Nursing challenge

Standing, from left, nursing students Bret Tokash, Jerome Bautista, Kathleen Duncil, David Hummer, Kelly Richard. In front, from left, Matheny students Jameir Warren-Treadwell and Shane Szott.

“We learn how to administer medications and communicate with non-verbal patients. It’s a challenge, but it’s been a really good experience coming here.” That comment by Bret Tokash of Stockton, NJ, was typical of the reaction of his fellow Raritan Valley Community College classmates, all nursing students who visit Matheny regularly as part of our sponsored nursing school program.

Affiliations with nursing schools such as RVCC’s have created a greater nursing community for the special care that Matheny’s population requires. And the nursing students are a source of recruitment for Matheny’s nursing department. Because of the diverse needs of Matheny’s patients, nurses have to be knowledgeable and competent in a broad spectrum of practice applications.

‘I Trust the Doctors Here’

‘I Trust the Doctors Here’

Bari-Kim with, from left: Gary E. Eddey, MD., Matheny vice president and chief medical officer; her brother, Neal; mother, Sheila; and father, Dr. Richard Goldrosen.

Bari-Kim with, from left: Gary E. Eddey, MD., Matheny vice president and chief medical officer; her brother, Neal; mother, Sheila; and father, Dr. Richard Goldrosen.

Bari-Kim Goldrosen has diaplegic cerebral palsy. When she moved from Matheny into one of Matheny’s community residences in 1997 at age 27, the “original thought,” says her mother, Sheila Goldrosen, was that, “If you’re living in the community, you can go to doctors in the community.” But Bari-Kim and her family soon realized that the best doctors, dentists and therapists for people with disabilities are located at the Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry, and so Bari-Kim travels the 20 miles from Franklin Twp, NJ, to Peapack to see the therapists and rehab technicians in the seating and mobility clinic, to receive primary medical care, eye exams and dental care.

The Center of Medicine and Dentistry was started, according to Christina P. Mand, MD, because, “we understand the culture of disability. Anyone who comes to our center will feel comfortable in our waiting room – no one will stare or comment, as can happen in a regular physician’s office.” Bari-Kim receives an annual physical exam from Dr. Mand as well as coming for periodic visits in-between, as needed.

Occupational therapist Maura Mirecki makes an adjustment to Bari-Kim's new wheelchair.

Occupational therapist Maura Mirecki makes an adjustment to Bari-Kim’s new wheelchair.

The seating and mobility clinic recently helped Bari-Kim acquire a new wheelchair, something she desperately needed. “She was having trouble with the brakes and pedals on her wheelchair, which she had since 2003,” Sheila Goldrosen said. “It was time for a new chair.”

“The process for obtaining Medicare and secondary insurance authorizations is involved and cumbersome,” explained Kevin McCormick, assistant director of rehabilitation technology. “However, everyone from the group home manager to the clinician to the rehab staff to Bari-Kim’s parents worked together to get the authorizations.” The new wheelchair was delivered in December.

The Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry provides more than 800 kids, teens and adults with disabilities the best outpatient medical, dental and therapy care possible.

Taking the Fear Out Of Going to the Dentist

Taking the Fear Out Of Going to the Dentist

Larissa Garcia with Mengchi Steven Yang, DDS.

Larissa Garcia with Mengchi Steven Yang, DDS.

When Larissa Garcia was born, everything seemed normal. Then, a few days later, she had difficulty breathing. Genetic tests revealed that she had Trisomy 13, a chromosomal condition associated with severe intellectual disability and physical abnormalities in many parts of the body. Because of the life-threatening medical problems that present themselves shortly after birth, many Trisomy 13 patients don’t survive past infancy, but Larissa is now nine years old and attending school in Mount Olive, NJ.

Finding dental care for someone with Larissa’s condition, however, was a problem until her family discovered the dental clinic at the Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry during a visit to The Matheny School four years ago. “I was crazy,” her mother, Rosemary Wood recalls. “I was wondering, ‘Where am I going to take her for a dentist?’”

Going to the dentist is a stressful experience under any circumstances, but for someone with Larissa’s disability, it could be frightening. At Matheny, says Wood, “They’re so caring. Everybody makes her comfortable. Dr. Yang, the dentist, is so patient. If she starts screaming, he says, ‘All right, Larissa, we’ll give you a break.’ He’s a really great guy. It means a lot to me.”

The Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry specializes in healthcare for people with mild to severe developmental and intellectual disabilities in an outpatient setting. Dental services and treatment include x-rays, cleanings, treatment of cavities, extractions, restorative dentistry, oral surgery and root canals. Services are provided in partnership with the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.

In addition to visiting the dental clinic, Larissa receives services from the MCMD’s seating and mobility clinic. She has received assistance in evaluating and purchasing adaptive bath/toileting equipment, an adapted tricycle to promote active movement and balance skills, and a specialized car seat to address her size and safety needs. The seating and mobility clinic staff was also able to make adjustments in her adaptive positioning stroller system to better support her sitting posture and functional needs.

Says Rosemary Wood: “We just love it at Matheny. Everybody is so compassionate. It makes a difference in Larissa’s life because she has gone through so much.”

‘All the Doctors Here Take Care of Him’

‘All the Doctors Here Take Care of Him’

Barros with Sara Osman, MD, physiatrist, and J. Andrew Bowe, MD, pediatric orthopedist.

Barros with Sara Osman, MD, physiatrist, and J. Andrew Bowe, MD, pediatric orthopedist.

Eleven-year-old Nicholas Barros was born with a condition called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. As a result of this condition, Nicholas has major medical issues relating to his weak joints and the need for support.

His mother, Estella Perez of Bernardsville, NJ, brings him to the Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry to see the pediatric orthopedist and physiatrist, as well as the dentist. “If the clinic weren’t here,” she says, “I would have to go from hospital to hospital. All the doctors here take care of him.” And if there’s a service Matheny doesn’t have, “they put me in touch with other doctors,” says Perez. “They don’t just leave me alone.” Nicholas also makes regular visits to the MCMD’s seating and mobility clinic, where adjustments are made to his wheelchair, and where, says Perez, “they have provided me with information that helps make our house more accessible.”

The MCMD specializes in healthcare for people with mild to severe developmental and intellectual disabilities in an outpatient setting. It gives more than 800 New Jersey kids, teens and adults with disabilities the best outpatient medical, dental and therapy care possible.

Nicholas attends The Matheny School, and his school physical therapist, Elizabeth Hess, accompanies him and his parents during visits with the orthopedist and physiatrist. “It prevents important information from being lost,” Hess explains. “It allows me, after hearing what the doctor says, to go over it with Nicholas’ parents later, because sometimes it’s hard to take in all at once everything the doctor says.”

Dr. Kendell Sprott Named Matheny’s New Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Kendell Sprott Named Matheny’s New Chief Executive Officer

 Kendell R. Sprott, MD, JD


Kendell R. Sprott, MD, JD

Kendell R. Sprott, MD, JD, has been named chief executive officer of Matheny, effective December 1. Dr. Sprott, both a physician and attorney, has been a member of the faculty at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School since 1984, most recently serving as senior associate dean for clinical affairs. He has also served as acting chair of the Department of Pediatrics and vice chair and director of community pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Dr. Sprott will succeed Steven Proctor, who is retiring after 16 years as CEO. Edana Desatnick and Bruce Fisher, co-chairs of Matheny’s Board of Trustees, expressed confidence that Dr. Sprott, “will continue to build on the solid foundation put in place by Steve Proctor. At Rutgers,” they added, “Dr. Sprott was instrumental in successfully integrating the clinical services of UMDNJ and Rutgers University. He demonstrated an outstanding ability to work effectively with a wide array of organizations and instituted a number of innovative solutions. As the new CEO at Matheny, Dr. Sprott and his leadership team will be responsible for expanding Matheny’s capabilities and services against the backdrop of a changing healthcare environment. We are confident that Dr. Sprott has the expertise to guide Matheny in a winning direction that will ensure future growth and prosperity.”

After 30 very successful and productive years at the New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Sprott is looking forward to a new challenge at Matheny . “I am honored,” he said, “to join the Matheny family, a group of individuals committed to the service and compassionate care of patients with complex needs.”

