DDS proudly celebrates the incredible Direct Support Professionals who empower people with disabilities to live full, meaningful lives.
Direct Support Professionals bring skill, compassion, and connection to every moment of support. Thank you for all you do.
Would you like to recognize a Direct Support Professional? Please email names and biographical information to DDS.Updates@ct.gov
Thanks to our wonderful community for recognizing these individuals.
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Tammy has consistently gone above and beyond, quietly doing the work that keeps our home running without ever seeking recognition because her commitment is driven by genuine care for the individuals we support, not by a paycheck.
Her compassion, unwavering dedication, and selfless advocacy make a lasting difference every day, and our home simply would not be the same without her.
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Anthony has worked with CPM since August 2013; he leads by example every day.
His willingness to help, teach, support, and step into any situation makes him an invaluable resource to both the individuals we serve and his coworkers.
He never asks for recognition, yet he earns it through his actions every single day.
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Cathy demonstrates exceptional leadership, compassion, and advocacy in her work with the individuals she supports. She dedicates her time and attention to enhancing their quality of life and ensuring their needs are met with dignity and respect. Cathy enjoys teaching cooking skills and creating meaningful experiences while consistently encouraging the development of independence and essential daily living skills.
Cathy has been recognized as a Dedicated Direct Care Professional in acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions to Abilis and is widely respected for her innovation, advocacy, and positive impact on the lives of the individuals she supports. Colleagues regard her as a vital member of the team whose professionalism, compassion, and commitment set a high standard for others.
Her dedication extends far beyond her regular responsibilities. She went above and beyond during many transitions for individuals moving from a group home to independent living into their own apartments, including staying overnight to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. She also played a key role in planning their housewarming celebration, helping to create a welcoming and supportive environment during important milestones in their lives.
Whether assisting with transportation, meal preparation, or community activities on her days off, Cathy consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the individuals she supports have meaningful opportunities for growth and engagement. She actively seeks out affordable community experiences, teaches new recipes and cooking skills, and encourages independence through everyday learning opportunities.
The individuals supported by Cathy enjoy participating in recreational activities with her and benefit from the social, life, and independent living skills she helps them develop. Her unwavering dedication, strong work ethic, and genuine care for others have made a lasting impact on both the individuals she supports and her colleagues. Cathy exemplifies the values of the REACH team and is deeply appreciated for her continued commitment and exceptional service.
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Since 2012 Celestine has been a valued team member who works diligently to assist her co-workers with her years of experience by providing guidance and tips on best approaches when she sees they are struggling.
Celestine's greatest strength is being able to see each individual's strengths regardless of their abilities and works impeccably well with those individuals who have greater cognitive and physical challenges.
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With over 15 years of experience in the field, Eustace consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional support and advocacy for the individuals he serves.
His dedication, compassion, and willingness to step up when needed make him a valued role model for both the individuals supported and his fellow staff.
Eustace leads by example and always puts the people we support first. His dedication and commitment truly make a difference every day.
—Jayson, DSP with CPM since April 2009, is instrumental with the individuals he provides service to, shows up whenever asked and supports the residence and his team.
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Jesumene is a dedicated and hard-working employee who can always be relied upon to lend a hand with medication administration, shift coverage or any other type of need at any site.
She ensures accurate and timely documentation of shift responsibilities, data collection, and individual specific tasks.
Her work performance demonstrates the desired standards sought after in a DSP employee.
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Tiara consistently goes above and beyond in her role as a DSP, bringing a positive, upbeat attitude every day while ensuring the individuals she supports have meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
She is always willing to assist her coworkers, mentor new staff, advocate for the individuals, and step in wherever needed, making her an invaluable member of the team.
Colleagues added, “She is very creative, friendly, adaptable, and compassionate which makes the workday productive and engaging for staff and individuals.”
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Tracey consistently goes above and beyond for both the individuals we support and her coworkers.
In addition to being an outstanding DSP, she has taken on leadership roles as the AT Lead and Activities Lead, always advocating for the individuals, supporting her team, and bringing a positive attitude to the program every day.
Colleagues added, “Tracey makes every shift better with her positive attitude and genuine care for others. She leads by example, and I’m grateful to have her as a teammate.”
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Trovetti has been a dedicated member of the Abilis team for 22 years, consistently exemplifying compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the individuals we support.
Throughout her tenure, she has gone above and beyond to ensure that individuals receive the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives.
Trovetti is also a passionate advocate for the individuals she serves. She consistently champions their goals, independence, and well-being, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Her advocacy, combined with her creativity and innovative thinking, leads to meaningful improvements in the lives of those she supports.
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Corey is an outstanding staff member who consistently demonstrates a person-centered approach in his role as a Job Coach.
