230 Diamond Spring Road Denville, New Jersey 07834
Dear CTC Community,
It is already November! This month, we are celebrating Dr Anthony Novembre’s legacy through Dr Novembre’s Kindness Month. Tony was both a mentor and a colleague to all of us at CTC during his time served as our Supervisor of Instruction and Director of Business from 2010 - 2015. Tony was a force in helping us acquire the Denville Campus and worked tirelessly to support the Administration and the CTC Community at large He did this with grace and kindness and exuded what it means to be a great human in word and action.
As Administration, we are very proud of all that we have accomplished as a school community in two months of this school year We continue to maintain our school values and mission in seeing through the tenet of When We Believe, We Succeed Each and every day, we continue to celebrate what our students can do, in order to support the goals and positive outcomes we will attain- through time and moving through a developmental process. Every day is a unique adventure and we are thankful for all of our students who bring so much joy and meaning to our lives For our families, who are so supportive and partner with us to maximize progress For our Staff, who are the heartbeat of our program and make a positive difference every day! We are grateful to our Board for their time, governance, and support.
I would like to update you on our fundraising initiatives thus far this school year Thank you to the P S O for putting together a phenomenal Book Fair, which raised over $5,000! Please consider supporting the P.S.O.’s current fundraising initiative, Charleston Wrap. Let’s help them reach their goal of $5,000. Thank you to all of our families and staff who supported our Bike to the Beach Fundraiser They raised over $20,000! In turn, we were able to build a stellar sensory gym in one of our elementary wings In addition, thank you to the Trink Family for organizing the FORT NYC Fundraiser which raised over $16,000. This will go towards another sensory gym in the middle school wing.
Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much - Helen Keller
A special thank you to all of our parents and caregivers who filled out the training surve the process of reviewing the information and putting together meaningful trainings bas topics you identified We were so happy to see such a fantastic turn out for our Back to Such amazing things happening!
On behalf of all of us at CTC, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Regards,
Student Spotlight StudentSpotlight
Each month, one randomly-selected CTC student shares their school experience and what makes them unique!
Max: What is your favorite thing to do in school?
Rishi: C.B.I. on the bus. I like the pool!
Max: What is your favorite animal?
Rishi: Bear.
Max: Who is your best friend?
Rishi: My sister.
Max: Why do you like school?
Rishi: Trisha!
Max: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Rishi: I want to work with flowers.
Max: I loved meeting you, Rishi. Congrats on Student Spotlight!
Rishi: Thank you!
Interview conducted by Y.A.P. student Max.
Thank you to Ms. Nicole and Ms. Gabby for facilitating!
Staff Spotlight StaffSpotlight
Members of our amazing staff share their CTC stories, personal hobbies, and professional motivations! er Staff Member of the Month: Jess!
Q: Where were you born and what was your early life growing up like?
A: I was born in New Jersey and grew up with my parents and older brother in Union
Q: What careers did you desire growing up and what was your initial career plan?
A: Growing up, I always wanted to work with children but also really loved Science At first, I thought I would become a teacher, but then I found the field of OT which felt like the perfect blend of incorporating science and helping people grow to be as independent as possible
Q: Where did you go to school and what was it like?
A: I went to Kean University for my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, then I went to Eastwick College to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant, and right now I am finishing up my Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in North Carolina I will be done with this final degree which will change my current title as a COTA to an OTR Each time I went to college, there were different experiences During my time at Kean, it was definitely a shift into adulthood since I went immediately after graduating high school During my time at Eastwick, I was working here at CTC as a paraprofessional and then would attend classes until 10pm on weeknights Now, I am currently completing my Masters while working full time here at CTC as a COTA while traveling to North Carolina every third weekend for live, in-person classes
Q: What were your jobs before coming to Celebrate the Children?
A: I was a babysitter for a few years, then I worked as a front desk receptionist at an acupuncture clinic, then I was a paraprofessional for a few ESYs at other schools, then a paraprofessional at CTC for about 3 years, and now I am a COTA in the RS department for about 3-4 years
Q: When did you decide to become an OT?
