Time to REGISTER!!

Attachment and Trauma Conference

Dr. Arthur Becker-Weidman

Keynote Speaker

April 12^th-13th, 2012

Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) in Lake Ozark, Missouri

The conference will include attachment basics, as well as highlighting attachment and trauma work in a diversity of settings

and how those different settings work together to better support the child and the family. 

Registration packets and conference brochures will be sent out by mid-February. 

Brochure attached including registration form is attached.

2012 CALO Conference-Email.pdf (574.18 kb)

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang

Director of Business Development & Admissions

caloteens.com

866-459-1362 (direct)

573-746-1884 (mobile)

573-365-2224 (fax)

Time to REGISTER!!

Attachment and Trauma Conference

Dr. Arthur Becker-Weidman

Keynote Speaker

April 12^th-13th, 2012

Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) in Lake Ozark, Missouri

The conference will include attachment basics, as well as highlighting attachment and trauma work in a diversity of settings

and how those different settings work together to better support the child and the family.

Registration packets and conference brochures will be sent out by mid-February.

Brochure attached including registration form is attached.

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang

Director of Business Development & Admissions

caloteens.com

866-459-1362 (direct)

573-746-1884 (mobile)

573-365-2224 (fax)

Professional  Healing Trauma, Creating Attachment  Conference 

Dr. Arthur Becker-Weidman

Keynote Speaker 

April 12th-13th, 2012 

Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) in Lake Ozark, Missouri 

The conference will include attachment basics, theoretical and experiential Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy workshops,

and a variety of other attachment therapy focused sessions.

Professionals from a diversity of settings are encouraged to attend.

Early Bird rate $139.00 for the two day event.

Please contact Nicole Fuglsang, Director of Business Development, with questions 866-459-1362

Healing Trauma, Creating Attachment 2011 Conference

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!

April 12th-13th, 2012

At Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) in

Lake Ozark, Missouri

The conference includes attachment basics, as well as highlighting attachment and trauma work in a diversity of settings and how those different settings work together to better support the child and the family.

Conference Brochure/Registration will be sent out in January.

We look forward to seeing you in April!!

Both the last five weeks and the next few weeks to come are a whirlwind of tours, enrollments, travel preparation, networking and travel. It is a remarkable time that is both energizing and exhausting. I have spent the last few weeks fully engaged with a variety of different professionals and families in a way that has allowed me to provide support, comfort and solace to families in need while filling my own cup by spending time with other professionals that have such an amazing passion and joy for their work with adolescents and their families. I am ever inspired by those around me.

The first stop along my travel itinerary was the annual Midwest Regional NATSAP Conference in Chicago, Illinois in late September. This was the fourth Midwest Regional for which I have had the opportunity to be a co-chair. It was a ton of work but it was well worth it. We had a variety of exhibitors, speakers and attendees. The conference was well attended and the participants appeared to truly value their time and experiences.

My second stop along my travel itinerary took me to Newport Beach, California for the School Connections conference in the first week of October.  This was the first time I had attended a School Connections conference and I was not sure what to expect. I found the conference to be highly valuable. It allowed Rob Gent, our Assistant Clinical Director, and I the opportunity to share about CALO in individual one-on-one meetings with over 25 different professionals. Each meeting time was about a half hour long and really allowed for authentic and individualized conversations with each professional. Some of the professionals we meet with were old friends while others were new to the industry and new to CALO.

My next step along the travel whirlwind will be the IECA conference in Dallas, Texas in early November.  This conference is another opportunity to share with other professional and programs the unique environment and specialized treatment model CALO utilizes. My plans for this trip are already in full swing and I am excited about the journey ahead…. maybe the whirlwind of travel will slow as the holiday season whirlwind begins but that is not likely so, I am just enjoying the journey and all the steps along the way.

Every year, I strive to take the time to look back and reflect on the years since CALO opened. I must say it has been an amazing journey with an amazing group of people.  As I evaluate my personal journey and all the areas in which I have grown, I am always drawn back to what makes CALO, CALO and without a doubt the resounding answer I always come back to is the people. The people at CALO and the people that interact with CALO make CALO, CALO.                  

Everything at CALO is about relationships, relationships with our students, their families, our canines, and each other as staff. It’s what makes me want to come to work every day and what makes me love and value my job! It makes sense that the experience I value and the values of those I work with coincide. It is a joining of purpose, a coming together to create attachment, trust and healing within the families with whom we connect and the people with whom we interact.

The extended leadership team at CALO is the group of people that I believe is the representation of who and what CALO is meant to be. Their vision, integrity, strength of character, stability, leadership, core values, and an overwhelming desire to bless the lives of all whom they encounter is the foundation of CALO.

The therapists, canine therapy program supervisor, neurofeedback coordinator, residential coaching staff, overnight care staff,  recreation therapy staff, teachers and nurses are the feet on the ground that create the foundation, consistency and stability which allow our students to grow, gain insight and become interdependent.    

The administrative coordinators, IT administrator, facilities manager, campus coordinator, and our chef are the behind the scenes staff that provide the foundational of trust of care for our students by providing their basic essential needs: food, shelter, personal hygiene items and clothing etc.

