January 2025 News for our Legislators

Strengthening Our Care 

The CFS program continues to make meaningful progress toward its strategic goals, focusing on elevating care quality through strengthened clinical supervision, the use of iPads for improved ABA data collection, and streamlined administrative workflows to enhance client engagement. The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program provides 20-30 hours of weekly, intensive home-based services to children, 3-12 years of age, who live in Rhode Island and who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Typically, the ABA Program works with each child for a period of 2-3 years or until the child is able to transition to a less-intensive program.

ABA Treatment Team consists of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Lead Therapist, Treatment Coordinator, Direct Support Staff, and Licensed Therapist who work with the child and his or her family to develop an Individualized Treatment Plan where various behavioral and social goals are addressed. Children on the Autism spectrum who are presented with ABA services early in life are found to have increased language skills, a higher mental age, better adaptive behavior, and improved socialization skills.

To support staff development, mentorship and leadership training initiatives are underway. As part of this effort, in December, clinicians Mandy Moran and Rich Polacek will lead an in-service on effective communication aligned with our Strategic Plan.

Additionally, the ABA program is now serving a record 21 active clients-its highest census to date.

Fostering Relationships and Community 

Adult Day Health (ADH) at Seven Hills is a therapeutic, community-based program that supports adults with disabilities and older adults who require nursing oversight and assistance with daily living. Participants often face complex health or life transitions and benefit from structured support, meaningful engagement, and social connection. Through a variety of on-site and community-based activities, Seven Hills provides therapeutic, social, and recreational programming that promises independence, dignity, and overall well-being. 

ADH proudly partners with Mount Saint Charles Academy’s Christian Action Program, offering students the opportunity to engage in out-of-school service once per four-day cycle. Through this partnership, students build meaningful relationships with program participants while gaining firsthand experience in service, compassion, and community involvement. This collaboration not only enriches the lives of those served but also fosters care, happiness, and a wonderful community in Rhode Island. 

New Specialized Training at Seven Hills 

Early Intervention providers commonly recommend screening for young children, particularly when language development is delayed. The Seven Hills Early Intervention (EI) Program supports families with children from birth to age three who are at risk for, or currently experiencing, developmental delay. These delays may affect speech and language, physical development, and social skills. During this critical period of growth, Seven Hills EI professionals partner closely with families to provide individualized, family-centered supports in the environements where children learn best- at home and within their communities. 

Recently, an EI speech pathologist participated in specialized training to administer Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) screenings. This Advanced screening tool enables providers to obtain timely hearing results and more effectively guide families on appropriate next steps. The training is part of a pilot initiative led by the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the data collected will continue to inform and strengthen the work of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program. 

Congratulations, Dr. Marissa Ruff

The road to continuous professional development at Seven Hills Foundation continues with our college's Marissa Ruff, who received her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree.

Marissa defended her thesis, Leadership Email Influence on Organizational Culture and Retention in Rhode Island: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, on October 8. She is now Dr. Marissa Ruff, exemplifying the path of continuous learning she has instilled in our colleges in Rhode Island, which she manages.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement from everyone at Seven Hills!

“This accomplishment isn’t mine alone — we did this together. Every word written, every challenge faced, and every small victory along the way was powered by the love and strength of those around me. Here’s to new beginnings, continued learning, and using this experience to make a meaningful impact!” Dr. Ruff