Testimonials
People are talking about us! Hear what they have to say:
“We understand that it can be difficult to accept a new way of approaching challenges – especially if you have done something one way for so long. However, as an organization, we have found that minimizing interventions has resulted in drastically reduced rates of injury for both staff members and the people we support. Looking back, we believe that it would have been more unsafe for us to continue with current approaches, as opposed to moving forward with Ukeru. I believe and frequently say it is never okay to put your hands on anyone.”
- Veronica Federiconi, Chief Executive Officer,
Autism Services
“The data speaks volumes. Restraints and seclusions are ineffective. When working on the floor, it’s natural and less threatening to grab pads. You will see a decrease in aggression throughout your milieu by offering Ukeru. Just looking at the data, minimizing restraints and seclusions has a direct impact on client and staff injury.”
Jessica Kelly – Vice President of Operations,
Tanager
- Brad Johnston, Middle School Learning Support and District Ukeru Trainer,
Northwestern School District
- Jen Sahr, MTSS Coordinator,
Fargo Public Schools
- Sharon McDevitt, Assistant Residential Director,
Harborcreek Youth Services
- Suzann Simoncelli, PT Director of Community Based Professional Services,
OLV Human Services
“Over 50% of our students have had the use of physical restraint removed from their program support plans. This highlights the success we’ve had not only with our students, but with our staff really grasping the concept of Comfort vs. Control.”
- Lisa Pergande, Training Manager,
Genesee Lake School
- Paul Gunther, Rehabilitative and Behavioral Health Services Director,
Berkeley County School District
- Matthew Holtsclaw, Chief Nursing Officer,
RI International
“There is substantial proof, just looking at our program, that minimizing restraints can provide a safe and nurturing environment for our youth and staff team. If you provide the appropriate training and continue to work with the staff team to develop them, minimizing restraints is a very safe practice. Not only does it make our kids feel safer, but it provides a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive environment for all involved. There are also reduced costs associated from fewer injuries from staff and students.”
- Alyssa Wheeler – Training Coordinator
Woodward Academy
“When looking at our campus, the positive impact that Ukeru has on our students, staff, and environment is evident. With minimizing use of restraint, we are able to provide our students a safe, comforting, and supportive environment leading to growth, skills development, and healing. Our students feel safer and our staff feel more prepared to address behavior with a trauma-informed approach!”
- Lauren Lippert – Director of Case Management,
Brighter Transition Youth Treatment Center
“Staff have had very positive feedback. They have said that they feel safer with the shield component and that they feel better not having to put hands on kids that are in crisis. Staff have said that it’s a good feeling to know that we will have students move through our program who never have to experience seclusion or restraint.”
- Jason Ervin, M.Ed. – Behavior Support Specialist,
WoodsEdge Learning Center
“Our experience with the Ukeru team has been wonderful! In the training, some of our staff have reported a more thorough understanding of both trauma and behaviorism than any other training they have been a part of in their professional careers of over twenty years.”
- Sarah Kline, LCSW – Vice President of Residential Services,
Gemma Services
“The Watson Institute WISCA program has fully embraced the use of Ukeru in our repertoire of techniques to assist our students in de-escalating. Since implementing Ukeru, our staff have a better understanding of the brain and trauma-informed care, as well as teaching our students how to safely express their emotions.”
- Jennifer Do M.Ed., MA, LPC – Program Director,
Watson Institute WISCA Program
“Out of my 20 years of working in the field and utilizing crisis management techniques, Ukeru Systems is a better alternative, providing a restraint-free, seclusion-free, and in-depth powerful education of a trauma-informed approach as well as opening awareness into our own mindset.”
-Jennifer Jervert, MSW – Assistant Director of Quality Assurance & Staff Training,
The Arc of Monmouth
“When I look at these results, I’m just reminded of the dedicated staff who show up daily and focus on our resident’s quality of life. The staff are there to support our residents and our numbers show that we have the right people in the right positions. The results reflect the teamwork that is happening every shift, every day.”
- Lisa Pergande, Training Manager,
Prader- Willi Homes
“The Ukeru team is exceptional. They are reachable, responsive and able to answer any questions. The Ukeru team wants your school or program to succeed and they do everything possible to ensure your success.”
- Kristie Reed, Director of the Baird School,
Howard Center
“From a quality perspective, Ukeru has drastically decreased restraints as well as challenging behaviors for Sunset Support Services. Our staff are more confident using trauma-informed approaches and deterring from the invasive techniques of physical interventions.”
- Jeniene Behe, Quality Director,
Sunset Support Services, LLC
“My experience with the Ukeru team has always been positive. The team is super helpful, approachable, and supportive. They also have real life experience and are understanding to the work being done.”
- Shawna Gigliotti, Director of Training and Development,
Belmont Behavioral
“I am immensely grateful for the positive impact Ukeru has had on our program. It has not only reduced the need for physical restraints but has also fostered a safer and more supportive environment for both staff and residents. Ukeru is not just a training program; it’s a catalyst for positive change, and we are fortunate to have it as an integral part of our program.”
- Marta Finnegan, Program Director,
Norris Academy
“The last thing anyone wants to do is hurt a child. Ukeru has made me feel more comfortable with what I do because I know that I am safe and the students are safe too. That’s what everyone should want for their school.”
