February, 2009

From the Director's Desk - Mitch Barron

A Privilege, An Honor

We received a call from an adolescent crisis-bed program about a very troubled and traumatized young woman who was having a difficult time, out of control, substance abusing. We were told that she would need our assistance, but that she would never talk to us. A Centerpoint counselor responded, and through the style, commitment, and caring shown by this counselor, she did talk. And talked.

Through their conversation, and resulting assessment, her intensive needs were identified. Her counselor recommended that she attend a residential treatment program that could address her substance use and her underlying trauma.

"No way."

While this was the right recommendation to address her needs, she was clearly not yet ready for that level of care. Over many weeks, her clinician continued to work with her; counsel, support, guidance, nurturance, skill building, family work, connection, hope. Through her outpatient treatment, and following a family group meeting, she said

"I'm ready."

With bumps and struggles, she enrolled in the residential treatment program. A great program. They work well with teens. They work well with us and we work well with them. Our counselor traveled a long way on a few occasions to visit her at this residential program; to maintain connection, to maintain continuity of care, and to support her return to community-based care at Centerpoint when she completed residential.

She did return, having done great work and ready to do more. She stopped drinking, stopped drugging, stopped getting high. She started working through her early childhood rape. As she moved through her work, she chose to write about it:

UNFRIENDLY CANDY

Today I do not have the scars to show
What you did even when I said no.
You did it once,
You did it twice,
I even did it with no fight.
Told me everything was ok,
But told me there is nothing to say.
You would yell at me when I started to cry,
And I never really understood why.
You took away my innocence,
And I have not had a normal relationship since.
You made me think I love you,
For years I believed that it was true.
I did want it, you are right,
But you could have stopped to think this is not right.
Now that I am older and know what you have done,
And see what you called “fun”,
Today I know there is nothing to do,
But to teach kids to fight against people like you.

She is now 6 months sober. She is working through her abuse. She is interested in helping others to work through theirs. She smiles. She feels. She is happy when she should be, and angry when it is well deserved. Her communication with her family improved. She has developed healthier coping skills. She reflects on where she has been, and has hopes and dreams for where she will be going and how she will continue to grow.

It is an honor to see the incredible work that she has done, and to see the work that so many teens and families are engaged in every day at Centerpoint. It is a privilege to work with such talented, creative, flexible, and dedicated counselors and staff who commit so much to the young people and families that we serve.

 

September, 2008

Another Site, More Services, Larger School

Centerpoint's Alternative Education and Day Treatment Services recently took occupancy of another school building, allowing for an increase in student census, additional staffing, and greater opportunity for specialized and individualized services.  Located at 94 West Canal St in Winooski, across the street from our original CP Stepping Stones location at 81 West Canal St, this building adds smaller and larger classroom space, meeting rooms, a group room, and a large kitchen to support our Culinary Arts activities.  Additionally, our Student Film Making and Video program has moved from "81" to a much larger production studio at "94".  Our Agriculture and Horticulture programming will also be expanded at "94."

This additional site supports the continued integration of our Centerpoint School and CP Stepping Stones.  Over the past few years, we have restructured and staffed so that all of our AEDT students have some level of intensive, individualized support and most of our students have access to small group experience.  Whether primarily based at our South Burlington location or one of our two Winooski locations, all students now have 'tailor fit' schedules that best match their skills, interests, abilities, and needs.  This may include individualized or group based academics, Carpentry and Construction Arts or Culinary Arts at 1025, Music Education and Creative Expression at 81, and Wellness Groups or Video Production at 94.  School Social Work and clinical staff are located in all 3 locations and special education services are available at all 3 sites.

 

August, 2008

Expansion of Special Education Services

CP Stepping Stones and the Centerpoint School have expanded our special education supports and accomodations with the recent addition of 3 special educators.  New to our Special Education team are Elizabeth Shorey, Lorcan Ackley, and Stites McDaniel.  Elizabeth has her Masters of Education in Special Education and was most recently teaching high needs students in a vocational and technical high school in New York City.  Lorcan is a special educator and artist who has worked extensively in mainstream and alternative special education settings throughout Northwestern Vermont.  Stites also has his masters degree in special education, and has worked in both adolescent treatment settings and public high school special education settings in Deleware and Philadelphia.

