Osage Connection - Fall 2009.indd - Orange Grove Center

Orange
Grove
A Publication
Center
for Friends and Supporters of
Vol. 3, Issue 1
January - April 2010
TheOsage
The many facets of
Orange Grove’s
Health Care Services
“Healthy living includes
productivity”
Read about the staff wellness
program, and how you too can
change your lifestyle!
A look at the new mini dental clinic
Meet our doctors
Find out why staff return to OGC
“To recognize, support and celebrate the qualities of the individual”

Board of Directors
THE
OSAGE
Page2
Dillard Edgemon
President
Michael A. Barto
Chairman
Contents
Bill Lusk
Vice President
Susan Gouger Rouse
Vice President
Thomas H. Cox
Treasurer
Dr. Bruce Hutchinson
Asst. Treasurer
Thomas A. Caldwell
Secretary
John F. Germ
Member-At-Large
Herbert J. Haile, Jr.
V.P., Building/Maintenance
Jerry Summers
V.P., Legal Committee
Barton C. Burns
John Buhrman
Larry Cash
Tom Cofer
Heidi Hoffecker
Daniel J. LaGraff
Bill Lusk
Sharon Matthews
Hugh J. Moore, Jr.
Andrew “Skip” Nardo
Neal Pinkston
Rosie Russell
Richard Sadowitz, MD
S. Scott Short
Avery Smith
Dr. Ben Tyber
HONORARY BOARD
T. Hicks Armor
T. Maxfield Bahner
Charles A. Comer
Morton J. Kent
Mrs. Helen C. Mahn
Mrs. Emily C. McKenzie
William R. Russell
Mrs. Janet Strang
4 Take a look inside Augustus McCravey Health
Care Services
5 Time for a change? Try Orange Grove’s
Wellness Program
6-7 Around the Grove
8 AEDs purchased thanks to recent funding
8 Fox on board as new practitioner
9 Meet Doctors Husband and Compton
10-11 Why do they come back?
Hear the stories of some of our staff who chose to
return to OGC
A quarterly publication of
Orange Grove Center Inc.
© 2009
All rights reserved. No part of this
newsletter (verbiage or photos)
may be copied, used or reproduced
without written permission.
Design:
Leslie Smith, Coordinator
Public Relations and Marketing
lesmith@orangegrove.org
Photography: Dennis Wilkes
OGC Art Dept.
Printer: Graphic Impressions
Chattanooga, TN
On the Cover:
Tina Fox, nurse practitioner for OGC, looks into the ear of
Richard Hallmark.

Page3
Executive Director’s DeskFrom the
“We boil at different degrees.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you had only fifteen books in your library and wanted to consider the number of
ways to arrange those books on a shelf, it may appear that there are a small number
of options. However, there are a huge number of possibilities in this scenario. In
fact, there are over a trillion ways to arrange those fifteen books.
Some people find it mind-boggling that no two snowflakes are alike. However, when you
begin considering the number of water molecule combinations that can exist within one
snowflake, the mathematics prove the assertion.
If Orange Grove had to live by just one edict it would be that the people we serve and their families have choices in a service
delivery system. Choice is a primary component of our system because it guarantees empowerment and exemplifies
our respect for the people served. We trust that individuals and their families will make the decision that is ultimately best
when properly informed of their choices.
I wish I could say that everyone affiliated with our work truly believed in this philosophy. Unfortunately, there are people in
the human service arena that have predispositions as to what is best for individuals in need of services, and they deliberately
attempt to remove options.
If you adhere strictly to what some, who consider themselves to be experts, say about the proper delivery of services to
people with intellectual disabilities, then certain options in services would be eliminated. Some advocates would argue
against Special Olympics because it is the quintessential segregated system. Some advocates argue against intermediate
care because of the intensity of services and the connection of these services to facilities. Some advocates argue against
sheltered employment, because of its segregated nature and the use of sub-minimum wage certificates. Orange Grove gladly
welcomes these and many more service models for people to choose from.
We believe that a wide array of choices should exist and that is why we offer a full gamut of services designed to create
good health, independence, satisfaction, vitality, dignity, and respect. When visitors spend a day witnessing Orange Grove
at work, they inevitably comment on how different we are. They say that they have never seen such a wide array of programs
and services in one place. We have embraced every service model known to us and even added new dimensions to
well-known service systems to satisfy the unique interests of the people we serve.
