MACKENZIE THORPE VISIT

On September 21st, The Keystone Academy welcomed internationally renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe for an art workshop. You may recognize Mackenzie as the artist who produced the art work hanging in the conference room and waiting area in the Keystone clinic. MrThropehas dedicated his life to helping children cope with physical, social, educational or geographical disadvantage. And for one day, he focused on the students of The Keystone Academy! Our students had the exciting privilege of working with Mackenzie on some amazing hands-on art projects.

After working with the academy students, Mackenzie held an art exhibit in downtown Jacksonville.  Several Keystone families and staff members attended Mackenzie's showing, which began with a casual viewing of Mackenzie's work.  Mackenzie mingled with the crowd, giving inspiring and in-depth explanations of his work.  His paintings are very distinctive and symbolic, depicting flowers, animals, and children with large heads, and large feet.  Below he explains a little about each theme:

• Children with Large Heads: Innocence. When children are born they have large heads filled with imagination, purity, love, innocence, and happiness. It is only when adults enter their lives that their heads become smaller with each limitation, fear, prejudice, or stereotype.
• Flowers: Love. Flowers symbolize growing love. When you nurture relationships in life you are able to benefit from the beauty they provide from the ground up.
• Large Feet: Working Class Upbringing. Mackenzie grew up in a northern English shipbuilding town where everyone had working class roots. Mackenzie doesn't ever want to lose those roots. Or, as he says, "become bigger than my shoes".

Mackenzie was an excellent speaker, and Keystone is grateful to him for including us in his busy schedule.  Not only did he visit The Keystone Academy, but a portion of the proceeds from his exhibit are being donated to the newly formed Keystone Academy Parent Teacher Organization! 

To learn more about Mackenzie Thorpe, one of the top 20 collected living artists in the world today, please either visit the clinic side lobby to view some of his work, or go to www.mackenziethorpe.net.

EVENTS

Multiple Dates in October: Visit the Jacksonville Zoo for the 24th Annual Spooktacular. For nine nights, the Zoo comes alive with hundreds of pumpkins, candy and excitement! Enjoy trick-or-treating, music, dancing, food, giant slides and bounce houses. You will also be able to see some of your favorite zoo animals. Visit with fairies, wizards, pirates, scarecrows, the frog prince, and many others. For more information check out www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

Dates: October 20 – 23, and October 27 – 31. Cost: $8 – members; $10 – non-members

October 31st is Halloween! We want to assure that you and your children have a fun, safe time. Below is a section on costume safety, as well as pumpkin safety. You will also find several gluten free, and casein free recipes.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Costume Safety

• Look for costumes that are made of flame-resistant materials.
• If you cannot find a label indicating flame resistance, choose costumes that are made mostly of polyester or nylon. Thesefabrics typically do not ignite, but if they do they should burn slowly and extinguish easily.
• Incorporate reflector strips, a flash light or light stickinto your child's costume to make them more visible at night.
• Try to avoid high heel shoes or long dangling pieces of costume that your child could trip over. A scraped knee or bloody nose could really ruin their fun.
• Find props (i.e., swords or princess wands) that are made of flexible plastic. That way if they are fallen on, it will bend easily.
• Consider using face paint instead of masks as masks can obstruct a child's vision.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that the eye holes are big enough to see through. You may have to cut the mask and create larger eye holes.You can use face paint around the eyes to any skin that may be showing.
• Have your child's full name and phone number attached to their costume somewhere if they are too young to remember them.
• Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
• Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children.
  

Pumpkin Safety

• Carve pumpkins on a flat, stable surface with good lighting.
• An adult should always carve the pumpkin. Involve your child by having him or her draw a face on the pumpkin.
• Place lighted pumpkins away from curtains and other flammable objects, and do not leave lighted pumpkins unattended.
• Use battery operated or electric lights that have been tested for safety instead of candles or open flames, when possible.
• An alternative to carving your pumpkin is to decorate it using a permanent marker, paint, or Mister Potato Head pieces. You can use Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head pieces you have or you can purchase Halloween specific pieces.

Gluten Free Recipes

Gluten Free/Casien free Recipes

FROM THE DESK OF MARLENA

On October 6th The Keystone Academy's Primary One, Two, and Three classeswent on a field trip to the Jewish Community Alliance for a performance of the Three Little Pigs.

We are excited for the Keystone Academy's PTO fall festival on October 27th. The festival will be held in the courtyard outside of the Academy from 4-7pm. There will be a bounce house, carnival games, and hamburgers & hot dogs. We hope to see you there!

Intersession will begin on October 31st. Our theme for the week will be Fall Fun. Don't miss out on the fun!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

The staff at Keystone work diligently to provide the most effective and up-to-datetreatments available. What better way to recognize these efforts than to spotlight an individual's interests and activities. This month's employee spotlight will shine on one of our amazing behavior consultants, Amanda Garrettson.

How long have you been with Keystone?
I joined the Keystone team in June of this year.

