January 2025
Michele Keena
Nurse, West Rogues Path and Chester Hill IRAs.jpeg)
Since starting at The Center, Michele Keena has shown us what an incredibly kind, compassionate, and dedicated nurse that she is. As a new nurse to the field, she quickly grew into her role as a strong advocate, care taker, and important member of our team. Michele is exactly the kind of nurse that we look for at The Center and that the people we support deserve. Her dedication and positivity is inspiring and she truly makes a difference here. She has gone above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with all of her patients, their families, and her colleagues at both Chester Hill and West Rogues. I always hear wonderful compliments about how caring Michele is from members of our team and that she treats every individual with respect, empathy, patience, and genuine care. She is an incredible asset to our agency and an even better nurse to the people she supports.
Congratulations Michele -- well deserved!
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December 2024
Jean Parnell-Theronier
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Since Jean started working at The Center in April of 2023, he has proven to be a dedicated and enthusiastic worker who is consistently putting the individuals first. Jean has developed positive relationships with all of the individuals at the Plainview home.
He will take them to sporting events (Wrestling shows and baseball games), as well as Broadway shows, the park, pumpkin picking, out to restaurants, the Aquarium and The Bronx Zoo. When the individuals state that they want special items from the grocery store, Jean accompanies them and helps promote their independence. He brings Terrence to Church and he also brings Jake to his photography classes.
When Day Program needs assistance with staffing, Jean is always willing to lend a hand. Jean always does everything with a smile on his face and is so respectful to his co-workers and the individuals he supports.
People from different departments have said how patient, respectful and caring Jean is with all of his peers. The individuals themselves state how happy they are that Jean is a DSP at their home. Jean is reliable, dependable and a true asset to The Center.
Congratulations and thank you, Jean!
November 2024
Valmarie Samuels-James
Recreational Specialist/Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Valmarie is a strong presence at the heart of the Northport home. Val dedicates her time to ensuring that the needs of the men that live in the house are not only met but exceeded. She instinctively relates to each individual and shares her love and kindness, and most of all, respect for them.
Valmarie is always engaged with the residents. She is considerate and professional with her co-workers and does not miss opportunities to communicate her observations or concerns about the men, always working to improve her ability to make their daily lives a fulfilling and positive experience.
As all of the individuals who live in Northport are non-verbal or communicate minimally, she helps them to learn to express themselves and provides support to each of them at their pace and ability to ensure that they are understood. Val helps Jake, Benjamin and Colin to write their names and to identify words and letters, she helps Raymond and Javon to indicate their intentions gesturally, she reads his books with David, and encourages Kobe to use his language skills to interact with his housemates and staff.
Valmarie represents the embodiment of the mission of The Center and is truly an example of positive leadership. She is always willing to take direction and eagerly looks to expand her knowledge and ability to work with the staff and residents. Valmarie takes on responsibility enthusiastically and will always go the “extra mile” to enhance experiences for the men at Northport.
Valmarie takes initiative to engage the men in different community events and activities and will always step up to take on tasks to assist management in keeping the high quality of service and the sense of home at the Northport-IRA.
Congratulations and thank you, Valmarie!
October 2024
Robert Robinson
Assistant Residential Manager
Robert Robinson was hired in October 2023 as a Direct Support Professional, and in March 2024, he was promoted to Assistant Residential Manager of 3 of our Woodbury residences. Tiffany Graham nominated Robert Robinson for employee of the month because he is beloved by the parents in the residences he oversees as an Assistant Manager. He goes out of his way to make time for the individuals in ways that are meaningful to them.
In one home, he takes Michael to church with his mom, he takes Raizy outside to play basketball, and he takes Howard for rides to his old neighborhood. He advocates strongly for the residents. He is respectful in all interactions. Parents have contacted Tiffany me often solely to sing his praises.
Despite working the overnight, Robert has assisted in other residences when a need arises. He has come in on days where he had vacation approved in order to assist with shifts. Robert is a great example of compassion, respect, empathy and honesty. He embodies out mission statement. We are very lucky to have him.
Congratulations and thank you, Robert!
September 2024
Osayemwenre "John" Osunde
Residential Manager
John has been with the Center since September 2022 at our Northport residence. John took over Northport at a very difficult moment, where clear leadership oversight was needed to provide support and care for our individuals. Leading the way, he developed a culture of accountability, trust and respect. A few of the fine qualities that John possess is his ability to collaborate with families and other departments within the agency; nursing, maintenance, QA and our adult day program. When it comes to communicating, documentation and paperwork, John stands out.
The environment now at Northport is very predictable and a warm welcoming home for the individuals, staff and those that come to visit. He is consistent and reliable when it comes to his job. He always makes sure that staff feels supported. It’s a great privilege to have him as part of our winning team here at the Center.
Congratulations and thank you, John!
September 2024
Jordan Redd
1:1 Aide, Children's Day/DSP Children's Residence
Jordan Redd works in Children’s Residence as a DSP in the morning before he starts his day in the Children’s Day Program as a 1:1 Aide. In October 2023, he was promoted to Crisis Team Member.
Principal Paula Matthews says Jordan consistently provides individualized support to students, tailoring his approach to meet each child’s unique needs. Jordan’s calm and positive personality is a winning combination when working with behaviors. He is patient and takes on all assignments given to him. We can give him the challenging students and know he will take it on and do his best. Jordan is part of the crisis team and works well with all students. He is liked and respected by both staff and students. Jordan embodies the values and commitment that are essential in providing high quality support to students with disabilities. I am confident Jordan will continue to inspire and make a positive difference in the lives of those he supports.
Director Jaime Huether says Jordan always put the children first. He is always willing to help when a child is having a difficult time and he really knows how to de-escalate the situations. Jordan always comes in ready to work and really take care of the kids in the Children's Residential Program. Jordan works with all of the children in CRP and has a special bond with each one of them. CRP is grateful to have such an amazing person on their team.
Congratulations and thank you, Jordan!