September 2022
Agency wide events involving all staff are part of the rhythm here at TFS. While birthday celebrations of individuals we serve are ongoing throughout the year, there are other events both perennial and specially occurring. The “Haunted Hallway” has become a regular Halloween event and is returning this year. It will occur on Monday, October 24th from 1 – 3 PM at the Smyrna Office. It is hard to remember when this became de rigueur at TFS but it certainly has staying power. The creativity of our admin staff is incredible to behold with new “horrors” being added each year. The staff from the homes and our clients certainly love the occasion. The admin staff enjoy watching others appreciate their handiwork. TFS is also preparing for a return to Gatlinburg again this year with everyone. I believe this is the 5th time we have stayed at the huge “Cabin” in Pigeon Forge that sleeps “56”. The cabin includes a theater, an arcade in the basement of the 3 story structure and 2 decks with hot tubs. An in ground swimming pool in a separate heated enclosure. TFS will travel in 3 waves in order to allow everyone to be there a few days at the cabin. The hardy admin staff volunteer for kitchen and other duties to enable house staff and clients to spend their time in Gatlinburg or wherever their sense of adventure takes them. Family often come along to assist with duties. Volunteers anyone? This year the stay at the “Cabin” will run from the 13th to the 22nd of November. Best wishes for a beautiful Fall season.
Ralph
Meet your TFS Staff: Quintin Perkins
Quintin came to TFS in 2012. He began as a DST in ICF3 and from there worked in various homes and programs. In 2015 he was promoted to a Teaching-Family Model (TFM) Consultant position for the Murfreesboro/Smyrna hub. He has since been promoted to Associate Director of the Teaching-Family Model for our Supported Living homes.
Quintin is married to Erica and they have 3 children: Ci'Nya, Trinity and Micah. His kids would say he reads the Bible for fun. Other activities he enjoys in his downtime are: gardening, eating out with his wife (they are self-proclaimed rookie foodies), watching cooking shows and attempting to replicate meals, and watching random documentaries.
He shares his favorite things about working for TFS have changed over the years. He is currently grateful for the TFM Department. The team is a wonderful support system both personally and professionally.
Quintin believes one of the things that sets the Teaching-Family Model apart is its difference from other behavioral programs because it is truly person-centered. The program allows those who use it to mold procedures around specific programs while clinging to ethical and foundational principles. The Teaching-Family Association has been a great support system through ongoing training and person-centered feedback loops.
One of the joys of working with the ID/DD population is witnessing long-term growth and learning. The self-awareness and independence exhibited by folks that many think aren't capable brings a sort-of disobedience to the status quo.
Pumpkin Spice is all-American. It was first referenced in 'American Cookery' published in 1796. In an era when America began establishing its identity, this cookbook helped define the early days of American cuisine.
Pumpkin spice is a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It has been used to season pumpkin pie since 1890.
Pumpkin spice was synthesized by Starbucks in 2003. It has its own Twitter handle, makes the company hundreds of millions of dollars each fall, and includes no actual pumpkin.
Pumpkin spiced hotdogs are a thing, and it's officially gone too far.
For more interesting fun facts and some not so fun facts about pumpkin spice visit: https://interestingfactsworld.com/pumpkin-spice-facts.html
Looking for an easy, delicious, all-in-one meal?
The year has been full so far at TFS. We've celebrated, vacationed, fund-raised, and still have more fun to pack in for 2022! As we finish off the year, we pause to reflect. We hope you take a moment to do so as well.
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." Anne Lamott
Alisha Lea - Hub Nurse, Andrew Howard - TFM Associate Director ICF/Event Management Coordinator, Basiru Konta - Family Teacher/Staffing Coordinator, Brad Bellew - Maintenance, Brittany Johnson - Director of Programs/QA, Cassi Carpenter - Assistant Office Manager, Chandra Michon - TFM Consultant, Dan McLaughlin - Maintenance, Daniel Bellew - Maintenance, Elaine Palmer - RN Trainer, Jackie Scarlett - Service Coordinator, Jessica Brown - Hub Nurse, Joyce Gilton - Family Teacher/Staffing Coordinator, Julia Hall - Auditor, Kesley Shrum - HR Assistant, Lexi McLaughlin - Family Teacher/Staffing/Medical Coordinator, Lindsey Wisniewski - Hub Nurse, Lori Mills - Auditor, Mercedes Taylor - Administrative Assistant, Michele Callahan - Office Manager, Naomi Suddarth - Human Resources Director, Quintin Perkins - TFM Associate Director SL, Ralph Kennedy - CEO, Rita Tate- QA Auditor, Sarah Napper - DON, Shelly Hall- Executive Director, Tameria Dale - QIDP, Tracy Kennedy - Admin. Assistant, Tracy Parker - Lead Staffing Coordinator
Credits:
Created with images by xiaoliangge - " Miniature succulent plants in garden" • shaiith - "Brown and wonderful forest in the autumn in Poland" • Alesia Berlezova - "pumpkin halloween decoration Hallowe'en Hallowe'en, meal on the table tasty serving size portion top view copy space for text food background rustic" • fahrwasser - "Pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting" • fahrwasser - "Pumpkin spice latte" • George Dolgikh - "Pumpkin spice latte in a paper cup" • Kalim - "Adult woman eating pumpkin soup in the kitchen" • MelissaMN - "Giant orange pumpkins in a pumpkin patch, ready for harvesting. Instagram style filter applied" • alswart - "Mental Asylum Haunted" • rutchapong - "We are hiring text on sticky notes and blank notebook,glasses,airplane model,flower," • Lev Karavanov - "Aerial view of a rural road. The road passes by agricultural fields and through the forest."