It seems like we say this every year around this time, but
seriously, where has time gone? Is 2014 really over? Are we REALLY going into
2015? Ok, time to let go of the denial and realize we can’t stop time. However,
one thing we can do is reflect back
on what was probably the best year yet at In S.T.E.P.P.S. Hopefully we will say
that again next year, but for now… 2014 was pretty darn awesome.
-In S.T.E.P.P.S.
Moved-
If you have been with In S.T.E.P.P.S. since the beginning
(way, way back in 2010), you may be familiar with our “office journeys” over
the years. We started off in a kitchen and living room. Then we moved into a
small, 2 room office in Irvine. Then we busted down some walls and expanded
into another space. Then, we grew out
of that office and desperately needed more room. So we packed everything up and
crossed the hallway of our building and have made a new home in a large space that
we are LOVING. There is a room for social skills, a conference room and lots of
individual offices, a beautiful reception area, a kitchen (with a dishwasher!),
a training room, a toy room, and more. If you haven’t had a chance to see it,
come out for our Holiday Open House on December 23rd and check it
out!
-In S.T.E.P.P.S. Went to Mexico-
In S.T.E.P.P.S. crossed borders this year back in March. One
of our supervisors, Mayra Corona, gave a presentation on ABA and PRT to more
than 800 people in Puebla
Mexico. 800 people! Can you believe that? We are so very proud of our team for
branching out and reaching new people in new locations!
-In S.T.E.P.P.S. Expanded
-
Speaking of reaching new people, In S.T.E.P.P.S. is now
serving families in North San Diego County! This project was headed by two of
our BCBAs, Nicole F and Nicole H (or more affectionately known as “The Nicoles”),
and we are so excited for this big step! We started accepting insurance and private
pay clients in October. Woohoo! In S.T.E.P.P.S. is expanding!
-In
S.T.E.P.P.S. Turned 4-
Every year we have a little birthday party for ourselves to celebrate
our anniversary. This year was no different! Well, other than the fact that we
had waaaaay more people! We kind of love that our “birthday” is in the middle
of July so that we can enjoy the beautiful weather outside as a group. So this
year we had a fabulous pool party!
-In S.T.E.P.P.S. Team Member Accomplishments-
2014 was so good to our team in their personal and professional
endeavors. Our Clinical Director, Dr. Erin McNerney, became a Licensed Clinical
Psychologist. Yay! On top of that, we have SEVEN BCBAs on staff! Congrats to
Elise, Nicole F, Kimberly, and Nubia for passing that beast of an exam this
year! Good luck to our staff that will be taking the test in 2015. Study hard!
-In
S.T.E.P.P.S. Programs-
Let’s just say, our programs had a fantastic year. First, our
Social Skills group has
really flourished! We added new groups, brought new kiddos on board, and all
involved have been super successful! We also started our PEERS Group for Teens. On top of all of that, Parent’s Night Out is filled to
capacity every month. We love that parents are getting a few hours off and
letting us have dance parties with their little ones! We also started our Remote Program this year and hosted
a family from Germany for a multiple-day, intensive parent training course. We
hope to have our Remote Program reach more families in our office and through
the use of technology in the coming months.
-In S.T.E.P. P.S.
Growth-
It is hard to believe how much we have grown in 2014! Aside
from our physical move to a new office and expanding to San Diego, growth is
happening across the board! We have lots of new clinical team members on board,
we have taken on more clients, and our presence on the internet is really
booming. Our Facebook page has almost 300 likes (make sure you find us, like
us, and follow us) and we have created Pinterest Page to create boards of fun ideas
for our staff and families to use (again, make sure you find us and follow us).
We have some great ideas for upcoming posts on our blog! We even had a piece written
by Lindsey Lewis, one of our supervisors, be featured on the Autism Speaks
blog! Check it out here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/06/27/autism-mom-superwoman
-In S.T.E.P.P.S.
Supervisor Retreat-
We had our first Supervisor Team weekend retreat in 2014! We
spent the weekend in a beautiful villa in Temecula and spent two days team
building and brainstorming program ideas! Not only did we get a TON of work
done, we also ate delicious food and shared lots of laughs. Sometimes we have
to pinch ourselves when we see the team of people around us. Our “In
S.T.E.P.P.S. Culture” is so unique and the family-vibe that is felt across our
staff really shows that.
-In S.T.E.P.P.S.
Holiday Party-
Our annual Holiday Party had a major makeover this year! It
was held at the beautiful Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club. The 2014 party
included a wonderful slideshow put together by Lindsey L., a DJ for dancing,
delicious food, and lots of people. It was definitely our biggest Holiday Party
yet! This year we did therapist awards (think Academy Award style) and gave
recognition for Creativity (Megan Y.), Collaboration (Melissa), Perseverance
(Jeannie), Responsibility (Lindsay M.), and Top Clinician (Jeanette).Congrats
to our winners and thank you for all of your hard work!
-In S.T.E.P.P.S.
Holiday Open House-
This year we are hosting our first Holiday Open House on December 23rd from 10-2 complete with our own “Calm Santa” that will be available for free pictures and
activities like cookie decorating and arts and crafts. This is a great opportunity
for our clients to visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly, safe environment and
for all of us to mingle with each other! Our clinical team will be on hand to
make sure this event is successful for all! Check out more information here: http://in-stepps.blogspot.com/2014/12/you-are-invited-to-our-holiday-open.html
-In S.T.E.P.P.S. Professional
News-
Finally, In S.T.E.P.P.S. has some big upcoming announcements
in the publication world. We will fill you in once details have been worked
out, so be on the lookout! Our team also attended some big conferences and
events in 2014. We are always striving to be up to date on the latest research,
studies, articles, and journals. We will share information that impacts our
families frequently on our blog and Facebook, so check back often!
Phew… It still is
hard to believe how much happened in 2014. With that said, we are sure 2015
will be just as good to us! Thank you to you all for all your support and
encouragement. We do this for you and we would not be able to do it without you!
We wish you and your family a happy holiday season!