To all of the staff, students and parents that are a part of CALO, thank you for an amazing 4 ½ years. I look forward to the years to come.

CALO strives for on-going quality improvement, growth and development. We complete a variety of activities to encourage quality, consistency and individualization while providing world class care and treatment for our students. Key ways CALO promotes development are as follows:

·        Open Door Policy- The CALO Leadership Team has an “Open Door Policy” with our parents, students, employees and other stakeholders. The intent of this policy is to provide transparency, open dialogue and development opportunities.

·        Leadership “On the Floor” - A member of the Extended Leadership Team (ELT) and/or one of CALO’s masters’ level therapists works an 8+ hour “residential coaching shift” on the floor each week. The goal of this activity is two-fold, firstly, to provide CALO leadership the opportunity to directly interact with students on a purely relational level and secondly to provide leadership with an accurate picture of how the CALO treatment model and policy & procedures are being implemented by the residential coaching staff.

·        Exit Interviews- Exit Interviews with all families upon their departure from CALO. This occurs with students and their parents/guardians. The goal of this activity is gather direct feedback on what parts of the program have been effective and what areas need improvement.

·        Training- Bi-weekly training of all staff & bi-weekly therapist directive training for all coaching staff.

·        Ongoing Quality Improvement Planning which includes standards for all departments which meet Joint Commission accreditation standards.

·        Research Participants- NATSAP Research Program, Anonymous Parent Surveys and Internal Parent, Student and Therapist Surveys.

·        Connected Leadership- Weekly Leadership Meetings & Monthly Extended Leadership Meetings/Trainings.

·        CALO frequently invites outside professionals including educational consultants, psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists and other treating professionals to visit CALO. CALO encourages these professionals to provide CALO’s leadership with direct feedback following their time on campus and interactions with staff and students. The intent of these professional visits is to provide an open, accurate, transparent representation of CALO and to request feedback from professionals on what is working well and areas of potential improvement.

Many of our families frequently ask for Lake Area events or information so they may make plans for local visits with their child and family. The Lake of the Ozarks is the Midwest's premier lake resort destination, and is located in the heart of Missouri. The lake area offers world-class boating, golfing, shopping and fishing, and a wide variety of lodging, restaurants, state parks, and other recreational activities to suit any budget and taste.

JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, & SEPTEMBER events and some good websites are noted below, enjoy!

Websites

Water fun websites:

www.BigSurfWaterpark.com

www.FunLake.com

www.tar-tar-a.com

www.tropicsislandcruises.com

Other activity websites:

www.downhillruckus.com

www.lakemusichall.com

www.bridalcave.com

www.jacobscave.com

Shopping:

Premium Outlet Mall (110 Brand Name Outlets) www.premiumoutlets.com

Golfing websites:

www.bearvalley.com

www.deerchase.com

www.dogwoodhillsgolf.com

www.indianrockgolfclub.com

www.oldkinderhook.com

www.lakevalleygolf.com

www.eldoncountryclub.com

www.4seasonsresort.com

www.osagenational.com

www.playrollinghills.com

www.tan-tar-a-com

www.sycamorecreekgolfclub.com

Free Attractions:

• Lake of the Ozarks State Park
• Ha Ha Tonka State Park
• Willmore Lodge Museum
• Bagnell Dam Overlook
• Camden County Museum
• Thunder Mountain Conservation Area
• Captain Ron’s (Restaurant)- “Best Live Entertainment at the Lake”- 5 Days a week (May through September

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE

• June 2^nd-5^th, 2001- Jacob’s Cave Swapping Days (Jacob’s Cave, HWY 5, Versailles)
• June 10^th, 2011- Hot Summer Nights on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark from 6-11 pm (Cruise event featuring all makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles).
• June 10^th-12^th, 2011- Canine Cannonball- The annual Dock Dogs jumping contest is held at Dog Days again this year.  (1232 Jeffries Road, Osage Beach, MO, 65065)
• June 14^th, 2011- Lake Area Community Orchestra (Eldon Air Park)- 7pm
• June 16^th, 2011 to Jun 19^th, 2011- Osage River Pow Wow (Miller County Fairgrounds, Eldon, MO)
• June 17^th-18^th, 2011- 13^th Annual Crossover Christian Music Festival
• June 17^th, 2011- Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show (Camden County Museum, Linn Creek, MO)
• June 18^th, 2011- Farmers Market (Square in Camdenton)
• Jun 19^th, 2011- Fathers Day Brunch at Captain Ron’s (Sunrise Beach, MO)
• Jun 21^st, 2011- Lake Area Community Orchestra (West Lake Christian Church, Laurie, MO)- 7pm
• Jun 23^rd, 2011 to Jun 25th 2011- Support Our Troops Poker Run
• Jun 25^th, 2011 to Jun 26th 2011- Osage Rock & Mineral Club 10th Annual Gem, Jewelry, Rock, Mineral & Fossil Show (The Inn at Grand Glaize)

JULY

• July 2^nd-4^th- Independence Day Fireworks
• July 16^th- AquaPalooza- Live Music on the lake (ww.aquapalooza.com)

