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Come on over to Royal Oak!

Special Tree opens new state-of-the-art residence for children and teens with brain injuries


From the hip décor to spacious recreational rooms equipped with the latest in media entertainment, Special Tree’s new Royal Oak residence has a look and feel that’s anything but ordinary. Located within the Royal Oak School District, the six-bedroom home also features college-style suites with private rooms for every resident.

But what makes Special Tree’s first-ever pediatric residence for children and teens with brain injuries truly unique is less visible. It’s their innovative kid-friendly approach to recovery. It’s one that makes learning fun, challenges exciting, and success achievable at school, in the community, and with friends and family and -- it’s at the heart of this exciting new residential program.

“The program is truly cutting-edge, especially in its clinical and behavioral approach,” said Peggy Allen Bock, Children’s Services Director. According to Bock, the residential program was carefully designed by an “A” team of rehabilitation and pediatric experts to meet the specific needs of residents in a warm and inviting home setting. Special Tree’s Behavioral Sciences Director Russell Reeves worked with outside behavior experts at the University of Michigan to develop a new behavior model that emphasizes skill acquisition and self-management called the “Momentum Program.” The residential program also incorporates Special Tree’s person-centered, choice-driven treatment model to provide a customized plan to help each resident achieve their individual academic, vocational, therapeutic, and behavioral goals. Special Tree offers this program within the framework of their complete rehabilitation system with individualized therapy and numerous support services available as needed including academic tutoring, transitional educational services, and work readiness training.

Bock adds that even the job titles for on-site staff reflect the program’s unique therapeutic approach. The on-site Case Manager is officially the “Dean of Residents” and support staff are called “Resident Counselors.” “We felt residents would be more empowered with a mentor model versus a care-giver model.“ In addition, staff receive extensive training in both neurodevelopment and behavior and are on-site to provide 24-hour supervision and support.

“With the new residential program in place, Special Tree can now transition kids through every phase of recovery,” she said.






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