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Author: Andrew Kistner

January 2023 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

New Year, New Title, Same Care

The new year has brought us the official launch of our new company name- The Oxford Center! Previously, the word “recovery” in our name has been commonly misunderstood to mean recovery from various addictions, rather than the neurological and wellness focus our company has held from the beginning. This misunderstanding has made it difficult for patients who need our care to find us.

Our new title of “The Oxford Center” allows us to proudly welcome new and old patients without any misunderstanding of the services offered here, as well as a base name to add services to (I.e., The Village of TOC, ABA at The Oxford Center, Physical Therapy at The Oxford Center, etc.).

We can now be found as “The Oxford Center” on all platforms, including our website, social media, email addresses, Google, other Internet listings, and more. Our website will now use the URL www.TheOxfordCenter.com and emails will use the name @TheOxfordCenter.com. Anything directed to our old name will be redirected to our updated information. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 248-486-3636.

13th Annual “Be The Change” Gala

We are excited to share that The Oxford Center will be hosting the 13th annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction for the Oxford Kids Foundation on April 22nd. This event is a longstanding and beloved tradition in raising funds to support children with disabilities, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries. The Oxford Kids Foundation helps provide access to therapies and medical care that are not covered by insurance. The Foundation enables these children to receive the therapies they so desperately need but cannot afford.

Tickets for the Gala are available for purchase now. Tickets will feature fine dining, access to our silent/live auction, and drinks will be available. For more information on the Gala and how to purchase tickets, please click here..  

If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the “Be the Change” gala event, please click here. for more information, or contact andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org to look over a sponsorship packet. The Oxford Kids Foundation is also accepting donations of any unique quality to be included in the Gala’s silent/live auction. If you would like to make any item donations to the Gala auction, please contact Andrew Kistner at andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org.  

We can’t wait to be a part of the change with you! 

More Gala Information
Compass Logo

COMPASS Program

We are excited for our COMPASS program to start (1/16)! Our COMPASS program is targeted towards teens and adults diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders. In this program, we help these individuals learn the skills needed to move on to the next stage of their life whether that be going to and succeeding in higher education, living independently, obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment, and more.  

Clients and Caregivers will be assessed so we can develop a personalized plan and curriculum that will afford clients the skills needed to be successful and reach their goals. We care about all our clients and are committed to doing everything we can to ensure their success, both during and after the program ends.  

The program will run for approximately 6 months, 5 days per week, for 3 hours per day. If you would like to learn more about the program or ask about enrollment, please feel free to contact us at 248-486-3636. 

Learn More

The Village of TOC, with its Coffeehouse, Cafe, and Smoothie Shop, is open to the Public!

Our café is looking for more volunteers to be a part of our growing community. The café is open to the public from 8 am to 5 pm and includes a coffee shop, smoothie shop, and a soup/salad/sandwich shop. Chef Joe has worked hard to put together delicious options at all our shops and is starting to feature a weekly special! Some specials so far have been tacos and nachos, reuben sandwiches, and margarita pizza! In addition to new weekly specials, Chef Joe has just announced that we will be featuring Taco Tuesday every week that will include tacos and/or nachos and queso! Join our fiesta! 

We are currently working on a new website to feature everything The Village of TOC has to offer, so stay tuned for updates! In the meantime, if you have any questions about the delicious options from our café, please contact us at 248-486-3636. 

Sensory Friendly Santa Event

Our sensory friendly Santa event was a big success in December! Santa and Mrs. Clause visited our Brighton and Troy locations for a few days while he was very busy preparing for Christmas! Our kids loved being able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause in a safe and sensory friendly environment! Everyone that visited received a digital photo with Santa and Mrs. Clause that could be printed wherever they like.  

Everyone here at The Oxford Center was so happy with how this event turned out that we have invited Santa and Mrs. Clause to come back and visit with us next year as well! Next December, be on the lookout for flying reindeer to know when Santa is on his way back to us!  

2023 Wrapped Videos

Our kids at The Oxford Center work so hard all year to learn and grow. We always want to make sure we are sharing this growth with parents, so every year we make and send a “wrapped” video of the kid(s) to their parents. We love this tradition of putting together each kids growth and can’t wait to share how far your child has come with us this past year.  

Videos of your child are being sent out now, so keep a lookout for the link in your email! In the meantime, take a look at Ansh’s adorable video! If you have any questions or do not receive your video, please contact your BCBA.  

A healthy gut begins with the food you eat.

“Gut Health: Where Your Healthy Body Starts”  

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Nutrition.

A healthy body starts in the gut. This statement may seem simple, but it holds a lot of truth. The gut, also known as the digestive system, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Your gut could just be the key to improving your health, body, and life.  

What is Gut Health?  

Gut health refers to the overall health and well-being of the digestive system, which includes the stomach and intestines. A healthy gut is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination of waste. It also plays a crucial role in the immune system, mental health, and overall health and well-being.  

The gut is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. When the gut is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and even chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. 

How Does Gut Health Affect Your Body?  

