Impact
A NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND SUPPORTERS OF THE LEARNING TREE
New Mobile
Location Announced
From its unassuming beginnings, The Learning
Tree, Inc. has grown into playing a significant role of
educating some of the most severely impacted children
in Alabama, now serving more than 600 children. Since
1983 programs have operated at the Lott Road location
in Semmes. Early in 2017 their business offices and
educational, residential, and nursing programs will
move to a new location adjacent to their schools on
Able Court in West Mobile. The new location includes
four office/warehouse buildings totaling 15,190 sq. ft.
The anticipated move will provide additional space for
existing programs and allow for future expansion. “Locating close to Woody’s Song School on Able Court will have a significant
impact on the the efficiency of our operations, said Dr. Marc Williams,” Executive Director. Nathan Handmacher with Stirling
Properties in Mobile managed the sale of the property.
Architectural plans are in progress for the necessary
renovations to accommodate the planned use of the buildings.
“This is an opportunity to design the space according to what we
need to best serve the children, rather than just adapting our work
to the space,” added Williams. Woody’s Song School will also be
incorporated in to the plans, i.e. adding a walkway between the
buildings and other related projects. Plans for a capital campaign
will be released soon that will include the purchase of the building,
provide for the renovations, new equipment and furnishings,
and landscaping. “We are hopeful the Mobile community and
surrounding service areas will embrace this exciting project and the
campaign that will financially support it,” said Sheila Sears, Director
of Resource Development. Legacy gifts, securities, real estate and
cash donations will all be welcomed. Naming opportunities will also
be available as the plan is developed. For information about how to
make a pledge or donation please call or text Teresa Atkins at 251331-2633 or email her at [email protected]. •
Mobile Campus Master Plan
Mobile Floor Plan
WINTER 2016 ISSUE:
New Mobile Location • Chip in for Autism • Regional News • Honor Roll
Winter 2016
Message from the Executive Director,
Dr. Marc Williams:
http://www.learning-tree.org
Established in 1983, The Learning
Tree, Inc. is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to children and adolescents
with significant educational, medical,
and behavioral challenges; helping them
develop and maintain a quality of life
expected by non-disabled members of
their family and community.
A new year is ahead and we are on course for an exciting new
venture. As previously noted, we are moving the Lott Rd. programs
and business offices to a new location on Able Court next door to
Woody’s Song School. This move will provide a much improved
space for our children in the residential program, clinical services,
and a number of administrative offices. Woody’s Song School
improvements are also part of the plan.
The Learning Tree, Inc. and its programs
admits students of any race, color, and
national or ethnic origin.
The Learning Tree is governed by a
volunteer board of directors, representative of the primary service areas in the
State of Alabama.
Board of Directors
Dr. John Caldwell
Angie Coon
Katie Dougherty
Nathan Handmacher
Allison Kendall
Dr. Sam Perna
Dr. Marcia Rossi
Alan Taunton
Dr. Jim Siders
This newsletter is published by The
Learning Tree, Resource Development
Department compiled and distributed
by coordinating offices located in these
Alabama cities: Anniston/Jacksonville,
Auburn/Tallassee, and Mobile.
The Learning Tree, Inc.
Administrative Office
101 S. Dubois Street
PO Box 780639
Tallassee, AL 36078
334-252-0025
Executive Director
Dr. Marc Williams
Regional Director-Anniston/Jacksonville
Pat Murphy
Regional Director-Auburn/Tallassee
Whitney Hester
Regional Director-Mobile
Kerrianne Castleberry
Operations Director
Ben Rogers
Resource Development Director
Sheila Sears
Member of the Alabama Autism Providers Network Collaborating, Advocating
and Caring for People with ASD
www.al-autismproviders.net
This fall we welcomed two new members to our board of
directors – Ms. Angie Coon from Greenville, Alabama and Mr. Alan Taunton from Tallassee,
Alabama. We are very pleased to have them on board. As always, I sincerely appreciate the
support of our board, parents, and the conscientious work of our staff across the state. We also
want to thank you, our donors, for your support of our special events through your donations,
sponsorships, and participation. If you are considering year-end contributions, please remember
our building project and programs. Happy holidays!
The 6th Annual “Chip in for Autism” Golf Tournament benefitting Woody’s Song School had a recordbreaking year. The tournament raised over $36,000 with close to 100 golfers. The event, sponsored by HPC
Specialty Pharmacy, kicked off with a shotgun start on Friday, October 21st at Azalea City Golf Club. Each year,
Cindy Fulford, mom to students Sam and Cale, devotes her life to this event. This event would not be possible
without Cindy and all of the families at Woody’s Song School who work tirelessly to make sure the tournament is
a success. After a beautiful day on the links, the golfers were treated to dinner courtesy of Naman’s Catering and
a host of prizes. Many thanks to title sponsor, HPC Pharmacy and to all of the other sponsors for their generosity.
Chip in for Autism is the only event that solely benefits Woody’s Song School.
In other news with regard to our employees. . .
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Sympathy is extended to Erin Wofford in the death of her father Wesley Wofford, and to
Maxine Sandlin in the death of her husband Charles Sandlin.
We celebrate Teena Norton’s 23 years of employment with The Learning Tree in Jacksonville.
Jules Starr now fills a new role as the Coordinator of Regional Education Services.
Christy McSpadden and Kim Turner have assumed the role of Assistants to the Coordinator of
Regional Education Services.
Valerie Mitchell has moved to the Mobile region as the Assistant to the Regional Director.
Steven Tillery is a new training Coordinator in Tallassee.
Siobhan Washington is a new Quality Monitor in Tallassee.
Erin Jennings is a new Clinical Coordinator Assistant in Jacksonville.
Nicole Dieckow recently successfully completed an Iron Man in Panama City, Florida.
The Anniston Preschool employees recently donated their personal time to assist TOP Soccer,
a special needs soccer course for the children of the community.
Brittney Lockhart is the new Assistant to Regional Director in Tallassee.
Jessica Zavac is Assistant to Preschool Director in Auburn.