AUGUST

• August 6^th, 2011- 18^th Annual Missouri Wine Festival
• August 13^th, 2011- The Great Annual Bagnell Dam Duck Drop (5k Run/Walk; Family Fun zone)
• August 13^th-14th, 2011- 4^th Annual Art & Ambience Fair
• August 22^nd-28^th, 2011- Lake of the Ozarks SHOOTOUT (Boat Racing) @ Captain Ron’s

SEPTEMBER

• September 3^rd-5^th, 2011- Labor Day Fireworks
• September 10^th, 2011- Osage Beach Fall Festival (Osage Beach City Park)
• September 15^th-17th, 2011- Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest
• September 16^th-17^th, 2011- Hillbilly Fair (Laurie Fairgrounds)
• September 16^th-18^th, 2011- Marine Dealers In-Water Boat Show @ Captain Ron’s
• September 24^th, 2011- Turkey Festival (Downtown Eldon)
• September 29^th- October 3^rd, 2011- Jacob’s Cave Swapping Days (Jacob’s Cave, HWY 5, Versailles)

CALO does not subscribe to a predetermined or set date of departure. Each student is individual, has individual needs and will respond to treatment as an individual. However, the AVERAGE length of stay is about 17 months. Consistent with our treatment philosophy, CALO believes that length of stay is largely determined by the child. This means the student should not leave CALO until she has accomplished individual goals (outlined in an individual treatment plan) and the family has met the family goals that were established at the onset of treatment by the treatment team. The treatment team is comprised of representatives from academics, residential coaching, recreation therapy, and your child’s peer group. Your therapist is the leader of this treatment team and you as parent are considered the final treatment team member.

Our treatment team consistently reviews each student’s progress and moves toward the goal of transitioning back home. The length of stay varies based on a number of factors and is individualized for each student. Some factors influencing the length of stay are:

1) Relative Complexity: The relative complexity of the psychosocial and educational history of the student prior to enrollment often has a large impact on a student’s length of stay; typically, the more complex the history of the student the longer the length of stay.

2) Onset of Problems: How long has the student been struggling? Is this a new problem or has the student been struggling for a significant amount of time? Normally the longer the student has been entrenched in the behavior the longer the length of stay.

3) Family Involvement: Our families are a key part of our therapeutic process. Your involvement within the milieu, family therapy, and family coaching visits supports your child’s growth and healing. When family involvement is limited a child’s progress might stall or the student may progress at a slower rate.

Expect to feel bad:  It is normal to feel grief, sadness and guilt as you enroll your child in a residential program. Your child’s actions have devastated and/or traumatized your family and it is common to feel angry about that. Many parents feel a sense of loss when their child is gone from their home, and many experience anxiety about the rigors of a residential setting. It is common to re-examine everything you’ve done as a parent to try and figure out what went wrong.

Placing a child in a residential treatment center is one of the most difficult, and yet courageous, decisions a parent can make. Based on our personal and professional experiences, we encourage parents to prepare for a wide range of emotions and varying reactions from your family and close friends. Some will praise you. Some will not be able to understand why you have made this choice. Some friends and even family may verbally attack you for making a residential decision. They just don’t understand as they have not gone through what you have.

Expect to feel good: Many parents report no bad feelings at all when they place their child at CALO. In fact, some express tremendous relief to have their child in a safe setting. There is no wrong way to feel as your child enters treatment.

Expect your child to protest: Your child would much rather be with his own friends, sleep in his own bed, and continue life as he was living it. He will use his considerable powers of persuasion to try and talk you out of your carefully considered decision. It is reasonable to anticipate his promises of change and guilt-inducing pleas of “How could you send me away?” “I see now how much I really mean to you,” and, “Things aren’t really that bad.” Parents who decide to send their child to CALO do so with love and a determination to help. A firm grounding in this knowledge is what helps parents overcome the predictable protests from their child.

Expect to have second thoughts: At first you may be angry with your child for the disruption he created in your home and then feel a sense of relief that he is gone. However, it is also a common next response to second-guess your decision. You may question whether your response to your child’s problem was too harsh. You may ask yourself if there is something else you could have done to prevent his placement in a residential setting or if there was another way to solve the crisis.

Expect support from CALO: When you enroll your child at CALO, your child becomes part of the CALO family. When you enroll your child at CALO, you are also part of our family. We are here to help you and your child navigate this process. The CALO family support system is there to help you understand and cope with all of the issues noted in this handbook. Your key contact in our system will be your child’s therapist. It is crucial to ask that therapist for help in navigating residential treatment. Our goal is to help reduce your anxiety by thoroughly explaining how the program works and the safeguards built in for your child. Your child’s treating therapist will contact you regularly to make sure your questions and concerns are addressed. Our Leadership Team is also a resource for families with questions or concerns. If you feel you are not getting the answers you need from your therapist, please take concerns to the CALO Leadership Team. That said, the therapist is the head coach of the treatment team and we encourage continual conversation with your therapist.

This blog series has three parts. The first installment discussed what to expect on the day of enrollment and was posted on March 10, 2011.  The second installment discussed common reactions students may exhibit when first arriving at CALO and was posted on March 21, 2011.