
THANK YOU to all of our Direct
Support Professionals (DSP’s) for all that you do! We
recognize all of your hard work and the skills necessary for
you to do your job. DSP's have the most impact on
the individuals we serve!
Core Competencies are the foundation of person-centered
supports for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.
The competencies are broken down into seven goal areas
covering all aspects of the individual’s life, while also
including the professionalism of direct support ...
- Putting
People First
- Building and
Maintaining Positive Relationships
- Demonstrating
Professionalism
- Supporting
Good Health
- Supporting
Safety
- Having a Home
- Being Active
and Productive in Society
In an effort to continue this
recognition, we plan on spotlighting a Direct Support
Professional of the Month ... every month!
JUNE 2022 DSP ...
Sierra
Bailey

Although Sierra has been working at
DPAO for a short time, she has really stepped up to the
plate to ensure the Short Term Respite program has continued
to thrive without a current coordinator. She also has agreed
to run all of the recreational activities for our
individuals. She is well liked by our participants and has
given them a sense of security while the program is going
through many changes. She never shies away from working out
of her comfort zone to ensure they are having fun. She is
witty, creative and always willing to lend a helping hand
when another program needs assistance. Way to go, Sierra!
Core
Competency: Putting
People First, Demonstrating Professionalism
MAY 2022 DSP ...
Alexandria Reczko

Alex carries out daily goals with
her individual to the fullest! She assists her with grocery
shopping and maintaining her home. Alex also supports her in
becoming healthier by encouraging her to keep a healthy diet
and going to the gym. She is a reliable DSP and continues to
show her support in all areas that are needed. Thank you
Alex!
Core Competencies:
Putting People
First, Supporting Good
Health, Having a Home
APRIL 2022 DSP ...
Blair Waldron

Blair is being recognized for going
the extra mile to put a smile on her individual’s faces! She
is always willing to listen to how their day is going and is
there for them and assists them in whatever it is that they
are trying to accomplish. Blair also never hesitates to help
out in the program that she works in. Thank you for being
such a great DSP!
Core Competencies:
Putting
People First
MARCH 2022 DSP ...
Michele Macaluso

Michele has been nominated by the
person whom she is a DSP for ... “Michele has exceeded her
job expectations by advocating for me even in situations
where her job doesn't require her to do so. She is also a
huge support for my anxiety and has managed to calm me down
in every situation. Thanks to her, I have an apartment, a
job, and a sense of purpose and ethics of my own. She is
also extremely honest and refuses to do anything she deems
unethical. It is for these reasons that I think she should
be nominated.” Congrats Michele!
Core Competencies:
Putting
People First, Having a Home
FEBRUARY 2022 DSP ...
JoAnn Kirk

JoAnn carries out
daily goals with her individual to the fullest. She is being
recognized by providing and encouraging positive emotional
support to her individual during the difficult time he has
been going through. She continues to work on his goals such
as healthy lifestyle skills, encouraging exercise, and
helping to get his mind off difficult things. Thank you
JoAnn for being there during a time that was needed the
most! We appreciate you!
Core Competencies:
Putting People
First
JANUARY 2022 DSP ...
Dawn Donaghy

Dawn helps her individual in so many ways! She is teaching
him how to be more independent by going to the bank and
learning how to fill out a check book. They work on looking
up different recipes to learn how to cook them. Another
skill Dawn works on with him is safety by assisting him on
how not to answer any phone numbers that he does not know
and not to give information out. Dawn, thank you for being
such a great DSP!
Core Competencies:
Putting People First, Supporting Safety,
Being Active
and Productive in Society
NOVEMBER 2021 DSP ...
Jason Cameron

Jason has
really helped his participant become more active in the
community. They volunteer at Meals on Wheels, participate in
different tournaments, go fishing, and attend church. Jason
does a wonderful job at assisting him to remain active and
social!
Core Competencies:
Being Active and
Productive in Society
OCTOBER 2021 DSP ...
Kim Kilcullen

Kim is a great team player and always has a positive
attitude! She often fills in as a Job Coach and in Prevoc.
Every morning when she comes in, she has a smile on her face
and greets everyone. She’s a very hard worker and is always
offering to help people, even if she has enough of her own
work to do!
Core Competencies:
Putting People First, Demonstrating Professionalism
AUGUST 2021 DSP ...
Kelly Dingman

Kelly was nominated as DSP of the month by the parent of the
individual she works with.
“Since Kelly has been working with her individual, we have
seen significant progress toward his goals. She has
gone above and beyond to help him in ways that a parent
could not. We are so thankful that she is working with him
and has helped him grow so much! Beyond the specific goals,
she is a caring and thoughtful person! She communicates with
us about his activities and has been open and honest about
her interactions. Additionally, she has been flexible during
the COVID pandemic and provided services while keeping him
safe.”
Core Competencies:
Putting People First, Building and Maintaining Positive
Relationships, Supporting Good Health
Core Competency: Putting People First
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