PA Dept of Public Welfare - Pennsylvania Recovery and Resiliency

PA Dept of Public Welfare
Volume 1, Issue 1
PPRT NEWSLETTER
A Note from Gretchen and Ellen…
“SPRING” – the word has a multitude of meanings:
The season of growth
The earliest time of something – the beginning
Resilience or elasticity
Energetic bounce
June 2010
Based on these
definitions it seems
PPRT should be
added to the list of
the descriptions of
Spring. The PPRT
Process is there for
the person and the
support staff when
they are stretched
due to behavioral
struggles to plant the
seeds of Positive
Practices.
PPRT team members
are there to help the
person and the
support team to
begin to grow the
resilience to
Recovery toward an
Everyday Life.
In July 2010 the
PPRT Process will
be entering the 4th
year. The PPRT
Team members have
been the source to
keep the PPRT
Process growing
resulting in
improving the lives
of so many.
“The harvest of a
whole year depends
on what you sow in
the Springtime”.
-Chinese Proverb
Thanks to all PPRT
members for all you
do to sow Positive
Practices seeds
supports that benefit
so many.
Gretchen and Ellen
June 2010

Supporting People who have Problematic Sexual
behavior, their families and their teams…
Working with people who have intellectual disabilities and their families and
staff is a rewarding and fascinating experience. My role as sexuality
consultant gives me the opportunity to work with a wide range of people on
a topic that is a difficult one to discuss – sex. Most of us grew up with little
or no discussions about healthy sexuality. Some of us were fortunate enough
to have had parents who gave us accurate positive information, some of us
had good sex education classes and some of us grew up on farms and saw
first hand the cycle of life. Unfortunately, there are also some of us who
learned about sexuality through abuse or by witnessing sexual activity we
were too young to process. For the people we support, more than 90% have
‘learned’ about sex through their victimization. (Sobsey & Varnhagen, 1989)
and 49% will experience ten or more abusive incidents (Valenti-Hein &
Schwartz, 1995)
When I am contacted by the PPRT or by an agency, there is already a sexual
issue. It is my job to help people figure out the ‘whys’ of particular
behaviors and to learn some concrete skills. I also work with staff and
families to look at their own attitudes and beliefs that may be contributing to
the problem.
It is not unusual for me to receive a call from a program supervisor saying
“We have a man who is ‘acting out’ sexually and we have no idea what to
do –can you help us?” First, I think the person making the request is very
brave and second, the agency clearly has a commitment to help the person
they are supporting.
My process goes like this: I ask that the person who knows the individual
best to answer some preliminary questions on the phone or through email
before I meet with them in person. One of the questions I always ask is
“Does the person masturbate, and if so, do you happen to know what fantasy
they use”? The reason I ask this is to determine if the person is focusing on
children or non-consenting adults, is there violence or are they being hurt in
the fantasy. I also ask about early childhood abuse or trauma. These two
areas are the basis for the questions I will use in discussions with staff,
family and the individual.

We set a date for me to do two things. First, in the morning, I will meet with
staff and/or family –together or sequentially. During that meeting I ask about
specific behaviors, comments –anything they feel is a problem, including
how he/or she interacts with them. Is there a particular person/s that they do
or don’t get along with or do they act out more in the day program, at home
or when visiting or returning from family visits?
In the afternoon, I meet with the individual and I begin by telling them my
name and that “I know a lot about sex and our bodies. You can ask or tell me
anything and I will not get angry and I will try my best to answer your
questions. You do not have to talk to me at all, but I want to help you, so I
hope that you will talk to me” Then I ask the person to tell me what I just
said so that I am sure they understand. Usually the response is something
like “You know about sex and I can ask you anything”. I tell them that is
correct and we begin.
Based on the phone interview and the morning meeting, I have prepared a
series of questions related to the current problems as well as basic
knowledge of their body, the correct names and functions of specific body
‘parts’. I also use the Verbal Informed Sexual Consent Assessment Tool
(VISCAT). This tool is primarily used to determine if an individual has the
ability to give consent for sexual activity. I also use it to determine the
individual’s knowledge of public/private, peer pressure, safe sex and the
law. At the end of the interview I ask the person if they have any questions
for me. They usually do.
I would like to give a few examples of questions that I have been asked by
people who have intellectual disabilities. The words in italics are some of my
responses.
• How are men and women different – down there?
• Exactly how do people make babies?
• How do babies get out?
• What is an episiotomy?
• What is a yeast infection?
• How do you get a bladder infection?
• What does ‘period’ mean?
• If I get a girlfriend, what do I do other than have sex?
• Is it wrong to masturbate if you are a Christian?