He is extremely dedicated to the individuals he supports and always has their best interests in mind.
Corey goes above and beyond to ensure that the people he serves receive the highest quality care, support, and advocacy.
His commitment, compassion, and professionalism make a positive impact every day and truly exemplify the values of our organization.
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Brian’s efforts go beyond on the job support.
Brian helps individuals overcome barriers and achieve greater independence at our Whelen Job site.
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Jay demonstrates consistent commitment through her longevity with Lumibility.
She's a dependable source of support and uses her experience to assist both individuals and coworkers.
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UCP of Eastern Connecticut would like to recognize Taylor for her 3 years of dedication and commitment to the field of Direct Support.
Taylor consistently demonstrates compassion, inclusion, and a person-centered approach in her work with the individuals we support.
She is a dependable team player who continually goes above and beyond to create new, engaging activities for participants. Her flexibility, creativity, and dedication shine through in everything she does, making her a valued member of the UCP team.
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UCP of Eastern Connecticut would like to recognize Jaritza for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the field of Direct Support. With 6 years of experience, Jaritza consistently demonstrates strong advocacy, creativity, and dedication to the individuals she supports.
As an Assistive Technology Lead, Jaritza finds unique ways to incorporate and adapt AT devices into activities, promoting independence and helping break down barriers for participants.
Her person-centered approach and ability to create new, fun, and engaging experiences make her a valued member of the UCP team.
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UCP of Eastern Connecticut would like to recognize Eric for his outstanding commitment and dedication to the field of Direct Support. With 18 years of experience, Eric consistently demonstrates strong advocacy, leadership, and dedication to the individuals he supports.
As the Program Activities Lead, Eric collaborates with coworkers to develop robust activities, calendars and meaningful community-based experiences. He is also an Employment Lead DSP, supporting individuals in identifying opportunities for community participation while helping them build skills, abilities, and independence.
Eric is a dependable team player who brings compassion, inclusion, and a person-centered approach to his work. His leadership, creativity, and dedication make him a valued member of the UCP team.
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Jeff is a dedicated Job Coach working in the Group Supported Employment Program at Goodwill of Southern New England.
He has been with the agency for 25 years and does a great job helping people achieve their goals.
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Clauditta is currently a Community Activities Coordinator in the Day and Community Enrichment program at Goodwill Southern New England and has also been a Community Activities Specialist for over 19 years.
She is a strong advocate for the individuals we serve and consistently maintains a positive attitude.
Her work is characterized by her creativity, kindness, and helpful nature.
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Eric has been with Ability Beyond for 20 years and currently serves as an Assistant Enhanced Support Floater, supporting all Bristol behavioral and young adult programs. Knowing that expanding his knowledge can equal better services for the people he serves, Eric graduated last year as a Registered Behavior Technician from our Pathways to Excellence - Behavioral Specialty.
Colleagues added, "A great employee is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have. Eric is our four-leaf clover. When Eric engages with the individuals we serve, he makes their day a little brighter because he’s willing to go that extra mile. Eric is always thinking of ways to make programming better."
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Nijuel has worked at Ability Beyond for seven years and now serves as a Direct Support Professional, offering overnight support at an all-female CRS program. He takes time to get to know each person he supports, which helps him notice even small changes in their care.
Colleagues added, "Nijuel’s communication, responsiveness, and sense of responsibility stand out. He really engages with the people he supports. The management team overwhelmingly endorses him; that speaks to the high quality of work he provides."
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Pauline is consistent, not only on her Monday-Friday schedule but also when she helps out on weekends. You can see just how much our individuals love being around her when you hear them tell her they love her. Pauline can be quiet but is kind and unwavering in her demeanor creating good, positive days for our individuals, supervisors and co-workers.
Recently, Pauline lost a parent tragically and unexpectedly. Somehow, she still showed up and not only showed up, but managed to continue to be a support for our individuals in a time when she needed support. Pauline has a family of her own and still finds balance in making it all working and making it look effortless.
Pauline recently took a few JCL individuals on a long weekend vacation. The reports from these individuals were that it was the best time they have EVER had! It brings such peace and joy to know that she is not just someone who works with JCL, but she embodies that sense of family and support. Someone that you trust and know is doing the good work of bringing quality to their lives.
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Thomas has been a dedicated member of The Kennedy Collective for 17 years, consistently demonstrating exceptional patience, adaptability, and compassion while supporting individuals with diverse needs. He is deeply committed to fostering independence, promoting community integration, and providing person-centered advocacy that empowers each individual to reach their fullest potential.
Thomas added, "I love being a DSP because I love making a difference."
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Ionie consistently demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and dedication in supporting the individuals she serves, always going above and beyond to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.
Her positive attitude, reliability, and commitment to person-centered care make her an invaluable member of the team and a deserving recipient of DSP Appreciation recognition.
