Nutley Talk: Dr. Gibbia of The Phoenix Center

As Nutley Kia is partnering with The Phoenix Center to host a fundraising Casino Night, we are happy to invite the Co-Founder of The Phoenix Center, Dr. Gibbia, to talk a little bit more about herself, her commitment to the Nutley community and the mission of The Phoenix Center.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Dr. Geraldine Gibbia. I grew up in Elmhurst, New York. I am a product of sixteen years of Catholic education. I graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor’s Degree, received my Master’s Degree from Queens College, CUNY, and my PhD in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the City University of New York in 1990. I live in Wyckoff with my husband, Kevin Gaynor.

I am the Executive Director and Co-founder of The Phoenix Center, a nationally accredited and New Jersey State Department of Education approved non-profit school for students with disabilities. Prior to opening The Phoenix Center, I was the Director of Speech and Hearing Services at William Paterson University. My vita also includes positions at Bergen County Special Services School District, Marymount Manhattan College, and Bergenfield Public Schools.

I have been very active at my local church and have volunteered with the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Ministries. I am also on the Grants Committee of Women United in Philanthropy, a philanthropic group that provides substantial grants to women’s’ programs throughout Bergen County. I have also served on the Executive Committee of ASAH, the private school organization of New Jersey.

 

Can you give us a short introduction to the Phoenix Center, including who you are, what you do and your programs?

I co-founded The Phoenix Center in 1991 with Dr. Douglas Berrian. He is no longer active with the school. In 1990, we both second-mortgaged our homes to provide start-up monies for The Phoenix Center. In September 1991, we opened our doors with 16 students and 12 staff. We currently provide services to students age 5 through 21 on the autism spectrum and those with multiple, intellectual and behavioral disabilities from 64 towns in nine New Jersey counties.

Currently the Phoenix Center has 66 programs including 16 classrooms, academic subjects, leisure and recreation activities, community based instruction, supported employment, consumer family life skill, and a full range of on and offsite recreational activities.

In my position as Executive Director I function as the chief school officer who is responsible for all aspects of The Phoenix Center.

 

Why are you a part of the Phoenix Center? What is your philosophy of helping your students?

I am part of The Phoenix Center because I have always believed in helping others—to empower them to recognize their innate gifts and talents and empower them to use them. Some of my greatest joys came when I was a practicing speech pathologist and a young child said his/her first words with me in front of his/her parents. My philosophy in working with the students is that I assume competence and I believe that while the students come to us “labeled” with a disability, each student has abilities, and we focus on their abilities to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

What is your daily job as an Executive Director?

It is generally a non-stop day full of surprises. Our administrative team is very strong and is composed of professionals who have been with the Center from 13 to 22 years. Working collaboratively with the administration, my goal is to empower them to make decisions and manage their students and programs. I try to spend a part of each day visiting the classrooms and offices. I believe in leading by example. In addition to classroom and office visits, my day revolves around meetings, parent conversations, financial matters and development initiatives.

 

What do you think is the biggest difficulty the Phoenix Center is facing? How can Nutley people help?

Thankfully, we are doing quite well. Our enrollment is steady and we are already conducting intakes for the next school year. Our biggest challenge now is the installation of an elevator to improve the accessibility of the building. We are going out for bids now and could use some help with funding this most important project.

Nutley has been wonderful to us since we moved in 2001. We continue to be active in the Chamber of Commerce, and this year, participated in the Nutley Expo. Folks can help us by supporting our fund raising efforts and providing jobs for our students.

 

Can you share a story on how Phoenix Center helps a student develop real-life skills and be able to that boost confidence and self-esteem?

The Phoenix Center has several stellar programs. Four which specifically prepare students for life beyond the classroom are 1) Community Based Instruction, 2) Consumer Family Life Skills, 3) Restaurant Program, and 4) Supported Employment Program. In the dorm room of our Consumer Family Life program, we teach students to sort, wash, dry and fold laundry. After learning to fold towels two of our students were able to secure jobs at the Courtyard Marriott and at Parisi’s gym in Midland Park. Our monthly Restaurant Program and Supported Employment Program teach our students various job skills and restaurant skills including how to bus tables, rinse dishes, roll silverware, and some basic food preparation techniques. As a result, we have students working at Sunset Pup in Lincoln Park, Chevy’s in Clifton Commons, and Zinburgers in Clifton and Paramus.

Currently, we have 30 jobsites in the community—paid or volunteer for our students in four counties.

 

What big plans does The Phoenix Center have for 2015 and beyond?

The Phoenix Center will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary in the 2015-2016 school year. A Gala Celebration is scheduled for May 2016.

To address the needs of its graduates, The Phoenix Center will continue to develop relationships with over 21 day-program providers.

 

Any final words or thoughts you’d like to add?

I would like to thank Jim and Anne Russomano of Nutley Kia for believing in us and for their ongoing support—especially, most recently their $5000 Gold Sponsorship for our Casino Night which will be held on Friday, May 1st here in our gym.

I have a picture in my office with a quote from Pablo Casals which says I feel the capacity to care is the thing that gives life its deepest significance. Here at the Phoenix Center we care for, teach, empower and provide hope to our students and their families so as to prepare them for life beyond the classroom. We consider ourselves agents of hope and are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in our families’ lives.

 

What are your thoughts after reading Dr. Gibbia’s interview? Leave your comments below or in our Facebook page.

 

Join us at The Casino Night to support autism awareness. Get Your tickets now!

Posted in Interviews | 360 Comments »