- Tim Findley, Autism Support Teacher
Sharpsville Area School District
“Ukeru has been a great addition to the trauma-informed services provided on our campus. The reduction of physical restraints by using Ukeru allows staff and students to maintain therapeutic relationships, even during moments of emotional dysregulation. We have seen the benefits of this non-violent intervention in several areas; however, the improved physical and psychological safety of our staff and students is undeniable.”
- Jenna Tweedy, Associate Director,
Brighter Transition Youth Treatment Center and Falls Academy
“Ukeru is a mindset- it helped us turn our beliefs into science. We talk about the brain and use strategies to calm and regulate to provide safe environments for all. It’s not about the mats for us, in fact, we rarely pick them up. It’s about remembering that the dysregulation is not a choice and we have an opportunity to co-regulate with students and be trusting adults and be a part of their journey.”
- Meagan Dwyer, Principal,
Gages Lake School
“As one of the Ukeru trainers at our school, I constantly hear staff members mention that they feel safer and place the child’s needs first. Ukeru teaches our staff to understand and treat the underlying trauma. Our students are learning strategies for self-regulation. Ukeru has created an effective and safe initiative when dealing with dysregulated children.”
- Daniel Russert, SEDOL Teacher, Ranger and District Ukeru Trainer,
Gages Lake School
“Ukeru changed the culture of our building. As a school that works in special education, there are situations that we are put in where we have to sometimes go hands-on. When we were introduced to Ukeru, this drastically changed. We were able to keep students and staff safe while minimizing needing to go hands-on. At the end of the day, this not only increased relationships between students and staff, but decreased trauma. I would highly recommend this to any setting, including schools and hospitals.”
- Justin Baker, School Social Worker,
Gages Lake School
“The Ukeru team has been incredibly supportive throughout our journey. When we began researching the use of Ukeru in schools, the Ukeru team provided us with resources, references, and case studies. Since we adopted Ukeru, they have provided continued mentorship and support. This includes reflection, debriefing, and brainstorming. The Ukeru team is encouraging and non judgemental.”
- Jessica Whitehead, BCBA,
Rochester School District
“I have been training the Ukeru philosophy and skills for both co-workers and foster parents in the state of Florida, while also utilizing them myself during sessions. I have seen success not just within my sessions and my person’s served but have also witnessed the paradigm shift within the trainees as they begin connect the dots (create new neural pathways) regarding how trauma affects the brain and ways to support children and others who have experienced trauma. I am grateful to have added this training to my tool belt!”
- Justin McKinniss, Therapist,
National Youth Advocate Program
“Ukeru has completely changed my approach when supporting our residents. When someone is upset and becoming escalated, I don’t find myself getting anxious and preparing for the worst. I am actively being a behavior detective and looking for the root cause of why the person’s upset by gathering all of the clues in their environment. Once we know why they are upset, we have an answer for how to help them deescalate. When staff use this approach, they tend to have stronger relationships with the individuals.”
- Renee Simon, Community Living Staffing Manager,
Bittersweet Farms
“I love Ukeru and what it is built on. Ukeru training provides our staff with a very thorough understanding of why our individuals may exhibit behaviors based on their past experiences. I have been able to teach Ukeru for two years now and use it very often when mentoring our staff about the individuals we serve. The foundation gives a very human perspective on those we serve AND those we work alongside of. I have seen staff flourish in confidence and understanding with the help of Ukeru and all that it offers.”
- Abbey Sehnert, IFC Staffing Manager,
Bittersweet Farms
“Teaching someone to work through difficult times (both staff and the individual) helps prepare them for the future. Restraint does not teach and will lead to future restraint. Teaching them coping and communication skills through Ukeru promotes growth.”
- Nick Freyman, IFC Director,
Bittersweet Farms
“Ukeru has been a tremendous support in our district. We are grateful to have a restraint-free, trauma-informed alternative for responding to students with unsafe behaviors. We feel all schools could benefit from Ukeru!”
- Dr. Elizabeth West, Executive Director of Special Education,
Longview Public Schools
“Ukeru has been a helpful tool for my classroom because it doesn’t diminish student relationships with teachers or other staff members. We have Ukeru pads readily available to use when students have high emotions and/or become unsafe towards themselves or others. This empowers staff to de-escalate students and not let them harm other students or teachers. Ukeru pads are also used before a student can get to a point where they fully need it, ‘You seem mad, you want to use the pad?’ I can also tell you that we have used Ukeru pads around the whole building. They are often borrowed and used in all areas. This tells me that they are working and are an asset to my school building and classroom. I would recommend that all teachers and districts use Ukeru pads to bring down the percentage of having to go hands-on with students or restrain them.”
- Shelby, Special Education Teacher,
Longview Public Schools
“Ukeru has helped our team to confidently respond to emergency calls. We are able to de-escalate our students, while protecting our bodies with the pads. We have had less injuries since we switched to this model. We explain to our students that the pads are simply to keep our bodies safe and will not be used on the student. This type of intervention helps to maintain good relationships with our students, without breaking their trust or further traumatizing them. Since switching to this model, students trust us when we respond to an emergency and de-escalate much faster than in previous years.”
- Angy, Special Education Teacher,
Longview Public Schools
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