Gut health plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of the body. Here are a few ways gut health can affect the body: 

  1. Digestion and nutrient absorption: The gut is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. A healthy gut ensures that the body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly.
  1. Immune system: The gut is home to a large portion of the immune system. A healthy gut microbiome helps to protect the body from harmful pathogens and infections.  
  1. Mental health: The gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis. A healthy gut can promote positive mental health and reduce the risk of conditions such as anxiety and depression.
  1. Chronic disease prevention: A healthy gut can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
  1. Weight management: A healthy gut can help to regulate appetite and metabolism, which can aid in weight management.
  1. Allergies and intolerances: A healthy gut can help to reduce the risk of developing food allergies and intolerances.
  1. Physical fitness: A healthy gut can help to improve physical fitness by providing the body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.

Overall, maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall health and well-being. An unhealthy gut can lead to a wide range of issues, from minor discomfort to serious health problems. It is important to take care of your gut by eating a balanced diet, consuming probiotics, staying hydrated, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and avoiding foods and chemicals that can disrupt the gut microbiome. 

Signs You Have an Unhealthy Gut 

An unhealthy gut can affect someone in many ways, and it is often a problem that people do not recognize. There are several signs that may indicate an unhealthy gut: 

  1. Digestive issues: Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas are all common symptoms of an unhealthy gut. 
  1. Food sensitivities: If you experience symptoms such as headaches, skin rashes, or fatigue after eating certain foods, it may be a sign of an unhealthy gut. 
  1. Nutrient deficiencies: A healthy gut is essential for nutrient absorption, if you have an unhealthy gut, you may be at risk of developing nutrient deficiencies. 
  1. Skin problems: Skin issues such as eczema, acne, and rosacea can be linked to an unhealthy gut. 
  1. Fatigue: Chronic fatigue can be a sign of an unhealthy gut. 
  1. Mood disorders: An unhealthy gut can disrupt the gut-brain axis and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. 
  1. Autoimmune conditions: An unhealthy gut can lead to the development of autoimmune conditions. 
  1. Weight fluctuations: An unhealthy gut can affect metabolism and appetite leading to weight gain or weight loss. 

It is important to note that some of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They can help to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

It is also important to remember that everyone’s gut is different, and some people may have no noticeable symptoms even though they have an unhealthy gut. Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are recommended to ensure good gut health. 

How to Boost Your Gut Health  

To maintain a healthy gut, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These foods are high in fiber, which helps to promote regular bowel movements and keep the gut clean. In addition, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 

Probiotics, found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, can also help to promote a healthy gut. These beneficial bacteria help to balance the gut microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in the gut. 

Another important aspect of maintaining a healthy gut is reducing stress. Stress can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to inflammation, which can contribute to a variety of health issues. 

Exercise is also important for a healthy gut. Physical activity helps to stimulate the muscles in the digestive tract, which can help to promote regular bowel movements. 

Remember- everyone’s gut is different and may require different strategies to promote optimal health. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your gut health. 

Boosting Your Gut Health Through Bone Broth 

Bone broth is proven to be a simple and nutrient packed way for people to introduce health-wise choices into their diet. Homemade bone broth is a good way to boost your gut health because it is rich in collagen, which helps to heal and seal the gut lining, and contains minerals and amino acids that support gut health. 

Bone broth is great for boosting your gut health!

Ingredients: 

  • 2-3 lbs of beef, chicken or fish bones 
  • 2 carrots, chopped 
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped 
  • 1 onion, chopped 
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced 
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns 
  • 2 bay leaves 
  • Salt to taste 
  • Water 

Instructions: 

  1. Place the bones in a large pot or slow cooker. 
  1. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, apple cider vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves and salt. 
  1. Fill the pot with water, making sure that the ingredients are fully submerged. 
  1. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 24 hours for beef bones, 12 hours for chicken bones and 4-6 hours for fish bones. 
  1. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface. 
  1. Once done, strain the broth and discard the bones and vegetables. 
  1. Let it cool and transfer to containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer. 

You can use this broth in soups, stews, to make a savory sauce, or drink it plain as a gut-healing tonic. Bone broth is also a great source of nutrition for people with gut issues because it is easy to digest, and the minerals and amino acids are in a form that is easy for the body to absorb. 

You can also add other ingredients like ginger, turmeric, or cumin to add more flavor and health benefits to the broth. 

Nutritional Services at The Oxford Center 

Nicole Cunningham, the FNTP and RWP at The Oxford Center, is ready to help guide clients to improve their gut health.

The Oxford Center offers highly customizable and personalized nutritional services to help you on your way to wellness. Nicole Cunningham, our Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), offers both group and individual nutrition classes to help clients understand food and your body. General Intestine (GI) testing is available, and Nicole can work with you to discuss the results and what is going on in your own gut. Using the results of your test, Nicole will help you to develop a plan to bring your gut back into balance and improve your health. Improving your life can be as simple as starting your journey with Nicole today.  

Your healthy body could start in your gut. Maintaining a healthy gut requires a balanced diet, staying hydrated, consuming probiotics, reducing stress, and regular exercise. By taking care of your gut, you can improve your overall health and well-being. For more information on our nutritional services and GI testing, call us at 248-486-3636 or visit our Nutritional Services Webpage https://theoxfordcenter.com/therapies/naturopathic-services/. 

Contact Us
Natural Environment Teaching

“The Importance of Natural Environment Teaching in Applied Behavior Analysis”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Autism/ABA Therapy, Blog Posts, Informational.

“Enhancing Generalization and Individualized Instruction
for Individuals with Autism”

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely recognized and evidence-based approach to treating individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. An important strategy in ABA is natural environment teaching (NET). NET involves teaching new skills and behaviors in a real-life simulated environment. This approach allows individuals to learn new skills in a more natural way so that skills can more easily translate to real-life situations.

