ALBANY — When it comes to the people in his care, Christopher Cash goes the extra mile, often literally.
Cash, a developmental assistant 2 at Taconic DDSO, handles plenty of day-to-day administrative tasks like other workers in the direct care field, but it’s fulfilling individuals’ requests for special outings and other activities that keeps him going.
“You can get lost in paperwork or have a thousand things going on, but when the smoke clears, I focus on trying to do something fun with the individuals to make their day,” said Cash, who started on the job in 2021 when he was looking for a career change. “I’ve taken guys to a WWE SmackDown event in Albany, and we went to a Jets game. Anything I can do to make something happen for them, I jump in.”
That willingness to go above and beyond hasn’t gone unnoticed. After a supervisor submitted a nomination, Cash was named one of the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ (OPWDD) Direct Support Professionals of the Year for 2025. He received the award at a ceremony in September, where honorees from across the state were inducted into OPWDD’s Direct Support Hall of Fame.
While he’s unused to the spotlight, Cash said, “It felt good to be appreciated and know the effort isn’t going unnoticed.”
In addition to his dedication to making outings and special events for individuals come to fruition, the supervisor’s nomination noted Cash’s commitment to inclusion.
Cash volunteered to sit on a hiring panel for a treatment team leader position. When he showed up for the panel, he brought several individuals along so they could share in the experience.
After working in different fields, including on oil rigs in Louisiana, Cash applied to Taconic DDSO when family members working in direct care said he would be a good fit.
“I’d been working in a warehouse that was severely understaffed, and it was all about the bottom line,” said Cash. “In an industry like that, it’s all about numbers. This is a little more rewarding. If I get stressed out at work, I’ll try to do something positive for one of my individuals.”
After feeling an initial pull toward direct care work during the pandemic, Cash has enough experience now that he’s turned a job into a career. In addition to helping co-workers, Cash is also acquiring new skills and hopes to eventually become a developmental assistant 3.
Regardless of what job he holds, however, Cash is committed to helping individuals create core memories with those special trips and outings.
“I like just being able to make someone’s day and make it better,” Cash said.
— Jessica Ladlee