Faces of Easterseals

Louis Tonne
Early Supports & Services

Louis was born at 27 weeks. Understandably, his family was concerned about how this would impact his health and quality of life. Louis and his family entered our Early Supports & Services (ESS) program in December 2018, when he was just three months old.

During his time at ESS, Louis and his family participated in sessions in their home designed to improve motor, speech, and other skills. His family celebrated his progress. When COVID impacted our ability to offer in-person services in 2020, his family remained steadfast in connecting with us online.

Louis excelled, getting stronger and thriving in many social settings. Today, Louis is a charismatic child whose parents embraced our coaching method during a challenging time. He made so much progress that he is no longer in need of services.

Ryan Sherwood
Farnum

Ryan’s struggle with drug and alcohol addiction stripped everything away before he got the help he needed at Farnum. The tipping point for him was a work party in 2017. Driving home, he attempted to take his own life by crashing his car into a tree.

Somehow, he survived with only scrapes and bruises. His mom arranged for him to enter Farnum’s in-patient treatment program.

When asked what aspect of the program stood out the most for him, Ryan says, “there wasn’t any one thing. It was everything together —group sessions, working in the kitchen, working out with guys in the program. They’re really good people at Farnum, and they want the best for you. It truly was an experience.”

Five years on, Ryan is still sober. He is an active Farnum alum who regularly returns to speak to groups in treatment. “It’s like going home,” he says.

Keith Schoeppler
Military & Veterans Services

Keith is a U.S. Navy veteran who completed three tours of duty between 2001 and 2005 as part of the War on Terror following 9/11. He sought but never received help for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when he returned home from Afghanistan. After suffering a severe back injury in a car crash, he became addicted to the pain medication prescribed to him.

Keith’s addiction led to homelessness, then treatment, and finally to a relationship with Easterseals NH that would change his life. While working with his Care Coordinator, Keith filed for a review of a claim he'd initially submitted and been denied in 1999 for injuries sustained in the Navy.

With the Care Coordinator's help and that of Senator Jeanne Shaheen in September 2021, Keith received the service connection that he'd filed twelve years earlier. The sum he received was life-changing and such that he now has the financial stability to focus on his treatment for PTSD.

"This is the best I have felt and the most secure I have been in a long time," Keith tells his Care Coordinator. For the first time in a long time, Keith feels he has too much to lose and continues to make forward progress in his life. Keith's Care Coordinator is working with him to enroll in vocational rehabilitation and start his dream career.

Heather Herod
Early Supports & Services
Director, Children's Therapeutic Services

Heather's remarkable relationship with Easterseals began long before she became an employee.

Heather's daughter, Kylie, came to Easterseals NH's Early Supports & Services in 2010 when she was two months old. She was born with CHARGE syndrome, a disorder that affects many areas of the body, and she spent time in the NICU before coming home.

"I remember the day of her evaluation at Easterseals," Heather says. "It was the first time people saw her for who she was. I won't forget that moment."

Kylie began receiving therapy right away. Heather was amazed at Easterseals' strength-based system. She was equally impressed with how the Easterseals' staff empowered her to be a strong advocate for her daughter.

When Kylie was two, she became a student at Easterseals' Child Development Center (CDC). Heather accepted a per diem position as a teacher at the same center. She describes it as being a transformative time.

Fast forward 9 years, and Heather is now the Director of Therapeutic Services within Early Supports & Services. Kylie continues to receive services from Easterseals NH. Heather's son, who also attended the CDC, receives occupational therapy to assist with handwriting. Easterseals is like an extended member of Heather's family. "I see Kylie as a lifelong client," she says.

Crystal Forest
Homemaker, Homemakers & Health Services

Easterseals has been a part of Crystal's life since she was a child in the daycare program. Today, she works as a homemaker for Easterseals' Senior Services program. Crystal works primarily with those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, who often become disoriented, frightened, and confused, but that doesn't prevent Crystal from providing exceptional care.

"This is the best job you can have," says Crystal. "My clients rely on me. I just want to make people happy."

One of the individuals Crystal cares for is a French-speaking woman in the later stages of Alzheimer's. She only remembers a few words in English, but she is still fluent in French, so Crystal has begun learning it to minimize the language barrier. Not only does Crystal provide support to "Mama," as she calls her, she also helps with things around the house such as making the bed, cooking, bathing the dog, and assisting her husband "Papa" with other chores.

Crystal is a terrific ambassador for Easterseals New Hampshire and a true advocate for her extended family of those she cares for. One tells her all the time that "you're my person, you're my girl." When asked what inspires her about her job at Easterseals, Crystal's face lights up, and she says, "seeing someone smile."

Denise Krol
Founder, The Ted Krol We Are Here to Serve Fund

Ted Krol was the Director of Facilities for Easterseals NH for over 10 years, until his death in January 2010. In addition to being a dedicated and hard-working employee, Ted volunteered in the community. He coached, gave time as president of the PTA, fundraised for local schools, and supported the Knights of Columbus. The impact he had on others went beyond his day-to-day job.

To honor Ted, Easterseals NH's Building on Hope Committee renovated the White House Intensive Residential Treatment Facility on Mammoth Road in Manchester and renamed it The Krol House. Ted's wife, Denise, also wanted to do something long-lasting that reflected Ted's passion for Easterseals and his community. But she wanted it to be an opportunity for everyone, on any budget, to make a difference.

With that in mind, Denise established the Ted Krol We Are Here to Serve Fund. The Fund provides financial resources for continuing education, startup housing, and employment to young adults graduating from Easterseals NH's Jolicoeur School. In addition to making generous donations to Easterseals NH every year, Denise presents the We Are Here to Serve Fund awards at school graduation. She hopes to do that again in person this coming year.

"I wanted to set an example for others showing that we can all make an impact, regardless of how large or small," Denise says. She sees the Fund as her way of carrying on Ted's larger-than-life legacy of service.

Rexel USA

Rexel takes pride in employing people who care about local people. One of the company's core values is Enjoy Making a Difference, and all employees are encouraged to get involved with community-focused organizations such as Easterseals.

The global distributor of electrical components, which has a branch in Manchester, has supported Easterseals NH for more than a decade. The relationship that began with a bowling fundraiser has expanded into other events, such as sponsoring breakfast at the Veterans First golf event and, new this year, a cornhole tournament.

Easterseals NH's mission aligns with the company's desire to impact and fund services needed by the most vulnerable and underserved populations in our communities. “Easterseals NH's Development team exudes integrity and compassion, which is so important," says Michael Kenney, Rexel Area Manager. “We know we are working with individuals who want to help and will do whatever it takes."

Rexel also cites Easterseals NH's reputation among non-profit agencies as another key reason for its ongoing support. We have the systems, people, and processes in place that give Rexel confidence that the money they raise for our agency reaches the people and organizations who need it most.

"We are excited to continue to build on our relationship with Easterseals and look for additional ways to provide support," Kenney says.