Ionie added, "It has been such a wonderful experience being a team worker and a member of the Kennedy Collective. After 17 years, I have taken care of and achieved goals with my individual. Being in this field, some days, can be more challenging than others, but regardless, I always remain hopeful and have a smile on my face and always make it through. Overall, even though I was a 1 to 1, there were times I participated in groups, where I was able to experience multiple individuals with different needs and goals and enjoyed working with each and every one of them. With the numerous activities and experiences, I have witnessed, especially with my individual, I am blessed and grateful to be a member of the Kennedy Collective for so many years. Thank you, and God bless."
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Kathy has been with Network, Inc. for over 20 years now. She is a kind, dependable and dedicated staff and loves all of the individuals that she works with in the IHS program.
She goes above and beyond to assist the people we serve, her coworkers and her supervisors.
She is an exemplary staff and if we could clone her, we would never have any staffing issues!
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Dontrese has been a dedicated Direct Support Professional with Marrakech for the past five years. Over the years, Dontrese has built strong, trusting relationships with the individuals he supports and has become a passionate advocate for their needs, preferences, and well-being. His dedication extends beyond daily responsibilities and is reflected in the meaningful connections he has developed with family members and guardians.
One individual's guardian has repeatedly expressed her gratitude and peace of mind knowing that Dontrese is supporting her family member, a testament to the trust and confidence he inspires. Recently, Dontrese demonstrated his generosity and person-centered approach by donating clothing items to ensure that an individual he supports could participate fully in Marrakech's annual ball and be dressed in the same theme as his housemates.
This thoughtful gesture exemplifies his commitment to inclusion, dignity, and helping individuals experience a true sense of belonging. His unwavering dedication, advocacy, and kindness make him an outstanding Direct Support Professional and a deserving candidate for this recognition. We are proud to have Dontrese as a member of the Marrakech team and grateful for the positive impact he makes every day.
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Sheila has been a dedicated Direct Support Professional with Marrakech for the past two years. While her time with Marrakech has been relatively short, she brings nearly three decades of experience to her role, having worked in the healthcare and human services field since 1996.
Sheila is a strong advocate for the individuals she supports and consistently demonstrates a commitment to helping them lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. What sets Sheila apart is her dedication to going above and beyond. She continuously seeks out activities and opportunities that are not only enjoyable but also empower the individuals she supports to become valued and contributing members of their communities. Her creativity, initiative, and person-centered approach help individuals achieve greater independence, confidence, and engagement. In addition to her outstanding work with individuals, Sheila serves as a positive role model for her colleagues.
She consistently demonstrates empathy, professionalism, dignity, and respect in every interaction. Her compassion and commitment to excellence create a supportive environment for both the individuals she supports and the staff members she works alongside. Sheila embodies the values of Marrakech and the spirit of the Direct Support Professional profession. Her dedication, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others make her highly deserving of this recognition. We are proud to have Sheila as a member of the Marrakech team and grateful for the positive impact she makes every day.
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We would like to nominate Niko for DSP Recognition for the positive impact he has on the individuals he supports.
He builds strong, meaningful relationships while always treating individuals with respect and dignity.
Niko goes above and beyond to find community connections, worksites, and volunteer opportunities, and consistently thinks outside the box to find creative solutions. He comes to work each day with an upbeat, positive attitude and is a great example of a dedicated DSP.
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Candida is a phenomenal DSP who consistently goes above and beyond expectations, especially in her acting leadership role when the Program Director is away.
Her dedication, strong advocacy, and ability to positively impact both staff and the individuals we support, truly set her apart.
She has been an amazing role model and mentor to newer staff in the program.
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Colleen is the rock for our team, and the individuals in her program. Her steady leadership and total reliability make a huge difference every day.
Her strong leadership guides us through challenges, and her dependable nature means we can always count on her.
She leads by example with her incredible consistency and trustworthiness. She consistently exhibits passion and mission, with the individuals she supports.
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Santa joined CLASP in September of 2013! For all her years here, she has been consistently positive, dependable, and a true pleasure to work with. She always has a smile on her face and brings that joy to her job. She is reliable, dependable, hardworking and always there when you need her.
She has a strong work ethic, which is so valued in this business. She can always be relied upon to follow through on responsibilities, support her co-workers and the residents.
Her professionalism and cheerful demeanor have a meaningful impact on both coworkers and the individuals she supports.
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Jamiyah has been with us since June of 2022. From day one she has proven herself to be dependable, hard-working, loving and caring towards our residents and a great team player.
She can always be depended on to show up and show out!
She takes pride in recreational activities and makes sure the residents enjoy their home.
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Christina has been a valued member of the CASP team for over 20 years. She joined us is 2005!
