Acknowledging our Founder

Letter to the Editor, June 17, 2010:

At the end of this month, Dr. Barbara Frankel’s tenure on the Birchtree Center’s Board of Directors will end. It is with utmost respect and admiration that the Birchtree’s Board wishes to thank Dr. Frankel for her outstanding service and leadership, knowing that the Birchtree Center only exists because of her vision, passion and dedication to our mission.

Over ten years ago, Dr. Frankel recognized the need for a specialized center in the community for children with autism and their families. Dr. Frankel understood the importance of “best practice” for children with autism and was an early advocate of the use of Applied Behavior Analysis. Not only did Dr. Frankel provide an amazing educational and socially enriching environment for children diagnosed with autism, but she also provided support and guidance for our families, knowing that the family system was a critical piece to the healthy development of their children.

On behalf of the Birchtree Board of Directors, we thank Dr. Frankel for her dedication to the Birchtree students, families and staff. Without her passion, wisdom and guidance, the Birchtree Center would not be providing services to children and families throughout New England. We applaud Dr. Frankel for her years of service and we know that her vision will live in perpetuity!

Respectfully submitted by the Birchtree Board of Directors.

Tracey Tucker, MA

Secretary, Board of Directors

The Birchtree Center

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Board of Directors

The Birchtree Center

Glicka Kaplan,

President

Albert P. Stowe,

CPA, PLLC, Treasurer

Tracey Tucker,

MA, LCMHC, Secretary

Bruce Dicker,

FAIA, LEED AP

Gregory Majewski, Esquire

Carol McClard

Christine Guarino, PhD, CCC-SLP

Executive Director & Special Education Director