A New Plan presents a contemporary model for person-centered planning with the intent to revolutionize the way we support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities! Drawing on almost a century of combined experience, Art Dykstra and Thane Dykstra, Ph.D. bring the well-researched science of positive psychology into person-centered planning for the first time. This friendly, inspiring guide offers:
• A fresh perspective on person-centered planning
• Practical applications of Martin Seligman's (the "father" of positive psychology) six elements of well-being to planning, goal-setting, and enhancing quality of life
• Strategies to help the people you support truly flourish
• Insights on the crucial role of "The Champion" in creating effective support teams.
"A New Plan" isn't an academic text—it's a roadmap to more fulfilling relationships and better outcomes for both support professionals and the individuals they support. Discover how to:
• Design and implement plans that help people live their best possible lives
• Apply positive psychology principles to everyday support scenarios
• Transform your organization's approach to person-centered planning.
Whether you're an executive, a team leader, or a dedicated support professional, this book will inspire you to reimagine what's possible in the field of intellectual and developmental disability supports.
Embrace a new era of person-centered planning. Start "A New Plan" today and start making a greater positive impact in the lives of those you support!
Art Dykstra, CEO of the Trinity Foundation and Cherry Hill Consulting Group, author and speaker, began his career with the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Over a period of 20 years, he served in three capacities: facility director for two state-operated developmental centers, Chicago Regional Administrator for Developmental Disabilities, and Policy Advisor to the Director of the Department.
In 1987, he became the executive director of Trinity Services, a small school serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Under his leadership, Trinity grew into a statewide organization with over 12 major programs and several support businesses, developed programs in Reno, Nevada; expanded services to persons with mental illness; and achieved balanced budgets every year. Since 1992, Trinity has earned the highest possible accreditation from the Council on Quality Leadership (CQL).Art Dykstra, CEO of the Trinity Foundation and Cherry Hill Consulting Group, author and speaker, began his career with the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Art has authored numerous journal articles, publications and thought pieces. He is perhaps best known for Outcome Management, a book providing insights and person-centered applications for those leading disability organizations.
He attended Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, and received a master s degree in clinical psychology from Bradley University. He has served as president of the Board at The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), and president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), the Illinois Council of Executive Directors of the ARC, and the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF).
Thane Dykstra, Ph.D. has served as President and CEO of Trinity Services since 2018. His career with Trinity began in 1995 when he became a clinical director of Trinity's Behavioral Health Network. From 1995-2016, he oversaw a significant enhancement of the network through its group homes and apartments, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, the Trinity Autism and Family Resource Center, the Trinity Counseling Center and the Illinois Crisis Prevention Network. From 2016 to 2017, he served as Trinity's Chief Operating Officer, supervising Trinity's specialized residential services and its assistive technology program.
Thane is a past president of the Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis. He has written for numerous professional publications related to his field of study, and has presented extensively at national conferences and invited training. His current professional interests include contextual-behavioral therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is especially focused on applying these models to work with persons who exhibit challenging behavior.
Thane holds a bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. In addition, he completed a pre-doctoral internship at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. While at Brown, he served as an assistant project coordinator at the university's Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies. In Illinois state agencies, Thane has served on steering committees and workgroups for the Department of Human Services.