Why is Natural Environment Teaching important in ABA?  

ABA typically focuses on teaching new skills and behaviors in a therapeutic setting. Individuals with autism often have trouble imagining real life scenarios when learning new skills. For example, they might have trouble learning to look both ways before crossing a street without being on an actual street. NET addresses this issue by teaching new skills and behaviors in the environments where they will be used most. This allows individuals to learn skills in a more meaningful and relevant way and increases the chances that they will use skills consistently and correctly in real-life situations. 

What are the benefits? 

  • NET allows individuals to apply skills across different environments and situations. By learning in a natural environment, individuals are more likely to encounter a wide variety of circumstances. These circumstances can help prepare them and provide the adaptability needed for success in the real world. 
  • NET also allows for more individualized instruction. Individuals with autism and developmental disorders are all unique, so they have unique needs and abilities. NET allows therapists to tailor instruction to the individual’s specific needs, interests, and abilities. For example, if individuals with autism are interested in playing sports, the therapist can use that interest to teach new skills and behaviors in a natural setting, such as at a local park or community sports league. 
  • Additionally, NET allows individuals to be active participants in their own learning process. By teaching skills in a natural setting, it promotes active engagement and helps the individual feel more invested in the process. This ultimately leads to greater motivation, greater understanding, and more meaningful changes in behavior. 

Natural Environment Teaching At The Oxford Center 

The Oxford Center offers The Village of TOC, the only facility of its kind in the US. This is the best location in the country for natural environment teaching. The Village features indoor sidewalks, streetlights, crosswalks, grass, park benches, and roads. Twelve fully functioning retail stores, including a dentist office, hair salon, coffee shop, grocery store, and more, surround our park setting.  

Our features at The Village of TOC allow individuals to learn in a safe and controlled natural environment. Our ABA program uses NET to teach real-life skills while in a simulated real-life environment. We reward with play to improve social skills all while working to ensure goals. In our park setting, children are able to ride bikes and scooters around the indoor roads to boost engagement. To learn more about the ABA services program offered at The Oxford Center, visit us here https://theoxfordcenter.com/therapies/aba-autism-services/.

Teaching in a natural environment
Teaching in a natural environment
Teaching in a natural environment
Teaching in a natural environment

Summary  

In conclusion, natural environment teaching is an essential component of ABA because it allows individuals with autism and other developmental disorders to learn new skills and behaviors in a natural and functional way. By teaching new skills in natural environments, individuals are more likely to retain these skills and apply them in real-life scenarios. This approach proves to be more effective and efficient than traditional, structured teaching methods. The Village of TOC is the best location in the country for NET, offering an unparalleled learning experience for your child.  

Contact our team at The Oxford Center today to discuss the learning possibilities available through our ABA and NET programs. Call us at 248-486-3636 to schedule a no-fee discovery session.

The Oxford Center

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, Events, News.

Oxford Recovery Center is Updating Our Name to “The Oxford Center” 

With our 35,000 square foot village and autism program expansion, we are thankful that we can serve more members in our community than ever before. We are excited to announce that we will be offering new innovative programs and therapies, published research, and support in the coming months. 

With this, we are extremely excited to announce a new name, The Oxford Center. Since we first used the name “Oxford Recovery Center”, the term “recovery” has often been associated with drug and alcohol programs versus the neurological focus our company has had since the beginning. In turn, search engines, social media platforms, and overall community awareness have classified us incorrectly and made it challenging to ensure those who need our care can find us.  

Also, with The Village open to the community, there is a community misconception of what we do at The Oxford Center. The new name, “The Oxford Center”, allows us to have a base name and then add the services to it, i.e., ABA at The Oxford Center, Physical Therapy at The Oxford Center, etc. 

After the first of the year, we will be known as The Oxford Center on all platforms. This includes all social media, email addresses, website, Google, other internet listings, and more. Email accounts and websites will use the URL: www.TheOxfordCenter.com and emails as name: @TheOxfordCenter.com. 

Do not be concerned if you forget the updated name, email, or website as everything will automatically be redirected to the latest information. Please feel free to call us at 248-486-3636 if you have any questions. 

November 2022 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Sensory Friendly Santa Event

Oxford Recovery Center is hosting 3 days of Sensory Friendly Santa! We will have Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Brighton location on Monday and Tuesday, December 12th & 13th, then at our Troy location on Wednesday, December 14th. Everyone will receive a digital photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus where they can have printed wherever they like. Santa visits will be by appointment only and we’ve made it very easy to register at the link below.

Register Here

Happy Thanksgiving from Oxford Recovery Center

We hope that everyone enjoys a wonderful time with their friends and family this Thanksgiving. Every year we go around to as many staff members as we can find and ask them one thing they are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Watch the video of all the wonderful responses.

Autism & Law Enforcement Workshop

Autism & Law Enforcement Workshop

Although law enforcement is tasked with keeping the public safe, interactions between first responders and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other psychiatric conditions can be contentious, and in some cases, deadly. To address this challenge, Oxford Recovery Center presents: An Autism Recognition and Response Workshop presented by our CEO and Founder, Dr. Tami Peterson, and Officer Edward Blackburn, head of security at ORC. We have invited all local law enforcement agencies to the workshop. If you are interested in attending, please register at the link below.