A: I chose to become an OT in high school, once I found out it was the perfect mix of science and helping others learn to be independent and engage in meaningful activities
Q: What was it like training to be an OT?
A: It was and still is very hard but it is definitely beyond worth it
Q: How do you feel about being an OT at Celebrate the Children ?
A: Each day is a brand new day and experience I love working here in this current role and it is so fun to watch the kids grow and learn new skills on a daily basis! I really like the supportive environment within this department, within the classrooms I have worked with, and the overall school
Celebrate the Children is deeply grateful for all of the wonderful community partners we and our students are fortunate to work with. Every month, we shine a light on just one of the many amazing establishments in our community.
APartnershipthatMakesWaves:WestMorrisAreaYMCA
A Partnership that Makes Waves: West Morris Area YMCA
Over the past year, Celebrate the Children has been proud to partner with the West Morris YMCA in providing our students with enriching “land” and “swim” classes that nurture both physical development and joyful connection. This collaboration has truly embodied the YMCA’s mission to “provide best-in-class opportunities promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility” and to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome and included
From the moment our partnership began, the YMCA team has shown incredible warmth, flexibility, and commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of our students. Their staff has gone above and beyond to create an environment where our learners can thrive one filled with patience, encouragement, and genuine care
During land classes, students work hard on skills that build confidence and physical strength, including gross motor planning, bilateral coordination, and body awareness These sessions not only support therapeutic goals but also spark joy as students celebrate the satisfaction of progress.
In the swim program, our students explore the water in a safe, supportive setting that promotes sensory play, water safety, and cooperative play skills Each class brings smiles, laughter, and growth as students gain comfort and independence in the pool all while having a whole lot of fun!
We are deeply grateful to the West Morris YMCA for opening its doors, hearts, and programs to our students. This partnership stands as a beautiful example of what can happen when organizations come together with a shared belief in inclusion, compassion, and community.
Thank you, West Morris YMCA, for helping our students develop their minds, bodies, and spirits through these extraordinary opportunities We look forward to continuing to grow together in the years ahead!
- Rebecca Lory, Vice Principal for Preschool through Middle School at Celebrate the Children School
Education HQ EducationHQ
From internships, to specials, C.B.I.s, and more, Education HQ features topical program initiatives each month!
Farm Life FarmLife
CTC loves the farm! At the farm, students participated in a variety of fun activities, including feeding the animals, petting the pigs, chickens, and horses, wearing helmets, and, of course, riding horses Students have to feel comfortable with putting on a helmet and riding the horse.
When the students were riding the horses, they learned to control the horses by telling them to go fast and slow. The students practiced different exercises like putting their hands out and putting their hands up By doing this, they are able to start and stop the horses’ movement. When students rode the horses, they practiced standing while riding the horses. This helped to work on their balance, and during this, the students had gleams in their eyes.
When the students were not riding the horses, they also had time to interact with the animals. Some of the students had fun mimicking their noises. Whether it be clucking like a chicken or neighing like a horse, it was a great way to pass time.
The staff at the farm were very helpful and friendly. As the trip ended, all the students left happy.
Multiple classes, such as Ms. Rachel’s class have visited the farm, and have had very positive experiences.
Here are some positive quotes from Rachel’s students about the farm.
“It was fun. I saw a pig, ducks, chickens, horse, and sheep.” - XMW
“I liked the horse farm I enjoyed feeding the animals and watching the chickens ” - ESA
“I liked the
“I pet and
“I liked the
- Written b
Floortime Floortime
Floortime is the heartbeat of CTC.
Learn more about Floortime and the DIR® model here each month.
Pretend Play PretendPlay
The Upper Elementary Classes have gone back to the basics of pretend play during Floortime. This past month the students in Ms. Rachel's Class have become superheroes, rockstars and knights. FUN is one word for it, but expanding this symbolic, pretend play adds creativity and allows the children to expand on their own ideas and foster imagination during peer play. During Floortime, the specialist focuses on each child's passions and incorporates sensory needs, tying in the emotional piece, as well These playful scenarios help our children navigate the world around them.