Kerrianne Castleberry, Mobile Regional Director and Junior League member participated in
the Junior League’s “Done in a Day” painting program at the preschool.
Anonymous Donation to Woody’s Song
A donation of over $111,000 was recently made to Woody’s Song School by a donor that
wishes to remain anonymous. The generous donation was designated for transportation for the school
and to set up a scholarship fund for families in need. A 26 passenger bus was purchased from a local
church earlier this year. The bus will be used for school related travel including field trips. “In the
past we have had to share other agency vans,” Jules Starr, Program Director explained. “The new bus
will be much more safe and efficient when we are traveling round the community with the students.”
The scholarship program is being
developed to help provide assistance
to families who are experiencing a
temporary financial hardship. This support
will ensure that students are able to
continue in the program without concern
about changes in their financial status.
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6th Annual “Chip in for Autism”
Title Sponsor
HPC Specialty Pharmacy
Gold Sponsors
Dr. Kenneth Ellingwood
Nicholas Insulation Services
Silver Sponsors
Baker Donelson
Cottage Hill Civitan Club
C Spire
Firetrol Protection Services
Gulf Coast Surgical
Specialists, Inc.
Hancock Bank
Jones Walker, LLC
The Reed Mattingly Family
Mobile Premier Pediatric
Dentistry
Greg, Judy, Andy & Kevin
Sykes
WS Foundation
Bronze Sponsors
Butch Barker – Team Sports
Brindlee Mountain Fire
Apparatus
The Dozier Family
The Harty/Carpenter Group –
Merrill Lynch
The Iqbal Family
Regions Bank
Russell, Thompson, Butler &
Houston
Smith, Dukes & Buckalew
Bryan Sykes & Suzanne
Rastani
The Starr Family
Willis Towers Watson
FACT!
Hole Sponsors
Altapointe Health Systems
Tim Andrews
Paul Bartels
Bella Bridesmaid
Tony Benefiel
Broadway South Dance
Studio
Rachel Byers
The Chatham Family
Jean Cieutat
Citrin, Rihner & Gupta
Clark’s Kitchen & Catering
Dance Without Limits
Dennis McLaughlin
David Dye
Edward Jones Investments
Shirley Eiland
Philip Epstein
Express Oil Change & Tire
Engineers
The Forsman Family
Hargrove Engineers +
Constructors
Harper Technologies, LLC
The Houston Jones Fan Club
Mark & Annette Jones
Don & Diane Kennedy
The Kyser Family
Little Tree Preschool
Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance
The McLaughlin Family
New Horizons Credit Union
Sean Nicholas
Casey Porter & Keith
Culpepper
Sears and Sears Law Firm
Simply Sheets
Stirling Properties
Dr. and Mrs. John Stone
The Strickland Family
Dr. Hanes Swingle
Ellen Taylor
Dr. Linda Tenhundfeld
USA Psychology Department
Deborah Walker
Zaxby’s
Zebra Marketing
Zoghby’s Uniforms
Pictured L to R: Jeff Spiller, Hank Hayes, Shelby Windham & Randy Eckhoff
L to R: Scott Jordan, Jim Neal, Earle King and Jimmy Miller
The Mattingly Family
Woody’s Song School in Mobile opened in 2009
serving 8 children.
Today more than 26 children are served each year.
Keith Castleberry pictured with
Mobile Regional Director, Kerrianne Castleberry
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Angling for Autism Fishing Tournament
The third annual Angling for Autism fishing tournament was a big succcess, held November 12th at Wind
Creek State Park in Alexander City. Sixty-three boats registered bright an early that morning in hopes to win
the top prize of $1,500. Ten places were paid out and a big fish pot with a 70/30 split. There was also a $100
prize for the top parent/child team and a $100 prize for the top male/female team. The top winner was Brandon
Pritchard and Adam Roberts with the top weight of 14.38lbs. They also won the second big fish pot. Second
place went to Chad Miller and Chris Miller with 13.74lbs. They also won the first big fish. Third place went to
Felton Langley. Fourth place went to Erick Sommers and Tommy Pegues. Fifth place went to George Breland
and Jeremy Philliber. Sixth Place went to Mike Keel and Mike McCullars. Seventh place went to Steven Ingram.
Eighth place went to Ryan Stewart and David Swatts. Ninth place went to Todd Mote and David Carlisle and tenth
place went to Hank Golden and Hulan Mattox. The prize for top male/female team went to Danny and Helen
Pollard. The prize for top parent/child went to John and Katie Pollard. Dallas Weldon managed the weigh in this
year and was there bright and early to check live wells, and
“blasted off” the boaters at safe daylight. Also there early
that morning to help was Brittney Lockhart and Whitney
Hester. That afternoon Jeffrey Dennis, Allen Meadows, Cory
Hammonds, Ashley Hammonds and Lucy Johnson helped
out with the weigh in. April Rapp was there too taking
photos.
Shop at AmazonSmile this holiday season and Amazon makes a donation to The Learning Tree!
What is AmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support The Learning Tree every
time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, with every purchase Amazon will donate
a portion of the purchase price to The Learning Tree!
How much of my purchase does Amazon donate? The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase
price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any
rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges.
Can I receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from my purchases on AmazonSmile? Donations are made by the
AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
Go to smile.amazon.com today!!!
MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Bama Budweiser
AES Industries
Tallassee True Value
Lyon, Fry, Cadden Insurance
PrimeSouth Bank
A.M.P.S.
E&I, Inc.
Tallassee Jeffcoat-Trant, Inc.
Tallassee Automotive
Freedom Logistics
Tallassee Rehab
Tallassee Kiwanis Club
AmazonSmile!
Pictured L to R: Brandon Pritchard,
Stephanie Weldon and Adam Roberts
Top male/female pictured L to R: Danny Pollard,
Helen Pollard, and Stephanie Weldon
State Employees Families and Friends!
Friends and families who are employed by the state may now
designate their Combined Charitable Campaign donations to
The Learning Tree. The Alabama State Employee Combined
Charitable Campaign accepted The Learning Tree for
participation in the 2016 campaign. The 2016 Campaign
began August 24th and will conclude December 31st, with
pledged contributions actually beginning in January 2017. The
first disbursements will be made beginning April 2017. www.
statecombinedcampaign.org
Kids watching the fish being released
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FACT!
