Former student continues to find success
in Community Habilitation program |
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Gretchen Abdulla can’t help but smile when she talks about James, a student she worked with when he was 4 and who she is now working with again at the age of 29. “It’s amazing. I was able to see him from the start and witness all his growth over the years,” she said.
Gretchen, supervising clinician in the behavior support department at Summit Academy, began working with James when he was a young student at Summit Academy. At the time, James had difficulty communicating and engaged in some challenging behaviors. |
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“Throughout the years, James had a behavior plan. We worked on the communication piece and developing adaptive skills,” Gretchen said. “His mom was very supportive. She was a big advocate for him.”
James progressed as he went through Summit Academy, and he eventually gave the commencement speech at graduation. Now as an adult, James receives community habilitation services from Summit, and Gretchen, who works as a community habilitation provider for Summit, is assisting him once again.
Together, they work on community engagement, manners, self-advocacy, and more. Gretchen said James loves technology and researching things on his computer. He takes photos of objects in the community that grab his interest and later researches them.
“He teaches me something every day,” Gretchen said. “He’s grown so much over the years. He’s very sweet and polite. He holds doors open for strangers, says ‘please’ and ‘thank you,' and helps out with chores around the house.”
James’ mother said, “Ms. Gretchen and Summit never gave up on my son, James. The staff at Summit weren’t just there to help James, but they were there for me too. I’m forever grateful for the man James is today. Thank you, Summit.” |
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Summit students celebrate at prom |
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The end of another school year is an exciting time for older students at Summit Academy because they look forward to celebrating prom and graduation.
In preparation for the prom, Summit staff planned a week full of fun activities related to this year’s carnival theme. Activities included a movie day, classroom activities, hallway decorations, and an outdoor carnival. Students enjoyed games such as ring toss, Connect 4, Jenga, and tic, tac, toe. They earned prizes and freshly made popcorn. At the end of the week, students dressed up in their best and headed to the gym where they danced with their friends, posed in front of carnival-themed décor, and chose a prom king and queen. |
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Remembering longtime board member's support and dedication |
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Elizabeth (Liz) Schachtner, a member of Summit’s board of directors since 1992 and president from 2002-2008, passed away on June 19 after a battle with cancer. In announcing her passing, Summit CEO Dr. Steve Anderson said, “Summit is a better agency because of her devotion to the people we serve. We not only lost a board member but a dear friend who probably was still thinking about the health and well-being of others right up to her last breath.” In 1995, she played a role in the transition from founder Nancy Harris to Dr. Anderson. Her marketing expertise helped Summit in its rebranding from the Language Development Program to Summit Educational Resources and, eventually, The Summit Center. |
| Liz Schachtner welcomes Rahsaan DeLain to the Board of Directors. |
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During her tenure as board president, Summit underwent tremendous change and embarked on its first ever capital campaign, raising more than $2.5 million toward the construction of Summit Central, located on Stahl Road. Liz was a major donor to Summit and a generous supporter of Summit’s events and the Caring and Sharing Program. In addition to Summit, Liz shared her time and talent with many local non-profits. In 2012, she was named an outstanding “Woman of Influence” by Business First of Buffalo in recognition of her business acumen and community spirit. |
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Student art show set for July 13 |
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Student artwork will be on display at Daemen University starting Monday, July 10. This is the second year the university will feature Summit student art pieces in the Tower Gallery located inside the Haberman Gacioch Arts Center, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY. The artwork will be available for viewing from July 10 - 21. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
A special Summit family night will take place from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 13. Summit families are invited to view the students’ art pieces and meet Sandy Looker, Summit’s creative arts teacher. The event will also feature a balloon artist and activities provided by Daemen University art education students. |
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Give 716 Day to support new courtyard |
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The Summit Center will once again partner with the Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation to participate in Give 716. The online campaign started in 2021 to support nonprofits across Western New York.
This year’s campaign will kick off at 7:16 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, and end at 7:16 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18. Funds raised help support construction of a new courtyard located at Summit Academy's Creekside location in Amherst.
The courtyard will provide students with a beautiful outdoor area featuring an amphitheater, an area for gardening, seating, outdoor artwork, and more. The goal is to provide a space where students can build upon motor, communication, and social skills while enjoying the outdoors.
Follow The Summit Center on social media to receive updates throughout the campaign. More details on how you can make a donation will be provided in the coming weeks. |
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Pictured above: Renderings of the new courtyard at Summit Academy's Creekside location. |
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| Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Sarah Palazzolo!
What is your role at Summit? I am a behavior support consultant for S.T.E.P.S Day Habilitation programs and S.T.A.R. programs. I’ve been with Summit for a little over nine years.
Describe what your day might look like. A typical day for me involves checking in with the site supervisors to see what is needed for the day and supporting the individuals and staff throughout the day on outings and activities. What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
I would say personally, I am most proud of being an aunt to two amazing nephews, a wife, and a dog mom. Professionally, I would have to say watching the individuals I work with overcome so many challenges and obstacles. Seeing them be able to achieve their goals and observe each of them becoming the best version of themselves is very rewarding. Being able to build a unique relationship and bond with each individual is very special to me and is something that makes this job so amazing.
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Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York?
This is tough. I’m the person that can never pick a place to eat because I like all foods. But if I had to choose right now, I would probably say Sushi Queen. Name someplace on your bucket list. I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon. |
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Honor someone special with a commemorative brick or paver |
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Through Summit’s commemorative walkway, you can offer a visible, lasting tribute to someone special to your family, whether it's a graduate, teacher, or Summit staff member who has made a difference. Your donation also provides meaningful opportunities to the children and adults served by Summit. Your 6” X 9” brick includes two 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.
For more information, visit our website or download the brochure.
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July 13 - Family Night Art Event: A special family night event will take place from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, at Daemen University's Haberman Gacioch Arts Center, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY. Families can view Summit students' artwork on display, participate in art activities, and meet creative arts teacher Sandy Looker. July 16 - 18 - Give 716 Day: This year's Give 716 campaign will kick off at 7:16 p.m. on Sunday, July 16 and end at 7:16 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18. The campaign will support construction of a new courtyard at Summit Academy's Creekside location in Amherst. Stay tuned for details on how to donate.
November 3 - An Enchanted Evening with Summit: An Enchanted Evening with Summit will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 3, at Salvatore's Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY. The event will honor Summit CEO Dr. Steve Anderson who is retiring at the end of the year after 28 years of service. Party goers will enjoy a sit down dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing, and more. Visit www.PartyforSummit.com for sponsorship and ticket information.
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Adults can be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Diagnosis includes looking at the person’s medical history, observing the person’s behavior, and conducting psychological testing. It can be more challenging to diagnose an adult because it is not always possible to know about the person’s development during the first few years of life. (Source: CDC) |
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges. |
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