Thank you to all who attended Art Without Boundaries, the second Arts Access exhibition at Sotheby’s! Featured artists Jess, Karen, Bari Kim, Tammy, and Paul were so happy show their work in this prestigious gallery, and the whole Matheny community is always thrilled to share the mission of Arts Access.
Thank you to Keith Bratcher and Twelve09 Photography for capturing all these wonderful moments of artistic expression and community connection.
March 21, 2024, Peapack, NJ – At the Matheny School the sounds of silence are never welcome. Silence is not a virtue here. Nor is sitting quietly in a classroom absorbing a teacher’s lecture on geography, waiting for the bell to ring. This school is clearly different from the traditional schools that most of us know. According to Principal Sean Murphy, “We work closely with any school district that needs our help. We are here to ensure that out-of-district placement is available to those who qualify so that every student gets the best educational and life enriching opportunities they can find.”
Matheny School’s students range in ages from pre-school through high school – students graduate at the age of 21. Matheny was established in 1946 by a husband and wife, both educators, to provide a stimulating and effective learning and living environment for children with a wide range of medically complex developmental disabilities. At the time, Marguerite and Walter Matheny could not find such a place for their son Chuck—born with cerebral palsy on March 30, 1941. He became the inspiration for the founding of Matheny, and its decades-long development into a renowned specialized school, an accredited special hospital, adult day programs, and community-based group residences. Students here complete all state requirements to earn their high school diplomas, like their peers in traditional schools.
When a new student starts at The Matheny School, there is an initial evaluation of their language and feeding skills. Christine Mayercik, the school’s speech language pathologist points out that
the goal is for the student to take the skills learned in therapy and then to use these skills outside of therapy—in the classroom, at home, with caregivers and out in the community. The therapist also works with teachers and caregivers to help facilitate the student’s communication and help ensure their success. “Students often get 90 minutes of therapy each week, but never less than 60 minutes per week,” according to Mayercik. Like traditional schools, Matheny issues quarterly reports, evaluating each student’s progress toward their individual goals. “Here, it’s all about learning to communicate your thoughts and needs, and learning the subject matter ‘your way’,” stated Mayercik.
Some students use iPads with dedicated communication apps as their primary communication tool. “Our kids are mobile, moving from classroom to classroom or to therapy sessions during the day. They need a communication device that moves with them—light enough to be mounted on their wheelchair or mounted to a classroom chair. For those that are ambulatory, the device needs to be light enough to hold in their hands or in a backpack.”
Therapists work together to include vocalizations, eye gaze, facial expressions, body language, gestures, and sign language, in addition to augmentative communication devices. The watchwords with students are always to help them be as independent as possible. All seniors participate in the PCAST (Person-Centered Approaches in Schools and Transition) program. “We help each student prepare for their post high school life by identifying their likes and dislikes, their needs, the activities and things that make them happy, and their hopes and plans for the future,” said Mayercik
The students each put together a booklet talking about themselves, which Mayercik calls, “the Cliff Notes on who the student is. What technology the student uses is part of that, since technology is part of their daily lives.” One of the school’s main focus is communication, particularly as graduates take their next steps into their future.
Ten students will proudly graduate from The Matheny School this spring. They will wear caps and gowns and listen to messages from the class valedictorian and salutatorian; and as they receive their hard-earned diplomas, their families and friends will cheer. All students will have learned the primary lessons that their teachers and parents strive to impart—culminating in the graduates’ readiness to move into their young adult lives.
A Matheny School mom expressed her gratitude for the education her daughter Serenity has received at Matheny. “I am tremendously grateful for their teamwork and efforts! These are huge accomplishments in our world and make such an impact on our success with keeping our children safe, healthy and happy! Thank you for taking such wonderful care of our daughter and being flexible, innovative and patient while still providing the best possible opportunities.” said Renee Apuzzo.
School enrollment takes place year-round and an extended school year is available to all. Families and caregivers of students with medically complex disabilities are invited to tour Matheny to witness everything Matheny has to offer. Call us at (908) 234-0011, ext. 1264 or email us at schooladmissions@matheny.org to schedule a tour.
