Latham Centers

Special Education Aide Danny Anderson’s career has evolved from food services to human services, and those who know him at Latham Centers can’t imagine a better fit. Danny often expresses how much he loves working in Children’s Services, and the students and staff at Latham are grateful he found his way here.
“In 2015, I was working at a local restaurant and was approached with an offer to join the kitchen staff at a school in Brewster I hadn’t heard of. The more I heard about Latham, the more I wanted to work there; it sounded like a nice place to work,” Danny said.He applied for the cook position and was soon hired to join the kitchen team. Danny said that while working in the Latham School kitchen, he began to think about working more directly with the students. “I watched from the kitchen window as the school and residential staff helped the kids with exercise and recreation, taught manners, and nurtured students through difficult emotions. I realized that I was meant to be working directly with the kids.”
Danny sent a letter of intent to HR Representative Betty Gray requesting a transfer to an open position in direct support. “The next step in my Latham journey began,” he said. He was welcomed to the Children’s Residential Team in 2016, and in 2017, he joined the Children’s Education Team. “Working in Children’s Services has changed my life. The students teach me something every day. They make me smile every day. We have some very unique and wonderful children who attend Latham. They make it easy for me to put aside things in my own life and give them my full attention.”
Danny’s good nature and positivity gives everyone around him a lift. Day Supervisor Kristi Dolbec described him as a one-of-a-kind all-star staff. “It is clear that Danny’s priority is the overall well-being and development of each student,” Kristi said. “On any given day, you can walk across the campus and spot him engaging in fun activities with the students. Most of all, Danny brings creativity and joy to life at Latham!”

In a special announcement made during the Children’s Program Community Meeting yesterday, Residential Supervisor Patricia Hynes-Morris (Patti) was presented with the Latham Supervisor of the Quarter award. A short video was taken the moment after Latham President Anne McManus presented Patti with the award (below). After a rousing applause, Patti thanked students for making Latham such a rewarding place to work. “I have been at Latham now for 7 years…. It has been 7 of the best years of my life, and I thank you all for allowing me to work with you every day. I am really grateful.”
Her colleagues are equally appreciative of Patti. In the many staff nominations received, she was praised for her helpfulness, listening, problem-solving, great attitude, and so much more. Excerpts from just a few nominations reflect the impact she has had in our Children’s Services Program:
“Patti is an overwhelmingly POSITIVE individual who always seems to go above and beyond helping students as well as staff. She is always pleasant and is a great communicator!”
“Patti always has a smile on her face, no matter the situation. Her humor gets students and staff out of any funky mood/situation they might be in… She is always willing to help out!”
“Patti does so well training staff and giving them the confidence to be leaders… When I talk to Patti, I feel heard and respected.”
“Patti is a voice of reason, a wonderful on-call voice, and a supervisor who is respected by her peers, superiors, and direct supports. She always has a smile on her face, she advocates for her staff and students, and she is committed to the Latham mission. Latham is lucky to have her!”
Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Patti!

Lindsey Howard is the Nursing Services Manager in our Adult Services program and she loves her job. Read why in today's #StaffSpotlight:
“I have been with Latham for 4 years, and I wake up every day excited to go to work. I was out looking for career that would give me a reason as to why I became a nurse, and then I found Latham Centers. There are so many rewards working with the staff and residents here. Latham staff truly are compassionate and go above and beyond to support our residents’ needs. I am blessed to work with such a great team! I enjoy seeing my residents and developing healthy plans to support their unique medical needs. Our team approach truly benefits each individual’s health and wellness. Every year, Latham has a holiday party for all the residents, guardians, caregivers, and staff. I’m so touched with emotion by just watching how all our residents are smiling ear to ear, dressed up so nicely, and just give off this feeling of love for all the wonderful people around.”
Latham Centers is currently hiring nurses, and Lindsey has a message for job applicants: “Working as a nurse at Latham is a truly rewarding experience. If you enjoy working in the field of developmental disabilities, or would like to get some information about it, Latham Centers is a great organization to work for.” If you are interested in a career at Latham Centers, visit our website to view all of our available job openings

Several Latham School teachers were recently nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award given annually by the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (maaps). The award acknowledges superior teaching contributions to special needs children by a classroom teacher whose performance and achievement reflects the high principles of the profession and the Association. Many of our teachers were nominated for their excellence in teaching and supporting our students. Here is an excerpt from Latham educator Amie Gould’s award nomination:
“Amie Gould has been a member of our Latham community for many years. She has held a few positions on campus, and is currently the teacher in our Brewster Falls classroom. Amie is an amazing advocate and compassionate coworker. Amie is always advocating for her students’ needs and constantly thinking outside-the-box! She strives to ensure that her students feel safe, supported, and cared about. Amie listens to each of her students attentively, and respects their thoughts, opinions and ideas. She is exceptional at relationships with collaterals and family members, and represents Latham wonderfully at all meetings and outside opportunities.
Amie continues to be one of Latham’s most successful teachers. She is committed to teaching her curriculum and finding materials to use for every topic she teaches. Amie diversifies her curriculum to meet the needs of each student, which varies extensively in her classroom. She always strives to ensure that each student’s needs are met, and she has amazing relationships with each and every one of her students in her class. Students in other classes ask to be moved to her classroom due to the environment she instills in there — we are so thankful to have Amie on our team! She truly epitomizes this award.”
Congratulations, Amie, on your award nomination!

In today's #staffspotlight we thank and honor Monique Williams, the Health and Physical Education teacher at Latham School who was recently nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award given annually by the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (maaps). The award acknowledges superior teaching contributions to special needs children by a classroom teacher whose performance and achievement reflects the high principles of the profession and the Association. Monique has continuously been a leader amongst the educational shift in her variety of roles, including health teacher, gym teacher, Special Olympics coordinator, lifeguard, mentor, peer, coworker, and more. She has been influential in weight loss, muscle gain, and coordination for a variety of the students here at Latham. In addition to her IEP goals, Monique has done some exceptional work utilizing curriculum and pieces of equipment to lead meaningful and engaging lessons. She is a role model amongst her colleagues and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she is needed. She works well with others and is always volunteering to help wherever people need her. Monique epitomizes what it is to be a great coworker. Congratulations, Monique!