Direct Care Staff at Elan School
Elan's direct care staff are men and women with a unique blend of backgrounds and personal experience. Each member of the team is trained to organize students into self-actating groups, accepting help from peers and responsibly returning that help to others. All direct care staff are certified Ed. Tech IIIs (in accordance with Chapter 115 of the Maine Department of Education), trained in CPR and the Handle With Care method of behavior management, crisis intervention and restraint training (visit www.handlewithcare.com). Continuous staff training is focused on pertinent skills, concepts and policies. All employees of Elan School must pass a criminal background, fingerprint and license check.
Martin Kruglik, Senior Director in the Life Skills Program
Marty has been with Elan since 1972. One of the first graduates, Marty focuses on training and staff development, along with the assistance of Clinical Director, Dr. Jerry Sapan. Marty's ability to teach the complicated concepts of the life skills aspect have helped to blend the diverse qualities and attributes of the direct care staff.
Clare Woodman, Senior Director in the Life Skills Program
Clare has been with Élan since 1984. Her long tenure along with her passion for the school has enabled Clare to provide a very valuable insight for both students and their families. As a graduate of Élan School, Clare’s ability to provide the “been there, done that” approach is something that the students can identify with. She is truly a role model.
Jeffrey Gottleib, Director
Jeffrey has been with Élan School since it’s early years. Jeffrey graduated from Élan in 1972. When he joined the staff he received extensive training from the school’s co-founders, Mr. Joseph Ricci and Dr. Gerald E. Davidson. He has been one of the Resident Directors since 1974. Jeffrey brings a blend of both life experiences combined with over 30 years of implementing Elan School ’s life skills program.
Kathleen Sherburne, DIrector
Kathleen joined Élan School in 1993. Kathy served 5 1/2 years in the United States Navy where she worked as an Air Traffic Controller. Her personal experiences with implementing structure make her a valuable addition to the life skills staff.
Nick Pitarys, L.S.W.
Nick joined the staff at Elan in January, 2009. He holds a B.S. in Mental Health and Human Services, is certified as a MHRT –3 (Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician) and has been a licensed social worker for nine years. He is currently in the process of obtaining his Master’s Degree. Nick’s extensive experience as a crisis worker in emergency rooms and with adolescents in case management makes him a wonderful addition to the team.