• Are you single? I answer “Yes”. “But it would be wrong to kiss you,
right? “Yes, now let’s talk about why that would be wrong”
• “Is it wrong for a man to be with a man?” “No” “Is it wrong for a
woman to be with a woman” “No” “Is it wrong for a black person to
be with a white person?” “No”.
In addition to the actual person who is having problems, there are all the
people around him or her and in all honestly, they may be part of the
problem For example, if a team is culturally diverse, it is important to
discuss how each of those cultures view sexual issues (i.e. masturbation,
same sex relationships, sex before marriage). It is equally important to help
staff become comfortable discussing sex or sexual activity. If a person has a
question, it should be answered simply and accurately and immediately. It is
never appropriate to respond to a question by saying “I can not answer that –
you should ask your therapist next week”. The moment is done and an
opportunity is missed.
I enjoy working with staff to help them become a bit more comfortable with
sexuality. I have as series of activities that are educational and fun that I
hope have helped expand attitudes and break down walls of discomfort. I am
convinced that not everyone can work with people who have problematic
sexual behaviors or those who are sexual offenders. Often there are valid
reasons (i.e. personal or family history of abuse, religion or cultural beliefs)
that make it difficult to be supportive of people you may perceive to be
“bad’. If you can not separate the person from the behavior and treat them
with respect, you should not be working with this population. You will do
more harm than good.
In summary, I consider myself fortunate to have worked with people who
struggle with sexual issues and who are learning to change their behaviors,
the families who make the journey with them and the provider agencies that
continue to provide a safe place in which to help people learn and grow and
have an Everyday Life.
Sharon Mahar Potter M.Ed.
Sexuality Consultant, Office of Developmental Programs

A True Success Story
Or
Why We Do What We Do
By
Melanie Liddie
And
Amber Baldensperger
PART ONE by Melanie Liddie, Psychologist WSH
One day just over a year ago in April of 2009, I was asked to participate in a very
unique PPRT. I was told that there was a man named Dave (name has been changed) with
an MR/MH diagnosis; he had gotten into some legal difficulties and had been sent to a
State Prison. The problem was he was doing very poorly there and seemed to be
misplaced. He was in a small cell where he was incontinent and often would smear his
feces on the walls and the floor. He rarely said a word to anyone. To say the least he was
not responding well to his incarceration.
So I agreed to go for a visit to meet this man and learn more about him. I prepared
a nice list of questions which I thought might get him talking, drove to the Prison where I
met with John O’Connor; Christine Bayuk, and Doug Pickens. We had lunch and then
went to the State Prison. What I was about to witness, I was not prepared for. We were
escorted through a noisy area that had 2 stories and high ceilings, almost like a
gymnasium which echoed badly. We sat in a small room and Dave was escorted in
shackles by 2 CO’s. He was placed in a small cell that looked like a cage and asked to sit
on the metal bench that was attached to the back wall. We sat outside on plastic chairs
ready to interview him. Dave was much disheveled with long matted hair and beard, a
prison jumpsuit, and urine soaked socks. We were told that while Dave was with us they
would hose out his cell in an effort in order to get rid of the urine and feces.
We introduced ourselves and I then asked Dave one of my nicely prepared
questions…no answer…just an intent, vacant, desperate kind of look. He scanned the
environment constantly and seemed quite alert and aware of the strange visitors talking at
him. He mumbled only a couple of soft responses throughout the entire 20 minute time
we shared. Doug told him that we were starting the process to get him out of Prison; he
looked interested but remained basically unresponsive. We all left somewhat shaken by
this experience I think, imagining the existence this man was living. It was hard to leave,
because no one would have wanted him to be in that condition for even another day. We
were also very determined that something needed to happen as soon as possible.
The PPRT meetings continued via teleconference and some others went to visit
Dave as well. He was released through probation and came to Warren State Hospital on
August 10, 2009. He was out of the State Prison finally and on to a whole new
experience. I will let his excellent Social Worker, Amber Baldensperger; tell the rest of
this man’s incredible story.

