May 2026

Carnillia Calder

Assistant Residential Manager

Carnillia Calder was hired as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for 90 South Woods Road in January 2019. In September 2022 she transferred to 88 South Woods Road as a DSP. In June 2024, Carnillia was promoted to Assistant Residential Manager of 88 South Woods Road. Eri Dadzie, Residential Manager of 88 South Woods Road, nominated Carnillia for employee of the month. Eric said, “I would like to nominate Carnillia Calder for employee of the month in recognition of her outstanding dedication and leadership. Carnillia is affectionately known as “Camil,”. Camil consistently goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the individuals we support. She takes the initiative to create meaningful, engaging activities that promote socialization, joy, and a sense of community within the residence. Most notably, Camil organized a memorable Easter “Eggstravaganza” for the residents. This event required extensive planning and coordination with multiple houses, and her efforts resulted in a truly special experience that brought individuals together and created lasting memories. Beyond her creativity and initiative, Camil is truly the glue that holds the residence together. She is dependable, compassionate, and always willing to step in wherever needed. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her an invaluable member of the team. For her continued excellence and unwavering dedication, I strongly recommend Carnilia Calder for Employee of the Month.”


Congratulations and thank you, Carnillia, for all you do!

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April 2026

Eric Dadzie

Residential Manager

Eric Dadzie was hired in February 2023 as Assistant Residential Manager. In March 2024, he was promoted to Residential Manager of 88 South Woods Road. Tiffany Graham, Assistant Director of Adult Residential Services nominated Eric for Employee of the Month. Tiffany said this about Eric, “I am beyond proud to nominate Eric Dadzie for Employee of the Month. He oversees the 88 SWR IRA with an enormous amount of grace. He has handled some incredibly difficult circumstances, including deaths within the residence, with compassion, steadiness, and care for everyone involved. He is always supportive, approachable, and willing to step in wherever needed. His kindness and genuine concern for others make a meaningful difference every day. I never have to worry about timeliness of work as assigned. Not only is his work timely, it is almost always presented accurately. Eric consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to advocating for the individuals we serve. He ensures their voices are heard and always works to support their needs with professionalism and compassion. What truly sets him apart is his ability to balance advocacy with practical understanding. He carefully considers policies, resources, and limitations while still striving for the best possible outcome. Eric is truly one of the sweetest and most dedicated people I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with professionally and personally. Our team is stronger because of him."


Congratulations and thank you, Eric, for all you do!

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March 2026

Daniele Payne

Residential Manager

Daniele Payne was hired in February, 2023 as Supervisor of Children’s Residence. In October, 2024, Daniele was promoted to Residential Manager at Plainview. Julie Kucich-Korneffel, Clinical Support Coordinator, nominated Daniele Payne for Employee of the Month. Julie wrote, "Daniele has transformed the residence of Plainview-IRA to the “Plainview Family.” Since taking on the role of Manager at Plainview-IRA she has had her hands full. Because the house did not have a dedicated Manager for a while, she began by filling in the blanks and catching up on some of the systems in the house. She instantly developed relationships with the staff and made concerted efforts to build relationships with the residents and their families and advocates. Daniele often says, “I leave home to come home.” The residents have come to trust that Daniele always has their best interests at heart and that she always goes above and beyond to make sure that each person feels the love and respect that she shares. Daniele is a high energy person and treats the house at 4 Rex Place as she would her own. Redecorating the color scheme was only the beginning. The house often smells of her cooking and resonates with her laughter. Of course, taking care of individuals’ needs is at the core of the Manager role. Making the efforts special is what sets Daniele apart. “Person Centered” is taken to heart at Plainview. The individuals meet with her and with the staff at Family Meetings to talk about the goings on at the house and to plan recreational and social events together. They are encouraged to talk about their feelings and their interests so that she and the rest of the staff can bring their ideas to life. Between Friends-givings, Holiday Extravaganzas, Family Picnics at the beach, and afternoon barbecues in their yard, the Plainview house is the place to be for a great time! Most recently, Daniele planned a stellar birthday celebration for one of the residents. The only woman living in the house was turning 75! Daniele made sure Roslyn was going to be treated like the queen she is and had the party she deserved. Many weeks of planning, discussing details with Roslyn and coordinating vendors and services, she had an incredible experience. As someone who never had a Sweet 16 or a prom to go to, is not likely to have a wedding, this milestone birthday gave her the opportunity to shine! Daniele gave her the chance to pick out a formal gown and tiara. Roslyn wore pretty white sneakers with silver gems. She had her hair done and wore a silver Birthday Queen sash to match her white and silver gown. Daniele loaned Roslyn her own full-length mink coat to complete the ensemble, and she arrived at her party in a white Rolls Royce! No detail was overlooked. This is just one example of Daniele’s love and dedication for the residents of Plainview-IRA manifested in an event. Daniele’s example should raise the bar for all Residential Managers and CDD staff to follow. Giving the people we serve the opportunities to “live their best lives” is what makes her outstanding!"


