Staff honored for achieving national certification

A celebration was held to recognize employees who have achieved national certification for the work they do in supporting people with developmental disabilities.

The event, held in our Dunham Avenue facility, honored staff for reaching Direct Support Professional-III (DSP-III) or Front Line Supervisor (FLS) certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals as of June 30.

DSP-III
Miguel Arevalo
Brandi Barlow
Britnie Barmore
Cassidy Birt
Kiyah Carpenter
Katie Cleland
Jacadi Duman
Rachel Echevarria
Stacey Fardink
Marcos Figueroa
Lillian Gordon
Meghan Gray
Briana Green
Casey Hetfield
Jennifer Hinson
Amber Iuculano
Deseree Johnson
Alexandria Land
Dan Lutgen
Briana Matteson
Joe Mazzurco
Chyanne McCool
Amanda Moon
Justin Moreland
Tammy Russell
Aimee Salvo-Boron
Wendy Stimson
Angel Weaver
Cristina Welch
Karen Williamson
Kristen Wilson
Nicole Witruke

Honored for achieving the highest level of Direct Support Professional certification were, from left, front row, Jennifer Hinson, Wendy Stimson, Tammy Russell, and Casey Hetfield; and, back row, Marcos Figueroa, Brandi Barlow, Dan Lutgen, Briana Green, and Kristen Wilson.

FLS
Breaunna Babyak
Heather Burch
Larissa Catanese
Patricia Clark
John DePane
Wendy Doutt
Donna Eddy
Ashlee France
Haley Gibson
Sheri Kelsey
Torie Lucas
Katlyn Martin
Kolleen Nary
Lyn Osgood
Lisa Peterson
Theresa Porter
Deb Rapp
Ashley Russell
Mike Sandquist
Shelly Swan
Christin Sweat
Don Traynor
Doug Vetillaro

Honored for achieving the highest level of Direct Support Professional certification were, from left, front row, Jennifer Hinson, Wendy Stimson, Tammy Russell, and Casey Hetfield; and, back row, Marcos Figueroa, Brandi Barlow, Dan Lutgen, Briana Green, and Kristen Wilson.

DSP-III & FLS
Biannca Balliet-Miranda
Annemarie Bonfiglio-Davis
Lisa Gross
Brianna Skinner
Haley Torres

Lisa Gross, center, is one of five employees to achieve DSP-III and FLS certifications. She is pictured with Michele Albaugh, left, and Joanne Bevan.

“Because of your commitment and completion of your certifications, it emphasizes the importance of the professionalism of the DSP position and also of the core competencies and code of ethics of a DSP,” said Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director, in welcoming people to the luncheon celebration.

“We thank all of you for taking the time to invest in your careers,” said Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer. She noted that TRC has taken a lead role in a pilot project funded by NADSP and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. That pilot enables staff of organizations that comprise The Collaborative of NY to pursue their certification for free.

Kelly praised Don Traynor, Staff Development Specialist, for supporting employees of TRC and other organizations to obtain certification.

“What you guys are doing by enhancing your skill set is impacting the lives of the people we support,” said Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services.

“All DSPs should be proud of their vast skills set,” said Mark Constantino, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services. “A DSP is a teacher, chef and dietician, driver, tour guide … part nurse … part physical, occupational and speech therapist … counselors and behavior specialists.”

Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning and Development, told the honorees their decision to become nationally certified will have a “rippling effect” in helping the public understand that “DSP” is its own profession and shouldn’t be likened to the work done by certified nursing assistants.

“You are pioneers leading the way for this change,” Michele said.