Clinical director of children's autism center next in breakfast series

Contact: Alyssa Gapske
Photo of Jeana Koerber.

Koerber

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The clinical director of a state-of-the-art center for children with autism and developmental disabilities will be the next presenter in the Mercantile Bank of Michigan Breakfast Speaker Series hosted by the Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business.

Jeana Koerber, clinical director at the Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research, a Residential Opportunities Inc. program, will discuss "Enabling Children to Reach Their Full Potential Through Evidence-Based Practice" at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in 2150 Schneider Hall.

The event is free and open to the public and begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (269) 387-6059 or at wmich.edu/business/mercantile-rsvp. Free parking is available.

About the center

Launched in 2012 as a part of Residential Opportunities Inc., the Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research provides intensive treatment and outpatient services for children with autism or developmental disabilities. The center is a collaboration between the professional staff at Residential Opportunities Inc. and WMU's Department of Psychology.
 
The center uses evidence-based applied behavior analysis treatments to help children from the age of diagnosis to 18 reach their full potential. The Heersma Clinic for outpatient services within the center offers applied analysis therapy and focuses on developing skills needed to be successful in school, at home and in the community. Children receiving treatment through the intensive program typically stay at the center for six to 18 months to reduce challenging behavior, learn about social behaviors and improve communication skills.

Residential Opportunities Inc.

Since 1978 Residential Opportunities Inc. has provided residential and support services in southwest Michigan for individuals with developmental and other disabilities. The organization offers a unique person- and family-centered philosophy that creates a strong connection with the community for the individuals it serves.

An accredited health and human services non-profit organization, Residential Opportunities Inc. employs more than 400 staff and serves more than 400 adults and children with disabilities through the operation of residential group homes as well as programs in supported living, low-income housing and payee services. Residential Opportunities Inc. supports children and adults with disabilities along with their families, so they may enjoy community and home, as well as pursue health and independence.

Other upcoming speakers

  • March 27: Dr. Ed Mayo, WMU professor emeritus, and John Weitzel, WMU master faculty specialist, both of marketing, "Branding and the Baseball Fan Experience."
  • April 24: Mike Speiza, executive director, Gilmore Car Museum.

About the Series

The Mercantile Bank of Michigan Breakfast Speaker Series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and WMU faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current topics of interest.

For more information or to register, contact the Haworth College of Business at (269) 387-6059 or at wmich.edu/business/mercantile-rsvp.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.