ALBANY — The Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) recently held its annual Direct Support Professional (DSP) award ceremony honoring CSEA members from across the state.
Each DSP of the Year was recognized for the lengths they go for those they care for on top of their daily duties as direct support assistants. whether that be teaching sign language to residents or decorating homes for every season to keep spirits high.
Along with OPWDD officials, CSEA Statewide Secretary Stacey Baldwin Deyo attended the ceremony to congratulate members.
OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer described working in direct care as “deeply human,” recognizing that OPWDD employees regularly go the extra mile to ensure those they care for feel loved, supported, and comfortable in their homes.
CSEA members recognized for their efforts include Jillian Hadden and Emily Villafane at Capital District DDSO; Melissa Sauvageau and Carolyn Simmons at Sunmount DDSO; Christopher Ingraham and Michael Robinson at Broome DDSO, Dana D’Alfonso and Au’ Jante Lanaux at Central New York DDSO, Shoyanne Armstrong and Pierre Jourdain at Hudson Valley DDSO and Cynthia Maduemezia and Jennifer Mudry-Rothenay at Taconic DDSO; Yolanda Glen and Stepfon Wilkins at Metropolitan New York DDSO; Anthony Hubbs and Rita Perez at Staten Island DDSO, Bernard Burtts and Antonae Smith in Bernard Fineson DDSO; Sa Nebra Stubbs and Angelin Thomas at Long Island DDSO, Demario Perry and Joseph Zglinicki at Western New York DDSO, and Christina Evans and Alisha Rosato at Finger Lakes DDSO.
Brooklyn Developmental Center workers Pamela Caleb and Idelle McRae both were honored for going above and beyond as well as reaching career milestones. McRae celebrated 31 years as a CSEA member and OPWDD employee.
The Statewide Team of the Year was the Meadow Lane IRA. Members recognized were Nadisha Hunter-Wilson, Richard Gage, Tatyana Nicholas, Misty Ing, Victor Woodworth, Bambi Swinton, Brenda Barrett, Marissa Locke, Brendan Deacon, Lori Zapete, Christopher Harrington, Shantel Mattison, and Iryna Liavolskaya.
– Alexandra Whitbeck