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Pediatric Services Expanded

With funding from Escambia Children’s Trust, The Arc Gateway implements new “Help Me Grow” initiative.

The Arc Gateway, a local non-profit organization providing empowering opportunities to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announces the launch of its new initiative, Help Me Grow (HMG). 

 

The Arc Gateway is now an affiliate of this integrated national program, which promotes early identification of developmental, behavioral and educational challenges in children. HMG links parents and caregivers with community-based services and resources, all at no cost. 

 

The Arc Gateway was selected recently as the recipient of a $1.3 million grant from the Escambia Children’s Trust to implement a HMG program for Escambia County and to address local gaps in services for this population.

 

“With this special funding, we will further our pediatric programs and reach a greater number of underserved children in our community,” says Missy Rogers, chief executive officer of The Arc Gateway. “The long-term impact these services have is tremendous, especially when the need is identified at a young age, when interventions build a strong foundation for learning, growing and thriving across a lifetime.”  

 

Key components of HMG include:

     

      • No Cost to Parents and Caregivers: The Arc Gateway is committed to eliminating any financial barriers that might hinder families from accessing essential services. HMG offers all its services and resources entirely free of charge, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

      • Early Identification: HMG provides parents and caregivers with access to a user-friendly screening tool that assesses children’s developmental milestones. By identifying potential concerns at an early stage, families can take proactive measures to address any issues promptly.

      • Access to Community-Based Services: The program serves as a comprehensive resource hub, offering families personalized referrals to an extensive network of community-based services and support. This network includes medical professionals, therapists, educators, and specialized programs tailored to the unique needs of each child.

     

    “Our community of early education partners have recognized for years the value of the Help Me Grow model. While funding has been unavailable for our area, the Escambia Children’s Trust is now making this possible for the children of our community,” explains MaryAnn Bickerstaff, The Arc Gateway’s children’s services director. 

     

    “Help Me Grow has a 94% success rate of connecting children and families to needed services. The grant from the Escambia Children’s Trust is a meaningful investment that will prepare more children for kindergarten, which in turn will have an exponential impact on their future success.” 

     

    The funding from Escambia Children’s Trust also allows for an expansion of services over and above those outlined in the traditional HMG model – services to address the needs of children with developmental delays who may not meet criteria for other state and federally-funded programs. These additional program components encompass

       

        • Hiring Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialists who will provide consultative services and interventions through home visits, play groups and childcare settings,

        • Recruiting and retaining additional healthcare providers in order to address the long wait for services in our community,

        • Establishing an Autism Diagnostic Clinic focused on providing a timely evaluation and diagnosis for children aged 3 and under. 

       

      “The foundational component of the autism clinic is the collaboration between the occupational and speech language pathologists at The Arc Gateway and our local pediatricians,” says Bickerstaff. 

       

      “Together, we will offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and strategies for parents and caregivers to implement with their child immediately. A care coordinator from our team will assist with necessary referrals and follow-up appointments, so there is a robust continuum of care for the child and support for the family.”  

       

      The Arc Gateway encourages collaboration with community partners, healthcare providers, and educators to ensure the seamless delivery of early intervention services. To this end, the grant is also underwriting child and family resources through other local agencies like Parent University and Children’s Home Society.   

       

      By uniting efforts, The Arc Gateway believes that together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community for all children. 

       

      For more information about The Arc Gateway and its early intervention programs, please visit www.arc-gateway.org or call MaryAnn Bickerstaff at (850) 434-7755.

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      Dawn VonStein

      Pollak Training Center Program Manager

      A native of Pensacola, Dawn VonStein graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education.  She began working at The Arc Gateway in 1993 as a support specialist for the Women’s Training Center where she felt she could use her teaching background to help teach daily living skills to the women at the group home. When asked why she has made her career at The Arc Gateway she says it is, “because there are few other places I could work where every day is different, I feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life, and I am truly loved by those I serve.”

      Dondie Roper

      PALS Program Director

      Dondie is an innovator with more than 15 years’ experience driving results in program management, marketing, and media production. In addition to her studies in Journalism and Communication Arts at the University of West Florida, Dondie has received certification in Nonprofit Management. Dondie is very active in the community serving on board of directors for area nonprofit organizations, secretary/treasurer for UWADA, Loaned Executive with United Way, and volunteer with Special Olympics.