The talents and diversity of experiences of these three special educators will be a great asset to the students (and staff) in Centerpoint's Alternative Education and Day Treatment Services.

 

August, 2008

Clinicians and Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Counselors provide support in LocalSchools

 

Centerpoint's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services continue to mental health, substance abuse, early intervention, and prevention services in local public schools.

Centerpoint began providing SAP counseling services at the St. Albans Town Education Center.  Shortly after those services began, Colchester High School requested similar education, prevention, and early intervention services for their high school students.  More recently, Centerpoint has provided SAP services at the F.H. Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington and the Winooski Educational Center.  For the school year 2008-2009, many of these contracted positions have expanded in services and we have added services for the Colchester Middle School.  Our SAMH staff providing Student Assistance Counseling Services include:

Michael Hunter, MS NCC, student counselor at Colchester High School;

Sami Pincus, MS, student counselor at St. Albans Town Education Center;

Devan Walsh, MS, student counselor at Winooski Middle and High School;

Kara Chicoine, MSW, LADC student counselor at Colchester Middle School;

Talia Glesner, MS, student counselor at F.H. Tuttle Middle School;

Centerpoint also provides on-site assessment and treatment services in local schools.  These services may be similar to our clinic-based treatment, but are offered to young people at school for those who would have difficulty, due to transportation or other reasons, attending counseling at our clinic.  SAMH staff providing these services includes:

Jaime Lipka, LICSW, clinician at Burlington High School;

Kara Chicoine, MSW LADC, clinician at F.H. Tuttle Middle School;

Michael Hunter, MS NCC, clinician at Winooski Educational Center;

 

June, 2008

News in Brief

•         Centerpoint School Director Katie Decker recently received her Masters in Education (MEd) from the University of Vermont.

•         Centerpoint Director Mitch Barron participated in an international consultation with Petrozavodsk, Karelia, Russia on the development of juvenile justice and family court services in their city.

•         Through the leadership of Counseling Teacher Dan Osman, CP Stepping Stones is hosting the 5th Annual CP SS Film Fest at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier.  Each year, this festival features the movies and videos produced by our Stepping Stones students on the big screen.  Students, staff, family members, and special guests are in attendance at this annual event on June 13th, 9:45-11:45am, at the Savoy.

•         Centerpoint students and staff recently participated in the Vermont City Marathon, fielding a relay team along with the NFI Group Home.  Centerpoint staff also had a dozen runners in the Vermont Corporate Cup charity run in Montpelier.

•         Centerpoint Director Mitch Barron was an invited presenter at the 3rd Annual Louisiana Integrated Services Initiative Leadership Summit in Lafayette, LA, speaking on Co-Occurring Disorders and Integrated Treatment with Adolescents and their Families.

•         Centerpoint School Social Worker Jennifer Hughes and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Clinician Amber Minton both recently received their Licensure as Clinical Social Workers.

•         Through our Agriculture and Horticulture programming, CP Stepping Stones Counseling Teacher Kevin Mailepors recently coordinated a student plant sale at Burlington's City Market Co-op.  This was a great experience for students as a micro-entrepreneurial project, and was a great collaboration with the Co-op.

•         Centerpoint Director Mitch Barron was selected as UVM Counseling's Clinical Supervisor of the Year.

•         Centerpoint has had a number of staff pursuing their graduate education this year, including Matt Schuelka (MEd), Jim Van Duyn (MEd), Melody Bongiorno (Psy.D), Katie Decker (MEd), Michael McCarthy (MS), and Kate Lucia (MLS).

 

May, 2008

Centerpoint Recognizes it?s High Quality Staff

Centerpoint recently hosted it's annual Employee Recognition and Awards Dinner at the Grand Isle Lake House.  Beginning with the Tenth Anniversary Celebration in 2005, this event has become a well-regarded and anticipated opportunity to recognize the qualities and characteristics of our finest staff.  Five award categories reflect the essential elements that underscore all of our work at Centerpoint, and the banquet and celebration give an opportunity to recognize those teachers, clinicians, counselors, and administrators who have excelled in their work over the year.  Award candidates are peer-nominated, which includes a written letter, are always thoughtful and meaningful.  With 72 award nominations, and 27 different staff receiving nominations from their peers and colleagues, this year's award winners included: 