Students practiced communication and conflict resolution by playfully exploring feelings and true-to-life situations. Tailoring this play to the child's passions guarantees learning experiences that support cognitive development.
- Melissa Hudson, Floortime Specialist at Celebrate the Children
Spelling to Communicate SpellingtoCommunicate
g to Communicate (S2C) practice that allows non-speaking e their thoughts through typing or utilizing a Children is proud to empower and amplify their voices.
t
ement of Learning S2C tementofLearningS2C
ment when a student realizes they can be heard g p ( ) p , understanding, and empowerment. Each letter spelled, each word formed, is a victory not just in communication, but in confidence, independence, and self expression.
S2C is an approach that allows individuals to spell their thoughts and ideas using letterboards or keyboards. It focuses on building motor skills and purposeful movement through structured, supportive practice With time, learners move from supported spelling to increasing levels of independence.
Beginning Steps for New Communicators
Establish Trust: Build a calm, supportive relationship between communicator and partner.
Regulate and Engage: Begin with sensory or rhythmic activities to prepare the body for focused communication
Start with Known Answers: Encourage success through predictable and factual questions.
Practice Motor Skills: Use consistent verbal and gestural
Celebrate Every Attempt: Recognize effort and progress
Tips for Families and Staff
Be Patient – Progress takes time; consistency is key
Presume Competence – Always assume the learner under thoughts to share.
Model Respectful Communication – Engage in genuine co knowledge.
Celebrate Growth – Every small step contributes to great
Practice Corner
Try these simple, fun ways to support spelling practice both at home and in the classroom:
Body Readiness: Begin each session with 2–3 minutes of deep breathing or gentle stretches to prepare for focus Topic of the Day: Read a short paragraph together, then ask one question, depending on where your speller is: predictable (green), one multiple-choice (orange), and one open-ended (pink) question
Celebrate Success: End each session by spelling a favorite word like 'HOPE,' 'JOY,' or 'PROGRESS.'
At CTC, we believe that communication is a human right and every person deserves the tools to express themselves. Spelling to Communicate gives voice to those who have been misunderstood for too long It’s not just spelling it’s connection, confidence, and the start of something beautiful.
- Lisa Romaine, S2C Practitioner at Celebrate the Children
Behavior Team BehaviorTeam
The Behavior Team provides insights and tools to support student success, at school and at home
Peer Relationships PeerRelationships
Peer relationships play a powerful role in supporting positive behavior and emotional well-being in individuals on the Autism spectrum. Here at Celebrate the Children, we look for any and all opportunities to facilitate social interactions between classmates and other peers. These moments are at times more important than sticking to a schedule or completing an activity. Positive and continued social relationships are beneficial as they can provide more opportunities for social modeling, increase natural opportunities for connection and communication, provide a sense of belonging, and improve emotional regulation. When this occurs, frustration and anxiety are reduced, allowing the child to become emotionally available to learn alternative skills which, in turn, leads to more opportunities to reinforce positive behaviors.
How do we make it happen? We cannot force relationships, but we can create opportunities for them to grow. It is natural for adults to try to facilitate peer interactions by prompting communication or pushing a specific activity This may be helpful at times, but sometimes it is best to wait, watch, and allow the individuals involved to initiate an interaction Our students need time to process the environment, create a plan, and act on it so it may take a little longer than one would anticipate. Parents or caregivers can assist by looking at their child’s cues, watching their eye gaze, and supporting any back and forth interactions
Once our students create meaningful relationships, we will see their self-esteem improve and a greater confidence to initiate future peer interactions
-
Anthony Hellman, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Celebrate the Children
C.A.R.E.S. Corner C.A.R.E.S.Corner
C.A.R.E.S. stands for Counseling, Advocacy and Resources for Educational SupportOur School Social Workers and Counselors are here to support you and your child.
