Great Things Happen When the Best Teams Come Together
“Charismatic, creative and capable.” That is how Behavior Specialist Ian Bellassai describes Laquea – a ten year old who is making lots of progress with a dedicated team surrounding him. ICAN always shares that we support individuals and families wherever they are – at home, in the community and in school. When you see it in action and experience the results with a team like this in place, it’s apparent that the approach is powerful.
Laquea and his family have worked with ICAN since 2022 with our Child and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS), and School-Based services began in his 8-1-1 classroom. His goals include reducing suspensions and preventing behaviors that would lead to that, increasing school performance and improving emotional regulation.
The Team
No student is the same and no family is the same, so teams that work with them are carefully selected for their expertise in their particular service area. The team stays regularly connected and committed on progress, challenges and changes that need to be made with the plan.
Sabrina engages the family in weekly individual and family therapy, striving to help them appreciate, respect and improve their relationship with each other. Deanna monitors medications and advises his family on ways to lower environmental toxin exposure to improve brain health. Ian is going on his third year working with Laquea daily in school - from greeting him in the morning to assess his mood and needs for the day, to supporting his schoolwork, guiding him through any moments of angst or sadness, and spending one-on-one time with him. Through Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (PSR), Pete helps reinforce the behaviors and works on self regulation tactics. Courteney creates the plan of care and coordinates the team throughout the youth’s time with us. Laquea’s teacher Mr. Edick has also become an essential team member, leading with patience and contributing to his plan in the classroom.
THE IMPACT
There has been a 90% reduction in Laquea’s physical aggression towards others since he started with ICAN, with no fights on record at all this school year. He has gone from yelling, throwing and kicking regularly to quieter expression of emotions. His reading has excelled. His grandma has shared that he has been a “more positive being” - less negative and maneuvers through his thought processes more.
THE FUTURE
Long-term, the work the team is doing with Laquea and the family will hopefully have a trickle down effect. Structure, routine and consistency can lead to exemplary growth and maintenance of his management of his emotions, leading to a more peaceful home and successful school days. The skills he learns he will take with him as he enters middle school, high school, and well beyond.