Dr. Sprott received a B.S. degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, his MD from UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School (now Rutgers) and his JD degree from the Rutgers School of Law in Newark. He has also served in the Department of Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield; and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, which became part of Newark Beth Israel when United Hospitals closed in 1997. He was chair of the Governor’s Council of Children’s Service Planning from July 1989-May 1994 and was a recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Award for Excellence (2005), City News 100 Most Influential in New Jersey (1997), the Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence (1995) and the Child Advocacy Award from the National Black Child Development Institute (1990). He is currently a member of the board of directors and/or trustees of the Rutgers Community Health Foundation, Children’s Future, Advocates for Children of New Jersey and the Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition.

Dr. Sprott and his wife, Donna, also a physician, reside in Plainfield, NJ.

Local Resident Donates Single Occupant Van to Matheny

Local Resident Donates Single Occupant Van to Matheny

Doug Kimmelman, left, with Matheny student Raven Bennett and Matheny transportation manager Brad King in front of the Toyota Sienna donated by Kimmelman.

Doug Kimmelman, left, with Matheny student Raven Bennett and Matheny transportation manager Brad King in front of the Toyota Sienna donated by Kimmelman.

In addition to providing medical care and education for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities, Matheny does everything possible to improve their quality of life. A key factor in accomplishing that is the ability to transport students and patients to activities in the community.

Matheny has several multi-person vans, but, up until very recently, it did not have any small-sized wheelchair accessible vehicles that could carry just a single individual. That has all changed, thanks to the kindness of Bernardsville, NJ, resident Doug Kimmelman, who owned a handicapped-equipped 2008 Toyota Sienna XLE. Kimmelman decided to donate the van to Matheny, and it will be used to transport students or patients to family functions or on shopping trips when bigger vans would be impractical.

Miles for Matheny 2015

Participants in the Lu Huggins Wheelchair Walk last year.

The 18th annual Miles for Matheny, Matheny’s annual fundraiser and community event, will be held on Sunday, May 31, at Liberty Park in downtown Peapack. This year the event will include a new Fitness Walk in addition to the Lu Huggins Wheelchair Walk, five Cycling rides and a Kids Fun Run.

The signature event, of course, is the Wheelchair Walk, in which friends and families, along with Matheny staff, walk alongside more than 100 Matheny children and adults who “wheel” through the streets of downtown Peapack to the cheers of community members and other supporters.  The Cycling event offers a choice of 10-, 25-, 35- and 50-mile bike routes, plus the highly challenging “Hills of Attrition” endurance ride, all through the beautiful Somerset Hills countryside. The Kids Fun Run is open to children  ages 3–10, who are all winners—everyone receives a medal. The new one-mile Fitness Walk will precede the Wheelchair Walk, but all Fitness Walk participants are invited to join the wheelchair participants for a second mile around downtown Peapack. All participants and supporters will be able to indulge in The Friends of Matheny’s “Breakfast of Champions.”

Funds raised at Miles for Matheny will benefit programs and services that enhance the lives of the children and adults at Matheny and serve people with disabilities in the community. For more information, call (908) 234-0011, ext. 260, or email pcats@matheny.org. For sponsorship opportunities, call (908) 234-0011, ext. 315, or email jkriegman@matheny.org.

Peapack-Gladstone residents cheer the Wheelchair Walk participants as they roll past 23 Mendham Road.

Mask madness

Some of the many masks that were auctioned off.

The bar and dining room at Verve Bistro in Somerville, NJ, was packed on February 18, Fat Tuesday, for the kickoff of the restaurant’s Mardi Gras With Matheny celebration, which continued for four more days, from February 19 thru February 22. The festivities included a mask auction, which began with silent bids on Fat Tuesday and culminated on the final day, along with a gumbo cook-off. There were also plenty of flashy decorations and trinkets, along with the traditional Mardi Gras beads.

Mask sales on Sunday, February 22, totaled $1,200. That, combined with partial proceeds from all five days resulted in Verve making a $2,500 donation to Matheny. Matheny staff and students contributed to the effort by making most of the masks that were hanging for sale in the bar area. Verve owner Rick St. Pierre is well known as someone who gives back to the community. In fact, in 2011, he was Somerset County’s citizen of the year. Thank you, Rick!

Some of the Matheny mask makers, clockwise, from left: Donna Sykes, Center of Medicine and Dentistry clinic manager; Haeree Park, Arts Access project and event coordinator; Eileen Murray, Arts Access director; Burt Brooks, Arts Access performing arts coordinator; and Jodi Miguel, adult services instructor.