Community Connections and Partnerships: Jim Van Duyn, Counseling Teacher

Peer Guidance and Leadership: Kevin Mailepors, Counseling Teacher

Peer Guidance and Leadership: Dana Visser, Program Coordinator

Creativity and Resourcefulness:  Brandon Gordon, Teacher

Professional Growth: Jennifer Hughes, School Social Worker

Core Values: Traci Desrochers, Administrative Assistant

 

 

November, 2007

Chip Chamberlain receives

the 2007 Alan Buckland Award

 

Francis "Chip" Chamberlain, Senior Clinician in Centerpoint?s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, received the prestigious Alan Buckland Award at the 2007 Vermont Conference on Addictive Disorders. This award is the VT Department of Health?s highest honor for service in the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment, and recognizes Chip?s long career of providing dedicated treatment, care, and support to teens and families from throughout Northwestern Vermont.

Chip has been a lead clinician at Centerpoint for more than 10 years, providing a range of services to clients as well as training and support to staff.  Prior to this position, he was employed in both residential treatment and outpatient settings in Vermont and New York.

The annual Alan Buckland Award is named in honor of one of Vermont?s first alcohol and drug counselors, who similarly dedicated his life to support, guidance, and the mentoring of other counselors.  In addition to this award, Chip has been formally and informally recognized for his work throughout his career.  He was the recipient of the 2005 Centerpoint Core Values award for demonstrating the highest integrity and authenticity in his work.  As with the Alan Buckland award, this award  recognized Chip's sincere respect and regard for his clients, highlighting his skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to the field.

Following the award presentation, Chip reiterated his common message that he considers it "a privilege and honor to be able to do this work."  Centerpoint Director Mitch Barron, in attendance at the ceremony, acknowledged "truly it is we who are privileged to have Chip work with our community?s teens and families, to have Chip work with us in partnership and collaboration, and to have Chip share his skills, talents, and spirit in this field."

September, 2007

Centerpoint provides Treatment at Woodside

 

Centerpoint recently expanded treatment services and supports to the residents at the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in Colchester.  Centerpoint has historically provided assessment and evaluation services on-site in the Detention Unit at Woodside.  With newly contracted services, Centerpoint Substance Abuse & Mental Health Clinical Staff will now be running treatment groups on both the Detention Unit (D Wing) and on the longer-term, secure treatment and Rehabilitation Unit (R Wing).  These services, supported through a combination of insurance and grant funding, will help the residents address issues of substance abuse and mental health needs with a focus on: decision-making; problem-solving; regulating emotions and managing behaviors; communication skills; coping skills; and relapse-prevention strategies.  Senior clinician Chip Chamberlain, MS NCC and clinician Kara Chicoine, MSW LADC will be providing these services to more than 250 clients each year.

 

 

November, 2004

From the Director's Desk - Mitch Barron

 

Through Centerpoint's 10-year history, we have always provided substance abuse and mental health counseling supports to our local schools and students from throughout Northwestern Vermont.  Over the past few years, we have expanded these services to include having clinical staff on-site at Burlington High School and the Winooski Educational Center (serving middle and high-school aged students).  In these schools, our services include assessment and evaluation; individual, family, & group counseling; and, case management services. 

This year we have added to these services with a Clinical Student Assistance Counselor (SAP) serving the St. Albans Town Educational Center and the Franklin Northwest Supervisory Union.  With the addition of the SAP services, we are now providing in-school prevention services, education and training, youth development, and consultation to school staff.  At Centerpoint, we are excited about this expansion of services and the new collaborative relationships that we have formed with our local schools. 

Centerpoint?s Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services staff include:

Joanne St. John, LADC ? SA/MH Program Director

Chip Chamberlain, MS, NCC ? Senior Clinician

Valerie DelSignore, MSW ? Clinician

Wendy Donner, LICSW ? Assessment Clinician

Michael Hunter, MS, NCC ? Clinician

Kristen Johanson, MS, CASAC ? Clinician

Amber Minton, MSW ? Clinician

To learn more about our Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services, check out the link on this website or call Joanne at 802-660-0115.