Register Here

Treating Post COVID-19 Long Hauler Syndrome

Are you still struggling with COVID symptoms even though you’ve recovered from virus? COVID-19 can cause long lasting symptoms such as loss of taste and smell, brain fog, headaches, memory problems, fatigue, and more. Research shows that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a very safe and effective treatment to alleviate these lingering symptoms to help you get your life back. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation, saturate plasma with oxygen, and increase stem cell circulation which enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. Oxford Recovery Center has had tremendous success in treating post COVID and COVID Long Hauler Syndrome. Whether you have recently had COVID or if you had it in the past, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you in your COVID recovery. 

Learn More

Meeting and Event Room Rentals

Oxford Recovery Center has several meeting and event spaces available to rent. Whether you are in need of a small conference room for a board meeting or a large gathering space for a family reunion, The Village of ORC has a space that can accommodate.

– Our full conference room accommodates up to 100 people or can be divided into three rooms to hold simultaneous conferences.

– Hybrid Meetings – host your in-person meeting with remote access through video conferencing applications on our four large scale monitors.

– Sound System – ceiling microphones and speakers throughout the room ensures that everyone has clear audible access.

– Video Recording – we can record and edit your meeting and upload it directly to you.

– Customizable Setup – hold your meeting in a conference room setup, U-shape setup, roundtable setup, or many other options.

– On-Site Catering – our professional chefs can cater your event in our attached lunchroom.

For more information or to schedule an event, call 248-486-3636 or email lynn@oxfordrecoverycenter.com

Trailer

September 2022 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Order Your Lunch from The Village Cafe at The Oxford Center!

Order your lunch or dinner from The Village Cafe! Make sure you have a healthy meal even when you’re busy at work or out running errands. We have a fantastic selection of gluten-free sandwiches and pizzas as well as delicious soups and salads. You can take your lunch to-go, or relax in one of our seating areas and enjoy the wi-fi while you eat. For a quick and healthy fall dinner, grab one of our take and bake pizzas and a salad for the family. Feel free to park in the circle drive for your quick order pick up.

All proceeds from The Village of The Oxford Center shops go to The Oxford Kids Foundation. The Oxford Kids Foundation helps pay for life changing therapies not covered by insurance. An act as simple as ordering your lunch can help a child in need!

Check out our MENU HERE.

ORDER ONLINE HERE

Colossians 3:23 Coffee House & The Village Cafe are Giving Back to Our Local First Responders

Colossians 3:23 Coffee House and The Village Cafe will be providing a free meal to our local fire and police departments. On Tuesday, September 13th from 7:30am – 3pm we will be welcoming the Green Oak Police Department for a free coffee and breakfast or lunch item of their choice. On Tuesday, September 20th we will be welcoming the Green Oak Fire Department.

At The Village of The Oxford Center, we are always striving to create great relationships within our community and to showcase our love for serving others. As the year progresses we hope to be able to continue providing a small thank you to other organizations that do so much for all of us.

Claudia’s Story

The Hix family came to The Oxford Center after Claudia Hix suffered her second stroke. Claudia’s treatment plan included Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapies. Claudia made amazing progress treating at The Oxford Center. Watch this full testimonial video to hear Claudia’s story and the progress she made.

Find out more about our stroke treatment program

Play Is Important For Adults Too!

We frequently discuss how important play is to children, but did you know that it is important for adults too? Adults who have forgotten how to play can end up experiencing adult play deprivation. Adult play deprivation can affect the ability to handle stressful situations, stay open-minded, and adapt to change. We see this so much in today’s world. While play can look quite a bit different for adults than it does for children, it is no less beneficial. It can help us in our personal lives, work lives, and general well-being. 

According to Dr. Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, adult play can include art, books, movies, music, comedy, and daydreaming. During adult play, we forget about the stress and commitments that may be weighing us down. It is a pleasurable, fun experience that can include an activity or can just be a state of mind. Adult play is anything that we want to do in our free time, the things that make us happiest or calms our minds. 

Playing together with our loved ones is one of the best things that we can do to bring feelings of closeness into our relationships. It can help to keep things fresh and exciting. Playing together can create a sense of trust and security. The intimate interactions that happen during play can help to resolve hurt feelings and resentments. We can bring more play into our relationships by doing an activity that we enjoy together, or by simply trying to add a little more humor into our interactions. 

Play in the workplace can sometimes be frowned upon today, but it could be a key to our workplace success. Children learn many of the basics about teamwork and social interaction during play. The same thing holds true for adults. A workplace that encourages fun and playfulness will foster employees that are more imaginative, better problem solvers, and more empathetic toward each other. Coworkers who enjoy spending time together will also be more likely to work together as a successful team. 

Play can also be good for our mental health. When we participate in play, our bodies produce “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins can help reduce stress and depression. Challenging our brains through play by playing board games or working on a puzzle can help to improve our cognitive function and memory. Playing can even help us to learn new skills. Learning has been proven to be easier when it is fun. 

For some of us, it has been so long since we have done anything that felt like play that it can be hard to remember what that looks like for us. It can be helpful to remember that play will look different for everyone. We can think of the last time we felt genuinely happy or at peace. What were we doing when we felt that way? If we can identify some of those activities that have made us happy in the past, we can work toward making them part of our life again. 