She is compassionate, dedicated team player who genuinely enjoys caring for the individuals we support. She is always willing to assist others, works well with her coworkers and continues to embrace opportunities to learn new skills and grow professionally despite her many years of experience.
Her commitment, positive attitude and dedication make her an asset to the team.
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Tabetha worked for CLASP years ago and left us in 2018. In 2024 she was ready to come back and we could not wait to have her join the CLASP team again.
She is consistently positive, dependable, and a true pleasure to work with. Her upbeat attitude, willingness to help others, and strong work ethic make her a valued member of the team. She can always be relied upon to follow through on responsibilities, support her coworkers (and pick up the slack where they may fall short, and contribute to a positive work environment.
We love it when she stops by the main office because she will always have a smile on her face. Her professionalism and cheerful demeanor have a meaningful impact on coworkers, the individuals she supports and the main office staff.
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With more than 15 years of experience helping individuals through EdAdvance, Diane supports with deep care, creativity, and brings a joie de vivre to the people with whom she works.
She brings enthusiasm, compassion, and heart to her work, creating a sense of community, instilling a sense of belonging, and empowering people to live their good lives.
Diane has shared her table on holidays to ensure that individuals are not alone, assisted people with moving and securing new and improved living situations, provided enrichment, aids with skill building, is a champion leading Self-Advocacy meetings for individuals at EdAdvance, and much more. Thank you, Diane!!!
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As a long-term Residential Program Manager of two programs, Lillian goes above and beyond in both her support of our individuals as well as other staff members. She was hired on 03/23/2009.
With a quiet and effective demeanor, she has voluntarily organized transport to and from New Hampshire Silver Towers Camp each year for 17 years.
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Lucy is loyal and dedicated to hands on care of our individuals in a supervisory capacity with great compassion. Since 10/19/2003 she has performed with dedication and humility.
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Kwaku consistently goes above and beyond in his role and demonstrates a level of dedication that sets him apart.
Heis dependable, supportive, and always willing to step in and assist when needed. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to the individuals we support make him an excellent example for other staff members.
Kwaku does not simply meet expectations he consistently exceeds them. His willingness to go the extra mile has a positive impact on both the team and the individuals we serve. He is truly deserving of recognition for his hard work and continued commitment.
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Edmond has dedicated nearly 10 years to MARC and is a dependable DSP who consistently steps up to support the people we serve, including taking on challenging assignments and helping wherever he is needed.
His outgoing and personable nature brings energy, warmth, and positivity to the people he supports, helping create an engaging environment where individuals feel welcomed, included, and valued.
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Mary has dedicated 31 years to MARC and has become an important part of the MARC family, building lasting relationships with the people we support and treating each individual with the same care, compassion, and respect she would show her own family members.
Her dedication, hard work, and stability have made a lasting positive impact on the people she supports and have made her a valued and trusted member of the MARC family.
Thais consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the people she supports have meaningful, enjoyable days filled with opportunities for socialization, community engagement, exercise, and wellness, always treating them with patience, compassion, dignity, and respect.
Her positive attitude, flexibility, and genuine dedication—including using her own resources to enhance the experiences of those she supports—make her an outstanding example of a DSP who is deeply committed to improving the quality of life of the people she serves
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In just five months with MARC, Abigail has made a meaningful impact by building positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with the people she supports.
Her patience, compassion, and person-centered approach help individuals feel valued and understood, and she consistently goes the extra mile to meet their unique needs and support their well-being.
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I am nominating all Direct Support Professionals assigned to the Transitional Unit, Meriden. The Transitional Unit is a secure, time limited treatment facility for individuals reentering the community after residing in a secure institutional setting or for individuals who have not been successful in a traditional community setting.
Despite the challenges in working with individuals who require a greater level of support, the staff at the Transitional Unit consistently are professional, encouraging to the individuals they support, go above and beyond to meet the needs of the individuals, and they are invested in preparing the individuals for life outside of the structure of the Transitional Unit.
The DSPs at the Transitional Unit show exceptional collaboration and teamwork. They are open to new ideas and offer suggestions while maintaining fidelity to the structure and rules of the program.
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I am pleased to recommend Jamice for staff recognition in appreciation of her exceptional dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the individuals and staff she supports.
Jamice’s contributions have a direct and meaningful impact on the individuals DDS serves. Her advocacy, dependability, and respectful interactions help ensure that individuals receive consistent support and opportunities to participate in their daily lives.
Jamice’s more than ten years of service, combined with her continued growth as a leader, make her an invaluable asset to DDS. She exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding supervisor: integrity, compassion, accountability, initiative, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
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I am pleased to recommend Tanikka, SDSW, for staff recognition in appreciation of her exceptional leadership, dedication, initiative, and unwavering commitment to the individuals she supports.
