Stretched Through Rock Climbing

Written by BreeAnna Fletcher, Recreation Therapy Intern

I take a student rock climbing every week.  She is getting to a point where the routes she is climbing are really stretching her abilities.

Friends

Written by Chris Jordan, Case Manager

Everyone needs good and true friends. Friends will influence how you think and act. They can help you become a better person. Choose friends that share your same values so you can strengthen and encourage each other.

Remember Your Strengths First

Written by Whitney Clayton, Case Management Intern

During our coaching session, I could tell that my student was getting a little overwhelmed with the topic we were discussing and started to feel bad about himself. I grabbed the Empowerment statement card and told him to read them out loud to me.

A Desire Save More & Spend Better

Written by Stephanie Waters, Budgeting Specialist

I have been working with a student on spending less money on junk food these last couple of weeks. She gets $20 a week to use for her pleasure, whether it be movies, food, etc. She calls it her fun money. She has a desire to learn to save more and spend better. When she received her fun money last week, she chose to pay 3/4 of it towards tithing, and the rest she used for fun. She felt that paying her tithing was more important than anything she could spend her money on. 

We Have a Sensory Room!

If you take 2 Occupational Therapy interns, add a Clinical department, a quiet room and some unused clinical funds you create a wonderful sensory room!  During this past Christmas break, with some help from our OT interns, SVA has designed and created a sensory room specifically geared towards our students (though there have been staff sightings from time to time).  The goal of the sensory room is for students to have a place to relax, decompress and reduce their anxiety.  Some of the most favorite items include a bungee chair, crash pad, rocking chair and a bubble tube.  We are so excited to add this to our list of services available to the students.  If you happen to be visiting SVA we encourage you to come on by and give the room a try.

Finding Solutions

Written by Ernest Ramos, Employment Case Manager

A student recently had a loved one pass away. She had been stressing about it for several days and the funeral was scheduled in a few days. They also had an encounter with another student at work which stressed her even more.  She asked to meet with her team to request some time off because she could not handle keep going to work in light of all the stress she was going through.

Student Success at Local Restaurant

by Emily Uasila’a, Employment Case Manager

I have a student that has been working at a local restaurant since the new semester started. Before he started working, we had a series of phone calls and meetings to set up the internship agreement.  During the initial interview, the student was nervous and really anxious to meet his supervisor. His interview took about 15 minutes. His supervisor was so impressed with him and she felt that he had skills needed to work as a greeter and a buser. She couldn’t wait for him to start. I was in contact with her last week and she wanted check in and let me know that things are going well. She reported that he comes to work 20 mins early. I’m so proud of him.

Staff Spotlight: Jerry Castillo

“I love seeing students gaining skills for life.” -Jerry

Written by Brent Farley

ScenicView boasts one of the best chefs in the West! Chef Castillo (who lives in Provo) goes by the name of “Gerry.” when asked when he first got interested in cooking, he answered: “I’ve always liked cooking!”

To become a chef, on must complete not only the required schooling to obtain a diploma, but also must gain extensive cooking experience beyond the diploma in order to ear the title of “Chef.”

Let’s Get Connected

Written by Aaron Ridenour, Psychotherapist

New year…new term…new start.

This past week, ScenicView Academy students and staff were a little less serious as they participated in several different Welcome Week Activities to get to know each other, build relationships, and have a little fun at the same time. New students were welcomed, awards were presented, and recognition was given for all the hard work that has been accomplished these last few months.

End of the Year Letter From the Director

Written by Marty Matheson, Executive Director

Dear Parents/Guardians of ScenicView Academy Students:

Introduction

I am pleased to greet you through this letter, and hope this finds you doing well. There are many exciting things going on at ScenicView Academy (SVA), and I want to share some of them with you. First off, many of you are aware that Doug Gale retired June 1, 2015. He served SVA very well as our Executive Director for 14 years. He still continues to serve us as he was appointed on our Board of Trustees. Prior to my appointment as the Executive Director, I was at SVA for 7 years as the Clinical Services Unit Manager. I am excited to serve you in this new capacity.