Consultation & Outreach Services
Students Served: 220
School Districts Served: 78
Teacher Training: 213 hours
Individualized Consultation: 2,829 hours
Pictured L to R: Stephanie Weldon, Katie Pollard and John Pollard
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Statewide Support Continues to Grow
The Learning Tree is grateful for the support of local and state foundations and business and government support
from across the state. Thank you to the following for their support in 2016 to date:
• An anonymous gift was made to Woody’s Song School to purchase a new van for the school and establish
a scholarship fund.
• Festival of Children Foundation awarded $5,000 as the Founder’s Choice through the 2016 NCAM Talent Challenge.
• $25,650 in funding for applied behavioral analysis services for the Anniston Preschool was made possible by a grant from the Stringfellow fund of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama.
• Honda Manufacturing of Alabama gave $2,400 in support of the Anniston Preschool.
• Tyler Union Foundry of Anniston, Alabama donated $2,500 in support of the Anniston Preschool.
• The Darr Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Anniston Preschool.
• Walmart Community Foundation awarded a $2,000 grant to the Auburn Preschool.
• The Junior League of Lee County gave $1,082 to purchase 3 large size Angeles SilverRider Trikes for the Auburn Preschool.
Memorials & Honorariums
To make a donation in memory of a loved one or to honor a special event in someone’s life please contact the Resource
Development Coordinator in your region. We will mail a professionally designed card to the family for a memorial or
to the individual being honored. Donors will receive a thank you letter for the donation and acknowledging the card
has been mailed. Memorials and honorariums will also be listed in the newsletter and on The Learning Tree website. To
coordinate the cards please contact your regional development office:
Auburn/Tallassee
Stephanie Weldon at 334.415.9372 or [email protected]
Anniston/Tallassee
Erica Brown at 256.490.1648 or [email protected]
Mobile
Teresa Atkins at 251.331.2633 or [email protected]
• Alabama Department of Environmental Management contributed $25,000 to upgrade and resurface the basketball court at Tallassee’s Residential School.
• Poarch Creek Indians $1,000 for playground improvements for theTallassee School.
Please see the sample card below highlighting the text and format used.
• The Daniel Foundation of Alabama granted $15,000 to upgrade technology and security at Woody’s Song School in Mobile.
• The Treadwell Foundation awarded $15,000 to support Kilborn Kids, a Mobile scouting program for Woody’s Song School and the Residential School in Mobile.
• The A.S. Mitchell Foundation contributed $5,000 toward adding a new teacher’s position at Woody’s Song School in Mobile.
• The Hearin-Chandler Foundation awarded $5,000 toward the installation of a splash pad at Woody’s Song School.
• The Catranis Family Foundation donated $2,000 for iPads and bicycles for Woody’s Song School.
• The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama donated $2,500 to Woody’s Song School for general support.
A donation has been made to The Learning Tree in memory of
A dona
Insert Name Here
by
Insert Donor Name
and Address
Here
Established in 1983, The Learning Tree is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children with developmental
disabilities, including autism. Educational, residential, and support services are helping children learn and grow.
For more information about The Learning Tree please visit our website at www.learning-tree.org.
Established in 1983
disabilities, inclu
For more i
An acknowledgment has been mailed to the donor.
6
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AUBURN/TALLASSEE REGION
AUBURN/TALLASSEE REGION
The first annual “Chip in for Children”
Golf Tournament
The Tallassee residential school and the Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree
Preschool held the first “Chip in for Children” golf tournament
on June 21st at the Auburn University Club. We had 7 teams
to come out on this nice summer morning. The winners were
as follows; first place was Primesouth Bank, second place was
Milner Electric and third place went to Southern Controls. We
would like to thank all of our golfers for coming out to play.
We would also like to thank our sponsors because without
them this wouldn’t have taken place. Our Gold Sponsor was
Hyundai of Auburn. Our lunch sponsors were Lumpkin Pest
Management, Tallassee Rotary Club and Trustmark Bank.
Our hole sponsors were Sizemore and Sizemore, Dilworth
Development, Guardian Credit Union, BTS & Associates, and
Publix. Panera Bread furnished the pastries, bagels and
cookies for breakfast. Publix furnished the snacks, water and
gator-aide and Premium Beverages provided drinks.
FACT!
Number of children enrolled
in our Preschool Services:
Anniston, 19
Auburn, 48 Mobile, 34
Junior League of Lee County gives Tricycles
The Junior League of Lee County provided funds for six new
tricycles for the children at The Little HAPIE Tree Preschool in
Auburn. More than 48 children are benefitting from the new
trikes and are having a blast! Outdoor exercise is so good for
the kids, we sincerely appreciate this helpful donation,” said
April Rapp, Program Director.”
Three Graduations at Tallassee School
Lake Martin Area United Way Campaign Kick-off
Families, staff and community guests attended the graduation
ceremony for three Tallassee students, Patrick, Katie and Riley.
Pictures highlighting each graduate and their years at the school
decorated the gym. The direct care staff that had worked closely
with the graduates, shared wonderful tributes and memories with
the crowd. Katie’s housemates even sang her a song to honor
her accomplishments. After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed
refreshments. Good luck graduates!
The Lake Martin Area United Way held their kick-off meeting on
August 30th at the Betty Carroll Graham building on the campus of Central Alabama Community College. Agencies provided
exhibits and shared information. “Picture a Brighter Future” was
the theme of the meeting. Each agency was asked to decorate
a picture frame to represent their organization. The residential
school in Tallassee decorated a white picture frame with brightly
painted wooden puzzle pieces attached. Prizes were given for
the best frames and table decorations. Whitney Hester, Regional
Director and Stephanie Weldon, Resource Development Coordinator represented The Learning Tree along with students. The
students worked at the booth handing out candy and talking to
folks about their school.