PART TWO by Amber Baldensperger, Social Worker
Dave arrived at the hospital in a prison issued orange jumpsuit. He came with
nothing. The Correction Officers unlocked his shackles, waited for the uniform, and were
quickly on their way. We headed up to Dave’s unit where he would spend the next 7
months.
Dave was not speaking words, but you could feel his anxiety. He was introduced
to many staff from different disciplines in hopes of gaining more information and a better
understanding of Dave. When asked a question, he would stare at you and not respond.
He paced around the unit; taking it all in. A one-to-one staff was put in place to help with
this huge transition. However, it wasn’t needed for long.
Dave rather quickly settled into the routine of the hospital. He attended sheltered
workshop, recovery center and especially enjoyed the Therapeutic Recreation activities.
We were aware that Dave had the ability to speak, but he chose to talk with his peers
typically close to being outside of staff earshot. Dave was slowly becoming trusting of
the staff and he hesitantly began speaking to the staff here.
Dave’s home community stayed very involved in his care here. They would
occasionally bring him clothing, music, and snacks. It was obvious that he was
appreciative of the gifts, even when he wasn’t able to say it in words. We continued to
have PPRT updates where we were able to share Dave’s steady progress. Throughout the
course of his hospital stay, Dave’s progress amazed everyone. He began smiling more.
He was able to tell people his needs. Dave began taking care of his ADL’s. He sang
along with his radio and he played basketball in the gym. Dave interacted with people
and made friends.
In November 2009, Dave was able to meet with four residential providers. All
four offered such a wonderful community living experience for Dave. He seemed
particularly comfortable with two. We went to visit the two in person. He enjoyed his day
out, singing along with the radio. He was all smiles. Both residential programs were
welcoming and offered such a great opportunity for Dave. He talked about the visit all
weekend and was especially one of the homes, Training towards Self Reliance. This
would be where he would be discharged. Dave began visiting the TTSR home, which
gave him the opportunity to get to know the other residents and staff. His communication
skills continued to improve. He was enjoying his visits at TTSR preparing for his
discharge. His discharge date, March 4, was set and his aftercare services were put in
place.
March 4, 2010 was significant day for Dave, the hospital staff, and the members
of his PPRT team. We as a team worked hard for this day, but more importantly, it was
Dave’s day to return to the community and to return to his life.
-Thank you to the hospital staff, PPRT members, TTSR staff and Dave’s home
community supports for the fantastic care, coordination, support and efforts which truly
made a difference for Dave.

Regional PPRT Meetings
We will be hosting our 4 th Annual PPRT meetings later this
Summer and early Autumn. Check with your Supervisor to see if
you can attend.
Western Region
Ebensburg Center
10-3
August 24, 2010
Eastern Region
(includes Central, Northeast and Southeast Region)
Clarks Summit State Hospital
10-3
September 21, 2010
We will be focusing this year on 2 specific areas, the role of the leader in the PPRT
process and the pharmacological review (how to get the most out of this invaluable
service)
Ellen and Gretchen hope to see all of you there. In addition to the educational
opportunities this is a great chance for you to re-connect with other team members.
Lunch will be provided and we will again have lots of prizes and surprises.
Hope to see you there!

THANK YOU!
Office of Developmental Programs PPRT Members:
• Patricia McCool, Acting ODP Director/Bureau of Supports for
People with Intellectual Disabilities
• Pamela Kuhno, Director of ICF/MR Program Operations
• Angela Fortney, Acting Director of Division of Community Programs/Services
• Dr. Jill Morrow-Gorton, Clinical Director Medical Services
• Dr. Amy Nemirow, Clinical Director/Behavioral Health Services
• Laurie Dutz, Non-State ICF/MR Agency PPRT contact
• Ellen Wagner, ODP PPRT Lead
Ebensburg Center (Marlinda Smith, Facility Director):
Bednar, Monica Speech/Language
Specialist
Frye, Mary
Occupational Therapist
Fodor, April
QMRP
Fulton, Karen
Dietician
Hammond, Neal Volunteer Resource
Coordinator
Johnson, Danna Pharmacist
Kleman, Elwood QMRP
(Woody)
Labriola, Margaret Program Worker
Meyers, Erin
QMRP
Muriceak, Andrea Registered Nurse
Noel, Mary
QMRP
Phillips, John
Psychologist
Seese, Ray
Registered Nurse
Smith, Kelly
MR Services Worker
Swank, Brian
Pharmacist
Tremel, John Q. Physical Therapist
Waddell, Betty MR Manager/RN

