A MONTH OF DISCOVERY AUGUST 2026

Dear Friends,

There’s always something new to discover at The Center! From exciting partnerships and well-deserved recognitions to new opportunities and memorable experiences, we’re excited to share some of the latest happenings across TCFD.

Thank you, as always, for being part of our community!

TCFD and Italian Partners Co-Host Conference on Autism

The Center for Discovery, in partnership with Italian Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli, recently hosted New Horizons for Inclusion and Well-being of Persons with Autism in New York City, bringing together Italian and American professionals to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to improving the lives of individuals with autism.

Building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed this February, the conference featured TCFD experts sharing their work across several areas. Chef Cesare Casella, Chief of DNA – Food and Farming, introduced a conversation with Dr. Kara Margolis on gut health and overall well-being; Jennifer Franck, Chief of the Department of Nourishment Arts – Nutrition, Health and Research, shared The Center’s precision nutrition model; Dr. Johanna Lantz, Chief of Psychology and Research, explored the connection between underlying health conditions and behavior; and Alyce Sherwood, Executive Chief of Residential and Adult Day Programs, discussed creating meaningful, accessible opportunities for work.

Jillian Forman, TCFD family member and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pawsability, also shared how her organization is creating pathways to meaningful employment for autistic and neurodivergent adults.

The day marked another meaningful step in a growing international partnership focused on greater inclusion, independence, opportunity, and quality of life for those with complex needs.

Congratulations to Our TCFD Team Members

There’s plenty to celebrate in the weeks ahead!

Dr. Theresa Hamlin, President & CEO, will be recognized with the Walter A. Rhulen Award by the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development honoring her leadership and contributions to our community.

At the upcoming CP State Annual Conference in October, three members of our TCFD community will also be recognized: Dr. Phil Wilken, Medical Director, will receive the 2026 Clinician of the Year Award, while Barbara Gardiner, Assistant Chief of Adult Residential, and Mary Mahon, Assistant Chief of Clinical Services – PT, will also be honored with awards recognizing their contributions and dedication.

We look forward to celebrating Terry, Dr. Wilken, Barbara, and Mary – and sharing more from these special recognitions soon!

Shop for a Cause with Burberry

Internationally acclaimed designer brand Burberry is partnering with The Center for Discovery for an exclusive shopping event! Join us on October 7^th from 6–9 PM at Burberry’s flagship store in SoHo for an evening of passed beverages and canapés while shopping the brand’s latest collection. Ten percent of all proceeds from the event will be donated to TCFD. Unable to attend in person? A virtual shopping option will also be available.

This special event is graciously hosted by PeiJu and Michael Dubilier. We are incredibly grateful for their support and shared belief that what happens here matters everywhere!

To attend the event, please RSVP to Anna McLeod at amcleod@tcfd.org.

A New Way to Play (Toy Foundation donation)

A New, Innovative Way to Play

Thanks to a generous donation from The Toy Foundation, children on our Rock Hill campus now have access to two Miracle Machines. These whimsical, sensory-engaging toys come with levers, pulleys, slides, and switches – all designed to help develop cognitive and fine motor skills while having fun!　　

Playground accessories such as these allow us to bring accessible, inclusive play experiences to the children we serve while also functioning as a STEM education tool that enriches their wondrous, growing minds.　

Thank you to The Toy Foundation for helping us provide another unique, developmental tool for the TCFD campus!

Cruising Through Summer at TCFD’s Car Rally!

Though we’re cruising through September, we’re still reminiscing about some of the exciting events that made August so special, including our annual car rally – thanks to the Glaser Family who always brings this memorable event to The Center.

Cars of all makes, models, and colors paraded through the TCFD campus, giving the individuals we serve the chance to see an incredible collection of modern, rare, and vintage cars in action.

We’re so grateful for the families who continue to create meaningful and joyful experiences for those we serve.

DSP WEEK: Celebrating Cindy Boothe & Our Direct Support Professionals

Cindy Booth and DSP Week

It was a special week celebrating our Direct Support Professionals during DSP Week at The Center!

From surprise fanny packs to video messages from our leadership, families, and the people we serve, we’ve loved celebrating the incredible dedication and contributions of our Direct Support Professionals.

The celebration continued at the Sullivan County Legislature meeting, where Cindy Boothe, Senior Residential Associate and a beloved member of our TCFD team for more than 40 years, was recognized for her extraordinary compassion, dedication, and service to the field of direct care.

Dr. Terry Hamlin, President & CEO, spoke about Cindy’s lasting impact, sharing, “The kindness that you want to see in a person – that is Cindy.” Terry described Cindy as a true life-changer who has touched countless individuals, families, and staff throughout her remarkable career.

The Legislature also officially proclaimed September 13–19, 2026, as Direct Support Professionals Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions of DSPs throughout Sullivan County.

Congratulations, Cindy, on this incredibly well-deserved honor – and thank you to all of our DSPs for everything you do, this week and every week!

Want to see more from DSP Week? Watch all of our appreciation videos here.

Blue Skies & New Adventures Aboard the Impossible Dream

Blue skies, open water, and another unforgettable day aboard the Impossible Dream! Four residents recently set sail on the Hudson River aboard the Impossible Dream, a fully accessible catamaran designed to make the joy and freedom of sailing possible for everyone. With support from our clinical, Day Hab, and Recreation teams, the group spent the day taking in the views and feeling the breeze while out on the water. And somehow, we always seem to get blue skies for this incredible day!

We’re so grateful for experiences like these – and for the teams who work together to make meaningful adventures possible for the people we serve. Until next time, Impossible Dream!