The Junior League of Lee County, Inc., is an organization of
women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the
potential of women, and improving the community through
the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its
purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
The Liles family with Riley
SAVE THE DATE
New Basketball Court at Tallassee School
1st place – Primesouth Bank L-R;
Todd Mote, Michael Dalton, Jimmy Monk, and Larry Coker
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management
approved funding for over $25,000 through the Elmore County
Commission to resurface the basketball court at the Tallassee
residential school on Dubois Street. A process using recycled
tires was used for the mulch. A special thanks to Commissioner
Trey Taylor for leading the effort.
Katie with teacher Crystal
Jamal sharing memories of Patrick
FACT! United Way Support
United Way of East Central Alabama
2nd Place – Milner Electric L-R;
Phil Spear, Brent Milner and
Stephanie Weldon. Not pictured,
Bruce Dean and Jim Harwick
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3rd Place – Southern Controls L-R;
Derrick Grooms, Stephanie Weldon
and David Hart. Not pictured,
Daniel McGhee and Chris Coan.
Lake Martin United Way
United Way of Southwest Alabama
at Lazenby Farms
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ANNISTON/JACKSONVILLE REGION
ANNISTON/JACKSONVILLE REGION
Run for HOPE 5k/10k
In November The Little Tree Preschool in Anniston celebrated
several patriotic days, including the Presidential Election Day,
Veteran’s Day, Marine Birthday, and World Freedom Day;
teaching children that first responders and military are our
friends.
“We Run Free Because of the Brave”, Run for HOPE 5k/10k
started at 8 am at The Little Tree Preschool on Fort McClellan,
saluting all military, veterans, and first responders. There
were police cars, fire trucks, and a surprise helicopter visit.
Many thanks to all sponsors including Jefferson’s of Oxford,
Kirkpatrick’s Contracting, America’s First Credit Union, Panera
Bread, Buffalo Rock, Ace Hardware, Road ID, the Comer family,
and the Edmondson family. Panera Bread and Buffalo Rock
provided post-race refreshments. Awards were presented to top
male and female overall runners, and different age groups in
both 5k and 10k.
Jax Students Compete
The 2016 Paralympic Summer Games
in Rio de Janeiro was held in September
highlighting over 280 USA athletes. In
the 1976 Summer Games, athletes with
a variety of disabilities were included for
the first time. In 2016 over 4,000 athletes
competed from over 170 nations.
The Jacksonville school
campus celebrated the
Paralympics by hosting
their own games. The
entire experience was
set up on campus for all
of the students to enjoy,
including a Paralympic
torch relay and an
opening ceremony. Each
day students and staff
participated in multiple
events. The Games included the longest trampoline jump time,
corn hole, ring toss, long jump, relay races, and swimming
events. The week ended with a closing ceremony. The event
was also a learning experience for the students on Olympic
history and how it operated. Students made their own t-shirts
representing their Olympic teams. The teams included Team
Yellow (Mrs. Jessica’s Class), Team Africa (Nicole/Shadericka’s
Class), Team Wild Thangz (Mrs. Wendy’s Class), and Team
Adults (Adult Program).
Congratulations Jacksonville Graduates!
Graduation almost always creates feelings of happiness and
yet some sadness. At The Learning Tree the children are
celebrated for their accomplishments as they prepare for
their next step in life. The sadness comes when one realizes
that the children you have come to love and helped grow
are now adults and are moving on in life. In September five
students graduated from the Jacksonville residential school
campus. Patricia Murphy, Regional Director, led the graduation
ceremony recognizing each student and presenting them with
a diploma. Family and community friends cheered as the
graduates “walked the stage”. A special luncheon was catered
by the cafeteria staff with a personalized cake and cupcakes for
each student.
Baron’s Sponsor
Autism Day
An annual event day, the
3rd annual Autism Friendly
Baron’s game at Region’s
Field in Birmingham was
against the Pensacola Blue
Wahoos. The Learning Tree joined ten other non-profits that
serve individuals with special needs from across Alabama.
The event was an opportunity for families and their children
with special needs to enjoy a day at the ballpark. The game
day included calming stations and decreased noise through
the stadium sound system. The mascots were located in a
designated area where the children could approach them
on their own time to prevent the costumes from being
overwhelming.
FACT!
More than 100 children & adolescents
were served this year through our
residential program and community based
schools.
Currently enrolled in Jacksonville – 36,
Tallassee – 34, and Mobile – 27.
$5,000 Founder’s Prize Awarded
Business to Business Expo
The 32nd Annual Business to Business Expo was held at the
Anniston Meeting Center in Calhoun County this year. Erica
Brown, Resource Development Coordinator for the Jacksonville
and Anniston Region represented The Learning Tree. More
than 80 businesses and organizations highlighted their
services. Attendees also enjoyed sampling the foods of the
Taste of Calhoun County.
Halloween
September is National Child Awareness Month (NCAM)
bringing diverse charitable organizations together for a common
goal. A wide array of organizations set aside their individual
agendas to focus on issues children face in America today,
addressing their growing challenges and needs. The goal
was to highlight children’s charities through a talent based
video challenge. The Learning Tree participated in the 2016
NCAM Talent Challenge. Each preschool and Woody’s Song
School submitted a video highlighting the children’s talent and
challenging their favorite celebrities, organizations, or schools.
Their talents consisted of tumbling, dancing, water balloon toss,
and showing off their water day fun! On September 30, 2016,
the national competition came to a close, with The Learning
Tree coming in 4th. There were over 2000 nonprofits registered
through NCAM Talent Challenge webpage. The Learning Tree
was selected and awarded the $5,000 Founder’s Prize by the
Foundation.
The videos submitted by the Anniston, Auburn and Mobile
preschools and Woody’s Song School can be found on The
Learning Tree Facebook page. We look forward to August 2017!
The Little Tree Preschool rocked Halloween Disney style this year, Aimee
Spruill was Cinderella, Erin Jennings was Belle, Jennifer Wythe was
Snow White, and Erica Brown was Queen of Hearts.
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Erica Brown, Resource Development Coordinator in Anniston/Jacksonville.