Tanikka is also an excellent mentor and resource for other SDSWs and staff. She takes the time to teach newer SDSWs, share her knowledge, and encourage staff to reach higher levels in their own professional development. Her supervisory style is respected because she works hand in hand with the staff rather than simply directing them. She is supportive, approachable, and empathetic while still maintaining appropriate expectations and accountability.
Tanikka has also modeled healthy lifestyle choices for both individuals and staff. She demonstrated how to shop for healthier foods and prepare meals using less processed food. Her efforts contributed to the individuals in the home losing a considerable amount of weight, which positively impacted multiple areas of their lives, including activity levels, health, wellness, and everyday choices.
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Sandra has worked at DDS for over 5 years. She works at Old Mill group home. Sandra is a very kind person. She goes above and beyond for all the individuals.
She spends a lot of time cooking delicious meals with the individuals, doing fun leisure activities, and helping them to go out and about to the places they want to go. We first got to know Sandra when she worked for Midstate Arc at Old Mill’s at home day program and are even more impressed by her outstanding work for DDS at the same group home.
Sandra is a kind, wonderful worker with a great heart and is very compassionate about her job.
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Pamella has worked with DDS for over 5 years. She works at Westfield group home and is an amazingly hard worker. She walks into work every day with a smile on her face and brightens everyone’s day. All her coworkers and the individuals who live in the home love her. She is so understanding and flexible with change. When she comes to work, all the individuals call her name and seek her out. You will hear Pam Pam Pam over and over during the day. She especially works hard at helping the individuals have fun in the community.
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Stacy, coming from a lead position to a supervisory role, has shown exemplary dedication and put in tiredness effort to make the challenging transition to her new role. She has great ideas, is motivated, and truly wants to be a leader.
She has made much effort to focus on building relationships with her staff and taken time to get to know their strengths and weaknesses to help them grown while she is still growing.
She is dependable and has shown a great dedication towards being a good supervisory and team leader.
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Tassheka has shown the ability to be flexible with any task or shift change needed for the needs of not only the agency but of the individuals she supports.
She has true commitment and compassion. She has shown skills that make her a good leader.
She is very hard on herself, not realizing how much she reminds positive impact on her peers and the individuals she supports.
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Joy, LPN, shows true commitment to the agency, the homes, the staff, and the individuals. Over the course of the last year; HRC has taken on a number of individuals that have many needs.
Whether behavior or medical, she always shows up for not just the individuals we support but for the team. She is valuable to the agency and the homes she supports.
Joy has great relationships with all staff and team members, is always the go to, and truly cares for all of the individuals regardless of their needs or challenges. She has also had to assist in challenging situations with guardians and always seems to manage a situation with grace.
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Danelle is strongly committed to the care and safety of the individuals that she supports. She has wonderful relationships with the individuals; her co-workers look up to her (more now than ever considering there is only an acting supervisor).
She has worked very closely with me to ensure we have all the things we need not only for the individuals, but the home, the books, the appointments, and the staff. She always checks in.
She goes above and beyond to complete any task asked of her all while balancing her own challenging life with school.
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Diana has such a wonderful personality. The individuals respond to her like they are her family and she treats them as if they are.
She takes pride in her work, has strong work ethic; is dependable; and will offer assistance independently without even asking her. She is compassionate, loving, and understanding. She values her job and more so the people she supports.
She is a great, knowledgeable resource to her co-workers and the people she supports.
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Eric consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of his role. He demonstrates an incredible commitment to his team by often coming in early to assist wherever he is needed and making sure things are in place before the day begins. Eric is dependable, hardworking, and always willing to step in without hesitation.
His willingness to support his coworkers, his positive attitude, and his dedication to the individuals he serves make him someone his team can truly count on.
Eric’s actions demonstrate that being an outstanding DSP is not just about completing your responsibilities—it’s about being willing to do whatever it takes to support the people and team around you.
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Janett consistently demonstrates strong leadership, dedication, and pride in the work she does for the house.
She goes beyond her daily responsibilities by assisting with the books and taking on additional responsibilities to help ensure the home runs smoothly. Janett is someone who takes initiative, recognizes what needs to be done, and steps up to make it happen. Her willingness to take leadership, support her coworkers, and maintain a high standard of care makes her an invaluable member of the team.
Janett’s commitment and dependability show in everything she does, and her contributions have a positive impact on both the individuals she supports and the staff around her.
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Daniel does an exceptional job serving as the Lead for the house and consistently demonstrates what strong leadership looks like. He takes pride in maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming home for the individuals he supports. Dan is also dedicated to making sure the residents have meaningful opportunities to get out into the community and stay active, including taking them on long walks and spending quality time with them.