I suppose Orange Grove desires to be so different, because we recognize the unique qualities of the people we serve and
realize we owe it to them to generate as many denominations of services as are possible. I leave you with a quote from Pope
Benedict XVI at a gathering of youth with disabilities at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers.
“God has blessed you with life and with differing talents and gifts. Through these you are able to serve him and society
in various ways. While some people’s contributions seem great and others’ more modest, the witness value of our efforts
is always a sign of hope for everyone. Sometimes it is challenging to find a reason for what appears only as a difficulty to
be overcome or even pain to be endured. Yet our faith helps us to break open the horizon beyond our own selves in order
to see life as God does. God’s unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose
for all human life.”
Kyle Hauth,
Executive Director

PULSE POINTS: Health Care Services Update
Rick Rader, M.D.
Page4
The American poet Emerson offered that, “The first wealth is health.”
Even in these perilous financial times one can easily appreciate the
value of that observation.
Health Care Services at Orange Grove has been proactive in facing
the future and has achieved several significant milestones in the last
quarter. We are delighted to announce that:
Dr. Betty Husband, an internist with many years of emergency medicine
experience, will be joining us as our new medical director on January
1. As an ER physician, Dr. Husband had many patients with intellectual
and developmental disabilities, and her interest in caring for this
population on a full-term basis began to brew. She feels that treating
patients with special needs is a return to the real roots of medicine, and
she is excited about joining the Orange Grove health care team.
Dr. Kristin Compton will be joining Orange Grove as our Director of
Dental Services. Dr. Compton is one of five fellowship trained dentists
in the area of adult developmental dentistry. She is a graduate of the
University of Louisville Dental School and received her post-graduate
training at the Underwood and Lee Clinic, a dental center specializing
in adults with developmental disabilities.
We are delighted that Dr. Compton will be spearheading our dental services
with support from a grant made possible by the Tennessee Council
on Developmental Disabilities. Both Dr. Compton and Dr. Husband
appreciate the oral-systemic health connection, and will be consulting
with others to provide the best collaborative health care.
Stephanie Hawk, nurse for ICF/MR, administers a flu shot to a patient.
Orange Grove was interviewed by USA Today as a model for a center
that both advocates and protects their clients and staff in the area of
health promotion. The Tennessee Department of Health was very supportive,
cooperative and proactive in collaborating with us during our
preparation for this vaccination activity.
The Orange Grove medical clinic is now accepting and providing for a
new wave of patients into the clinic. Thanks to Tina Fox, our nurse practitioner,
for her diligence, commitment and skills in helping to streamline
the activities in the clinic. Tina is a true reflection of the goals and
mission of both Orange Grove and health care.
Health Care Services Director, Lynn Porter, is working on adding a dermatology
clinic to the other specialty clinics already being offered. The
clinic will be under the clinical supervision of Dr. Randy Heisser, a family
physician consultant at Orange Grove.
While the above activities are impressive, they reflect both a philosophy,
as well as a practice that is best described by Health Care Director Lynn
Porter as being, “More than a clinic, we are a fully integrated center that
understands, appreciates, and promotes the benefits of wellness as a way
of life for both our patients and our staff.”
Jeanette Hames (left), Dental Clinic Manager, and Chris Reece, demonstrate
toothbrushing techniques.
Through several gifts provided by TVA, BlueCross BlueShield of
Tennessee, and Dr. Mack Worthington, we have acquired two new
cardiac defibrillators, and upgraded a third unit. These units will be
placed strategically throughout Orange Grove to provide an extra
needed measure of support for our first response to any cardiac events.
Lynn Porter has initiated a training regimen to insure that the Orange
Grove staff can properly access and apply this lifesaving technology.
Health Care Services was instrumental in first advocating for our clients
as being a “priority population,” and securing adequate numbers
of H1N1 vaccines. In addition to our clients receiving the injections,
our staff (direct care staff and health care providers) has had the opportunity
to receive this protection.
Health Care Services staff, picture left to right: Juliet Moore, Debbie Mc-
Gowan, Cheryl Setzer, Marg Neely, Tracy Wilkerson, Holly Massey, Rebecca
Davis, Penny Smith, Tina Fox, Phyllis Vanallman, Cynthia Lane, and
Lynn Porter, seated.