Find us on Facebook @learningtree.alabama
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MOBILE REGION
MOBILE REGION
Kilborn’s Kids Visit Camp Grace
Puzzle Piece Flash Dash
Volunteers and Staff Receive ARC Awards
Kiwanis Club of Mobile
Kilborn’s Kids, a scouting program supported by attorney, Vincent
Kilborn and The Joseph Treadwell Foundation, spent a beautiful
fall day at Camp Grace in West Mobile. They enjoyed horseback
riding, paddle boats, inflatables, fishing and riding on a raft
around the lake. Angie Cieutat coordinates the Kilborn’s Kids
program for Woody’s Song School and the Mobile Residential
School. This annual event is a favorite among the kids. Mr. Kilborn
has supported this program for more than 4 years.
The annual Puzzle Piece Flash Dash moved to an evening run
this year. With more than 80 participating the run started and
ended at The Little Tree Preschool in Mobile through the nearby
neighborhoods. Each 5K runner was given a head lamp, courtesy
of Billy Loewen with Performance Contractors. There were lots
of other flashy, glowing give-aways. Thanks to Thrivent Financial
Services, Run-N-Tri, and Newks Eatery for coming out to support
the run. Music was provided by John Cardell. The children also
enjoyed a one-mile Fun Run. The event raised over $7,000 to
benefit The Learning Tree and The Autism Society of Alabama.
The Mobile ARC awards were presented at their annual meeting
in September. Receiving awards from The Learning Tree were:
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Mobile recently spent a
Saturday morning cleaning up the playground at Woody’s Song
School. They prepared the gardens for fall planting, brought
in wood chips for around the playground equipment, power
washed the building and tidied up the ground areas.
Community Service Award – The 74 Club
Family of the Year Award – The Fulford Family
Exemplary Educator – Little Tree Preschool Teacher,
Shaquana Giles
Distinguished Direct Service Professional – Little Tree Preschool
Teacher’s Assistant, LaShannon Pines
The 74 Club was recognized for their commitment to Woody’s
Song School through their fundraising efforts, such as the Blues
Tavern Barbecue Cookoff and the Over the Edge event. The
group has raised more than $10,000 for the school. Cindy and
Jed Fulford were recognized for their hard work and commitment
to the children at Woody’s Song School. Mr. and Mrs. Fulford
organize the Chip in for Autism golf tournament, now in its sixth
year, which has raised more than $90,000. In addition, they
organize an annual Fall Festival for the school and help to build
Mardi Gras floats for the children. Ms. Giles and Ms. Pines were
recognized for their outstanding commitment to the children at
the Little Tree Preschool. Congratulations to everyone!
Hayley’s Bar Care Carnival
The 2nd Annual Care Carnival sponsored by Hayley’s Bar in
Downtown Mobile raised more than $2,400 for Woody’s Song
School. The street carnival coincided with Mobile’s Downtown
Alive and featured carnival games, raffle items, live music and
local celebrities getting a pie in the face. Former Alabama
football player, Roger Schultz and Local TV 15’s Darwin Singleton
were very popular victims. The event was organized by Brittany
Mistich, a former Learning Tree employee and current employee
at Hayley’s. We appreciate Brittany and the families with Woody’s
Song School that came out to enjoy the beautiful day.
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L to R: Mobile ARC Executive Director,
Jeff Zoghby, 74 Club members,
Julie Bellcase and David Scott.
L to R:The Fulford Family, Sam,
Jake, Cale, Cindy and Jed.
L to R: Mobile ARC HR Director, Kristin Priest, LaShannon Pines & Mobile
ARC Executive Director, Jeff Zoghby
Emcee and Local 15 reporter,
Darwin Singleton and
Shaquana Giles
A
L to R: Julius Powell, Bruce McCrory, Don Halimunanda, Bob Hollon,
Ahmad Zahra, Tim Clairborne and Darrell Butler. Kendall Clarke not pictured.
Celebration of Fall
The children at Woody’s Song School and the Residential School
celebrated the fall season with costumes, carnival games, food
and lots of fun. Cindy Fulford coordinated the event along with
other Woody’s Song parents. The students and teachers had a
great time dressing up in creative costumes. A few of the moms
got in on the action too. There was a “Fox in Socks, the Wizard
of Oz crew, a Bowling Ball and Pin and even a Hot Dog! The Hot
Dog enjoyed several hot dogs for lunch. Thank you to everyone!
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The Honor Roll
1
FUNDING PARTNERS AND
OTHER SUPPORTERS
Alabama Dept. of Education
Alabama Dept. of Human Resources
Alabama Dept. of Mental Health
Auburn City Schools
Autism Speaks
Davis Direct, Inc.
Lake Martin United Way
Mobile County Public Schools
United Cerebral Palsy
United Way of East Central Alabama
United Way of Southwest Alabama
JACKSONVILLE/ANNISTON
Aerospace Coatings International, LLC
Ms. Jerricka Aiken
Amazon Smile
American Plumbing and Septic Services
America’s First Credit Union
Mr. Christopher Banks
Mr. Eric Blaskowski
Mr. Steven Blaskowski
Ms. Judy Bradley
Ms. Sarah Bright
Ms. Lindsay Britt
Mr. and Mrs. Brown
Mr. Charlie Bunch
Mr. Randy Byrd
Ms. Tiffany Canady
Canvas, Inc.
Ms. Jammi Cash
Clanton Animal Hospital, LLC
Ms. April Cobb
Ms. Sonde Coleman
Ms. Brittany Collier
Mr. Charles Comer
Community Foundation of
Northeast Alabama
Ms. Jean Cooper
Ms. Erica Cosper
Mr. Robert Couch
Mr. Shane Denham
Ms. Jenny Reed Dooley
Ms. Katie Dougherty
Ms. Jennifer Edmondson
Mr. Joshua Edmondson
Mr. Scott Elliott
Mr. Joseph England
Ms. Brenda Evans
Evans Lindale Ace Hardware
Extreme Auto Spa, LLC
FabArc
Festival of Children Foundation
Ms. Jessica R. Ford
Mr. Vincent S. Frank, Jr.
Dr. Rodney Friery
Mr. Rajae Gillespie
Gold’s Gym of RBC – Extreme Fitness, Inc.
