#United States #HR Director #Mohegan Lake #Shrub Oak School #Heather Bermingham

Recognizing Commitment to Staff Culture at Shrub Oak International School

On January 22, 2026, Shrub Oak International School proudly acknowledged the tremendous efforts of Heather Bermingham, the school’s Director of Human Resources, in enhancing the workplace culture focused on a people-first approach. Since joining the team in 2024, Bermingham has championed initiatives that directly align with the school’s mission of improving the lives of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. She believes that ensuring staff members feel valued, prepared, and supported is crucial, as these educators and caregivers are pivotal to the success of their students.

Bermingham’s extensive background in change management within nonprofit services has been instrumental in crafting sustainable systems that prioritize growth and belonging among employees. Her philosophy is simple: when staff members are equipped with the right training and support, they can engage confidently and effectively with students.

Continuous Learning as a Core Value

A fundamental element of the staff culture at Shrub Oak is a commitment to continuous learning. The school regularly schedules training sessions that equip staff with the latest practical strategies tailored for supporting students. These training sessions include essential skill-building topics like active listening. They follow the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools (TCIS) curriculum, which combines theoretical knowledge with scenario-based practice to foster confidence and uniformity across various roles.

"Professional growth isn't just an incentive; it’s integrated into how we fulfill our responsibilities toward students," stated Bermingham. This proactive approach to staff development not only strengthens outcomes for students but also boosts the overall morale and effectiveness of the staff.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

In addition to educational growth, Bermingham has been pro-active in creating a culture of belonging and appreciation across the school. One of her notable initiatives included the establishment of the Staff Appreciation Committee, a staff-led group working alongside Human Resources. This committee ensures that recognition events align with the preferences and values of the staff, thus enhancing their engagement and satisfaction.

Noteworthy undertakings include a seasonal Gratitude Tree, which invites shared appreciation among colleagues and highlights the indispensable roles played by various departments. The school also recognizes special events, such as Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Appreciation Week, aimed at honoring those staff members whose dedication forms the backbone of student support. These initiatives reinforce the belief that a strong and appreciated workforce contributes significantly to creating a responsive and empowering environment for students.

Prioritizing Growth and Retention

Bermingham's leadership is focused on structuring clear pathways for professional growth, which aids employees in enhancing their skills over time and adapting to the evolving needs of students. These strategies positively affect employee retention, teamwork, and continuity of care within the school’s environment. "As Shrub Oak continues to grow, we want our staff to grow alongside us," Bermingham expressed, emphasizing the importance of training, recognition, and tangible opportunities for advancement for all employees.

About Shrub Oak International School

Shrub Oak International School is dedicated to transforming the lives of autistic students through individualized, strengths-based learning approaches. The supportive educational atmosphere allows students to forge meaningful relationships and successfully navigate their surroundings. Additionally, The Pines at Shrub Oak, situated on the school campus, offers specialized therapeutic programs tailored for neurodiverse children who require intensive psychiatric support. The institution holds notable accreditations from multiple authoritative bodies, underscoring its commitment to educational excellence. For further information regarding Shrub Oak International School, please visit www.shruboak.org or contact Lauren Koffler, Head of Admissions and Organizational Growth, at [email protected].