 

 

February, 2003

Juvenile Drug Court Begins Chittenden County

 

Vermont?s first Delinquency Docket Drug Treatment Court will be starting mid- March at the Costello Courthouse in Burlington.  This court is designed for teens who may have previously been served through the family court and who are on probation, as well as for young people through age 19 who have a blended family-district court sentence.  Youth with criminal or delinquent behavior who have drug and alcohol specific charges (e.g., possession of marijuana) will be referred to this court.  Youth involved in other illegal incidents where substance use may have been a contributing factor (e.g., burglary) will also be referred.  The State's Attorney and Juvenile Defender have discretion to refer unrelated cases to Drug Court if they believe that the client would benefit from the drug treatment court approach.

 

With Judge Pinelles residing, this court is based on models used throughout the country, integrating consistent and frequent judicial involvement with case management, assessment, treatment, and support services.  Centerpoint will be providing the clinical services on-site at the courthouse and will be providing case management services to insure that each client has access to the broad range or services that they may need.  Each teen referred to Drug Court will receive an evaluation (if they do not have a recent evaluation through the SRS Comprehensive Assessment or some other service).  Based on the assessment, and working with the case manager, a plan of care may include formal treatment services, aftercare or community support activities, family work, educational and vocational supports, community service, and community connection or mentoring activities, among others.  The Court will also continue with traditional requirements such as restitution, curfew, and drug testing..

During the first phase of the three phase model, clients will be in court weekly, reviewing their progress and challenges with the Judge.  As they demonstrate success, this contact with the Judge will decrease in frequency.  When a client successfully completes Drug Court, their charges will be vacated, clearing their record of the offense that brought them to court.

The Delinquency Docket Drug Treatment Court is developing just as drug court models are getting more attention in Vermont.  The Vermont Legislature, through Act 128 and H. 213,  has identified Drug Courts as an important step in the efforts to combat the increasing severity of substance abuse within the state while insuring a treatment approach to addressing the issues.  Chittenden County has already developed Drug Court models in Family Court and District Court, with Howard?s ABHS Division providing services to these two courts.  Acknowledging the developmental differences with the juvenile population, the Delinquency Drug Treatment Court will integrate approaches more consistent with the needs of adolescents, including a family focus, attention to school and transitional life-skill needs, and greater support for aftercare services.

The Delinquency Docket Drug Court presents a great opportunity to support teens who present with some of the most challenging and concerning behavior.  This will help them to not only comply with legal expectations, but also to receive the supports and services they need to be successful in their lives. 

December, 2002

 

Centerpoint hosts Open House

Centerpoint Adolescent Treatment Services is planning a community-wide open house to showcase it?s expanding alternative education programs, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment.  Centerpoint provides a comprehensive range of services and programs for young people challenged with emotional, behavioral, mental health, substance abuse, or special education needs.  With an expansion to 3 sites throughout the Greater Burlington area, Centerpoint expects to serve almost 600 teens and families in the coming year.

 

The Open House will offer guests the opportunity to learn about Centerpoint services, meet staff and students, see the new facility, and enjoy student-made baked goods and snacks.  A silent auction, featuring local and regional artists and crafters as well as Centerpoint student work, will help to raise funds for student and client activities.  The Open House is scheduled for Thursday, December 5^th from 3 to 7pm, at Centerpoint's Main Offices located at 1025 Airport Drive, near the corner with Williston Road, in South Burlington.

                  

Centerpoint was formed in 1992 as a collaboration between the three major Chittenden County children and adolescent mental health providers.  At that time, the Howard Center for Human Services, Northeastern Family Institute-Vermont, and Choate (now Matrix) Health Systems brought together their adolescent services to create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to treatment and care for teens in Chittenden County.  Centerpoint also works with clients from throughout Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle, and Lamoille counties.

 

Since 1992, Centerpoint has grown and expanded to include many more services, with an increased capacity to serve more clients.  Through these years, Centerpoint has provided alternative education and day treatment services through the Centerpoint School, at 81 West Canal Street in Winooski.  Centerpoint?s substance abuse and mental health services have also been offered at this site.  Recent expansion has included adding to our facilities in Winooski with new programming on the Trinity Campus in Burlington.  CP Stepping Stones, a highly individualized alternative educational program and a part of Centerpoint?s Day Treatment Services, is based at Delehanty Hall, 208 Colchester Avenue, as well as at the original Winooski location. 