Play is so important, no matter our age. Incorporating play into our lives is an easy and fun way to better our personal relationships, our workplace success, and our mental health. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

– Alicia Hisey, DPT

Click Here To learn more about our Physical Therapy Program

Call 248-486-3636 to set up a discovery session

July 2022 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Concerned Your Child With Autism Isn’t Ready For School?

Are you a mom or dad struggling with the thought of putting your child with autism into school? Feeling that they just might not be ready for school? ABA Academy, our insurance covered ABA based program lead by certified BCBA’s may be right for you.  We help your child gain the necessary skills and behaviors they need to be successful in school, whenever that time may be. This program utilizes Oxfords ABA procedures to teach school readiness behavior. We teach them behaviors including attending to and tolerating tasks, requesting breaks, following group instructions, and advocating their wants and needs. 

ABA Academy is enrolling now! Call 248-486-3636 to schedule your discovery session.

Find out more HERE.

Colossians 3:23 Coffee House

Our coffee house is officially open to the public! On your next visit, enjoy a hot coffee, an iced latte, or our selection of teas. Our coffees and teas are all organic, and our flavored syrups are all made in house! All proceeds from our coffee house benefit The Oxford Kids Foundation, helping children in need get access to life changing therapies not covered by insurance. 

The most unique function of the coffee house is the way it will be utilized in the COMPASS Therapeutic Vocational Training Program. The COMPASS Program provides support for teens and young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities who face barriers to entering the workforce. In Colossians 3:23 Coffee House, these young adults will be able to run through real life situations similar to what they will experience in the workplace. We will provide therapy to minimize potential barriers to employment in our own facility so that they are less likely to become issues in our client’s career or schooling.

Stop in and see us! Your morning coffee can help kids and young adults with developmental disabilities continue on their journey to the most fulfilling life possible.

To find out more about The Village of The Oxford Center and see menus from all of our shops, click HERE.

Waylon’s Story

This is Waylon’s story. Waylon is a two year old little boy, almost three, that was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His mom, Debbie, has done absolutely everything she can to help Waylon. After receiving his diagnosis, Debbie started down the path that all of us are all too familiar with, the search for answers and help. Debbie searched for ABA therapy in her South Carolina town and was put on waiting list after waiting list. Her family heard about the possible help that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can have when treating Autism, but struggled to find a facility that would treat Waylon. That’s when Debbie’s journey started with The Oxford Center and Oxford Kids Foundation. As the costs are great to travel out of state to treat at The Oxford Center, Oxford Kids Foundation was there to help. Please watch the short film we put together about Waylon’s journey. Thank you to all that support Oxford Kids Foundation. We have approved 9 grant applications between June and July, and are in need of your help as we still have several that we’d like to approve. Please consider donating to help kids get the therapies they so deserve. Donate To: New tab (oxfordkidsfoundation.org)

Dinner Time Tips for Children with Autism (Part 2)

Last month we talked about working on fine motor skills and decreasing food aversions at the dinner table. This month, we will talk about a few ways that we can help our children with autism build Independent Living Skills, engage them in dinner time conversation, and help them feel included. The dinner table is a place where our families gather, bond, and learn more about each other. There are plenty of ways that our children on the autism spectrum can benefit from this special time together. 

Many of the kids in our ABA program are working on Independent Living and Self-Help Skills. Preparing or clearing a dinner table is a fantastic opportunity to practice those skills. As you work, talk about all the objects you are laying out. You can count them, talk about their features, or point out where they should go on the table. When setting the table, you can model through how each place setting is laid out and then have them set the last one. In ABA therapy, we often use something called “backward chaining” to teach new behaviors. This means that the parent/instructor completes all the steps except for the last one. When the child gets to accomplish that last step in the process, they feel a sense of accomplishment. As they build their skills, they can slowly begin to complete more steps of the process. 

To involve non-vocal children in dinner time conversation, I recommend using their AAC device and contriving situations for them to use it.  Each day, we send a parent note home with your child that tells you about their day. You can ask them various questions and have them point to the correct icons based upon what activities they did that day and the toys they played with. You can also involve the child’s siblings by having them ask the questions and help the child utilize their device. This will help build functional communication skills and will help our children feel involved during dinner time conversation! 

There are so many ways that we can help our children feel included, and to continue their progress at home. At The Oxford Center, we want to help make each of our kids as successful as possible. If you have questions about our ABA program, please call us at any time. We would love to talk with you and set up a discovery session for your child.   

-Shannon Hunyadi, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Click Here To learn more about our ABA Program

Call 248-486-3636 to set up a discovery session

June 2022 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Grand Opening Success!

Thank you to everyone who came out for our grand opening. We had over 1,000 people stop in to see the new ABA Center expansion. The kids had a wonderful time doing crafts and participating in fun activities. The adults enjoyed educational classes, and we gave so many tours that we ran out of tour guides! If you missed out on your tour, please be sure to call us. We would love to schedule an appointment to show you around and tell you about everything we have to offer.

Dr. Tami was interviewed by Mitch Albom during his live show to talk about our grand opening. They spoke about all the beneficial therapies offered here at The Oxford Center, the amenities of the new building, and Dr. Tami and Mitch’s firsthand experiences with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. If you missed it, You can listen to it any time HERE.

Call 248-486-3636 or

Learn more about our ABA Center expansion HERE

Safety and Security at The Oxford Center

The health, safety, and security of our patients, visitors, and staff here at The Oxford Center is our highest priority. While we have not experienced any concerning incidents within our facility, we feel that based on events happening in our world today, we must be proactive in the protection of those we care for. With that in mind, we have hired our first security officer, Officer Edward Blackburn. He will be working in the Brighton location.