He leads by example, remains attentive to the needs of the house, and works hard to create a positive environment.
Dan’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to the well-being of the residents make him truly deserving of recognition as an Outstanding DSP.
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Irene brings care, dependability, and a strong sense of responsibility to her work every day. She takes pride in preparing meals for the house and making sure the individuals she supports have nutritious and enjoyable food. Irene also takes responsibility for completing the weekly shopping, helping ensure the home has everything it needs to operate smoothly.
Beyond these responsibilities, she is always willing to assist wherever she is needed and step in to support both the residents and her coworkers. Irene’s willingness to help, attention to the needs of the house, and consistent dedication make her a valued member of the team.
Her everyday contributions may happen behind the scenes, but they make a significant difference in the lives of the individuals she supports.
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Rosibel has worked for DDS for 13 years as an LPN. She says that Card Street is her second home and the individuals are her family.
She has a bond with each individual. Rosibel will often go above and beyond to ensure that each individual feels valued, supported, and cared for. She is attentive to their individual needs, knows their preferences and routines, and consistently advocates for their well-being.
Her compassion, dedication, and commitment to the individuals she serves are evident in her daily interactions and make her valued member of the Card Street team.
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Winsome, LDSW has worked for DDS for 23 years. Winsome says that she does what she does because she believes each individual deserves her best. Winsome is an effective Lead and can be relied upon by team members and supervisors for day-to-day needs. She consistently demonstrates dedication, compassion, and professionalism in her work.
Winsome takes the time to understand the needs of each individual and works to ensure they receive quality care and support.
Her experience, dependability, and commitment to the individuals she serves make her a valuable asset to the home she is assigned to.
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Jessica, DSW2 has worked for DDS for 7 years. Knowing that each individual under her care is safe gives her the most satisfaction. Jessica is known to be competent and very organized, while also being pleasant and a good team player. Jessica is dependable and works well with both her coworkers and supervisors.
She is willing to assist others when needed and contributes to a positive and supportive work environment.
Her commitment to safety, organization, and quality care is evident in her daily work.
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Troy, LDSW has worked for DDS for nearly 35 years. Troy takes great pride in supporting the individuals he serves and enjoys seeing their growth and progress.
Troy also values his co-workers and finds fulfillment in supporting their development and success.
His experience, compassion, and commitment make him a valued member of the Church Street team and a true asset to DDS.
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Vanessa has worked for DDS for 21 years. Vanessa is passionate about her job and the quality of care she provides. Vanessa wants to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the individuals she supports. Vanessa takes the time to understand each individual’s needs and works diligently to ensure they are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.
Her willingness to speak up for the individuals in her care is commendable.
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Allison has worked for DDS for 6 years. Allison is an efficient and conscientious advocate for her individuals.
Always insuring that the focus remains on the individuals we serve. Seeing her individuals happy and productive is the best feeling in the world. Allison consistently demonstrates compassion and dedication in her daily work routine.
She takes pride in helping each individual reach their goals and ensuring they receive the support, encouragement and respect they deserve.
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Garnett has worked for DDS for 17 years. Garnett’s passion and commitment are evident in the way he treats the individuals he serves as family, consistently providing compassionate and dedicated care.
His greatest motivation comes from seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing that he has made a positive difference in their day. Garnett’s genuine dedication, compassion, and strong work ethic are truly commendable.
His commitment to ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of those he serves is an excellent example of the impact that caring and dedicated staff can make every day.
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Diana is a dedicated DDS employee with nearly 10 years of service.
She brings genuine compassion and enthusiasm to her work, viewing those she supports as an important part of her life. Diana is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the daily lives of the individuals she serves.
Her commitment, compassion, and love for her work make her a valued member of our DDS team.
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Coming from a lead position to a supervisory role, Stacy has shown exemplary dedication and put in tiredness effort to make the challenging transition to her new role.
She has great ideas, is motivated, and truly wants to be a leader. She has made much effort to focus on building relationships with her staff and taken time to get to know their strengths and weaknesses to help them grown while she is still growing.
She is dependable and has shown a great dedication towards being a good supervisory and team leader.
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Tash has shown the ability to be flexible with any task or shift change needed for the needs of not only the agency but of the individuals she supports.
She has true commitment and compassion. She has shown skills that make her a good leader.
She is very hard on herself, not realizing how much she reminds positive impact on her peers and the individuals she supports.
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Diana has such a wonderful personality. The individuals respond to her like they are her family and she treats them as if they are. She takes pride in her work, has strong work ethic; is dependable; and will offer assistance independently without even asking her.
She is compassionate, loving, and understanding. She values her job and more so the people she supports.
She is a great, knowledgeable resource to her co-workers and the people she supports.