Page5
OGC staff wellness program kicks off with fair
Program effective January 2010
If you are currently making resolutions for the New Year, then you may want to consider trying Orange Grove’s new wellness program. The theme of
the program is to “educate, support and promote healthier lifestyles.”
Workplace Wellness was established to encourage and motivate staff to adopt a regimen
of diet, exercise and healthy living. The program stresses the importance of good health
practices, participation in a higher quality of life and teamwork, embraces changes, and
provides a safe, supportive work environment.
Healthy incentives, such as cash rewards and prizes, will be offered beginning January
1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. Staff may earn up to a maximum of 100 points
annually in the areas of well visit exams, weight management, preventative health, and
exercise.
These are inclusive of everything from nutrition classes, Lunch and Learn sessions,
smoking cessation, annual medical exams, dental and eye exams, cancer screenings,
maintaining a weekly health journal, health risk assessments, and exercise components,
such as community health walks and classes at the YMCA, Powerhouse, or other fitness
outlets.
A brochure outlining the program is available in Human Resources, or will be available
in January online at www.orangegrovecenter.org for each staff member to track their
points.
Kicking off the program was the annual
Wellness Fair that was held at OGC. It
featured over 20 vendors from varying
local businesses and agencies. Staff
were offered opportunities to schedule
mammograms, speak with health,
life and retirement insurance agents,
receive rock/massage therapy, bone
density and blood pressure screenings,
eye and hearing exams, consult with
a chiropractor, and to speak with debt
management counselors and health
and fitness coaches.
Many in attendance also took advantage
of the free TB test, which may
soon be mandatory for all OGC staff.
Some of this year’s vendors included:
BB&T and Trimble Insurance
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Erlanger Health System
Sam’s Club
Siskin Rehabilitation
Stone Henge Products
The Rush
Mutual of America
Moore & King Pharmacy
Natural Solutions
Consumer Credit Counseling
UT Family Practice
Workplace Wellness is sponsored by
the Human Resources Department,
and the Orange Grove Center Wellness
Committee.
For more information, contact Daisy
Seard at (423) 629-1451, ext. 2407, or
email to wellness@orangegrove.org.
Photos from the Wellness Fair -
Above: Linda McKeel, of ICF/Carl Swafford,
tests her strength while visiting the
Erlanger booth.
Top right to bottom:
Tanya Tipton, of ICF/Dowlen, takes a
load off by enjoying foot therapy.
Sandy Guffey of ICF, Carrie Hart of ACT,
and Johnny Stokes of Res Hab, receive
free rock therapy from Fred Harrison of
Stone Henge Products.
Lisa Breedlove of Children’s Services
waits patiently for the results of a chiropractic
test.
Erica Norwood, housemanager of Res
Hab/Ely Road ladies home, grimaces as
she is given a TB shot.

Therapy Services
Page6
Nurture Garden provides handson
therapy for individuals
The Nurture Garden was created by the
PNM team as a means to provide ICF/
ID individuals activities in: sensory integration,
range of motion, functional
use of hands and understanding nutrition.
Since then, the Nurture Garden has
become more than a tool to provide
therapeutic supports. It promotes independence,
facilitates a work ethic, and
encourages healthy eating habits.
Children’s Services
Gerald Love plants herbs with the assistance of
Lucy Stokely, OT.
New project teaches Orange Grove students entrepreneurial skills
based on the fundamentals of classroom instruction and recycling
Orange Grove Center has a new recycling location,
but it is not where one might expect.
The center is home to the John F. Germ Recycling
Center, and through a partnership with the City
of Chattanooga, operates five drop-off centers
locally. Orange Grove staff and students have
taken recycling one step further, with an in-class
recycling effort called, Global Kidz, Inc.
The project is the brainchild of Lisa Breedlove,
who teaches within Children’s Services at Orange
Grove. Back in February, Breedlove introduced
the program and integrated classroom training
and entrepreneurial activities involving the recycling
of paper and other unwanted materials. The
goal is to occupy the students’ time with learning
experiences. She believes that giving the students
K. C. Conklin is assisted by
Lisa Breedlove.
the opportunity to recycle will lead to the development of job skills later
in life.
