Core Competencies are the foundation of person-centered supports for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. The competencies are broken down into seven goal areas covering all aspects of the individual’s life, while also including the professionalism of direct support ...

• Putting People First
• Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships
• Demonstrating Professionalism
• Supporting Good Health
• Supporting Safety
• Having a Home
• Being Active and Productive in Society

In an effort to continue this recognition, we plan on spotlighting a Direct Support Professional of the Month ... every month!

JANUARY 2023 DSP ...

Carolyn Fiaschetti

Carolyn was nominated by the individual she works for. Carolyn is very helpful to him and assists him with meeting many goals. She helps him with skills to increase and maintain his independence by cooking meals, cleaning his apartment, proper hygiene skills, etc. And just as her individual said “She is awesome!” Thank you Carolyn!

Core Competency: Having a Home Life

DECEMBER 2022 DSP ...  

Ashley Garcia

Every day Ashley takes the time to check in to ensure her individual is set, even if she is not working with her that day! She is constantly researching different events in the community to attend or to volunteer at. She is her individual’s biggest cheerleader by celebrating every win, whether if it’s paying for her own coffee at Dunkin and counting the correct change, or frying an egg by herself for the first time. Recently it was supposed to be Ashley’s day off but her individual called and told her about a volunteering opportunity she heard about on the radio and said she would like to do it. Ashley was so proud of her for wanting to take part so she changed her schedule and they went to together and volunteered. She is always going above and beyond for her individual and she truly cares about what is best! Congrats Ashley!

Core Competencies: Putting People First, Being Active and Productive in Society

NOVEMBER 2022 DSP ...

Ruth Loomis

Ruth has been a devoted employee for decades! She cut the ribbon to open the Lewis County Respite house and has been a one to one Direct Support Professional in the past. She takes great care of our individuals and they love her! Ruth deserves to be recognized after so many years spent taking care of the ID/DD individuals in Lewis County. Thank you for all that you do Ruth!

Core Competency: Putting People First

SEPTEMBER 2022 DSP ...

Steffany Delaney

Steffany went above and beyond to care for her participant while he was sick. She took his temperature, made sure he was comfortable, reported any health details to his guardian, and attended his physician appointments. She provided encouragement and helped relieve some of the anxiety that this he and his guardian were experiencing. Steffany cared for her participant the entire time when his other staff were ill with Covid and volunteered to stay with him while the other staff were on quarantine. Steffany put her participant before her own family and made sure that he was able to stay in his own home by providing 24/7 care. Thank you for your wonderful compassion Steffany!!!!!

Core Competency: Putting People First, Supporting Good Health, Supporting Safety

AUGUST 2022 DSP ...

Danielle Hutchison

Danielle has been a great asset to DPAO! Not only is she a great team player, but she is kind and compassionate and has a passion to teach. Although the days are busy, Danielle takes the time to find out the challenges the people we support face individually and discovers the best way each of them learn and implements it into their daily activities. She has a gift of capturing the attention of our individuals and keeping them engaged. Way to go Danielle!!!!!

Core Competencies: Putting People First, Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships

JUNE 2022 DSP ...

Sierra Bailey

Although Sierra has been working at DPAO for a short time, she has really stepped up to the plate to ensure the Short Term Respite program has continued to thrive without a current coordinator. She also has agreed to run all of the recreational activities for our individuals. She is well liked by our participants and has given them a sense of security while the program is going through many changes. She never shies away from working out of her comfort zone to ensure they are having fun. She is witty, creative and always willing to lend a helping hand when another program needs assistance. Awesome job Sierra!!!!!

Core Competencies: Putting People First, Demonstrating Professionalism

MAY 2022 DSP ...

Alexandria Reczko

Alex carries out daily goals with her individual to the fullest! She assists her with grocery shopping and maintaining her home. Alex also supports her in becoming healthier by encouraging her to keep a healthy diet and going to the gym. She is a reliable DSP and continues to show her support in all areas that are needed. Thank you Alex!!!!!

Core Competencies: Putting People First, Supporting Good Health, Having a Home

APRIL 2022 DSP ...

Blair Waldron

Blair is being recognized for going the extra mile to put a smile on her individual’s faces! She is always willing to listen to how their day is going and is there for them and assists them in whatever it is that they are trying to accomplish. Blair also never hesitates to help out in the program that she works in. Thank you for being such a great DSP Blair!!!!!

Core Competency: Putting People First

MARCH 2022 DSP ...

Michele Macaluso

Michele has been nominated by the person whom she is a DSP for ... “Michele has exceeded her job expectations by advocating for me even in situations where her job doesn't require her to do so. She is also a huge support for my anxiety and has managed to calm me down in every situation. Thanks to her, I have an apartment, a job, and a sense of purpose and ethics of my own. She is also extremely honest and refuses to do anything she deems unethical. It is for these reasons that I think she should be nominated.” Congrats Michele!

Core Competencies: Putting People First, Having a Home

FEBRUARY 2022 DSP ...

JoAnn Kirk

JoAnn carries out daily goals with her individual to the fullest. She is being recognized by providing and encouraging positive emotional support to her individual during the difficult time he has been going through. She continues to work on his goals such as healthy lifestyle skills, encouraging exercise, and helping to get his mind off difficult things. Thank you JoAnn for being there during a time that was needed the most! We appreciate you JoAnne!!!!!

Core Competency: Putting People First