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Danelle is strongly committed to the care and safety of the individuals that she supports. She has wonderful relationships with the individuals, her co-workers look up to her (more now than ever considering there is only an acting supervisor).
She has worked very closely with me to ensure we have all the things we need not only for the individuals, but the home, the books, the appointments, and the staff.
She always checks in. She goes above and beyond to complete any task asked of her all while balancing her own challenging life with school.
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Michelle retired not long ago. She was one of the staff at 75 Mountain Road. She was fun, loving, a great cook, and full of joy. She built very strong relationships with not only the individuals but also all the people she worked with.
Her voice and personality was enough to brighten up any room.
Sadly she lost a fight with cancer, but will always be considered one of our fellow co-workers that will be remembered forever.
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Joy shows true commitment to the agency, the homes, the staff, and the individuals.
Over the course of the last year; HRC has taken on a number of individuals that have many needs. Whether behavior or medical, she always shows up for not just the individuals we support but for the team. She is valuable to the agency and the homes she supports.
Joy has great relationships with all staff and team members, is always the go to, and truly cares for all of the individuals regardless of their needs or challenges. She has also had to assist in challenging situations with guardians and always seems to manage a situation with grace.
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Carol, known to us as Carrie, is an SDSW in the South region/public/CLAs at North Rd. Carrie has worked in multiple regions over many years building her skills and then accepting the promotional position of SDSW at Rogers House on Camp Harkness in Waterford.
Carrie then was required to orchestrate all the individuals and staff- transitional move to North Road, Groton. Carrie shows exceptional skills in the areas of knowledge of work; initiative; cooperation and judgment. Working to support and ensure staff have the training and knowledge so the people living at North Road have a great day on every day they can.
Carrie’s ensures each staff delivers and maintains quality service, at North Road CLA staff provide competent, well-trained, knowledgeable staff, consistent with the DDS Mission and philosophy.
Carrie possesses a deep understanding of the personal IP process and programs written by the clinicians meant to enhance the life of the people they are written for. She knows how to implement programs as written and creates teaching strategies for people to learn real life skills. Skills that matter to them and help them to become more independent and live their best life. She meets all the individuals where they are at and builds from there.
Each year, Carrie has planned vacations for overnight stays at hotels with wonderful amenities and fun therapies that make the people feel special.
Weekly Carrie ensures the community activities and groups are what the people are asking for in their IP profile each year. She goes out of her way to ensure delivery of such programs.
Carrie’s grasp of procedures, techniques, and instructions necessary to perform the SDSW job is at the highest degree including her judgment in the moment and bring the staff she teaches and trains u to a level of expectation that benefits the home as a whole. Carrie has worked at multiple homes assisting and supporting other SDSW’s/PS such as Shore Road, Broadway, Seaview just to name a few.
Carrie works above and beyond the expectations of an SDSW – everyday.
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Heather works as s DSW1 at Shore Road, CLA in Waterford. Her position is DSW1, although she has the skills and works in a Lead capacity. Prior, Heather worked and day program where she gained many skills as a staff person. Heather cares for the people who live at Shore Road and follows the IP and teaching strategies, and BSP’s as written. Heather shows great judgement and follows all the DDS work Rules/ policy and procedures She is a go to staff for other staff when they are not sure of what the protocol is, or what guideline should be followed. Heather always asks if she can assist when she has free time. She has learned many skills asking to be shown how to with all forms DDS.
Heather follows directives and ensures the health and safety of each person on her shifts. Heather as a DSW1 has been flexible with her time filling in for Vacant positions and changing shifts to accommodate the needs at Shore Road. Heather assures the people at Shore Road go out and enjoy their community and all the events happening.
Heather also shows the willingness to work side by side with nursing and clinical team at Shore Road. Attending meetings to stay on top of changes and sharing information with other staff. Heather is a quick learner and performs her job duties at the highest degree. Heather has worked at multiple homes assisting and supporting staffing. Heather works above and beyond the expectations of DSW1 – everyday.
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I am pleased to recommend Paula for staff recognition in appreciation of her exceptional nursing skills and dedication to the individuals she supports at Shore Road. Paula has worked as and lPN at Shore Road since 5/4/2012 her longevity speaks loud about her commitment.
Paula has consistently risen to the demands and needs of the people who depend on her nursing skills at this CLA. She has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of her responsibilities of nursing duties as well as residential operational procedures. She has become a highly respected leader who not only completes her responsibilities but continually looks for ways to improve the lives of the individuals and strengthen the staff team.
Paula has always shown good judgment, particularly when situations require her to think quickly and make decisions in the moment. She knows when to act independently and, just as importantly, knows when to ask the right questions and seek additional guidance.
Paula has been an excellent mentor and resource for other LPNs. She is supportive, approachable, and empathetic while still maintaining appropriate expectations and accountability.