“They have done very well,” Breedlove said. “ Even the younger kids
have learned hand-eye coordination. I feel like we’re going to do something
really big with this thing once we get it off the ground.”
Typically, an Orange Grove student must be 14-years-old to earn a wage,
but younger students, despite not being paid, may recognize that the fundamentals
of recycling are good for the Earth.
Although Global Kidz, Inc. is still in the beginning stages, Breedlove’s
students have already begun recycling a sizeable amount of both paper
and aluminum cans. The students also shred paper and rinse cans to be
recycled. Classroom curriculum remains the same, with the typical academic
work combined with the new project.
It is Lisa’s hope that the project continues to expand with more resources,
such as a bigger paper shredder and can crushers.
Mary Kitchens shows off baskets of tomatoes that
were harvested from the garden.
Training videos build staff, individual relationships
Orange Grove Center is currently embarking on a new venture
that brings individuals served by the center into the
hearts and minds of new employees. The project involves
the production of training videos, which will be shown prior
to the end of each employee orientation.
Melissa Lewis is the audiovisual technician of Orange
Grove’s Physical and Nutritional Management Department
(PNM), and spent months filming the 14 ICF/MR (Intermediate
Care Facilities) residences of those who are medically
fragile.
Included in the videos is a segment called, “Who am I?”
that allows the individuals served to give a brief introduction
of their personalities. Topics include their likes and
dislikes.
Melissa said that this segment is to show, “Who the individual
is, and what their needs are.”
She believes that new staff members need to know the hobbies
and daily activities of individuals in their care, because
of the time they will be spending together.
“This is their home. This is family-style living. They should
be as comfortable as possible,” she said.
Melissa also said the videos give new staff the base foundation
and knowledge of the individuals with whom they will
work. They act as a building block that is shown before
the therapist teaches them more specific information about
physical, occupational, speech language, physical education,
and physical/nutritional therapy.
The videos are driven by the needs of the individuals, making
them so important to Orange Grove. Each therapist
evaluates the individuals that live in the 14 houses. The
therapist also approves the material that is included in the
videos to better cater to the needs of the individuals.
At present, the project is 50 percent complete. Melissa is
also working on another project called, “Harmony through
the Senses,” which provides training for staff in Residential
Services the integration of sensory programming.

Page7Around
Around
the Grove
Center-Wide
Recycling
Recycling Center becomes site for secure document destruction
After 21 years in the recycling industry, Orange Grove has taken the next step in developing
markets and our expertise in the paper industry with document destruction.
On October 1, 2009, “Better Shred Than Read” was launched. This new venture employs
seven individuals, with the potential to employ more.
Services include:
•Collection trucks equipped with GPS
•National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) member
•Secured Document Alliance (SDA) member
•Paper is shredded to 5/16” (smaller than 5/8” industry standard)
•Shredding process meets stringent federal specifications
•HIPPA Business Associate Agreements
•Closed-circuit video monitoring of all shredding
•24-hour security monitoring and video storage for 90 days
All staff are trained on confidentiality practices, required to pass state and federal background
checks, participate in random drug/alcohol testing, and are insured and bonded.
TVA volunteers help make September memorable
Laura Smith, Doug Boone, and Alice Pollard, volunteers
from TVA, donated their time to the September to
Remember Cookout and Festival.
They helped with the set up, break down and operation
of game booths. The trio plan to bring more volunteers
with them next year.
Res Hab
In turn, our customers are guaranteed:
•Locking containers at no additional charge for storage of your confidential
documents
•Scheduled collection of secure documents
•Allowance of web-based viewing of documents being shredded
•A Certificate of Destruction of all documents
•All paper is pulped and recycled
•Optimal customer service to ensure your satisfaction
To help kick things off, on November 18, Orange Grove hosted “Free Shred Day.” This
marketing campaign was a success, resulting in numerous local residents and businesses
dropping off more than 10,000 pounds of paper to be shredded that day.
To schedule service, or to learn
more about Orange Grove’s secure
document destruction, “Better
Shred Than Read,” contact Misti
Gipson, Recycling Operations Coordinator,
at (423) 493-2949 or
mgipson@orangegrove.org.