Edward has over forty years of public and private sector security, law enforcement, emergency management and public safety experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services and a Master of Science Degree in Security Administration from University of Detroit Mercy. He has served as a police officer, firefighter, a Lieutenant public safety director, and associate dean of homeland security at Wayne County Community College and as a parole / probation agent with the Michigan Department of Corrections. He has trained with various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. 

We feel that Edward brings the knowledge, skill, and ability needed to maintain security here in our building. He also openly displays empathy and kindness that will help our kids become comfortable not only with him but with other public service members in our community. In his spare time, Edward enjoys cooking and playing golf. He has been a little league football coach for twenty years, and his favorite part of coaching is all the big hugs that he gets from his players. When you see Edward around the building, please stop and say hello. He would love to get to know you. 

“I am so excited about being a part of the The Oxford Center family and overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received. I am at a loss for words. My goal, commitment, and obligation is to provide the highest level of protection and safety to all our little ones, our staff, and all who visit this tremendous facility. My daily prayers are for peace, blessings, and love for the whole world. Thanks to all of you for your support. I will do my best to always protect you and keep you safe.” – Officer Edward Blackburn 

If you have questions about safety protocols at The Oxford Center, Please call the Brighton location at 248-486-3636.

Registration is Open!

Silent Auction
Opens Saturday, July 9th at 12 pm
Closes July 15th at the Completion of the Event Dinner
Golf Classic
Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center in Plymouth
Friday, July 15th, Shotgun Start at 9:04 am
18 Holes of Golf with Cart
Hot Dog, Pop, and Chips at the Turn
Dinner Buffet After the Round
Gather your foursome and spend the day out on the course, or log in online and bid on some great auction items. All proceeds go to Oxford Kids Foundation to help families in need pay for therapies not covered by their insurance. 
Golf Classic is capped at 36 teams, so register now!
Register at: OKFGolf2022.givesmart.com
or by texting OKFGolf2022 to 76278

Dinner Time Tips for Children with Autism

Many children with Autism face struggles at dinner time. Whether it is a sensory aversion, a fear of certain foods, deficiencies in fine motor skills, or difficulty participating in conversation, there are many things that we as providers and parents can do to help them. This month, we will look at what we can do to work on fine motor skills and decreasing food aversions at the dinner table. 

Learning to use utensils can be a challenge for some of our kids. One thing that I recommend to parents is to have their child help pick out their preferred utensils. They may want to use the same utensils that parents or older siblings are using, or they may be more comfortable with something completely different. Have them feel the textures of the handles. Do they like smooth or rough handles? The feel of the utensils or the weight of them may be particularly important. Offering our kids choices can help them to feel involved and set them up for a more successful outcome. 

When first using utensils, I often tell the parent to help guide the child’s hand in the appropriate motion and assist them with stabbing or scooping up their food. This helps the child get used to the amount of pressure it takes to get the food onto the fork or spoon. The parent can then release their hand and give the child the independence to bring the food to their mouth. As the child gets more practiced at these motions, the parent can gradually fade out the physical prompt. All these motions are things that we may take for granted as adults, but they are especially important for our children who may be working on their fine motor skills. 

One of the most important things that I stress to parents when working with utensils is consistency. If you are going to work on eating with utensils, then you should follow through with that to the best of your ability. If a food requires the use of a spoon or a fork, then the child should be using one every time. Being inconsistent can cause them to question when they should or should not use utensils. 

The food that you put on your child’s plate can also present important opportunities for learning. Many children on the autism spectrum have aversions to different types of foods. I recommend putting a little bit of whatever you have made for dinner on your child’s plate, even if you are uncertain that they will eat it. Manipulating new foods can help children discover new textures and may leave new scents on their fingers, exposing them to new food groups and smells. Putting the food in their mouth may be too large of a goal, but these smaller accomplishments are great ways to incorporate desensitization to different foods. 

At The Oxford Center, we want to help make each of our kids as successful as possible. If you have questions about our ABA program, please call us at any time. We would love to talk with you and set up a discovery session for your child.  

-Shannon Hunyadi, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Premier Pet Supply In The Village of The Oxford Center

Our pet supply store is sponsored by Premier Pet Supply. They have 13 locations across Southeast Michigan, offering nearly everything you need to take great care of your furry friends. From food, toys, and even Do-It-Yourself washing stations, they have you covered. Our pet supply store in The Village of The Oxford Center has toys and treats for your dog or cat, fish tank supplies, lizard and snake supplies, and much more! All proceeds from purchases made in our store will go back to The Oxford Kids Foundation.

The Village of The Oxford Center uses our Premier Pet Supply for many Natural Environment Teaching opportunities, along with program based rewards and of course FUN within our non-traditional ABA program. We teach appropriate behaviors within the pet store, such as: the proper way to gain a workers attention, requesting and waiting, how to appropriately interact with pets and their surroundings, tolerating denied access by not taking pets home, and more. We also teach responsibility management on how to care for pets, the cost of pets and the supplies needed in order to own a pet. Last, but not least, FUN! Premier Pet Supply is one of our kiddo’s favorite stores to visit. They absolutely love holding and interacting with the animals there. It’s a great reward for them after they’ve worked so hard to master their goals. 

