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

“Based on data, Ukeru has moved us solidly away from physical restraint and seclusion. Prior to Ukeru, we averaged 1 restraint every 3 school days. Last year, we delivered instruction for an entire year without a single restraint. We have momentum and want to continue reinforcing a trauma-informed approach with our students and staff.”

- Brad Johnston, Middle School Learning Support and District Ukeru Trainer,
Northwestern School District

“The data is clear and great to see, but the physically and psychologically safe environments Ukeru establishes for students and staff is the pinnacle of student outcomes.”

- Jen Sahr, MTSS Coordinator,
Fargo Public Schools

“Staff do not want to put their hands on a client. Ukeru gives them another opportunity to provide safety and prevent re-traumatization of the client.”

- Sharon McDevitt, Assistant Residential Director,
Harborcreek Youth Services

“Ukeru benefits everyone – the treaters and the clients, teachers, and students. A trauma-informed approach makes sense for everyone.”

- 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

“When you use Ukeru, it’s something about that relationship that changes when you don’t actually put hands on them and don’t have to restrain them. That relationship is strengthened.”

- Paul Gunther, Rehabilitative and Behavioral Health Services Director,
Berkeley County School District

“Ukeru protects and can even strengthen this relationship, helping us empower people to recover. Seclusion and Restraint often damage this relationship making it harder to accomplish our mission.”

- 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,
Rochester School District

“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

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