The Emerge Center (formerly BRSHF)
The Emerge Center
January 2015
In This Issue
President's Message
Parent Testimonials
2014 BRAVA
Program Spotlight: School Readiness
Staff Spotlight: Jessica Langlois
Parent Lending Library
CAUW's Home for Good
New Staff
More Butterflies!
Save the Date
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2015 Board of Directors

  

Officers

Robert Pettit

president

Christoper Odinet

vice president

Ryan Thibodeaux

treasurer

Melissa Blake

secretary

Jean-Paul Perrault

immediate past president

Colleen Waguespack

past president emeritus

Melissa Juneau

executive director

 

Directors

Verge Ausberry

Marci Blaize

Marvin Borgmeyer

Michael Depaul

Camilla Ford

Dr. Charlotte Hollman

Jake Mayo

Susan Shepherd

Andy St. Romain

Mary Alice Stanford

Audrey Wascome

Dear Friend,

 

2014 was a year of change and transformation for our organization. We opened The Emerge Center, moving into a much larger, functional space. In a short time span, we have grown our team so that many more families in need of comprehensive therapies can access our services.


 
As we begin 2015 on solid ground, we will have the opportunity to launch research projects and strengthen collaborations with new and existing community partners. We will continue to enhance our business operations to support this larger practice. We will strive to employ the highest credentialed staff assuring the quality of services we have been known for, and we will build a stronger donor base to support those families who don't have the financial means to access our quality services. 


 
Last, but not least, as The Emerge Center for Communication, Behavior and Development, we will continue to set the bar in services for children facing communication, behavior and developmental challenges as well as children and adults with hearing loss. These goals will not be accomplished without a strong staff and leadership team in place, and you!

 

Gratefully,
Melissa
New President's Message  

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Happy New Year! As incoming President, I take the reins from J.P. Perrault, who I commend and thank for his tireless efforts in leading the organization through the past 2 years of transition. In 2011, it was to my good fortune to be asked to be a part of this amazing organization and serve on the Board. Emerge has a special place in my heart as my 13-year-old daughter,Crossland, is on the Autism spectrum. When she was first diagnosed at the age of two, Emerge's services were not available. My wife and I had to piece together a therapy program for her from an out of state provider. There is no doubt that I am passionate about Baton Rouge having a center like Emerge, which is unique in the nation for offering numerous therapy programs under one roof  for young children with varying developmental delays. I'm proud of the work we have planned for 2015 - growing services, adding new programs and forging partnerships with organizations that will advance the impact we will have for years to come. Thank you for your support and friendship to Emerge. Here's to a successful 2014 and an exciting 2015.

 

Sincerely,  

  

 

 

Robert Pettit 

See what your gifts can do!
Parent Testimonials

 

"My daughter is improving daily by using the techniques Megan taught during her sessions. Thank you to Dr. Megan Hattier and The Emerge Center for everything that you have done for her." - Mom of a Clinical Psychology client

 

"Thank you for helping our precious princess hear clearly. You approached the news with dignity and grace and made every effort to be there for us as a professional resource and compassionate individual. We will forever remember the staff and the experience on the beginning of this journey with The Emerge Center." - Mom of an Audiology patient
In November, we hosted our 43rd annual benefit luncheon to honor winners of the 2014 Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activist awards. At the conclusion of the luncheon, donations were taken for our Scholarship Fund.
This year, we raised $57,000!
Thank you again for contributing and allowing us to provide our services to those in financial need.

Click here for a list of all past Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activist honorees.

Top Row: Joe Traigle, R. Brian Haymon, Lori Bertman, Jacqui Vines, Randy Roussel, Todd Graves. Bottom Row: Gwen Hamilton, Janice Pellar, Judy Foil, Gwen Graves


 

Craig Bergeron, Angela Bergeron, Melissa Juneau and Stephen Toups

Program Spotlight: School Readiness

At Emerge, we offer a number of tuition-based School Readiness programs for children ages 3-7 with developmental delays which could impede transition to a school environment. These programs include:

  • Bloom - Through this specially-designed full time preschool program, your child learns through multiple environments with collaboration and expertise from multiple disciplines including speech, occupational therapy, and psychology.
  • Facilitated Learning Class - This academically based class of 4-5 students provides lower elementary aged students from 5-7 years old with a self-contained, comprehensive special education program with a developmentally appropriate therapeutic focus.
  • Transitional Kindergarten - This academically based Kindergarten class provides students ages 5-6 in need of an extra year of academic, behavior, social, and language instruction in an age-appropriate environment before entering a general education or inclusive Kindergarten class.

We are now accepting applications for School Readiness Programs for the 2015-16 academic year! The preliminary application deadline is January 15.

Staff Spotlight: Jessica Langlois
  

Jessica is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked with Emerge since July 2014. She is the intake coordinator for children interested in our speech and autism related services, provides individual counseling to families regarding behavior strategies and stress management, and educates families regarding applicable resources for their child. She also coordinates parent support groups and offers monthly Lunch-and-Learns to educate families on a variety of subject matters pertaining to the developmentally disabled population.

 

What is your favorite part of your job? Watching parents react to their child's success. As a parent I can understand the joy in that.  


What's your favorite hobby? READING!
 
What are you currently reading? Currently reading a romance, though my preferences change often.
 
What's your favorite place to go? By far the beach!
Parent Lending Library

 

 

We have now stocked the Parent Resource Room with books for our parents to enjoy! We will continue to build the library based on our client's interests. Parents can check out books by bringing them to the front desk and completing a sign-out form. We are thrilled to provide more information and resources to our clients!

CAUW's Home for Good

 


As a Capital Area United Way community partner, we encourage you to participate in their Home for Good fundraiser! Tickets are $100 each and the drawing will be held on Friday, February 20.

 

The 2,830 square foot, 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is being constructed in Green Trails Subdivision in Baton Rouge and is valued at over $400,000.

  

Purchase your ticket HERE!

Welcome to our newest staff members!
  
Shelly Madison - Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
 Katherine Meyer - Administrative/ Human Resources Assistant
 Mellissa Johnson - Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Rebecca Coker - Speech-Language Pathologist
Maggie Justice - Kindergarten Aide
 
Not pictured:
Mallori Seeger - Registered Line Technician
Tiara Cyrus - Registered Line Technician
Jordan Kresbach - Registered Line Technician
Mary Ann Sessums - Speech-Language Pathologist
Lakeisha Stanley - Managed Care Billing Analyst
  
 
  
  
 Local artist Brad Bourgoyne installed 50 new butterflies to our installation wall this week. If you've purchased one in recent months, please feel free to schedule a tour and visit yours!
2015 Signature Event
 
presented by the 
Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Family Foundation
 
Stay tuned for more details!
 
The Emerge Center is our area's leading non-profit organization dedicated to optimizing independent communication and social interaction. Donor support makes up approximately 40% of our annual budget.

 
Click here to learn more about making a gift to support our mission.