At times, Paula supported up to 15 people who called Shore Road their home. Her willingness to continue supporting Shore Road during a Transition to and from HRC when the home moved for 1 year. Paula takes her job and service to the people we serve seriously, and it shows on each shift she works.
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Kim was hired as a part-time DSW1 at Rogers House, CLA in Waterford. She has since been promoted to a DSW2 full time. Kim was instrumental during the transition of moving Rogers House folks and staff to North Road. Kim leads by example showing staff how to care for people, modeling people first. Kim brings much positivity to each shift she works. She provides individual attention with daily ADL needs and always finds activities for enjoyment and keeping up skills learned.
Kim promotes the love of learning by engaging in every opportunity. If someone wants to learn about hydroponic gardening, they will go to library research and then implement the process at the home all while nurturing the interests of the people she serves. She is all about the why, the how, and getting your hands dirty so to speak.
Kim plans a creative individualized experience as she plans for outings/activates even if it is in the home. She is always engaged with people, providing opportunities for incidental learning. Kim promotes independence as she supports people by breaking down task into smaller steps praising as she goes. Kim continually share many verbal-positive reinforcements, and she makes sure she is always present and, in the moment. The level of care she brings to the table comes 10-fold when she sees the face and reaction of everyone she works with.
Kim does not look at her job as a job; she brings a part of herself that just comes so naturally and benefits the home as whole. Staff say they admire the way she carries and conducts herself in the home – she is a role model for them – she gives them a different perspective on how to be successful with different tasks.
Kim makes it a point to really know everyone so she can offer choices to include everyone in all the needs of their home. She involves everyone with the chores/activities to make the house a home. Kim has patience and really gives people time to process and complete a task on their own.
Kim volunteers for panned vacations (overnight) She has many creative ideas, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy and experience community life. Kim maintains great relationships with families and guardians – helping everyone to stay in touch and feel connected sending pictures, writing letters, cards, emails and phone calls. She assists everyone to preserve and maintain relationships and building new ones.
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LFC Staff Appreciation
The LFC team is comprised of many versatile DSPs who have over the year/years have provided those who live on this campus with very fulfilled lives. It is easy to see that they care about their individuals deeply and consider them family. We have transitioned several individuals from community hospitals and nursing homes who have challenges that only we can support.
The staff have had to learn new skills and adapt old skills to provide the best possible care for these individuals. Staff are constantly learning who these individuals are underneath the challenges and are taking this knowledge and using it to provide what the individuals want and need to live the life of their choice. Besides welcoming new individuals, the LFC team continues to provide for the individuals that have lived here for years and who are constantly changing as the years go by.
We have had Milestone Birthday Parties, Cook outs, Specialized themed Birthday Parties, holiday parties and community trips. Staff have assisted individuals in decorating their rooms to their favorite themes while also ensuring that the individuals get the appropriate care to live healthy lives.
DSW1 Marki is a DSP that exemplifies the traits of the LFC team:
- Marki is a person who can be counted on to complete whatever needs to be done for the individual
- Marki is a person who knows and understands the individuals she cares for and shares that knowledge with those around her to ensure that her individuals are understood
- Marki has created good relationships with the individuals and their families
- Marki has planned and participated in events that her individuals enjoy
- Marki asks questions when unsure and shares the answers with her co-workers
- Marki has a positive demeanor when interacting with the individuals and her co-workers
- Marki is a very Strong Advocate for all of our Individuals
Abigail has dedicated 15 years to DDS, bringing compassion, commitment, and genuine passion to her work.
She takes pride in advocating for the individuals she supports and ensuring she gives her best every day. Abigail is a strong team player who empowers others by helping individuals develop skills, confidence, and independence.
Her dedication to helping others grow and succeed makes her a valued member of the DDS team and highly deserving of recognition.
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Ilsa is recognized for her compassionate care and dedication to the individuals she serves.
During her two years with DDS, Ilsa has demonstrated a genuine passion for nursing, treating each individual with kindness, respect, and care. Her commitment to helping others feel better and improve their quality of life is truly commendable.
Ilsa is also a valued team player and effective communicator who consistently contributes to a positive and supportive environment.
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Jamaar has worked for DDS for approx 23 years. Serving others is more than a job, it’s “my passion.”
"I’ve always been around this population from an early age," Jamaar explains. "Seeing the guys experience some level of normalcy and actively participate in their community is what makes the work so meaningful to me." Jamaar takes pride in supporting the individuals he serves while also helping staff grow in their roles.
He works closely with his co-workers to raise expectations, strengthen their skills, and encourage them to provide the highest level of support possible. “I work with staff to bring their levels up,” he says. “I expect staff working with me to work on a greater level because I’m going to lead you the right way.”
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