January 2024

The Summit Center introduces
its new CEO and President

On January 1, The Summit Center welcomed its new executive team: Chief Executive Officer Lisa A. Foti, CPA, and President Amy Jablonski, Psy.D.

Lisa brings extensive experience in managing the complex financial and business aspects of an organization. She began her career in the Assurance and Advisory practice of Ernst & Young LLP in 1989 and moved on to become Chief Financial Officer of the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute in 2003, serving in that capacity until 2013. Most recently she served as Summit’s Chief Financial Officer before transitioning to Chief Executive Officer. Lisa was critical to the launch of Summit Academy Enhanced, an innovative severe behavior program that opened in November 2022, as well as the imminent transition of Autism Services, Inc.’s educational programs to The Summit Center.

As CEO, Lisa will continue to advocate for the resources necessary to effectively serve the individuals in the programs and services provided by The Summit Center.  She will also lead Summit’s ongoing strategic plan with its focus on program expansion, building on and retaining appropriate talent, and continued financial sustainability.

Lisa said she’s always wanted to make a difference and believes in bringing passion and commitment to the excellent programs and services provided at Summit.

“Whatever you do, do it with passion and dedication because that defines our excellence. It is that same passion and commitment that led me to want to be the next CEO of The Summit Center,” she said. “The pandemic brought our leadership team close, much closer, and I saw their intense dedication to the individuals and families we serve. We all worked very hard to make sure we were able to continue to provide the high-quality programs and services that impact so many lives.”

Formerly Summit’s Vice President of Education and Behavioral Health, Amy Jablonski will oversee all programs and services across the agency’s four divisions: Early Intervention and Education, Adult, Community, and Behavioral Health. She will also continue to engage in clinical work.

Lisa A. Foti, CPA, CEO of The Summit Center

Amy Jablonski, Psy.D., President of The Summit Center

“As President, I can play a pivotal role in continuing the mission and vision of the agency that I have been a part of since 1999,” Amy said. “One of the key factors the succession planning committee focused on was finding someone who could continue the work of Dr. Steve Anderson, including the use of evidence-based practices for autism. My background as a clinical psychologist and behavior analyst, as well as my 24 years of experience at Summit, has allowed me to step into the role and ensure his continued vision.”

During her tenure with Summit, Amy has held a variety of direct care roles, including Early Autism Program consultant, preschool behavioral consultant, district-based consultant, parent trainer, and evaluator. These first-hand experiences as a service provider coupled with her expertise in diagnosing and treating autism gives Amy a unique perspective in this new role.

As CEO and President, Lisa and Amy will uphold the values of Summit and its vision of ‘lives made better.'

"'Lives made better' to me means meeting individuals right where they are and helping them become the best version of themselves.  While that’s different for every individual, giving them the opportunity for that success is critical,” Lisa said. “We all have an opportunity, every day to make a positive impact on each other.”

“I think that ‘lives made better’ is a call to focus on individuals, their families, and society at large,” Amy said. “I think individuals will have better lives when they are given opportunities to learn new skills that allow them to live independently and make informed decisions. Families will lead better lives when they have the knowledge, resources, and skills to support their loved ones. And individuals will be successful when they are active participants in an open, accepting community.”

As for Summit’s future, Lisa said she would like Summit to be known as a Center of Excellence and the “go to place” for autism services and treatment.

“I hope to expand the depth and breadth of our services throughout the Western New York region, including the City of Buffalo,” Lisa shared.

Rounding out The Summit Center’s executive leadership team are Dana Zakes, Chief Financial Officer, and Diana Schmit, Vice President of Adult and Community Services.

Finding success and independence

Program pairs employment specialists with individuals with disabilities to help them land the perfect job. Together they explore careers, create a resume, navigate the hiring process, and build work-related skills.

David is part of the Supported Employment Program and has worked at The Home Depot for nearly five years. He began as a lot associate and was moved to the Garden Center because of his excellent work performance. During the winter, David’s responsibilities include cutting the bottoms off Christmas trees, helping customers with décor and cleaning supplies, and loading items into customer vehicles. In the spring and summer, David helps manage the drive-thru for mulch and soil pickup. 

Outside of work, David enjoys working out, playing video games, woodworking, working with resin, and researching animals. He recently moved into his own apartment and is learning how to live independently by working on budgeting, cleaning, and organizational skills. David said he loves his job and really enjoys having his own place.

Get Air family night sponsored
by Flutie Foundation

Last month, Summit families were treated to a free jump session at Get Air Cheektowaga thanks to the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The Flutie Foundation is committed to providing inclusive opportunities in the community for children and adults with autism.

Britini D’Angelo, former Summit student and “Big Brother” contestant, hosted the fun-filled evening at the trampoline park.

Additionally, the Flutie Foundation presented Summit with a $1,000 check to support the children and adults we serve in reaching their full potential.