Campbell named Outstanding Direct
Support Professional
Spencer Campbell, direct support staff at the Delashmitt
Road home, won the quarterly award as Outstanding
Direct Support Professional (DSP) for the
State of Tennessee. Spencer was nominated by a parent
for providing outstanding support to their son. He
was presented a monetary award and certificate by
Earl Foxx, Statewide Director of Direct Support Professionals
Association of Tennessee (DSPAT).
Above: Misti Gipson, Recycling
Operations Coordinator,
helps Daisy Seard
as she drops off a bag of
materials to be shredded.
Right: Mark Gibson, left,
and Turnae Watson sort
paper moments before it
reaches the shredder.

Fox joins the staff of Health Care Services
Page8
Orange Grove recently welcomed Tina Fox as its new nurse practitioner. Fox has 22 years of
experience in health care, and her professional career includes working in intensive care, home
health care, cardiac outpatient care and clinical consulting.
Here at Orange Grove, Fox
sees an average of 10 to 20
patients daily. Her responsibilities
include identifying,
evaluating, and addressing
disease prevention and health
promotion issues, in relation
to individuals served by the
center.
Left to right: Kathy Bingham, Manager of Blue
Cross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation
and Community Trust, Lynn Porter, NP-BC,
and Director of McCravey Health Care Services,
Dr. Mack Worthington, UT Family Practice, and
Tina Fox, Nurse Practitioner for McCravey Health
Care Services present one of the first AEDs that
was purchased by Orange Grove.
She is responsible for diagnosing
and treating acute,
chronic and long-term,
health-related issues. Fox
educates her patients and
their caregivers about preventative
care, medical issues,
and the use of prescribed
medications.
Lynn Porter, Director of McCravey Health Care Services, has a
playful moment with Fox (right).
OGC receives funding to save lives
The McCravey Health Care Services Department
is the recipient of funding toward the purchase
of several much needed Automated External
Defribillators (AED).
AEDs are lifesaving devices that are used in
medical emergencies to prevent heart failure.
The devices will be used by trained staff only.
AEDs will be located in the Administration
Building, the Recycling Center, and in Health
Care Services. With additional funding, another
may soon be obtained and placed in the Industrial
Training Center.
Grants from the Community Trust Fund of Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and Tennessee
Valley Authority, and a contribution from Dr.
Mack Worthington made this possible.
Fox finds her job both rewarding and challenging, because the individual’s developmental disability
may hinder them from being able to voice their health issues. She believes that sharp
assessment and listening skills are key to helping the individuals in her care, in addition to
gathering information from the patient’s caregiver.
In 1987, the Muncie, IN, native became a registered nurse following graduation from Cleveland
State Community College. After a hiatus with her family, she went back to receive a
master’s of science in nursing from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN.
Prior to Orange Grove, she was employed at Parkridge, Erlanger, and Memorial Hospitals, and
at Unum and Interim Home Health.
Her husband, Edward, is also a registered nurse, and they have three sons.
Health Care Services gets “heart smart” with new clinic
In addition to all the services offered at the McCravey Health Care Services, there is now a
“Heart Smart Clinic” to monitor the function and progress of the hearts of those served by
the center.
The clinic will serve as an educational tool toward prevention of heart disease and the decrease
in the likelihood of heart failure.
The program is operated by the medical doctor on staff and the nurse practitioner, who reevaluate
everything from cholesterol levels and lipid profiles, which contain LDL, HDL, triglycerides,
and cholesterol.
They also look at the heart function through EKGs, and any at medications they may take or
any co-morbidities. This procedure is scheduled every two years, and again, every three to six
months, depending on client-specific needs.
The Heart Smart Clinic is another pro-active health program at Orange Grove.
Nurse Mary Morrison uses an EKG machine to
monitor the heart of Lew Benton.

Page9
Kristin Compton, DMD
I grew up in Pikeville, KY, a very small town in eastern Kentucky. I graduated from Alice Lloyd College in 2003 with a
bachelor of science in Biology, and a minor in Chemistry. I then moved to Louisville, KY, where I attended dental school
at the University of Louisville, graduating in 2007 with a DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry).
I then pursued my passion of working with special needs patients, and obtained a
fellowship in special needs dentistry to gain post-graduate training. My fellowship
is the only one in the country for special needs patients, and I am one of only six
graduates from this program.