Greater Anniston Business
and Professional Assoc.
Mr. Mitch Griffin
Ms. Brandy Hamlin
Ms. Jeda Hemlock
Ms. Anne Herndon
Mr. David Hofland
Honda Manufactoring of Alabama
Ms. Marguerite W. Hopkins
Mr. Stan Ivey
Jacksonville Discout Pharmacy
Mr. Lori James
Jefferson’s of Oxford
Ms. Georgia Johnson
Mr. Seth Johnson
Mr. William Jones
Kerper Endodontists, DMD
14
Thank you to our friends and supporters. 2
Ms. Lauren Key
Mr. and Mrs. Charles King
Ms. Jennifer Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick Contacting, LLC
Kohl’s of Oxford
Kronospan, LLC
Mark Lee Insurance Agency, Inc.
Ms. Hannah LoFollette
Ms. Jamie Logan
Ms. Tina Loveless
Magic Moments Vacations
Ms. Joni Magourik
Ms. Elizabeth Maloney
Mr. Lamont Mayer, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McCarty
Ms. Stephanie McGuffey
Mr. Josh Measles
Mr. Howard Meyer
Ms. Kristi Miller
Ms. Patricia Murphy
Mustard Seed Massage Company
Ms. Tenna Norton
Nowak Land Surveying
Mr. Robert O’Day
Omnicare
Ms. Mary Patrenos
Ms. April Pearson
Ms. Candace Peavey
Pediatrics Plus, PC
Ms. Brandy Phillips
Rainbow City Pet Care
Mr. Robert Ray
Ms. Jessica Reed
Regional Medical Center
of Anniston (RMC)
Ms. Holly Rucker
Sander’s Cabinetry
Ms. Charline Sands
Mr. Warren Sarrell
Mr. Bobby Schimmelsbusch
Ms. Rena Dreskin Schoenberg
Ms. Raili Smith
Southern States Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Darren Spruill
Mr. Quentin Spruill
Ms. Shelby Spurlin
State Farm Insurance
Struts of Oxford
Mr. Kenneth Truitt
Mr. James Turner
Dr. Rebecca O. Turner
Mr. Barry Twigg
Tyler Union/McWane Industries
United Way of East Central Alabama
Mr. Bill Wakefield
Waldrop Mfg.
Miss Erin Washowich
Webb Concrete & Building Materials
Mr. William Whaley
Mr. Dane White
Mr. Gary Wiggington
Mr. James R. Williams
Ms. Jennifer Williams
Ms. Laura Wood
Ms. Jennifer Wythe
Zoe’s on the Lake
IN-KIND GIFTS
Ace Hardware
Atlanta Bread
Auburn University
B & B Pawn
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Birmingham Baron’s
Chris Bright Fishing Services
Ms. Sarah Bright
Mr. Shannon Brown
Buffalo Rock
Chick Fil A
Couch’s Jewelers
Ms. Tara Cunningham
Décor World
Dillards of Oxford
Ms. Jenny Reed Dooley
Extreme Auto Spa
Gregerson’s
Gulf Rebel Fishing Charters
The Gypsy Begonias
Ms. Blake Johnson
Mr. Mike Kennedy
Kohl’s of Oxford
Mr. Mike Marion
Mr. Obie C. Oden
Panera Bread
Lee Pitt’s Guide Service
Publix
The Rabbit Hatch
Southwest Vacations
Spivey Family Dentistry
Superior Beverage
Talladega Speedway
Target
Tri States Utility Products
University of Alabama
Walt Disney World
Ms. Erin Washowich
Ms. Twyla Wilkerson
Willow Tree
Wind Creek Casino
Mr. Nathan Winkler
Mr. Ben Wood
Ms. Jennifer Wythe
Yesterday’s Photography
YETI
AUBURN/TALLASSEE
Mr. Mohammed Abdalla
AES, Industries
Dr. Shelley Airstrup
Alabama Power Foundation
Ms. Apryl Alexander
ALL for Children
A.M.P.S., LLC
Auburn Bank
Auburn University Club
Bama Budweiser of Montgomery, Inc.
Berney Office Solutions
Ms. Lourdes Betanzos
Ms. Mary Burkhart
The Busfield Foundation
C & M Service Center
Ms. Marjorie Caldwell
Capital X-Ray
Ms. Jerrie Chamblee-Nacrelli
Ms. Melissa Cleondis
Community Hospital
Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids
Ms. Sarah Covoington
Crain Landscape
Mr. Gary Daniel
Mr. Mack Daugherty
Diamond, Carmichael, Gary,
Patterson & Duke
Dilworth Development
Ms. Tricia Dorman
Ms. Casey Dubose
Duke & Patterson, LLC
E & I, Inc.
Elmore County Community Foundation
Eric and RyAnn Fligel
First Baptist Church of Tallassee
Ms. Alice Fitzgerald
Ms. Faye Ford
Freedom Logistics, LLC
GKN Aerospace
Robert D. Gamotis, DMD
Mrs. Nina Gauntt
Ms. Frances Harris
Ms. Nita Hicks
Dr. Doris Hill
HR Management Solutions
Hyundai of Auburn
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home
Ms. Sharon Jones
Mr. James Kelley
Kids Clothes Connection
Mr. Don Killingsworth
Ms. Elizabeth Knight
Lake Martin United Way
Ms. Judith Lechner
Ashley Lovell
Mr. Hilliard Lubin
Ms. Kerri Lucas
Lumpkin Pest Management
Lyon, Fry & Cadden Insurance
Machen, McChesney, LLC
Mrs. Deanna Mann
Ms. Barbara McKeon
Mike’s Merchandise
Mr. Brent Milner
Milner Electric, Inc.
