“When I received Dr. Kappen’s letter to the alumni about her decision to leave Overbrook, I was sad. But then I remembered how she always made time to talk to me when I needed advice and guidance and the generosity she extended to me and my family and I felt good for her. I wish her the best in her new job and continued success in her career.”
Alumnus

 

“We know of Dr. Kappen’s deep devotion to the children she serves. This is evident in the personal remarks she makes to each senior at graduation. She has come to know well the alumni of the school and has worked effectively with a loyal and devoted staff.”

OSB Board Member

 

“She is a ubiquitous lady—talented on many fronts, involved in innumerable ways, interested in everything and everyone.”

OSB Board Member

 

“The short time I have known Dr. Kappen, I have noticed that she has a very caring spirit. When walking the halls, she always acknowledges people by name, regardless of their position.”

Education Staff

 

“As a staff member, I have had lots of opportunities. I learned at PCO and numerous conferences. I grew by presenting at conferences and on campus trainings for education staff. I learned from colleagues.”

Education Staff

 

“Opportunity: Our students have so many opportunities to learn and grow. Through technology, sports, music, expanded services in the areas of medical support, behavior support, deafblind support, and so much more, the students have the opportunities to improve the quality of life throughout their lifetimes. Our students have opportunities here that are rare at any other school through Dr. Kappen’s leadership.”

Education Staff

 

“She is a visionary who brought Overbrook School for the Blind out of the dark days of declining enrollment to the brighter days of hope for the future of the school, the students, and their families.”

Education Staff

 

“The past 25 years bear the personal stamp of Dr. Kappen’s outstanding leadership. Students, their families, staff, local, state, and international communities have been touched by her open minded thinking and planning and dedication to excellence.”

Education Staff

 

“Because of her sensitivity and understanding of the needs of the total student, OSB services significantly expanded over the past 25 years. As the student population has changed and as more students with greater complexity of physical and cognitive needs have enrolled, there has been significant growth in a myriad of specialized services. Staffing has increased in the Health Services and Therapy and O & M departments, contracts with agencies offering psychiatric and case management services and the Low Vision Clinic were established, and a multitude of new ADA accessibility features have been installed across campus.”

Education Staff

 

“Dr. Kappen has a wonderful feeling of excitement about the students at Overbrook, and her love and caring for them can be seen by the constant improvement in educational and social aspects of the students’ learning. She gives them a sense of belonging and encourages them to reach for the stars and attain their dreams and goals.”

Education Staff

 

Thanks to Dr. Kappen’s vision of bringing technology into the education plan for students and staff, graduates have a much better chance to attend college or become employed.”

Education Staff

 

“Intelligent, but never a show off; caring; handles crowds and situations with charm and in a calming way; exudes confidence; a role model and mentor.

Support Staff

 

“We worked closely together, yet it is hard to describe how much those years mean to me. Thanks so much for being a good friend as well as a wonderful co-worker.”

Retiree

 

“Our family’s experience at Overbrook has been really, really good. After just one year, our son has learned so much. Great teachers, aides, and therapists. Everyone is so wonderful. We can’t say enough.”

Family of OSB Student

 

“Dr. Kappen’s presence has made a tremendous difference in our lives. Her calm, reassuring manner, her ever-present smile, and her knowledge, interest, and compassion toward all the children have made her a stellar role model for anyone working with visually impaired children and their families. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed.”

Family of OSB Student

 

“When we came to Overbrook's Early Childhood Program, our family was not at all confident about how our daughter, a former 24 week preemie who experienced a rough medical course, would fare in school. We worried a lot about our shy, sensitive little girl. And while the transition to preschool was not an immediate slam‑dunk, the staff of Early Childhood patiently coached and coaxed our daughter, and us, to a point of comfortable separation.  A year later, the change in her is remarkable. This is Dr. Kappen's legacy—having built a scholastic program staffed with compassionate professionals that gives families of kids with visual impairments more than just hope, it gives us our lives.”

Family of OSB Student

 

“We thank her for making our school a place of welcoming, compassionate learning.”

Alumna

 

“Dr. Kappen’s cheerful greeting, when I was a high school student walking around campus, always made me feel connected to the top of the organization, and that felt good. She always greeted me by name.”

Alumnus

 

“She has enhanced the reputation of the school worldwide through her travels in the United States, Europe, and most recently China. There is no question that OSB leads the field in efforts to bring new technology to the visually impaired, for increasingly educators from all over look to OSB for advice in the use of these technologies.”

Board Member

 

“It was my pleasure to work closely with Dr Kappen during

the entire period of her tenure as Director. We worked closely together on a wide range of issues many of which related to staff and students. She was always both firm and compassionate. The good of the students was always paramount. There was never any guile or hidden agenda with Dr Kappen.

Her word was her word. She also had a delightful sense of humor that

defused many a difficult situation. I never heard a negative word about

her. I will very much miss working with her.”

Board Member

 

“Throughout the years I’ve known her, Dr. Kappen has not only turned out to be an outstanding, caring Director, but also a friend. She was the one I could go to at any time and her door was always open. Never judgmental, she always had a listening ear and gave good advice. I will surely miss her.”

Education Staff

 

“I’ve been so lucky to have been able to work with Bernadette for so many years and I’ve learned so much from her both personally and professionally. When I think of her, three words come to mind—leader, mentor, and friend.”

Education Staff

 

“I remember when Bernadette came to Overbrook and I love her for how much she cares about all of the children and all of the staff. Even though retired, I will really miss her and can't imagine Overbrook without her.”

Retiree

 

“Based upon our daughter’s experiences at Overbrook and our direct experience of Dr. Kappen, we know these things about her: She is kind, genuinely interested in the lives of her students, and has an incredible memory. She has made an important difference in our lives.”

Parents

 

 

“Dr. Kappen is a people person, who cares for her students and her staff and once she meets you, she will not forget who you are. Dr. Kappen is a great boss, knows how to manage authority with kindness and is a caring compassionate person who gets extraordinary results.”

Support Staff