DIR Floortime Training DIRFloortimeTraining
Recently, during a Friday training, two members of our C.A.R.E.S. team presented DIR case studies for the Celebrate the Children staff DIR is a therapeutic approach based on the (D) Developmental, (I) Individual Difference, and (R) Relationship-Based model. It aims to promote social, emotional, and intellectual development in children with developmental challenges through a play-based therapy called Floortime. The benefits of Floortime are: improved social and emotional skills, enhanced communication and problem solving abilities, reduced anxiety and behavioral difficulties, and an increase in self confidence and independence
Bailey Adams, School Social Worker, and Kelly Parrella, School Social Worker, received their DIR certification last year. Part of the certification requirements is to put together an in-depth case study of a student. The case study is a comprehensive summary of the students' family dynamic, reporting on the students eight sensory systems, and how the student presents at each functional, emotional, and developmental level. The C.A.R.E.S. team members provided videos of working with the student and implementing DIR principles and strategies. These presentations were a great way for the staff to enrich their understanding of DIR as well as Floortime principles. We are grateful for this opportunity to have our C.A.R.E.S. team model how to work with students in this philosophy.
Fridays afternoons are reserved for educating and training for our CTC staff. This provides the staff with ongoing opportunities to continue to learn and grow in order to provide the best interactions with our students daily We are grateful to have the dedication of our administration to providing and supporting these weekly trainings. The commitment to educating and training our staff is what sets Celebrate the Children School apart
Physical Therapy PhysicalTherapy
Department initiatives and activity recommendations from our Physical Therapists
MNRI Training MNRITraining
At Celebrate the Children, we believe that learning never stops, especially for our dedicated staff. This past spring, members of our Related Services department participated in an in-house Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) training titled “Proprioceptive and Cognitive Reflex Integration.”
Developed by Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, MNRI is an internationally recognized program focused on reflex integration and neurodevelopment. Over the years, CTC’s Related Services team has been active learners of the MNRI method, enthusiastically incorporating its principles into therapy sessions. Much like CTC’s own philosophy, MNRI emphasizes positivity, safety, and meeting each child where they are. The approach helps connect sensory and motor development. These are core elements of how children learn and interact with the world.
The most recent training explored “grounding” as a foundational skill supported by integrating primitive and lifelong reflexes. Grounding, primarily a sensory reflex, helps the body establish a sense of balance, gravity, and stability, which are all essential for finding midline. A well-developed sense of grounding supports postural control and coordination, allowing the brain to allocate more resources toward cognition, learning, and emotional growth.
Our physical therapists have been actively incorporating these grounding techniques into sessions with students. By strengthening this neurosensorimotor foundation, children gain the stability and organization necessary for higher-level cognitive, emotional, and learning skills, empowering them to fully engage and thrive in academic and social environments.
- Danielle Guldner, Physical Therapist at Celebrate the Children
Occupational Thera
A look into our Occupational Therapists’ involvement in student development at CTC.
The Young Adult Program Giving Bac
Related Services and the Young Adult Program (YAP) are always looking for new contexts for our students that provide prevocational training while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. Our new partnership with Homeless Solutions, a local resource in Morris County for individuals and families in need, has allowed for another opportunity for our students to develop functional independence skills needed to be productive in society.
Homeless Solutions prides itself on providing those in need with “ a Hand UP not a Hand OUT.” They utilize several supports to help people find pathways to achieve goals and stability while navigating the challenges of financial instability.
This collaboration between CTC and Homeless Solutions provided YAP students with the opportunity to make bagged lunches for individuals experiencing food insecurity. Through this experience, students used executive functioning skills to break down tasks in a way that took advantage of every teachable moment. They planned a menu, determined supplies needed, made labels, set up and sanitized the work area, prepared and packaged items, and corresponded with the Homeless Solutions director via email.