All of these skills are hugely important for kids within the autism community. At The Oxford Center, we are leaders in advancing the way ABA is done. Premier Pet Supply is an instrumental partner in our program’s success 

Find out more about The Village of The Oxford Center Here

Find out more about Premier Pet Supply Here

OUR NEW PARKING LOT AND NEW MAIN ENTRANCE ARE OPEN!

The Maltby Road entrance will soon be closed. Please park in the parking lot on the south side of the building on Whitmore Lake Road. Use the entrance with the beautiful butterfly sculptures.

April 2022 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

We are excited to announce our new Culinary Operations Manager, Chef Joe Schaffer. Chef Joe attended Schoolcraft College to study Culinary Arts and has been active in the restaurant industry for 42 years. His experience reaches across all areas of food service including restaurants, country clubs, catering companies, private schools, and now The Oxford Center.

Chef Joe has enjoyed the challenges of the culinary industry. He is excited about his ability to make a direct community impact at The Oxford Center. His favorite parts of his job are teaching parents how to plan and cook healthy meals for their children and ensuring that the kids are eating nutritious foods while they are here.

Chef Joe grew up in Livonia, Michigan and as a child, was always busy. He played baseball, football, basketball, ran track, swam in the family pool, and rode his bike everywhere. He became fascinated by food at an early age. He was enthralled with the smells, the ingredients, the meals, and the cooking shows of the time like, “The Galloping Gourmet” and “Julia Child.”

Both of his parents were incredible cooks. Inspired by the smells and flavors that often came from his family kitchen, he started to experiment with his own recipes. One day when his parents were away, he began pulling ingredients from the refrigerator, freezer, and cupboards, and decided to try his hand at making a milkshake. While the result tasted great, Joe felt that its appearance was just missing something. Running across a little bottle of blue food coloring, he squeezed several drops into his mouth to taste-test it. Finding that it had no flavor, he emptied the rest of the little bottle into his milkshake. This gave just the appearance he was looking for: a deep, atomic blue. When his mother arrived home, the kitchen was clean and there was no evidence of his cooking adventure. That is except for Joe walking into the kitchen and saying “Hello” with his amazingly blue lips and causing her to nearly faint. This began Chef Joe’s culinary journey, and his understanding that a little food coloring goes a long way.

Camp ABA is Enrolling Now!

The school year is quickly coming to an end. That means it’s time to enroll in Camp ABA. Our summer camp is full of new activities like shelter building, crafts, scavenger hunts and much more. We believe that ABA doesn’t have to be confined. We want our kids to experience the communities around them. Watch our video to see all that Camp ABA has to offer. Make sure you reserve your child’s spot today.

ENROLL NOW!

Thank You For Your Google Reviews

Our clients have amazing things to say about The Oxford Center. Watch our video to see for yourself! To quote one of our Google Reviews:

“From the moment we entered the foyer, it was apparent from the administrative staff’s friendly welcome and engaging nature that we had entered an inspirational five-star facility. We are exceptionally grateful for finding The Oxford Center. It is so much more than just a facility. It is a fantastic experience. We have no hesitation in recommending such a monumentally marvelous place as we very much look forward to taking our beloved son and our whole family on this incredible and unforeseen fairy tale journey together.”

Please leave us your review at: Google-The Oxford Center.

Creating Opportunities, Maximizing Potential, Achieving Successful Skills

 The COMPASS Therapeutic Vocational Training program is ready to start enrollment! It is the first program of its kind, targeted toward young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities who need extra support to move on to their next stage in life. There is a large population of young adults who have graduated with a high school diploma; however, due to post graduation trauma or lack of functional skills, these individuals exhibit deficits in executive functioning and life skills. These deficits lead to an inability to successfully attend college, live independently, and/or obtain meaningful lasting employment.

 The COMPASS TVT program is specifically tailored to address these deficits. We will use our simulated work environment in The Village of The Oxford Center to work on skills that our clients can generalize and use in their careers and education. Some target areas we may work on to achieve success are:

  • Internet safety and peer safety
  • Learning skills needed to live independently at home
  • Planning and navigating public transportation
  • Managing a daily schedule
  • Interacting with members of the community
  • Managing finances
  • Successfully maintaining meaningful employment

If you would like more information about the COMPASS program or would like to set up your free discovery session, please contact Matthew Nivison at matthew@oxfordrecoverycenter.com or call 248-486-3636.

MEXICAN CHICKEN SALAD

Cinco De Mayo is almost here, and Chef Joe has a delicious, healthy recipe for you! His Mexican Chicken Salad will make for an easy weeknight meal packed with protein. For paleo diets, use cauliflower rice and omit the corn.

  • 1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1 packet gluten free taco seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked brown or cauliflower rice
  • 12 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced tomato
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions
  • 2 tablespoons diced jalapeno
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/3 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons diced garlic
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place chicken in a bowl and mix with taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and avocado oil.
  3. Place chicken on a sheet tray and roast in oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Cool completely.
  4. While chicken roasts, make your vinaigrette. Using a blender, blend together cider vinegar, honey, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. With blender running, drizzle in the olive oil. Salt and pepper vinaigrette to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, beans, red bell pepper, tomato, red onion, corn, scallions, and jalapeno. Mix in the vinaigrette. Salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve as is, or with gluten free flour tortillas.