 

Centerpoint?s Main Offices have also relocated, with a new facility at 1025 Airport Drive in South Burlington.  This new location houses Centerpoint?s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, with screening and assessment, outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient treatment, case management, community-based services, and aftercare support services.  The Centerpoint School is also serving 42 students at the new location.

 

For more information about the Open House or any of Centerpoint?s services, please call 658-7711.

 

 

August, 2002

Comprehensive Health Assessment at SRS

 

Centerpoint?s Substance Abuse Services, in collaboration with Burlington SRS, have developed the Comprehensive Health Assessment, designed for all teens in custody, care, or on juvenile probation. The Health Assessment provides screening and assessment for mental health, medical, and substance abuse concerns while also involving teens in brief group intervention.  With this assessment, these youth have quick access to the mental health, medical, and substance abuse treatment system of care.  As an early intervention service, the clinical sessions insure that all involved youth are offered specific information and opportunities, including information regarding healthy decision-making and problem solving, drug and alcohol use, exploration of risk and resiliency factors, development of self-care plans, motivational engagement for participating in any treatment that may be indicated, and opportunities for accessing formal and informal support networks for safe and healthy community living.

This project includes case management and service coordination and offers a family group component for parents of teens involved with SRS.  The Health Assessment includes elements of the ?best practice? models being adopted by the State Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP) with enhancements designed to create a youth-centered, strength-focused opportunity for teens.  This project is also being coordinated with the statewide SRS Independent Health Initiative designed to bring health screening services to all youth in custody.

The Health Assessment project is being co-supervised by Mitch Barron, Centerpoint Director, and Holly Gelberg, SRS Burlington Substance Abuse Consultant, and is staffed by Amy Soos, Centerpoint Substance Abuse Case Manager.  For more information, call Amy at 654-1073.

 

June, 2002

 

Training in the Rocky Mountains

Mitch Barron, Centerpoint Director, and Dan Chartrand, Baird Park Street Program Director, recently presented on The Transition to Safety: Community-Based Services for Adolescent Sex Offenders, at the Colorado Child Welfare Conference in Keystone, CO.  This annual conference included 600 participants from Colorado and throughout the southwest.  Mitch and Dan were well received, as Colorado is in the process of revising their treatment programs and policies for youthful offenders.  This workshop, based on Dan?s experience at Park Street and Mitch?s experience in Centerpoint?s Day Treatment programming, provided training on assessment, treatment, transition planning, and wraparound approaches, with a strengths-based focus on mental health and youth development.  Mitch, who presented at this conference 5 years ago in Denver, noted a real shift from Colorado?s ?detention? perspective to a coordinated treatment approach over the past 5 years.  Dan and Mitch both reflected on the value of bringing their expertise to Colorado?s state policy makers, case workers, direct care providers, and attorneys, among others.  The conference also helped to re-energize them to bring new approaches and fresh perspectives to their programs.  In addition to their presentations, Mitch and Dan participated in a range of workshops and keynote presentations, and took the opportunity to explore Keystone, Breckinridge, Vail, and the Rocky Mountains (their visit topped out at 11,900 feet).  Dan and Mitch plan to continue training on this topic, and hope to return to Colorado for their 12^th Annual conference next year.

 

May, 2002

Ben & Jerry's Makes Music at Centerpoint

 

Centerpoint recently received a grant from Ben & Jerry?s to fund music programming in the Centerpoint School.  This $1200 grant from B & J?s Community Action Team was used to purchase a variety of musical instruments for the students.  These include: a 6 string acoustic guitar, a 12 string acoustic guitar, a classical guitar, an electric guitar, an electric bass, an amplifier, a keyboard, a snare drum, a didgeradoo, congas and percussion, and various accessories.  Teachers Mike Richards-Bradt and Jerome Lawther have brought music activities into SOLOS and the Pathways groups, and are working with students on their musical performances for Centerpoint?s end-of-the-school-year Transition Ceremony.  The music program at Centerpoint School has helped students to develop new talents and successes, share their expertise with others, show their creativity through music writing and performance, and work together as part of a musical group.  Thanks to Mike and Jerome for their initiative and thanks to Ben & Jerry?s CAT Team for supporting our efforts!