Sharky Thomas

Wesley Family Services is excited to welcome ten new Board Members. These individuals bring a wealth of skills and experience, and we look forward to their contributions as part of the WFS family of mission-driven advocates.

The new Board Members are:

• Brenasia Ward Caldwell, Security Technical Specialist, Microsoft
• Andrés Franco, Executive Director, DNA Works
• Donny Hamilton, Jr., Gateway Project Manager, Federal Railroad Administration
• Kristin Lesker Eisel, Vice President of Human Resources, Kurt J. Lesker Company
• Amy Lindenfelder, Attorney, University of Pittsburgh
• Carla Panzella, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
• David Rancatore, Mortgage Lending Officer, Lending Heights
• Joe Sharp, CFO/Chief of Operations, Dentons Cohen & Grigsby
• Andrew Yamarick, VP of Sales, Northeast at Agiliti
• David Yanchik, III Managing Director, KPMG

 

Additionally, we proudly recognize our new Board Officers stepping into leadership roles this year:

• J. Nicole Rhodes, Chair
• Tia LaFleur, 1st Vice-Chair
• Brandi Phillips, 2nd Vice-Chair
• Mark Twerdok, Treasurer
• Clare Frederick, Secretary

 

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the seven outgoing Board Members who completed their terms on June 30, 2024. Their collective 79 years of service have been instrumental in advancing our mission and providing Quality Whole Person Care®.

• Tammy Aupperle
• Ross Chambers
• Shanicka Kennedy
• Scott O’Mara
• Christine Probert
• Bob Reilly
• Drew Schauble

View article on the Pittsburgh Business Times

There is a new program – and approach – for families looking for autism support in Allegheny County – and its goal is to provide support earlier in a hands-on, integrative environment. 

“The need is obviously there,” said Carrie Winner, Program Director for Intensive Behavioral Health Services. “We’re really hoping to alleviate some of the pressure for families waiting for services. And most importantly, early autism intervention is key.” 

Wesley Family Service’s new Autism Center for Growth officially opened its doors on April 1st of this year. Families will find a welcoming atmosphere which includes a sensory room (pictured), a gym area, and multiple classrooms and spaces to interact with clients and their families.  

The school-like setup is intentional, as children at the Autism Center for Growth will take part in extensive early-childhood skill development geared toward preparing them for success in school and social situations.  

The program provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services through evidence-based practices and is specifically for children aged 12 months through seven years (or entry to kindergarten). 

Winner says it is designed to cater to this group’s cognitive strengths. 

“It is really based on the knowledge that our brains can absorb and learn much more quickly at this early age,” she said. 

The Center utilizes natural environment teaching methods, which includes play-based interventions to focuses on teaching communication skills, play skills, imitation skills, and limited daily living skills.  In a nutshell, the program emphasizes building skills needed in a kindergarten setting. 

“We work on things like potty training, if that needs to be addressed. We’re targeting skills like sitting at a table and eating, as opposed to running around,” said Winner. “We also work on incorporating increased food preferences, because our little ones with autism sometimes can be very picky eaters.” 

More specifically, the Center also focuses on various developmental challenges, including communication delays, difficulties with imitation, aggressive behavior, self-injurious actions, restricted play abilities and other gaps in adaptive skills.  

Additionally, the program will also focus on providing parents and caregivers with their own skills through individualized training.    

Families looking for more information can call 412-342-2270 or fill out a form on the website. As of now, the program is only available to families in Allegheny County. An Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis is required for enrollment.  

For more information, visit Wesley Family Services website, at WFSPA.org.  

 

 

 

Marie, an older adult in Westmoreland County with limited mobility, has lived in her split-level brick house for more than 60 years. She and her late husband bought the home when they moved to be closer to her parents. Marie eventually installed a cathedral ceiling in the dining room to resemble the saltbox houses of Massachusetts and Vermont, where she lived during the early years of her marriage.

The 89-year-old’s rambling subdivision looks nothing like historic New England. It lacks sidewalks and bus lines, so getting around isn’t easy for someone who uses a walker and doesn’t drive. That makes it tricky for Marie, whose full name Spotlight PA is withholding because she lives alone, to get to her many medical appointments.

“My calendar looks like a Bingo card,” said Marie wryly.

The joke gets a chuckle from Polly Leipold, a volunteer with Wesley Family Services’ Open Your Heart to a Senior program, which provides free in-home, nonmedical care to older adults in Westmoreland County. Neighboring Allegheny County has a similar initiative called In Service of Seniors: Pittsburgh.

Volunteers help with daily tasks like reading mail, transportation to the grocery store and medical appointments. Leipold lives nearby and has driven Marie to many doctor’s offices.

Read the full story published on 90.5 WESA HERE.

Wesley Family Services, White Oak officials and East Allegheny’s soccer program will host a kickball game and cookout today (June 15) at White Oak Park and encourage an end to domestic violence.

The Father’s Day Pledge Kickball Cookout will begin at 11 a.m. at the Blue Spruce grove in White Oak Park.

Chris Goyke, head coach of the East Allegheny Middle School soccer team, is scheduled to speak, along with White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton.

The event is part of the national “No More” movement, which promotes awareness and prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. A spokeswoman said Wesley Family Services is a local ally in a national network of many municipalities, corporations and communities promoting accountability and community involvement to reduce and eliminate domestic abuse.

Read the full story published on The Tube City Almanac HERE.

Move over, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. You have company.

“We are privileged to have close to 100 superstars ready to dazzle you with their talents and abilities,” Katie Harrill announced from the Mary Pappert School of Music stage at Duquesne University. “Some are stepping into the spotlight for the first time, while others are marking their 14th year.”

The occasion was the annual Music of the Heart recital on June 2, featuring participants in Wesley Family Services’ Creative Arts Program singing, playing instruments and enjoying the applause of an enthusiastic audience.

Read the full story published on Trib Live HERE.

Katie Harrill has seen what music can do for people’s social and emotional states.

As the supervisor of the Creative Arts Program and one of many music therapists at Wesley Family Services, Harrill has extensively worked with clients across various developmental stages. Despite the program’s inception 23 years ago, she holds a hint of regret for not initiating the recital until 14 years ago.

Reflecting on this, she said, “I wish I’d launched the recital 23 years ago, right when we kick-started the program.”

Read the full story published on Trib Live HERE.