Important to our students’ development is improving the interpersonal skills needed to be effective at a job site and with various people. Honoring everyone ’ s role in the process and utilizing language opportunities that enable problem solving and team cohesion build competence for each individual.
Once completed, the lunches were delivered to Homeless Solutions by CTC staff.
The strong interdisciplinary team approach at CTC allows staff to use their expertise to best support each student’s profile. This allows our students to feel competent and grow skill sets that can be applied to future job opportunities.
CTC looks forward to exploring additional ways to support the mission and programs of Homeless Solutions. If you are interested in making any donations to support this initiative, feel free to reach out to imoustafa@celebratethechildren.org.
- Immy Moustafa, Occupational Therapist at Celebrate the Children
Speech- Language Pathology Speech-LanguagePathology
Speech-Language Pathologists detail their work at CTC and provide options for furthering communication at home.
In September, the Young Adult Program students participated in an “In-House Internship Job Fair” orchestrated by YAP Transition Coordinator, Erin Pollio, and Speech-Language Pathologist, Keri Gresik
This experience was developed to provide students with the opportunity to utilize self-awareness to determine how their own particular skillset and individual profile would match different in-house internships (i.e. to identify which work environment is most supportive to their sensory system or fine motor skills) It also was developed to strengthen students’ ability to advocate for themselves in regards to their own academic scheduling, relating to where they would like to work in-house.
During the first week of school, students were given a presentation describing the four overarching internships; Green Vision, Office/Clerical, Culinary, and Agriculture. Examples of tasks and environmental factors within each (i.e. noise level, movement requirements, amount of collaboration with peers) were explained. Throughout the week, students were presented with the opportunity to sample each internship. With support from staff, students were asked to express their opinion of each internship by ranking them from 1-4 (most appropriate for them to least appropriate for them) and provide rationale behind their choices. The In-House Internship Job Fair provided a real-world-like experience that strengthened self-awareness and self-advocacy; two important skills that students continue to develop over their years in the Young Adult Program.
The event provided a meaningful experience that allowed the DIR levels to be applied within a real world context. The sampling of the in-house internships allowed for each child to acknowledge their agency over themselves by negotiating best-match opportunities and allowing themselves to be assertive in their decision making. They shared their own ideas with staff and bridged that reasoning to encompass emotional thinking while being scaffolded to explore multiple reasons for their decisions.
- Keri Gresik, Speech-Language Pathologist at Celebrate the Children
Parent Trainings ParentTrainings
Upcoming workshops and events designed to strengthen the home–school connection. Highlighting opportunities for parents to learn, share, and partner with the school in supporting every child’s growth and success.
November 2025 Parent Trainings:
Parent Healing with Glenn - Wednesday, November 5th (1:30pm - 3:30pm)
Navigating DDD (in English - Thursday, November 13th (Virtual, 12:00pm)
Navigating DDD (en Español) - Thursday, November 13th (Virtual, 1:00pm)
Alternative Communication: S2C - Friday, November 14th (10:00am - 12:00pm)
Parent Healing with Glenn - Wednesday, November 19th (1:30pm - 3:30pm)
Effective Estate Planning with Hinkle, Prior, Fischer, & Oberweis, P.C. - Wednesday, November 15th (Virtual, 6:30pm)
ParentPartneringUpdate
Thank you to all the parents who attended October’s training on “What is DIR?” we truly appreciate your time and dedication to supporting your child’s growth!
Our next training topic will be “Regulation before Expectation” on November 17th at 10:00 AM. In this session, we’ll focus on how helping children feel calm, safe, and supported is the first step before expecting them to follow directions, complete tasks, or engage socially. You’ll learn practical strategies to notice when your child is feeling overwhelmed, support their emotional and sensory regulation, and set the stage for success in everyday activities.
If you are interested in scheduling an individual Floortime session, please reach out to Antoinette Price at aprice@celebratethechildren org These sessions can be arranged monthly or flexibly to fit your schedule.
- Celebrate the Children's Developmental, Training, and Support Department Parent Partnering Update