Hamburg Center (Edward G. Siminitus, Facility Director:
Andracchio, Ann Marie Social Worker
Boyer, Ann
Deisenroth, Tom
Donahue, Donna
Geirsson, Michael
Hartman, Denise
Hoy, Gary
Kline, Sandy
Oparanozie, Edmund
Yoe, Marileen
QMRP
MR Services
Support Worker
QMRP
Psychologist
MR Services Support
Worker
MR Services
Support Manager
Registered
Nurse Manager
Psychologist
MR Services Worker
Polk Center (Shirley Pickens, Facility Director):
Baker, Patty
Crawford, Charles
Dickson, Kathy
Guilinger, Braden
Hawkins, Karen
Hicks, Tonya
Kirkpatrick,
Sheridan (Herk)
Lovejoy, Mary
McDonough, Vickie
Polachek, Nancy
Becky Piccolin
Truesdell, Judy
Truesdell, Rick
Winger, Ed
Therapeutic Worker
MR Services Worker
Licensed Practical Nurse
Direct Support Staff
MR Services Worker
Direct Support Staff
Licensed Psychologist
Direct Support Staff
Licensed Psychologist
Speech/Language
Therapist
MR Services Manager
Psychologist
Direct Support Staff
Program Services Director

Selinsgrove Center (Kevin E. Dressler, Facility Director):
Barnes, Pat
Therapeutic Services Worker
Carr, Tina
Staff Development Specialist
Cooper, Doug MR Services Worker
Dlabik, Kathy Speech/Language Specialist
Dressler, Thelma Direct Support Aide
Dubosky, Sue Speech/Language Specialist
English, Todd QMRP
Fickes, John
Psychologist
Frederick, Amy QI Specialist
Gallik, Steve Occupational Therapist
Gaugler, Marv MR Services Worker
Goundie, Donna Licensed Occupational Therapist
Hackenberg, Deb Social Worker
Hall, Shelly
Registered Nurse
Heckman, Mike QMRP
Hickey, Bill
Psychologist/Therapeutic
Services Director
Johnson, Emily Licensed Physical Therapist
Kauffman, Paul Chaplain
Knepp, Krystal Social Worker
Lebo, Chuck
Licensed Physical Therapist
Marino, Julian MR Services Worker
McCormick, Jim Pharmacist Chief
Oburn, Justine QMRP
Osborne, Tim MR Services Support Worker
Rozinski, Cheri MR Services Supervisor
Scheeler, Dave Registered Nurse
Schuhl, Mary MR Services Manager
Shopinski, Virginia MR Direct Support Professional
Simeonoff, Daphne QMRP
Stumpf, John Psychologist
Sturm, Deborah Psychologist
Tedesco, Danielle Psychologist
Willard, Shirley Health Services Director
Williams, Elizabeth Registered Nurse
Worthy, Sandy Registered Nurse

White Haven Center (Fred Lokuta, Facility Director):
Bartosiewicz, Sharon Speech/Hearing Specialist
Delorenzo, Angelo MR Services Worker
Dodson, Bruce QMRP
Georgetti, Mark MR Services Manager
Gola, Tammy Registered Nurse
Howey, John QMRP
Kells, Jim
MR Services Manager
Kvedrowicz, Amanda MR Services Worker
Lokuta, Michael Social Worker
Shields, Danielle MR Direct Support
White, Brenda Staff Development Specialist
Youngcourt, Colleen QMRP
ODP Regional Field Offices
Central Region:
John Witt, Program Manager
Adam Furfari, PPRT Lead
Northeast Region:
Bob Conklin, Program Manager
Michele O’Toole, PPRT Lead
Southeast Region:
Vicki Stillman-Toomey, Program Manager
Kathy Gerrity, PPRT Lead
Western Region:
Sandy Schalcosky, Program Manager
Christine Bayuk, PPRT Lead

Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services PPRT Members:
Donna Ashbridge, Acting Director, Bureau of Community and Hospital Operations
Julie Barley, Acting Chief, Division of Eastern Operations
Linda Zelch, Chief, Division of Western Operations
Gretchen Hathaway, PPRT Lead OMHSAS
Allentown State Hospital
Mary Jeanne Serafin, CEO
Dr. Kishorkumar Dedania
Dr. William Schneller
Dr. Alex Thomas
Karen Wolfe
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
CNE
Clarks Summit State Hospital
Tom Comerford, CEO
Dr. Alan Benson
Bill Callejas
Jerry Fabricatore
Lisa Gardier
Dr. Larry Gehres
Jeff Hubert
Barbara Jones
Sharon Korba
Shelly Lebenson-Wharton
Dr. Anthony Pagnotti
Karen Savage
Leslie Swantek
Courtney Lancia
Psychologist
Registered Nurse
Social Worker
Registered Nurse
Psychologist/CSRE
Registered Pharmacist
Therapeutic Recreation Service Worker
VAS Manager
Psychologist
Psychologist
Registered Nurse
Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Danville State Hospital
Linda Lesher, Acting CEO
Lisa Ard
Mary Beth Brady
Stacey Gerber
Guidyne Little
Matt Krolikowski
Abby Miller
Registered Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Psychiatric Aide
Social Worker
Registered Nurse
LPN

Karen Schu
Jean Springer
Registered Dietician
Therapeutic Activities Services Worker
Norristown State Hospital
Gerry Kent, CEO
Traci Canon
Joe Grayeske
Christine Jeffers
Adlai Joseph
Angie Yeager
Registered Nurse
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Registered Nurse
Registered Pharmacist
Registered Nurse
South Mountain Restoration Center
Sandra Knoble, CEO
Donna Harrison
Adam Campbell
Registered Nurse
Social Worker
State Operated Services, Pittsburgh
Kathryn Thomas, CNE
Ray Fryer
Maureen McHugh
Helene McQuillan
Dani Scears
Social Worker
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Registered Nurse
Registered Pharmacist
Torrance State Hospital
Edna McCutcheon, CEO
Patty Coffman
Dr. Safdar Chaudhary
Dona Curti
David Dahlheimer
Barry Farabaugh
Dr. Brent Ednie
Roxanne Grimm
Sally Harris
Karyn Harshbarger
Roberta Lawrence
Kenneth Main
Bev Marsh
Registered Nurse
Psychiatrist
Registered Pharmacist
Psychologist
Social Worker
Physician
Registered Nurse
Social Worker
Registered Pharmacist
Social Worker
Security Officer
Registered Nurse

George Maser
Stacey McCreary
Martin McKee
Thomas Pipak
Social Worker
Social Worker
Therapeutic Activities Services Worker
Social Worker
STRP
Vita Dongiovanni, Director
George Barbour
Social Worker
Warren State Hospital
Charlotte Uber, CEO
Bonnie Abplanalp
Amber Baldensperger
Herb Barnickel
William Bussoletti
Kristen Darling
Don Krasa
Melanie Liddie
Dr. Hridayesh Pathak
Cheryl Riche
Dr. Promila Sood
Social Worker
Social Worker
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist
Risk Manager
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Wernersville State Hospital
Andrea Kepler, CEO
Dr. Dale Adair
John Bingaman
Tami Beltz
Frank Botto
Ernie DeAngelis
Scott Kirkpatrick
Marilyn Leslie
Le Ann Rynier
Dr. Mary Thompson
Dr. Emilia Vitolo-Gallo
Sara Weand
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Registered Nurse
VAS Manager
Social Worker
Registered Pharmacist
Therapeutic Activities Services Supervisor
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Social Worker

OMHSAS Bureau of Quality and Systems Management
Clinical Review
Trisha Mader, Director
Rhonda Harris, Supervisor
Michelle Weidner, Supervisor
Sue Allen
Dipa Mookerjee
Kathy Mortenson
Steve Murdock
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
OMHSAS Headquarters
Marilyn Linko
Valerie Minnich
Registered Nurse
Registered Pharmacist
Central Region Field Office
Kellie Wayda, Acting Community Program Manager
Greg Crosson
Marie Maurice
Dawn Ritter
Northeast Region Field Office
Tim Little
Southeast Region Field Office
Thomasina Bouknight, Community Program Manager
Scott Anstey
Western Region Field Office
Ray Jaquette, Acting Community Program Manager
John O’Connor