I have experience treating patients including, but not limited to, Down’s syndrome,
Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X syndrome, Angelmann’s syndrome and
Prader-Willi syndrome. My patient’s intellectual disabilities have ranged from
mild to severe/profound, and I have treated patients both in the clinic and the
operating room.
My fellowship also included several rotations in extended medical areas including
genetics, pediatric medicine, and neurology. I completed this Fellowship in July
2008. I have since been employed by Kool Smiles (general dentistry for kids) as
an associate dentist, and am extremely excited to become a part of the Orange
Grove Center family.
I am a member of the Louisville Dental Society, American Dental Association,
and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. I have
participated in Special Olympics activities, including MedFest, a screening for
Special Olympics athletes for any dental disease, including urgent treatment
needs.
Dr. Compton specializes in special needs dentistry, and is one of
only six in the country to complete a special fellowship in the field.
I am not married, and have no children, but I do have a 6-year-old Jack Russell
named Lexie.
Betty Husband, MRO-C
I was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi. My parents valued education. I
knew from junior high school that I wanted to be a doctor to help others. Both
of my parents had medical conditions that required frequent doctor visits. Both
were in wheelchairs. I am familiar with the obstacles that must be overcome on
even routine errands.
I attended Meridian Community College then graduated with my bachelor of science
in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University. I attended the
University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson, MS. Then I completed my
internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
I had moonlighted for an emergency room group during residency. They hired
me directly after completing my residency. I practiced emergency room medicine
for the next nine years. I moved to Chattanooga in 1999 to enjoy the natural
beauty of the mountains. I primarily practiced at Parkridge, and later at Athens
Regional Hospital. I also practiced at Memorial, Memorial Northpark, Skyridge,
and Skyridge West.
Dr. Husband has practiced in emergency rooms throughout In 2007, I transitioned to day shifts and occupational medicine at Erlanger’s
Chattanooga.
Workforce. A secretary there introduced me to her brother-in-law on a hunch we
were a good match. Nine months later in August 2008 Thomas and I were married.
Nine months after that we had a beautiful baby boy, Brandon. He’s six months
old. His smiles and laughs make all the sleepless nights worthwhile. I enjoy walking the great local trails with them, with my pedometer at my side!
I was impressed on my first tour of Orange Grove. I am pleased to be joining such a well-run organization filled with so many caring workers.

Cox says she would not want to work anywhere else
Page10
This section is devoted to staff who left Orange Grove for employment outside of the
center, and returned to us because of their love of the individuals we serve.
The beginning of Claudette Cox’s Orange
Grove experience was in September 1970, the first year her
daughter, Donna, entered as a 7-year-old. Cox’s first ten years began
as a volunteer with Transportation, making name tags for every rider.
in Ooltewah. She took her post in October 1982, working four days
per week until May 1986. Cox was away five years, and when she
returned on July 14, 1986, her husband, Tom, had also come on board
as a member of the board of directors.
It was not long before Emily McKenzie, who was
then the social worker and nursing director, persuaded
her to come on board as a social worker
assistant. Cox accepted, and worked in the Social
Services Department for around five years. In 1976,
she switched to the position of accreditation clerk,
collecting documentation for OGC to apply for accreditation.
Her career ladder progressed into administrative
assistant to Michael L. Cook, Executive Director.
She worked diligently typing all documents for the
beginning of Individual Program Plans for all individuals
served by the center. By August 14, 1981,
Cox became overwhelmed with working long hours
and weekends. She resigned due to exhaustion from
long hours, and little intentions at the time of further
employment outside the home.
As she enjoyed home life, exercise classes at the Y, freedom to travel
abroad and to visit relatives, and volunteering in the community, a new
opportunity presented itself. She was lured by a close friend, Dr. David
Smith, who asked her to be the office manager for his dental practice
Cox enjoys a moment outdoors with her
daughter, Donna.
“My heart remained here. My daughter was here
as a service recipient, and she was in the residential
program. I missed the OGC family atmosphere,”
she said. “I called Mr. Cook, and asked if there were
any openings. He put me right on board as a fill-in
for the switchboard operator.”
An opening in the Industrial Training Center in
1987 marked her return to social work. In 1995,
she transferred to Community Supports, but after
five years, with the assistance of Dr. Rick Rader, she
transferred to her current position in Compliance.