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Photo Caption: Matheny student Emma Webster works with Donna Kelly, Matheny’s Director of Occupational Therapy
About Matheny. Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is headquartered in Somerset County. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medical conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND) and a wide range of rare diseases. Matheny is comprised of a special hospital, five community group homes, an adult day center, a non-profit private special school, and outpatient clinics serving the community. To learn more about Matheny, visit us at http://www.matheny.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram: @mathenymedical.
The works of five talented Matheny artists will be showcased in a new exhibit at the renowned Sotheby’s in New York City. Paintings by Jessica Evans, Bari Kim Goldrosen, Karen Frascella, Paul Santo, and Tammy Heppner will be featured in “Art Without Boundaries.” A portion of the exhibit will be devoted to “Rising Artists” – a display of other talented artists creating art in many forms in Matheny’s Arts Access program. The exhibit reveals the variety of works, multitude of subjects, and the diversity of media used to create these stunning pieces. The exhibit will run from March 29th through April 7th at Sotheby’s 1334 York Avenue, New York, NY location.
Eileen Murray, Director of the Arts Access Program, said, “We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talents of artists with disabilities once again at Sotheby’s NYC. Their return to this prestigious stage is a testament to the power of creativity that lies within these outstanding artists. We are thrilled to see these remarkable individuals rightfully bask in the spotlight, demonstrating that creativity knows no bounds. Thank you, Sotheby’s, for recognizing and celebrating their exceptional contributions.”
Matheny previously collaborated with Sotheby’s in 2019 for an exhibit titled “The Art of Choice.”
Arts Access’ multidisciplinary program offers specialized systems of communication and assistance for individuals with disabilities that enable them to freely express themselves in the arts. Instead of defining those participating in Arts Access by their disabilities, Arts Access enables participants to define themselves by their accomplishments. Assisted by professional artist-facilitators, the artists use specialized systems, methodologies, and assistive technology that have been designed to enable individuals across the full spectrum of disability to clearly communicate their ideas. To learn more, go to artsaccessprogram.org.
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About Matheny. Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is headquartered in Somerset County. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medical conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND) and a wide range of rare diseases. Matheny is comprised of a special hospital, five community group homes, an adult day center, a non-profit private special school, and outpatient clinics serving the community. To learn more about Matheny, visit us at http://www.matheny.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram: @mathenymedical.
About Sotheby’s. Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
This exhibition is a part of Sotheby’s Community Gallery initiative, where we partner with mission-driven organizations to spotlight artists and creatives. We firmly believe in the transformative power of art and culture, and are committed to making the art and luxury industries more inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative. We hope this space inspires you to consider how you define community, and expand the ways you see yourself and others.
Halloween is an extra special time of year at Matheny! Trunk or Treat, the Halloween Parade, and a special “Cabinet of Curiosities” were all full of creativity, joy, and community in 2023.
As usual, our staff went above and beyond to make this variety of activities possible, and our community enthusiastically supported our patients as they celebrated and showed off their unique costumes.
Thank you to all who made this beautiful (and spooky) season possible. We can’t wait until next year!
Enjoy the full photo album of this year’s activities below!
On Tuesday, September 12th, the Matheny community gathered with friends, family, and loved ones to enjoy the 2023 Fall Formal! Everyone posed for photos, showed off their dance moves and Disney-themed outfits, and enjoyed one another’s company. Thank you to all the staff, family, and volunteers who made such a lovely night possible!
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) awarded Matheny − a Somerset County-based hospital and school for people with developmental disabilities − $72,732 for its arts program, according to Matheny.
Arts Access, located in Peapack, is in its 13th year of making art, including music, theater, poetry, painting and more accessible to people who often have “complex” medical needs and limited mobility.
Founded by the Matheny family who wanted better for their son, it also trains health care professionals, educators, and offers a variety of services to people with disabilities such as life skills training, therapy and wheelchair repair. Its participants come from across the state.
Read more here or at at northjersey.com.
Please join us in congratulating the Matheny School and Transportation teams for a very successful and informative Transportation Safety webinar. Thank you to all who joined us!Passcode: Transportation2023!
