroom with my amazing staff, Kelsey and Jordan, and we head home.

What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?

I am most proud of my ability to teach students to navigate their social-emotional needs and use strategies to help cope with big emotions or unexpected emotions.  I love to watch them learn and develop throughout the school year.

The moment a student identifies their emotions for the first time independently, or when they share independently what they need to cope, is my reason for teaching. That moment makes all the highs and lows throughout the year worth it!  When I see my students realize they are now empowered to advocate for themselves, it makes me feel so proud. Every day I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of each one of my students' magical journeys.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York?

I love to eat at Mulberry’s in Lackawanna. Their gnocchi is absolutely amazing!

Name someplace on your bucket list.

I would love to travel to Tuscany one day.

March 28 - Spirit Night at Red Robin: You're invited to The Summit Center's Spirit Night fundraiser at Red Robin from 5 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 4080 Maple Road, Amherst. Visit in person and mention our fundraiser. Or, order at order.redrobin.com, select Amherst and 4080 Maple Road, add our fundraiser to your cart, then load up on your favorites! 20% of dine-in and to-go sales will support the 2023 Autism Walk.

April 20 - Tacos, Community & Beer: Dine in at Tacos, Community & Beer from 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, at 6449 Transit Rd, East Amherst. 10% of sales will support the 2023 Autism Walk. 

April 22 - WNY Beer Trail Autism Awareness Fundraiser: Enjoy a fun afternoon at the 3rd Annual WNY Beer Trail Autism Awareness Fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Resurgence Brewing, 55 Chicago St., Buffalo. The event will feature a special beer, live music, raffles, and more!

April 29 - Chocolate Fusion Fundraiser for Thèoden’s Fellowship: Enjoy a sweet treat for a good cause! Visit from 2 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, at Chocolate Fusion, 10065 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls. Other local businesses will offer tumblers, jewelry, and sweets for sale. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Thèo's team and the 2023 Autism Walk.

May 8 - Pie-O-Mine: Skip the dishes and dine at Pie-O-Mine & Greens from 4 - 9 p.m. on Monday, May 8, at 1725 Sheridan Dr., Tonawanda. 20% of sales will support the 2023 Autism Walk.

May 13 - The Summit Center 2023 Autism Walk: Mark your calendar for The Summit Center 2023 Autism Walk taking place Saturday, May 13 at The Summit Center, 150 Stahl Road, Getzville NY 14068. Check in opens at 8 a.m. with the opening ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. Register at SummitAutismWalk.org.

Fact of the Month

March is Women's History Month! There are many prominent women with autism who have made incredible contributions to the world, including scientist Temple Grandin, actress Darryl Hannah, poet Emily Dickinson, activist Greta Thunburg, and Paralympic athlete Jessica-Jane Applegate to name a few.

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