“OGC is a fabulous place to work, and when you
get out in the work world, there are so many more
fringes here at OGC. The conditions are so pleasant.
I would not want to work anywhere else until I retire,
which could happen at any time, since I am past
retiring age. I enjoy my work and all the people I
work with at OGC,” Cox said.
“OGC is the place from which I want to retire. I have many friends
here, and the work is suited for me personally,” she said.
Old friends, positive experiences led Bergenback to return to OGC’s classrooms
Mary Lou Bergenback has spent a total of nine
years on the staff of Orange Grove’s Children’s
Services. In her first five years, she recalls
having a “great classroom” of “seven sweet
students with cerebal palsy, and two dedicated
assistants,” according to Bergenback.
With the public school experience behind her,
Bergenback says she made good friends with
teachers, parents, and therapists. She says
she developed self-confidence, because her
school’s principal regarded her as an expert on
multi-handicapped children.
When she began teaching at OGC, she says she
had a wonderful mentor named Debbie Sneed,
who was a teacher within the Hamilton County
School system. She left for Hamilton County
Schools, which she says pays better. When she
learned of an opening at Sneed’s school, the
desire for better pay and working with her old
friend again led her to leave Orange Grove.
During the time Bergenback was employed at
Hamilton County, she subbed at OGC during
the summers to stay in touch with my friends. A friend on staff told her
about an opening in one of the classrooms. She reviewed her personal
diary, and realized how unhappy she was in the public school system.
Bergenback works on a class assignment with Leroy
Robinson.
As a result, she was able to share her knowledge
and experience that she acquired at OGC.
This includes instructing her assistants on how
to lift and position children, and training them
in behavior modification. She also shared information
with them about autism. In addition,
started the Foster Grandparent Program
at her school, a program that remains active
to date.
Bergenback says she prefers to work at OGC
because there is more support from the principal, Darcy Owens, who
taught at the center for many years before becoming the principal. She
understands how challenging teaching can be.
“My main complaint was not having enough assistants to carry out
the children’s educational plans,” she said. “When I decided to return
to OGC, I came to fill out my application. I walked through the front
door and said out loud, “Honey, I’m home!” I don’t plan to teach anywhere
else.”
“We are fortunate to have Jann Davis as the social worker for Children’s
Services, because she schedules our annual meetings with parents
and therapists,” she said. “At Hamilton County, I had to schedule
my own annual meetings, and it was time consuming.”

Page11
Jenkins’ heart is with
Orange Grove
Teresa Jenkins is a recognizable
face and name around
Orange Grove.
Dillard Edgemon was elected
the 2009-2010 president of
the board of directors in May
2009, and has served on the
board for 12 years.
Board of Directors
In 2001, she worked as
head baker in Nutrition
Services, a job she held
for nearly four and a
half years. In 2005,
Jenkins was forced to
make a career move
when cost of living
Jenkins says OGC is where she is changes affected her
supposed to be.
ability to remain on
staff. She decided to
open a day care, but
within two weeks, her heart led her back to Orange Grove.
“I missed the clients,” Jenkins said. “My heart is here!”
During her absence, she also realized that Orange Grove was
better suited for her. She had enjoyed working in Nutritional
Services under Tracy Glenn, and had hoped to return to that
department. When she came back, unfortunately, her old position
had been filled. She accepted a position as a personal
assistant under Odell Tiller, working for one to two months
with an individual who was employed at Komatsu.
Eventually, Jenkins would settle into her current position as
assistant coordinator of the Recreation Department. In this
role, she does everything from assisting with athletic events,
such as Special Olympics, to daily gym and pool activities.
“I applied and I absolutely know that’s where I’m supposed
to be,” she said. “I just love it. I guess that’s why I work
so hard.”
Goines’ passion to help people brought her back
Michelle Goines, a supervisor in ITC, has been with Orange
Grove a total of three years.
Her first year and a half, she supervised 13 men and women
in the ITC production room next to Nutrition Services. She
was responsible for keeping record of the attendance and
distributing production work for each individual. She also
assisted with each individual’s special needs.