Congratulations and thank you, Daniele, for all you do!

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February 2026

Maintenance Team

Maintenance Crew at the Center

Thank you to our maintenance staff for clearing the snow and keeping our campus safe. We appreciate all the early-morning work you do. - Paula Matthews, Principal, Children's Day Program.

I would like to thank the whole maintenance department for all they do to keep our individuals and staff safe. I am not sure that many people realize that the last 2 storms occurred on weekends which meant that the maintenance department had to work the whole week (M-F) and then may had to return for countless hours over the weekend to clean up our sites/residences. I always worry about our maintenance guys and hope that they are getting some rest and are safe while performing snow removal. It can be very strenuous and physically demanding. I think they do a great job and deserve to be the February employees of the month! - Linda Werle

After the last snow storm, Diana and I both reached out to Brendan regarding vans being plowed in at EQUIP & Crossways DH, and the parking lot at Crossways DH not being safe due to snow and ice. Brendan, Rob & Sebastian quickly came over to help snow blow, plow and sand at Crossways DH, and then came to EQUIP and helped remove the snow blocking their large van in. We are not sure who plowed Bethpage Parking lot from our Maintenance team during the storm, but Steve came in and assisted with clearing remaining snow away from entrance to building and secondary exits. – Jane Reich

The CDD maintenance department is awesome…their continuous hard work keeps us running - our buildings/grounds would be a mess without them and all they do! - Karen Adler

The Maintenance Department is the backbone of the Center. Whether it’s a repairing a burst pipe, preparing for a storm, removing snow after a snow storm or handling any other emergency that pops up, they’re there to make things better. They’re reliable and it’s comforting to know the houses are in good hands with them on the job. Thank you to the Unsung Heroes aka, the maintenance department. - Kent Ng

The Center’s Maintenance Department more than deserves to be the employees of the month! They are our winter heroes who brave the cold, often at ungodly hours of the morning to make sure that our sites are clear and safe for the individuals and staff. They also deserve recognition for the things they do year-round to  make sure our sites and grounds are safe and beautiful. We are so fortunate to have each and everyone of you with your individual skillsets and collective dedication to the mission! -Amy Barker 


Congratulations and thank you, Maintenance Team for all you do!

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January 2026

Ketcheny Garraud

Medical Counselor/Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Ketcheny Garraud was hired in December 2022 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for our Children’s Residence Program (CRP). In May, 2025 he was promoted to a Medical Counselor/DSP. Jaime Huether, Director of Children’s Residence, nominated Ketcheny for Employee of the Month. Jaime said, “Ketcheny has always demonstrated professionalism, team work and pride in his work. Most recently, management had noticed the exceptional work he has been presenting. Everyday Ketcheny comes in with a smile on his face, ready to play with, laugh with, and work with all of the children at CRP. His reliable support during staff shortages has been appreciated. He is always quick to jump in no matter the situation. Anytime a team 3 is called, he seems to be the first one there, with his sleeves rolled up and ready to help in any way possible.”


Congratulations and thank you, Ketcheny for all you do!

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