Ms. Julie Moncrief
Mr. Dick Morris
Ms. Pat Murphy
Mr. Charles Necrelli
Neptune Technology Group
Ms. Ayme Orwin
Parker Tire & Service Center
Mrs. Laura Leigh Peters
Ms. Kim Petrina
Philips Family Dentistry
Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Danny and Helen Pollard
Mr. John Pollard
Mr. Tony Potts
Ms. Brenda Price
Ms. Dana Price
Primesouth Bank
Dr. Marcia Rossi
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Scarborough
Mrs. Kami Scarborough
Sizemore & Sizemore
Ms. Christine Skalsky
Southeast Area Fire Equipment and Repair
Southern Controls
Tallassee Kiwanis Club
Tallassee Rotary Club
Mr. Ben Taylor
Trustmark Bank
Turf Tactics
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Van-Scoyc Ryan
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Vella
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Ms. Heather Weldon
Mr. James Weldon
Ms. Turia Williams
Ms. Erin Wolford
Mr. David Wunderlich
Ms. Cathy Zevac
In Memory of Clarence Baker
Mrs. Mia Baker
Mrs. Priscilla Hammonds
In Memory of John Henry Morgan
Mrs. Mia Baker
Mrs. Faye Ford
Mrs. Priscilla Hammonds
Mrs. Nita Hicks
Ms. Brenda Price
In Memory of Randy Norris
Tallassee Kiwanis Club
IN-KIND GIFTS
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Alabama Splash Adventure
Alabama State Parks
Auburn Deck Masters
The Auburn Tuskegee Christian Church
Behind the Glass
Johnny Bruscos
Courtyard Marriott in Birmingham
Create A Spa
Dammar Products
Ms. Casey Dubose
The Flower Store
Gander Mountain
GNC
Mrs. Priscilla Hamonds
Hampton Inn & Suites
Ms. Karen Harris
Mrs. Donna Higgins
Hodges Vineyard
Home Depot
Hometown Jewelers
Jewelry By Design
Kinnucan’s
Montgomery Biscuits
Montgomery Zoo
My Gym
New Stone Realty
Niffer’s in Auburn
Perch Jewelry Studio
Publix
Jenny Rogers Photography
Mrs. Lani Ryan
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor
Skilled Hands, LLC
Smoothie King
Spa One Eighty
Subway
Mr. Ben Taylor
Taziki’s
Tiger 13
Tiger Iron Gym
Uptown Art
Mr. Daniel Van-Scoyc Ryan
Mrs. Jenny Warren
Whippoorwill Vineyard
Wind Creek Casino
Zoe’s Kitchen
MOBILE
The 74 Club
918 Ponce, LLC
Abenee Foo Kuo Honor Society
Airbus Group
Mr. Leonard Allen
Altapointe Health Systems
Mr. Timothy Andrews
Anunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Ms. Debra Aronson
Ms. Teresa Atkins
Atlanta Citizen Review Board
Autism Society of Alabama
Ms. Celia Mann Baehr
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell &
Berkowitz
Mr. John Barber
Ms. Allie Barker
Mr. Butch Barker – Team Sports
Mr. John Craig Barker
Ms. Ingrid V. Bartels
Mr. Paul Bartels
BBVA Compass Bank Employee Giving
Bella Bridesmaid
Mr. Tony Benefiel
Ms. Kerrie Benson
Ms. Jana Blades
Blues Tavern
Mr. Derek Bolden
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McLean Bramlett
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Breland
Ms. Linday Breland
Brindlee Moutain Fire Apparatus, LLC
Ms. Michelle Brinkman
Ms. Lindsay Britt
Broadway South Dance Studio
Ms. Jerlene Buckels
Joe Bullard Acura and Infiniti
Ms. Rachel Byers
Ms. Michelle Callen
The Caring Foundation of
BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama
Mr. Wesley Carpenter
Mr. Chris Carroll
Ms. Mary Carter
Mr. Keith Castleberry – Edward Jones
Investments
Ms. Kerrianne Castleberry
The Catranis Family Charitable Foundation
The Charity Run
Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Chatham
Ms. Jill Chenoweth
Chevron Matching Employee Funds
Ms. Jean Cieutat
Mr. Ronald Cieutat
Cigna
Citrin, Rihner & Gupta Cardiology
Clark’s Kitchen & Catering
Coming Home Sunday School Class –
Christ United Methodist Church
Mr. Randy Copeland
Cottage Hill Civitan Club – Friends of
Woody’s Song School
Ms. Maggie Cottrell
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Coyer
C Spire
Mr. Keith Culpepper
Dance Without Limits
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Diversified Roofing Service, Inc.
Ms. Michelle Dooley
Mr. and Mrs. Lafe Dozier
Mr. David Dye
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Eiland
Dr. Kenneth Ellingwood
Mr. Phillip Epstein
Ms. Kelsey Volz Fike
Firetrol Protection Services, Inc.