The mother of two decided it was time to further her education
by returning to college to pursue an associate degree
in nursing at Chattanooga State. This would call for her to
leave Orange Grove in order to devote herself full-time to
her studies.
Goines returned to Orange Grove three months later, and
now supervises an area of ITC where the men and women
package and assemble a variety of products through contracts
with local corporations.
“I have a passion to help people, and want to make a difference
in someone’s life,” Goines said.
Edgemon is a native of Mc-
Minn County, and attended the
University of Chattanooga. He
began his business career with
the Tennessee American Water
Company, and served 44 years in
various positions with the American
Water System throughout the
eastern United States.
Upon retirement, he headed the
Southern Regional Office located
in Charleston, WV, where he
was president of American’s operating
companies in Kentucky,
Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia
and West Virginia.
Heidi R. Hoffecker recently
joined the board of directors at
Orange Grove Center. Hoffecker is
a shareholder at Baker, Donelson,
Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz,
PC.
She specializes in litigation and
trial appellate practice in everything
from medical malpractice long-term
and administrative health care, to
personal injury and property damage
claims and defense of governmental
tort and civil rights.
In 1996, Hoffecker received a Juris
Doctorate from the University of
Tennessee College of Law, and a
bachelor of arts from Maryville College
in 1990. She was admitted into the United States District Court of the
Eastern District of Tennessee in 1997, and in Tennessee a year earlier.
She has a repertoire of winning defense verdicts in cases that have been tried.
Hoffecker has also lent her knowledge of the court system to legal publications,
contributing to Baker Donelson Litigation News and Tennessee Law Review,
where she was also once a staff member.
She has had the honor of making presentations to the Defense Counsel Panel
meeting for one of the largest privately owned nursing home chains in the
country, and to the New York State Health Facilities Association in regards to
nursing home litigation.
Hoffecker is a member of the Chattanooga, Tennessee, American and Federal
Bar Associations, Defense Research Institute, Tennessee Defense Lawyer Association,
and the Ray L. Brock, Jr. and Robert E. Cooper American Inn of
Court.

THE
OSAGE
C NN C O
A publication of
ORANGE GROVE CENTER
615 Derby Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 629-1451
(423) 624-1294 (fax)
www.orangegrovecenter.org
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Chattanooga, TN
Permit No. 770
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Showcasing our far-reaching impact in the
special needs arena.
A United Way
Member Agency
To correct or change mailing information, call (423) 308-1160.
The osage orange (background), or the hedgeapple, is a
woody shrub with green fruit that was found in abundance
around the location of the original Orange Grove School
on Main Street in Chattanooga and for which the school
was named.
Golf Tournament nets over $20,000 for the Tyber Building Fund
The second annual Jackie Tyber Memorial Golf Tournament brought in $20,560 toward the completion of renovations to the Tyber
Building. This year’s tourney was attended by fewer participants, and remarkably brought in close to last year’s total.
Fifty-four players competed for a three-year lease on a 2009 BMW 328i, courtesy of BMW of Chattanooga, a 4-day/3-night Trump Taj
Mahal vacation, and TaylorMade golf accessories.
A silent auction drew a portion of the total proceeds at $1,326, with items for bid, including autographed memorabilia from Vols coach
Bruce Pearl and UTC’s Russ Huesman, a one-night stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo/Holiday Inn, beverage packages courtesy of
Athens Distributing, gift certificates for cooking classes, massages, and many other items donated by local businesses.
Sponsors for the event were The Children’s Dental Center of Atlanta and Chattem, and food was provided by The Acropolis Four Stars
Grill. Budweiser of Chattanooga and Coca-Cola Bottling Company graciously supplied beverages throughout the event.
Special thanks to all everyone who donated items for the silent auction, and to Roper Corporation for their donation of a stove, which
will be used in an Orange Grove group home. Extra special thanks to Dr. Ben Tyber, who returned to serve as chairman for the event,
and to our staff and each of our individuals who volunteered their services for the day.
Larry Sample, Gerald Simmons, Mark Fusco,
and Ken Robertson enjoy a day away
from work at the center.
Scott Ossewaarde (left), and son, Matthew,
front) didn’t play, but (left to right) Ed Carpenter,
Randall Farrell, Steve Patterson, and
Kevin Redman represented Roper Corp.
Participants wait patiently for the shotgun
start to begin the competition.