Step-Up Celebrates Class of 2021 Graduation Season

Class of 2021 gained two new members as Stepping Stones’ Step-Up Autism Alternative Education program applauded the accomplishments of two gentlemen this spring.

Founded in 2004, Step Up was the first program of its kind in the region and offers individualized educations for students with severe autism. Stepping Stones partners with local school districts to serve those who are unable to succeed in a typical classroom setting at our 23-acre Given Campus in Indian Hill. The program currently serves students from more than 10 districts and provides a learning environment where they excel in their studies while developing communication and functional living skills.

The Spring 2021 graduation ceremonies of John Best and Roderick Hollis Jr. were milestones in the progress the students have made in their education. The celebrations also marked the progress we have all made in emerging from the global pandemic.

Unable to be together in person last spring, Stepping Stones hosted drive-by graduations for 2020 graduates. To present students with their certificates of completion before an audience of their families, classmates and educators is a beloved tradition we are glad to continue.

We congratulate our Step Up 2021 graduates John Best and Roderick Hollis Jr. on their tremendous achievement. We also wish them continued success as they enter the exciting next chapter of adulthood!

Enjoy photos from our 2021 graduation ceremonies, below:

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Students with Autism Benefit from Weekly Martial Arts Classes

Every Thursday, calls of “Kiai” are heard on the grounds of our Given Campus in Indian Hill! The Japanese term echoing through the air is a joyful sound as students of the Step-Up Autism Alternative Education program have resumed in-person martial arts classes this fall.

With COVID-19 modifications in place, Master Strickland of Cincinnati Marital Arts Club leads middle and high school students in a series of exercises designed to develop agility, balance and coordination. “Never say I can’t — always say I’ll try,” Strickland enthusiastically calls out, encouraging students to build upon their martial arts skills in a new routine each week.

Like so many, Stepping Stones’ program structure changed in the wake of the pandemic this spring with students and teachers adjusting to an at-home learning model. The continuation of in-person classes and the pride on students’ faces as they master their martial arts technique are positive measures of progress.

“The classes with Master Strickland give students the opportunity to gain confidence while socializing with their peers,” shares Educational Services Director Megan Wingerberg. “They are also a wonderful way of introducing a new skill in a positive and inclusive environment.”

Step-Up was founded in 2004 as the region’s first alternative education program and currently serves students from 11 local school districts. The program’s martial arts instruction is financially assisted by generous support from the John Hauck Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, John W. Hauck and Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees.

Master Strickland has been a champion of Stepping Stones and a fantastic mentor to participants for a number of years. In addition to Step-Up, he also leads in-person martial arts classes for our Adult Day Services program.

Stepping Stones Students with Autism Benefit from Martial Arts Classes I Cincinnati

Educational Aide Amanda Meyer, Trent, Educational Aide Tyler Myers and Master Strickland of Cincinnati Martial Arts Club

Ceona and Educational Services Director Megan Wingerberg

Erick and Educational Aide Billie Bayless

Master Strickland of Cincinnati Martial Arts Club, Aiden and Educational Aide Travis Neltner

Stepping Stones’ Open Your Heart a Huge Success

Open Your Heart to Stepping Stones!

On Tuesday, February 4th, more than 250 guests attended the 12th annual, presented by Convalescent Hospital for Children, at Eddie Merlot’s fine restaurant in Montgomery. The elegant Valentine-inspired evening was chaired by Patti Zesch and netted more than $104,000 to support Stepping Stones’ programs for children and adults with disabilities.

The night began with a lively cocktail hour. Guests mingled over wine and hors d’oeuvres while perusing raffle prizes and pieces of artwork, made by participants of the Stepping Stones’ Adult Day program. To commemorate Open Your Heart event, participants from the adult day program designed and painted colorful ceramic bistro serving platters. Following the cocktail hour, guests transitioned into the dining room for a seated three-course dinner of surf, turf and Eddie Merlot’s signature red velvet cake for dessert.

During the dinner, Board of Trustees member Jim Shanahan & Executive Director Chris Adams led a brief program thanking sponsors, guests and volunteers for their continued support. Then, Jim Shanahan launched a spirited fundraising donation drive to support Stepping Stones’ life-strengthening programs. As a donation was made, donors created their centerpieces with colorful pink, purple and white balloons to add a slight competitive feel to the donation drive.

Stepping Stones extends heartfelt thanks to our dedicated 12th Anniversary Open Your Heart planning committee, generous sponsors, guests and raffle donors Scott Reising Jewelers, Montgomery Cyclery, The Kenwood Skyline/Drew & Chantilas Family and Perfect Solutions AV for truly making this special night such a great success.

To view photos from the event, view below!

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An Experience at Stepping Stones Summer Camp Casts a Ripple Effect – Impacting Countless Lives

**Casting a Ripple Effect at Stepping Stones**

For 19 year-old college sophomore Katie Perry, witnessing ‘moments of victory’ with Stepping Stones’ campers was the stone that cast a ripple effect – inspiring her to major in special education.