The Forsman Family
Mr. Nick Friley
Ms. Cindy Fulford
Mr. Gary Fulford
Ms. Stella Gamble
Ms. Marthea Gibby
Ms. Shaquana Giles
Ms. Prudence Graham
Gulf Coast Surgical Specialist, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Handmacher
Hargrove Engineers + Constructors
Mr. Wayne Hartung
Mr. and Mrs. C. Hodges Harty, III
The Harty/Carpenter Group – Merrill Lynch
The Hearin Chandler Group
Ms. Whiney Hester
Ms. Kimberly Hill
HPC Specialty Pharmacy
Mr. Christopher Hughes
Ms. Nicole Hughes
Dr. and Mrs. Ijaz Iqbal
The Iqbal Family
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas James
Ms. Stephanie Jett
Ms. Margaret Johnston
The Houston Jones Fan Club
Ms. Marlene Jones
Jones Trawl Board & Marine Supply
Company
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jones
Jones Walker Law Firm
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Karavokiros
Mr. and Mrs. Don Kennedy
Ms. Mary Anne Killion
Mr. Seth D. Kirschenbaum and Nicholas
A. Lotito
Mr. Yaya Kochaprom
Ms. Carol Kral
Mr. Matthew Kridel
The Kyser Family
Mr. Josh Ladner
Ms. Jamie Landry
Mr. Kyle Lantz
Mr. Robert Lanuza
Mr. and Mrs. Tofey Leon
Mr. Terry Lester
Ms. Natalie Leverone
Ms. Brenda Lloyd
Ms. Carol Loper
Mr. Marston Luce
Lyon, Fry & Cadden Insurance
Mr. John Macritchie
Mr. Sam Maisel
Dr. Carl Maltese
Drs. Daran and Sissy Mason
Mr. and Mrs. James Mason
Ms. Melissa Mason
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Mattingly
Ben May Charitable Trust
Dr. and Mrs. Robert McGinley
Mr. Dennis McLaughlin
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McLaughlin
Ms. Christy McSpadden
Meresys Development Corporation
Ms. Wanda Milner
Ms. Bethann Mills
Ms. Brittany Mistich
A.S. Mitchell Foundation
Mobile Premier Pediatric Dentistry
Moore Law Firm
Mr. Jerry Moragne
Mr. Kyle Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Morvant
Ms. Kim Morvant
Mr. David Mrozek
Mr. Holt Naff
Ms. Lisa Nash
Ms. Paige Naylor
New Horizons Credit Union
Newk’s Eatery of Mobile
Newk’s Eatery of Spanish Fort
Ms. Callie Newman
Nicholas Insulation Services
Mr. Sean Nicholas
O’Daly’s Irish Pub
Mrs. Linda Ogden
The Orthopaedic Group
Mr. David Pitts
Ms. Casey Porter
Ms. Dorothy Robinson
Mr. Benjamin Rogers
Mr. Troy Rosser
Rotary Club of Mobile – Sunrise
Ms. Cheri Rudisill
Russell, Thompson, Butler & Houston
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Saad
Ms. Ashley Saranthus
Mr. Sidney Seale
Mr. Mark Segal
Mr. Jerry Self
Semmes Middle School
Mr. Gene Sharp
Mr. Michael Shaw
Mr. and Mrs. William Shulman
Ms. Alison Silvio
Simply Sheets
Ms. Brittany Smith
Smith, Dukes & Buckalew, LLP
Ms. Linda Spitzkoff
Ms. Rene Sprague
Ms. Amber Stanga
The Starr Family
Stirling Properties
Dr. and Mrs. John Stone
Ms. Abry Stopper
Mr. David Stowers
Mr. and Mrs. Carson Strickland
The Strickland Family
Dr. Hanes B. Swingle
The Sykes Family
Mr. Bryan Sykes and Ms. Suzanne Rastani
Ms. Ellen Taylor
Dr. Lynda Tenhunfeld
Ms. Emily Tisdale
Ms. Pamela Todd
The Joseph Treadwell Charitable Foundation
Ms. Millie Trull
Ms. Margaret Tsu
Ms. Kim Turner
Ms. Lisa Turner – USA Pschology
Department
United Way of Southwest Alabama
WS Foundation
Ms. Deborah Walker
Ms. Nicole Watkins
Willis Towers Watson
Mr. Spencer Wiggins
Ms. Jennifer Williams
Ms. Michelle Winstead
Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Witherington
Ms. Theresa N. Yarbrough
Zaxby’s
Zoghby’s Uniforms
In memory of Susan Branson Coward
918 Ponce, LLC
Atlanta Citizen Review Board
Mr. and Mrs. John Baehr
Ms. Ingrid V. Bartels
Mr. David Bedner
Ms. Elizabeth M. Edgar
Mr. and Mrs. Don Kennedy
Mr. Seth D. Kirshenbaum
Mr. Nicholas A. Lotito
Ms. Jamie G. Landry
Mrs. Linda Ogden
Mr. Gene R. Sharp
Ms. Allison Silvio
The Sykes Family
VA Dept. of Audiology & Speech
In memory of Coach Bill Dooley
Paul and Barbara Handmacher
In honor of Skev Karavokiros
The Catranis Family Charitable Foundation
In memory of Charles Sandlin
The Learning Tree Board of Directors & Staff
In memory of Bill Shores
Paul and Barbara Handmacher
In memory of Coach John Tatum
Paul, Barbara and Nathan Handmacher
In honor of Lynne Ginsburg
Paul and Barbara Handmacher
In honor of Karen Herman
Paul and Barbara Handmacher
In honor of Bobby Kohn
Paul and Barbara Handmacher
In honor of Sharon Rubin
Paul and Barbara Handmacher
IN-KIND GIFTS
Alex & Ani, LLC
Miss Allie’s Class Parents
Antiques at the Loop
Ballin’s Ltd.
Ms. Allie Barker
Ms. Marsha Barnett
Café 615
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Copeland
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
Dance Without Limits
Delchamps Printing
Miss Emily’s Class Parents
Ms. Cindy Fulford
Gulf Distributing
Gulf Quest Maritime Museum
Hair to Dye For
Hampton Inn & Suites – Downtown
Harper Technologies, LLC
Mr. Wayne Hartung
Hide – Away in Fairhope
Ms. Marlene Jones
KPO Kids/Angela McAtee
Miss Kelsey’s Class Parents
Krispy Kreme
Ms. Brenda Lloyd
Lowe’s
Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance
Magic Memories Photography & Photo
Booth
Ms. Laura Matthews
Listing reflects donations
made January 1st, 2016
through October 31st, 2016.
15
Resource Development Office
205 Lambert Avenue, Suite B
Mobile, AL 36604
www.learning-tree.org
FACT!
18,236 visits to
www.learning-tree.org annually
2,117 Facebook followers monthly
SAVE THE DATES!
Summer Workshop
The Auburn/Tallassee region hosted a continuing education workshop this
summer. Nineteen Learning Tree employees participated representing all
three regions. Dr. Catherine Simms from the Alabama Department of Mental
Health presented “Advanced Topics in Behavior Assessment”. Participants
also benefitted from skill building activities related to behavior assessments.
This is the first of three quarterly workshops.
January 21st
Blues Tavern
Barbecue Cook-Off
Mobile
January 28th
Charity Chase
Mobile
February 17th
Boots and Bowties
Auburn
April 6th
A Night at the Races
Mobile
April 29th
Aces for Autism
Anniston
Anniston/Jacksonville
256-447-9349
Auburn/Tallassee
334-252-0025
Mobile
251-649-4420
Resource Development
251-331-2633