by thechildrensguild | May 18, 2022 | News
The firsts we achieved, the service we undertook, the recognition we earned, and the funds we raised to better serve communities made 2021 a year to remember for The Children’s Guild. Join us to reflect on an inspiring year by checking out our 2021 Annual Report.
The new look and feel of the Annual Report helps to better demonstrate the exciting things happening in The Children’s Guild. The successes we experienced in 2021 are celebrated by our participating families and communities, and our talented and highly trained staff across all our schools and programs. And they’re made possible by the generous support from our donors and board of directors.
This presentation shares some of the amazing stories from 2021, including the opening of Transformation Academy, the expanded services offered by many of our schools and programs, The Children’s Guild, Inc., Baltimore Campus’ success in statewide competition, and many other stories. Also included in this report is an overview of our 2021 financials.
During this past year, we have grown and expanded our influence and impact. The Children’s Guild will continue to provide individualized transformational experiences that help ensure children, families, and their communities thrive. 2021 put us a step closer to achieving our vision: generations of curious and courageous children, healthy families, and thriving communities. The impact that The Children’s Guild made in 2021 will continue to move us to do big things for those we serve in 2022.
Experience the 2021 Annual Report presentation today!
by thechildrensguild | Sep 17, 2021 | Events, News
The Children’s Guild will open The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy, a new non-public school providing special education services to children on the autism spectrum, on Oct. 18, 2021. Transformation Academy’s primary goal is to prepare students for transition into adulthood by focusing on functional life skills and activities of daily living beginning at a young age. By offering wrap-around services, we strive to make life better for the students and their families by meeting each student where they are and maximizing their level of independence.
Located at 6802 McClean Blvd., in Baltimore, The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy is a 12-month, day school for students ages 5-21, whose primary diagnosis is autism but may have co-existing diagnoses of sensory processing disorder, a specific learning disability, a health impairment or multiple disabilities. At Transformation Academy, we know that our students are more than their diagnoses and we strive to educate and support families in their hopes for their child as a family member and a member of the community.
The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy will hold open houses for interested families on the following dates:
- Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We work with children on the autism spectrum whose needs cannot be met in public schools,” said Sarah Weitzel, speech language pathologist and clinical supervisor for The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy. Our primary purpose is to prepare students for transition into adulthood. We focus on functional life skills and activities of daily living and offer wrap-around services that make life better for the students, to maximize their level of independence.”
Instructional areas are determined by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and may include communication skills, self-care, functional academics, fine and gross motor skills and behavior and socialization skills. The school offers a community-based component and introduces students to job, recreation and leisure skills. Referrals are made through the student’s local public school system, and funding is through local and state boards of education.
The open houses are walk-in friendly, and no pre-registration is required. All COVID-19 safety precautions will be in effect. For more information, visit www.childrensguildschools.org/transformation-academy or email Sarah Weitzel at [email protected].
Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County, The Janet and Frank Kelly Autism Center, Monarch Academy public charter and contract schools, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, The Outpatient Mental Health Center, The Academy: Therapeutic Group Homes, Treatment Foster Care, The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy, Monarch Preschool College Park, TranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships.
by thechildrensguild | Mar 8, 2021 | News
Baltimore’s WJZ featured on their evening news on March 3, 2021, “Children’s Guild Works To Provide Students With Unique Ways To Learn, Boost Success In The Classroom,” with interviews from Jenny Livelli, incoming President and CEO; Julie Hummer, The Children’s Guild Alliance Board member, who is the parent of an 8th grader at Monarch Academy Global Laurel, and a parent of a graduate of Monarch Academy Glen Burnie; and Jamie Wilson, Clinical Supervisor for The Children’s Guild. The segment highlighted our unique educational and mental health approach, as students return to in-classroom learning.
Not every student flourishes in school. Some need a different approach to learning tailored to their needs that goes beyond books and traditional classroom instruction.
That’s where the Children’s Guild comes in.
The nonprofit organization is being led by Jenny Livelli, its first female CEO and President.
She said their program gives students in Maryland and Washington, D.C., a chance to learn through hands-on and project-based learning at four charter schools and two special needs schools.
“It’s not just sitting and receiving education, it’s actually becoming part of the learning process,” Livelli said.
Watch the video and read the article.
by thechildrensguild | Mar 8, 2021 | News
The Children’s Guild Alliance named Jenny Livelli as president and CEO. Livelli brings more than two decades experience in education, human services and nonprofit leadership. She is the first new CEO of The Children’s Guild Alliance in 26 years and the first woman CEO in the $86-million organization’s 67-year history.
Since January 2020, Livelli has served as chief operating officer of The Children’s Guild Alliance. In that position, she was part of the executive management team and worked to improve the organization’s operating effectiveness and build organizational capacity. Livelli previously served as director of continuous quality improvement for The Children’s Guild.
“Her expertise in special education and continuous quality improvement, her familiarity with behavioral health, strong problem-solving skills and systems orientation and her experience as chief operating officer make her the outstanding choice as our next CEO. Over the past 26 years, Dr. Andrew Ross has built a strong and dynamic organization, and we look forward to Jenny continuing our growth as we reaffirm our dedication to putting kids first and transforming the way America cares for and educates its children,” said Chris Zimmerman, chair of the board of directors of The Children’s Guild Alliance.
Before joining The Children’s Guild Alliance, Livelli owned and consulted for Kids First Educational and Behavioral Consultants and provided educational and behavioral consultation services to families and private schools working with children with special needs.
Previously, she was a senior school administrator at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, Maryland and focused on compliance and risk management, program development and school leadership. Livelli also held positions including vice president and director of administration and program development at Koba Institute Inc. in Silver Spring, Maryland.
“I am excited and honored to have been selected to lead The Children’s Guild Alliance and continue to ensure that we are making an impact on our children and families every day. As a human services organization, we must ask ourselves the critical question: will what we do make a positive impact on our children and families? Influencing their lives is not enough; we must make an impact,” Livelli said.
Livelli remains involved with the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities, the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the National Association of Private Special Education Centers. She holds an advanced professional certificate from the Maryland State Department of Education as well as certificates from Life Space Crisis Intervention Inc. and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
by thechildrensguild | Dec 9, 2020 | News
We are collectively living through one of the most sweeping health crises in our history. This issue of Transformation shares how The Children’s Guild Alliance has relied on empathy and action to persevere during these challenging times.
The holidays are difficult for many of our families, especially this year. We introduce our Holiday Gift Catalog and invite you to help us spread joy with an array of gifts from school supplies and daily essentials to gift certificates or a special experience such as a trip to the beach.
We are thankful for the success of our virtual Kids First Celebration and congratulate our 2020 Sadie Award recipients Guy and Nupur Parekh Flynn. We also congratulate the recipients of our 2020 Monarch Award, the highest honor bestowed upon our staff. Their dedication has been truly inspirational during a year of unforeseen stress and change.
Our staff continue to amaze us with their creativity and commitment. From virtual pep rallies to flexible mental health services, we are educating and caring for the whole child. We also welcome new staff members hired to build a more inclusive school culture.
Learn how The Guild is making the most of grants and special funding to launch preschool programs in Annapolis and College Park. We have also received grants to fund our community-building efforts during distance learning and support our ongoing food distribution program in Annapolis.
This issue of Transformation highlights how The Guild has transformed its approach during COVID-19 to meet the needs of our students. As you read these stories, join us in celebrating learning, giving, and putting “kids first”.
