Page 15 - Work Force November 2025

From left, OPWDD
Commissioner
Willow Baer,
Christopher Cash.
Cash honored for
inclusion, dedication at
Taconic DDSO
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
Career change leads to meaningful work
ROME — When
as one of the agency’s Direct Support
part of my job is promoting their
CSEA member Craig
Professionals (DSP) of the Year.
independence while providing
Stannard made
“I was looking for a change, and
emotional support.”
a midlife career
I’ve always enjoyed helping people,”
While Stannard noted that some
change, he wasn’t
said Stannard, a member of CSEA’s
days bring challenges, it’s the small
sure what to expect.
Central New York DDSO Local. “The
victories that make the work so
After more than
great benefits, and pension were just
rewarding.
two decades in the
an added bonus, so I figured I’d give
“When you can put a smile on
printing trade, he
it a shot.”
their faces, or make them laugh, it
Stannard
decided it was time
Stannard now works at one of the
makes it all worth it,” said Stannard.
to try something
agency’s individualized residential
Stannard credits senior staff with
new — and more meaningful — by
alternatives (IRAs), where he
helping him find his footing early on.
pursuing a career as a direct support
supports people with developmental
“We have some great senior staff
assistant at Central New York
disabilities in their daily lives.
in the house who taught me the
Developmental Disabilities Services
“A normal day is just talking with
importance of the job and how to do
Office.
them about how things are going,
things properly,” said Stannard.
of reach. Instead, he found another
path that allowed him to make a
difference.
“It’s tough to juggle going back
to school at my age while working a
full-time job,” said Stannard. “This
job lets me do what I wanted, to help
people and give back.”
As a CSEA member, Stannard also
appreciates the stability that comes
with union membership.
“I’m a fan of unions,” he said. “I
think having a contract is important.
There has to be rules, and
boundaries. And you can’t beat the
benefits.”
Sixteen months later, Stannard
what they want to do – maybe go
Stannard said he had once
was recently recognized by the New
out for a bit, or stay in and relax,”
thought about returning to school
York State Office for People With
he said. “We work on chores, and
for counseling, but balancing full-
Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
keeping busy, but the biggest
time work and education felt out
November 2025 15 15
The Work Force
— Nicholas Newcomb