For more information about the Flutie Foundation, visit flutiefoundation.org.

Coca-Cola donates $5,000 to Summit

Recently, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast presented The Summit Center with a $5,000 check to serve as a silver sponsor of the 2024 Autism Walk. Kyle Boland, general manager, and Taylor Stranahan, office manager, awarded the check to Summit CEO Lisa A. Foti and former Summit CEO Dr. Stephen R. Anderson.

The annual Autism Walk will take place on Saturday, May 11 at 150 Stahl Road, Getzville. These funds will support the event's fundraising goal of $325,000.

Taylor will also bring her expertise and support to the 2024 Autism Walk committee.

2023 Impact Report now available

The Summit Center's 2023 Impact Report, which covers July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, features 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 former CEO, Dr. Stephen R. Anderson
• A story about the opening of Summit Academy Enhanced
• A feature on Ben, who developed and grew his communication and social skills
• A highlight of our 50th anniversary
• A recap of our successful Autism Walk and Party for Summit events
• And much more!

Pro Tips: Practicing waiting

Pro Tips provided by Claire Spangenthal, MA/SC, NCSP, BCBA, unit director at Summit Academy Enhanced.

The amount of time we spend waiting throughout our lives is incalculable. We wait in line at the grocery store, we wait for our turn at a stop sign, we wait to eat a meal until we are hungry, we wait to cross the street. For individuals with autism, waiting can be challenging even if it’s for a few seconds. It’s an important skill children need to develop for day-to-day life and can help with safety skills, learning to communicate, and accepting no. Below are our tips to teach your child how to wait:

1. Set your child up for success

When you begin teaching your child how to wait for things they want, it’s best to choose a scenario in which they are going to be most successful. Pick something low stakes such as playing with a lesser preferred toy. Have your child wait a short amount of time to start, such as a few seconds. Acknowledge their communication, ask them to wait for the allotted time, and then deliver the item after they have waited. You can gradually increase the amount of time once they become successful waiting a few seconds.

2. Provide alternatives or distractions

If a child has nothing to do while they’re waiting, it makes it that much more challenging for them to wait appropriately. Provide alternatives such as other toys or activities they can engage in while they’re waiting for what they want.

This is crucial for things that may be long-term, such as waiting for holidays, vacations, and school events like prom or graduation. In these scenarios, parents can use visuals like a countdown or have activities planned to get ready for the trip or holiday their child is asking about.

3. Check in with your child’s teaching or behavior staff

Ask if learning to wait is part of your child’s curriculum and what strategies their staff are using. If you’re having trouble with teaching to wait at home, discuss your concerns with your child’s team so they can help support that goal.

Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr

Meet Kayla Rusek!

What is your role at Summit?

I am a behavioral case manager at Summit Academy Enhanced.

Describe what your day might look like.
My day includes a little of everything. Sometimes I am direct support with my students, and sometimes I am running assessments or trialing baseline probes for new skill acquisition goals/ treatment plans. Every part of my day is consistent collaboration with my student’s team from occupational therapy and speech to their 1:1 professionals. All these little parts of my day help me make data based and socially significant changes or updates to my student’s behavior plan or adaptive alternative goals. 

What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?

Personally, and professionally, I am proud of my perspective changes that I see about myself and my progress within the field and life. Trying to obtain the means necessary to sit for my BCBA exam has been pushed back by months (almost a year),  and it used to really bother me. As I submit my final hours, I realize how much I have truly been learning, and I realized that progress and growth is not linear. It is okay to start over. It is okay to try again. That mindset follows suit in how I like to teach our students and train with staff. Showing yourself and the people around you more compassion allows for greater learning opportunities.

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

Lloyd Taco Factory

Name someplace on your bucket list.

Anywhere tropical. I haven’t been many places.

Summit’s team of 500 professionals never stops striving for excellence. Rising Stars celebrates employees who have been promoted or are advancing their education. We are so thankful to have a wonderful team at The Summit Center and want to share their accolades with the community.

Promotions:

• Lisa A. Foti, CPA, has been promoted from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Executive Officer. Lisa joined the Summit team in 2013.
  
  

• Amy Jablonski, Psy.D., has been promoted from Vice President of Education and Behavioral Health to President. Amy started her career with Summit in 1999.

   

• Dana Zakes, CPA, has been promoted from Director of Finance to Chief Financial Officer. Dana has been a part of the Summit team since 2015.

   

• Chrissy Ray, M.S., has been promoted from educational coordinator to assistant principal of Summit Academy's Hazelwood location. Chrissy began her career with Summit in 2014.

Fact of the Month

Though the term "autism" first appeared around 1911, very little was known or medically researched about autism spectrum disorder until the late 20th century. New discoveries and advancements continue to be made today to help individuals on the spectrum achieve their full potential. (MassGeneral For Children)

Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges.

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