The Matheny School Provides Complex Solutions for Medically Complex Students

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 13^th.  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 30^th 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 20^th, marked the advancement of four 8^th grade students to a high school curriculum. The second, held on June 21^st, 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.

It’s been an exciting few weeks for our Matheny School students!

For the first time in four years, we were able to gather for our Prom. The community was thrilled to come together in our Robert Schonhorn Arts Center for a night of dressing up, dancing to good music, and enjoying the company of our friends, colleagues, and wider community. Thank you to all who worked hard to make the Prom possible! See our photo album below – special thanks to photographer Keith Bratcher!

To see videos from our graduation ceremonies earlier this week, check out Matheny’s Facebook page or follow @mathenymedical on Instagram!

Please join us in congratulating our Matheny class of 2023! We can’t wait to see what’s next  for all of our students.

Thank you to all who have already registered for our 26th Annual Miles for Matheny! There’s still time to register and join us on Saturday, June 3rd!

At Miles for Matheny, you can choose from one of five different cycling routes (specially designed by our friends the Bedminster Flyers), our USATF-sanctioned 5K, a high-energy Kids Fun Run, or our beloved and traditional Wheelchair Walk.

Know a friend who likes to cycle or run and would resonate with our mission? Spread the word!

Start or join a fundraising team here.

See the Miles 2023 schedule here.

Feel free to reach out to milesformatheny@matheny.org with any questions!

Interested in joining the Matheny Team? We invite you to campus to learn more about our open positions. We’re excited to meet you!

Please join the Matheny Team in congratulating Anne Bruno on her recent appointment to the position of Assistant Principal and Director of Curriculum at the Matheny School!

From a young age, Anne knew she wanted to be a teacher. After high school, she worked to make that dream a reality. She graduated from Rowan University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification, as well as a Bachelor’s in History. Upon graduation, Anne began a nine year teaching career in Special Education with placements as an inclusion teacher in a general education classroom, a resource classroom teacher, and teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Disorders. After being a part of a few different schools, Anne began to search for ways she could help more than just the students in her classroom get the services and programs they needed, and decided to go back to school. Anne graduated from Montclair State University in 2020 with her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and certifications for School Administration and Superintendent. She joined Matheny in June 2021 as the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction and is excited and honored to now be in the position of Assistant Principal and Director of Curriculum to better serve our students and staff.

Matheny’s students and community are deeply grateful for Anne’s passion, experience, and expertise!

Halloween landed on a Monday in 2022, but that certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of those participating in our Matheny Halloween parade!

Highly anticipated by Matheny students and patients, the Halloween parade is an amazing reflection of our community’s passion and creativity. We were blown away by many of the costumes this year, including pirates, Ken and Barbie, Catwoman, and characters from Stranger Things, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and many other shows and movies. Which costume is your favorite?

We’re grateful to our Recreation Therapy team for their hard work coordinating this event. We can’t wait until next year!

We love our Fall and Halloween traditions here at Matheny! Thank you to all who joined us on campus today for Trunk or Treat 2022 – everyone enjoyed a very festive and fun afternoon!

On Thursday, October 13th, we were thrilled to be joined up on the hill by parents, supporters, and community members to celebrate 75 years of Matheny magic! It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends, see some new faces, and share both our history and the exciting plans on the horizon.

Thank you for your support! We cannot wait to continue telling the Matheny story – for the next 75 years, and beyond!

If you were able to join us on Thursday, we hope you had as much fun as we did! If you were unable to attend, we hope you enjoy these video and photo highlights!

75th Anniversary Video

75th Anniversary Slideshow

Event Photo Album