What did you do before working at Keystone?
I was finishing my Master's degree in Behavior Analysis at Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!). I graduated in April, was married in May, and moved to Jacksonville in June. I moved to Jacksonville to be with my husband, who has been living here for two years.

What is your title and what does that require of you?
I am a Behavior Consultant, and recently sat for my board certification exam. I am responsible for helping children succeed in their everyday lives by teaching them appropriate behaviors. I help them by creating curriculum for individual behavior therapy sessions, implementing the curriculum, and parent training.

What influenced you to become a Behavior Therapist?
It was a combination of things: my mom was a kindergarten teacher and I always knew I wanted to do something with kids. I started college as an Education major but switched to Psychology after a family friend's child (whom I used to babysit) was diagnosed with autism. I have been passionate about the field ever since.

What is your favorite thing to do during your time off?
I like spending time with my husband. I also like boating and reading books.

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go?
Rome. I love the history of the city, the buildings and churches, and I LOVE Italian foo!.

What is your favorite movie(s)?
Dirty Dancing, and Beauty and the Beast.

What do you miss most about Michigan?
My family, my in-laws, and the fall weather (not winter!).

MEET OUR NEW EMPLOYEES

Teri Mims, Client Services Coordinator
Teri comes to Keystone Behavioral Pediatricswith her Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, and is a Certified Child Life Specialist. Teri's past work experience includes working in a Level 1 Trauma Emergency Department in Detroit, MI, as well as on an Oncology/Hematology Unit here in Jacksonville. As a child life specialist Teri worked with children parents, and siblings in the hospital. Teri provided training regarding medical procedures and new diagnoses, distraction, and emotional support to patients during procedures. Teri also provided group and individual activities for children in the hospital that encouraged socialization, independence, and normalization of the hospital experience. Teri recently moved back to Jacksonville from Williamsburg, Virginia with her husband and dog.
Mindy Stutzman, MSW
	Mindy is an extern at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics completing requirements for her PhD in Clinical Psychology through Fielding Graduate University. Mindy earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Flagler College and a Master of Social Work from University of Central Florida. Her previous experience includes providing support to families and children living with chronic illness, grief and loss issues, and providing mental health support services in numerous settings including the home,  clinic, and school.
Summer Wade, Receptionist
	Summer is a Receptionist at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics with previous experience in the law and medical setting. She specialized in medical billing and insurance working as a Medical Administrative Assistant for an anesthesia corporation. Prior to Keystone, she was working in Chicago, Illinois as a Legal Assistant for an attorney's office specializing in personal injury and worker's compensation. She is currently working on her Bachelor's Degree in Communications. Here at Keystone, Summer performs various daily tasks in our billing department and enjoys knowing she is a part of something that is helping kids and families all over the Jacksonville area.
Sarah Callahan, Teacher
	Sarah Callahan was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Upon moving to Florida in 2009, Sarah obtained her Florida Teaching Certificate in K-6. Sarah has taught Pre-k, Kindergarten, First grade and Inclusion classes. She also has experience working with students of all age groups working on literacy and reading recovery. In her free time, she loves being outside and spending time with her family. Sarah plans to further her education by pursuing her master’s degree in Literacy and Curriculum Development.
Tephanie Little, Behavior Specialist
	Tephanie received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Tephanie is currently in enrolled in graduate school to complete a Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Tephanie has experience working in the field of Child Protective Services as a Mental Health Associate and in working with children that have autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities administering ABA therapy. Tephanie is currently pursuing BCaBA certification.
Tori Salinas, Behavior Specialist
	Tori was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.  She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a specialization in early childhood from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009.  While attending, she volunteered and completed an internship at a local Children’s Hospital in the Child Life department.  After graduating, she was an Assistant Teacher at a Montessori school until beginning a job as a Case Manager at a foster to adopt agency.  Tori and her husband relocated to Jacksonville, Florida for his job in September 2011.  She enjoys working with children and families and plans to pursue ABA or counseling.

FROM THE BILLING OFFICE

Policy Reinforcement

This is to remind you of Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics' policy on late cancellations and no-shows. There is a $50 fee if you do not call our Attendance Line AT LEAST 24 hours prior to your appointment. You can cancel and reschedule your session by contacting the Attendance Line at (904) 619-6071, press "3". If we do not receive this courtesy call, a $50 charge will be added to your monthly bill

We understand things come up and schedules need to change, we just ask that you give our clinicians enough notice so they can accommodate another child or family in your cancelled time slot.

Clarification on Insurance Benefits

As a courtesy, a Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics billing specialist will contact your insurance provider to get an estimate of your financial responsibility. Please understand that this is only an estimate, it is not a guarantee. The amount you are required to pay for services may be more or less than what was originally quoted to you by a Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics, depending on the balances stipulated by your insurance carrier.

You will be responsible for any amount not paid by your insurance company. We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance company to confirm the amount. We also advise you to request a patient advocate from your insurance company if your child requires long-term care. This provides us with a point of contact to expedite your insurance needs.

KEYSTONE BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS STAFF