August 22, 2023 – Peapack, NJ – New Jersey students will return to school in just a few days. Back to school can be stressful for anyone, but for kids with special needs finding the right school environment is essential. The Matheny School, located on the picturesque campus of Matheny in Peapack, has provided a blend of high quality therapeutic and educational services for students from all areas of New Jersey with medically complex developmental disabilities for over 75 years.
Anne Bruno, the Matheny School’s Assistant Principal, stated “Our students have many different learning styles and educational needs. Each student’s team addresses all of his or her requirements. Therapies such as physical, occupational and speech are integrated into the student’s educational routine. Many therapies are delivered right in the classroom, minimizing the amount of classroom time the student misses,” she added.
The Matheny School also provides skilled nursing care via their school nursing team. According to Bruno, “Many parents are struggling to find 1:1 nursing care in schools and Matheny has excellent school nurses dedicated to providing care to our students during the school day so they can attend class with their peers.”
Technology is fully utilized within the Matheny School. Students have access to iPads, computers, Smart technology and individualized augmentative devices. Staffing is maintained at a high level to ensure that each student can reach his or her maximum potential.
Recent events have focused attention on the critical issue of safe transportation of all students. Those who need to be transported while seated in their wheelchair or on a stretcher are especially vulnerable. The utmost care is taken to ensure every student’s safety and comfort. Matheny’s dedicated school and transportation teams will be presenting a webinar on safe transportation practices at 2 pm on September 13th. Please go to Matheny.org for more information or to register.
The Matheny School offers year-round enrollment for all NJ school districts and an extended school year program during the summer. For more information, please visit matheny.org, call 908-234-0011, or email mathenyschool@matheny.org.
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About Matheny – Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is headquartered in Somerset County. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny is comprised of a fully accredited special hospital, five community group homes, an adult day center, the Matheny School – a non-profit private special school, The Arts Access Program – an award-winning fine arts program, and outpatient clinics serving the community. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medical conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND) and a wide range of rare diseases. To learn more about Matheny, visit us at http://www.matheny.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram: @mathenymedical.
July 12, 2023, Peapack, NJ— The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced more than $103 million in recommended grants in the second major grant announcement of fiscal year 2023. Organizations in all 50 states and U.S. jurisdictions will carry out arts projects in three NEA funding categories: Grants for Arts Projects, Our Town, and State and Regional Partnerships.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to support a wide range of projects, demonstrating the many ways the arts enrich our lives and contribute to healthy and thriving communities,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “These organizations play an important role in advancing the creative vitality of our nation and helping to ensure that all people can benefit from arts, culture, and design.”
Matheny has received a $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects. Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) is the National Endowment for the Arts’ largest grants program for organizations. Matching grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, and are recommended for organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Matheny’s grant will support a multidisciplinary arts showcase featuring original work created by artists with disabilities.
Eileen Murray, Director of the Arts Access Program, said “We are honored and thrilled to have the generous support of the NEA for our Full Circle event. The funds will support our artist with disabilities to display and perform their creative masterpieces. No one understands the power of art better than the NEA, and we are so gratified that they appreciate and acknowledge the impactful art that is being created in Arts Access.”
Full Circle 2023: Reemergence, the Arts Access program’s biennial showcase of its talented artists, takes place on November 4th in the Robert Schonhorn Arts Center on the Matheny campus in Peapack. It consists of professional performers, designers, and curators who work alongside Arts Access artists to help bring their visions to life. Light refreshments will be provided. Desserts are donated by CocoLuxe Fine Pastries in Peapack. To purchase tickets, go to artsaccessprogram.org. For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news
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About Matheny’s Arts Access Program: Arts Access, celebrating its 30th year, gives people with developmental disabilities the tools necessary to create fine art. Assisted by professional artist-facilitators, the artists use specialized systems and methodologies that have been designed to enable individuals across the full spectrum of disability to clearly communicate their ideas. The fruits of their creativity – acrylic paintings, digital art, choreography, poetry, plays, essays and more – are highlighted at Full Circle through a gallery exhibition of visual art followed by a multi-media stage show of dramatic works, staged readings, and choreographed dance.
About the National Endowment for the Arts: Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more about NEA.
It’s been over six weeks since Miles for Matheny 2023, but we’re still riding high on the joy and fun of the beautiful celebration! Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, cyclists, runners, families, and everyone else who made the event possible.