Whitmore Lake Road Construction

Whitmore Lake Rd. will be southbound only between Lee Rd. and Silver Lake Rd. for the next few months, but the Brighton location will remain open and accessible.  You can get to us from Maltby Rd., or by taking the Lee Rd. traffic circle to southbound Whitmore Lake Rd. Please call the front desk if you have trouble with the detour and we would be happy to give you additional directions.

248-486-3636

GOOGLE MAPS

New ABA Director

March 2022 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

New ABA Director

We are excited to announce our new ABA Director, Jessica Dodson. Jessica attended Calvin College and graduated with a degree in Psychology, minoring in Social Work. She attended Western Michigan University to obtain her master’s degree in Behavioral Analysis. She then went on to acquire her Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.

During a gap year in college, Jessica began working as a behavior technician. Among her first clients was a sixteen-year-old boy with Autism who had limited vocal and functional living skills. Over the first few months of working with him, he learned to vocally request to eat, brush his teeth, and engage in independent leisure skills. Seeing the impact that ABA therapy can make, even for older children, was the catalyst that set her on her career path and inspired her to obtain her BCBA certification.

As the Director of ABA, Jessica is passionate about helping the staff at Oxford Recovery Center grow. She believes that an exceptional staff equates to an exceptional client experience. Her goal is to continue expanding ABA Academy as well as Camp ABA. She feels that Oxford Recovery Center’s focus on the skills most appropriate for each child, as well as their family, is what sets us apart. The ability to combine ABA therapy with all other services available at Oxford Recovery Center, such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment and Neurofeedback, is something that she finds extremely exciting. Having doctors and nurses on staff to assist with treatment plans is something most other ABA programs do not offer and is a huge benefit to her as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys playing board games and hanging out with her three cats. She sees her time at Oxford Recovery Center as one of her greatest achievements.

Post COVID-19 Treatment

Effective COVID-19 Treatment

COVID-19 can cause long lasting symptoms for those who have had the virus. Research studies are showing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help with many post COVID symptoms such as fatigue, loss of taste and smell, brain fog, headaches, memory problems, malaise/lethargy, and more. Research suggests that capillary damage, inflammation, and low blood oxygen levels may contribute to post COVID symptoms. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation, saturate plasma with oxygen, and increase stem cell circulation up to 800% which enhances the body’s ability to heal itself.  Oxford Recovery Center has had tremendous success in treating post COVID. Whether you have recently had COVID or if you had it in the past, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you in your COVID recovery. 

AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where they turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! AMC’s Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) of every month. AMC has four theaters in southeast Michigan offering this program. They are listed and linked below so that you can find the upcoming showtimes of films in sensory friendly format.

AMC Birchwood 10 – 4350 24th Ave, Ft Gratiot, MI 48059

AMC Form 30 – 44681 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314

AMC Livonia 20 – 19500 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152

AMC Star Gratiot 15 – 35705 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, MI 48035

New Building Update

Our new ABA Center is well on its way, with framing for our one-of-a-kind village currently in progress. When completed, we will be able to offer services to our clients that haven’t even been imagined at other ABA or Autism centers.

Our BCBA Shannon says:

“We’ll have all kinds of opportunities to target behaviors from being on a playscape, to practicing in a dentist or salon chair, ordering coffee, or going to a dollar store. Everything in this environment will mimic what it looks like in the community. There are curbs, there’s a walkway, we’ll have kids with bicycles and scooters navigating the environment here so that it will make them more successful in the natural environment. The indoor playscape was built to allow them to play with other children and to be more successful when they are playing elsewhere, like a local park or playground. Those are just some of the features that we have that will help to make our children successful.”

Hadley’s Story

CLICK HERE TO DONATE THE OXFORD KIDS FOUNDATION.

HELP KIDS LIKE HADLEY GAIN ACCESS TO LIFE CHANGING THERAPIES NOT COVERED BY TRADITIONAL INSURANCE.

“Thank you, Oxford Recovery Center. You gave me my baby. Thank you for turning him into a little person. You saw possibilities in him when other people didn’t.” Megan is talking about her nine-year-old son Hadley. Hadley has Down Syndrome and has been a patient at Oxford Recovery Center for most of his life. 

At fourteen months old, his family made their first trip from Southwestern Michigan to Oxford Recovery Center for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. At that time, Hadley was not able to sit up. After six days and twelve treatments, he was able to sit with support, and even began to crawl. A little over a year later, TheraSuit Physical Therapy was added to Hadley’s routine and at two and a half, Hadley began walking for the first time. At just over three years old, he began recognizing shapes, colors, letters, and letter sounds. At four years old, he went from a word count of twenty-five before his round of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to a word count of one hundred after.  

At the age of five, Hadley’s family made the life changing decision to move closer to Oxford Recovery Center. Hadley was then able to experience the wealth of additional opportunities available. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Neurofeedback Therapy, Speech Therapy, ABA, and Physical Therapy were all utilized. Because of these additional therapies, Hadley began self-feeding, reading, writing, and was even potty trained. 

Last April, Hadley received a grant from the Oxford Kids Foundation for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Neurofeedback Training. At nine years old he is making great strides in vocabulary, comprehension, and memory retention. He had previously not been able to participate in his church’s Bible memory group because of his inability to remember Bible verses. That all changed recently when he memorized all of Psalm 23. Megan credits much of this to his most recent therapies. 

DONATE TODAY!