“I realized after getting to know these incredible campers on a one-on-one basis, watching them grow and growing with them, that this is what I want to do with my life,” Katie explains. “It is such an eye-opening experience to work with individuals with disabilities. It gives you deeper compassion, empathy and respect.”

Growing up in Norwood, Katie first joined Stepping Stones as a volunteer at the age of 13. Upon graduating from Roger Bacon High School, she joined our summer staff team. Today, she returns home from her special education studies at Bowling Green University on the weekends for Saturday Kids Club and will once again be at day camp this summer.

The Ripple Effect

Each year, 140 staff and more than 700 volunteers create memories and make a difference in the lives of 400 individuals at Stepping Stones’ Summer Day Camp. For nine weeks, campers find pathways to independence, express themselves, make friends and have fun in a safe, structured environment.

A summer camp experience at Stepping Stones launches a ripple effect that spreads throughout the community and lays the foundation for future career paths.

Like Katie, many Stepping Stones volunteers and camp staff are inspired to pursue a college education in related fields. It’s a life-changing experience that launches careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, medicine and nursing.

Bonding with Campers, Individually

At Stepping Stones, Katie was paired with Sebastien. Working together one-on-one, the two developed a bond in Summer Day Camp and Saturday Kids Club that has helped the 12-year-old boy with autism blossom throughout the years.

In watching Katie interact with his son, Sebastien’s father Marvin describes her as “heaven sent”.

“She got to know Sebastien so well,” said Marvin. “She knew that singing his favorite song would ease the transition between activities — something a typical summer camp does not offer.”

“The fact that counselors like Katie do this – lovingly, consciously and competently – speaks volumes about the organization.”

Step-Up Students Enjoy Visits from Therapy Dog

Students with Autism enjoy therapy dog visits at Stepping Stones I Cincinnati, Ohio

Jarrod C. meets Frye and Larry bennett

Every Monday, students of Stepping Stones’ Step-Up Autism Alternative Education program start the week with special guest visitors. Local fireman Larry Bennett and his American black lab Frye visit the program to spread joy and bond with participants.

Adopted from Cincinnati Lab Rescue and certified by Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati, two-year-old Frye brings positive energy to the classroom and shows affection in a way that only a dog can.

The Step-Up program helps students with severe autism who have struggled in a traditional classroom thrive. In a one-on-one setting, participants progress through their studies and develop tools to overcome challenging behaviors. A therapy dog brings a calming atmosphere to the classroom and helps students reduce anxiety, build self-esteem and engage in positive social interactions.

For loving owner and trainer Larry Bennett, witnessing the evolving relationship between Frye and the students of Step-Up has been remarkable.

“On our first visit,” said Bennett, “The students hung back and were pretty nervous. I would casually sit and talk to them about Frye. Now, they come right up to Frye and pet and hug him – and even receive kisses.”

Students with autism enjoy visits from therapy dog at Stepping Stones I Cincinnati, Ohio

Step-Up lead teacher Pam Schimweg, Dionas R., Frye and Larry Bennett bond.

Jeremiah C. pets Frye with Educational Aides Hayden Neugent and Alex Ely

Students with Autism Thrive at Stepping Stones this Summer

Stepping Stones’ Extended School-Year Program Allows Students with Autism to Thrive

While Stepping Stones’ Given Campus is home to our original summer day camp, it’s also home to 22 students with severe autism who are thriving in our extended school-year program.

These students are part of our Step-Up program, which launched in 2004 as the region’s first alternative education program for students with severe autism and challenging behaviors. While these students may struggle in a traditional classroom setting, at Stepping Stones they receive the personalized instruction and resources they need to succeed in their studies and build independence.

Classroom Activities with Summertime Perks

At the start of summer, Step-Up Students enjoy a week-long break before continuing their studies in the classroom. Through the summer, they maintain classroom knowledge while also enjoying seasonal activities such as boating, fishing and daily swim time at the pool. For their science lessons, they take advantage of great weather and explore wildlife at a nearby creek.

Transition is a challenge for individuals with severe autism and the extended school-year program allows students to continue to thrive in their classroom routine and maintain skills.

Building Strong Futures in the Classroom

Students with Autism Thrive in Stepping Stones' Extended School-Year Program I Stepping Stones Ohio

In addition to their traditional studies, students also build employment and independent living skills for strong futures outside the classroom. On community outings, they tour local businesses to explore job opportunities. They also gain experience sticking to a budget on shopping trips to Kroger and other retailers. Students work off of a visual shopping list to match and purchase items for future classroom activities.

“The goal is to help the students become more accustomed and acclimated to public settings and develop more and more responsibility with each trip,” said Intervention Specialist Christina Johns.

In the classroom, students work with their educational aides to complete sample job applications and develop resumes. They also participate in daily employment skill activities, such as correctly matching a dry cleaning receipt with listed clothing items.

Join Us in Supporting Strong Programs at Stepping Stones!

From summer camp and beyond, you can support strong programs at Stepping Stones by making a summer gift. Through your gift, you join us in igniting the spirit of sunshine and building strong, independent futures for peoples with disabilities.