      Jennah White

      Special Projects Manager

      Jennah began her journey with The Arc Gateway in the fall of 2016 as an assistant to Human Resources. During her time with the agency, Jennah has acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology along with a Certificate in Human Resources both from The University of West Florida.  Jennah can be considered a “jack-of-all-trades” thus securing her role as the Special Projects Manager (Office Manager). She also takes an active role in her community as a member of Pensacola Young Professionals.

      Níta J Hooks

      Senior Adult Program Manager

      Níta started working at the Arc Gateway in January 2019 as the Senior Adult Program Manager. She began working in the Developmental Disabilities field in 2015 as a Support Coordinator and has worked as Supportive Living Coach and a QMRP. Níta earned an Associate Degree in Pre-Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. She also worked as a Licensed Clinical Mental Therapist in Mississippi with all populations. “It is a joy to get up each morning, come into the program and work with such a wonderful group of people who keep me on my toes. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything in the world.”

      Amanda Holtzhower

      Human Resources Manager

      Bio 

      Rebecca Baron

      Residential & Community Service Director

      Rebecca is a Pensacola native who graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has been a part of The Arc Gateway team for over 2 decades, starting her career with us in 1997. Rebecca’s first position with The Arc Gateway was a Support Specialist in the Pal/Ace program. From that role she became a Group Home Manager with one of our female group homes, then moved into her current position as Director of Residential and Community services. “I love making a difference in the lives of people we serve and assisting them to achieve their goals and gain skills toward independence.”

      MaryAnn Bickerstaff

      Children’s Services Director

      MaryAnn Bickerstaff began her career at The Arc Gateway in 1986 as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist soon after completing an internship with the Pearl Nelson Center’s Early Intervention and Preschool programs at the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education at the University of West Florida. After working in this role for four years, MaryAnn became the Early Intervention Coordinator and in 1990 assumed the position as Children’s Services Director. During this time, she is proud of the program’s growth and diversity in funding, including grants and fundraising activities, but she is most proud of the impact her team is making in the lives of children every day. MaryAnn is very engaged with community partners and serves on the Board of the Early Learning Coalition and the Operational Support Team of Achieve Escambia among others. MaryAnn is a proud to be a native of Pensacola.

      Stephen Rampersad

      Chief Advancement Officer

      Stephen Rampersad lives in Pace, Florida, with his beloved wife and two sons. He’s deeply involved in community advocacy, but cherishes the role of fatherhood above all else. Stephen’s commitment to community engagement shines through various roles such as Chief Advancement Officer at The Arc Gateway, Board President of Hope Above Fear, and Ambassador for the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. When he’s not busy with his professional responsibilities, Stephen enjoys spending quality time with his family and finding peace in the tranquility of fishing. He values life’s simple pleasures and approaches each day with gratitude.

      Lea Farrington

      Chief Financial Officer

      Lea joined The Arc Gateway in 2021, bringing with her over 18 years of experience in finance and accounting.  Lea earned her Bachelor’s degrees in accounting, finance and management at the University of Mobile in Alabama and a Master’s in Business Administration at the University of West Florida. Lea is also a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida. For several years, she has worked in the nonprofit industry, both domestically and internationally. As a Pensacola native, Lea is passionate about meeting the needs of the Northwest Florida community. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and living up to her “boymom” title.

      Cathy Lauterbach

      Chief Operating Officer

      Cathy Lauterbach has shared her talent with The Arc Gateway for over two decades. A California native, Cathy obtained a bachelor’s degree in management from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She began her employment with the agency in 1995 as an employment specialist. From that role, she became the program manager at the Pollak Training Center before moving into the position as director of Residential and Community Services, and now her position as COO overseeing adult programs at The Arc Gateway.

      Melissa Rogers

      Chief Executive Officer

      Missy has been working in the field of developmental disabilities since 1997.  Throughout her career she has performed in a variety of roles including direct care, case management, fundraising and administration.  Her extensive knowledge base and experience allows her a unique perspective and understanding of issues facing the disabled community.  Missy’s passion and dedication can be felt in her decision-making process as she always puts the best interests of those being served by the agency first.  In her spare time, she can be seen acting with a local dinner theater acting troupe. Missy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Elon University in North Carolina and is originally from Virginia.