See an event highlight reel here.
Did you see John Elliott from CBS2 News at the Fairgrounds? We loved sharing our Matheny Magic with John and all those who watched that morning! Catch his coverage of the event here.
Our full event album is below. Please join us in thanking our photographer, the talented Keith Bratcher!
June 13, 2023, Peapack, NJ – Matheny is pleased to introduce Michael Hewson as its new Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Mr. Hewson will work closely with President and CEO Bill Kent, Matheny’s Board of Trustees, and senior administrators to oversee and coordinate all financial operations across the various components of Matheny, including the medical center, school, community residences, adult day program, and Arts Access program.
“We extend a warm welcome to Michael Hewson as he joins the Matheny community,” says Bill Kent, President and CEO of Matheny. “We are confident in his ability to develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies, including annual and long-term financial planning, budgeting, cash flow projections, and debt management. His contributions will be invaluable in ensuring the continued financial health and success of Matheny,” Kent added.
Hewson brings with him over 20 years of experience in both corporate and non-profit environments. Most recently, he served as the Director of Business and Operations at the Willow School in Gladstone, NJ. During his time at Willow, Hewson implemented financial changes, managed operational and facilities improvements, and successfully led major software implementations in finance, student information systems, and enrollment management. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Gillen Brewer School, where he skillfully navigated the challenges posed by the global pandemic, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Before joining Gillen Brewer, Hewson held the position of Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer of Undergraduate Academic Affairs at Rutgers University. In this capacity, he oversaw the administration and strategic vision of a division comprising 250 professional and administrative staff. This division provided crucial support to 36,000 undergraduate students in areas such as finance and administration, information technology, facilities, enrichment, career services, marketing and communications, assessment, disability services, learning centers, and access and equity programs.
Hewson’s extensive experience at institutions such as Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Morgan Stanley, AXA Equitable, Credit Suisse, and Columbia Records has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge to lead the long-term financial planning at Matheny. He holds degrees in Philosophy, Journalism, Mass Media from Rutgers University, and he earned his MBA from the same institution in 2014. Additionally, he attended the Management and Leadership Institute at Harvard University in 2017.
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About Matheny – Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is headquartered in Somerset County. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny is comprised of a fully accredited special hospital, five community group homes, an adult day center, a non-profit private special school, a fine arts program, and outpatient clinics serving the community. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medical conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND) and a wide range of rare diseases. To learn more about Matheny, visit us at http://www.matheny.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram: @mathenymedical.
June 21, 2023, Peapack and Gladstone, NJ – The Matheny School recently held two graduation ceremonies. The first, held on June 20th, marked the advancement of four 8th grade students to a high school curriculum. The second, held on June 21st, celebrated the completion of high school studies for an additional four students.
The Matheny School’s high school graduation featured keynote speaker David Szott, who is a Matheny parent and director of Player Development for the New York Jets. Szott shared his memories and the sense of pride he felt when his son, Shane, graduated from the Matheny School a few years ago. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the many teachers, aides, therapists, and “behind the scenes” staff who helped to make the day possible. The ceremony included remarks by Peapack Gladstone Mayor, Mark Corigliano; Matheny President and CEO, Bill Kent; Chair of Matheny’s Board of Trustees, William A. Krais, Esq.; Vice President of Education and Principal of the Matheny School, Sean Murphy; President of the Matheny School Board of Education, Dr. Kristen Labazzo; and Father Paul West, Matheny Chaplain. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception provided by the Friends of Matheny.
Matheny’s high school graduates are: Valedictorian, Tyse M.; Salutatorian, Ayman H.; Avalena E.; and Amanda C. All four graduates will move on to Matheny’s Life Enrichment Program for adults.
Photo Caption: All four high school graduates on stage during the Matheny School graduation ceremony.
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About Matheny – Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility. Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is headquartered in Somerset County. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny is comprised of a fully accredited special hospital, five community group homes, an adult day center, a non-profit private special school, a fine arts program, and outpatient clinics serving the community. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medical conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND) and a wide range of rare diseases. To learn more about Matheny, visit us at http://www.matheny.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram: @mathenymedical.
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