As one of New York State’s largest agencies, OPWDD has over 1,200 state-operated worksites and employs more than 20,000 people. As an agency, we have tremendous responsibility for supporting thousands of men and women with developmental disabilities.
All of our employees play an important role in helping the people we support to live in the community, have access to good healthcare, enjoy meaningful relationships with friends and family, and participate fully through association, volunteerism, and work.
The following is a tribute to the men and women have been selected as 2018 Employees of the Year by our DDSOOs, DDROs, the Institute for Basic Research (IBR), and OPWDD Central Office.
Congratulations and thank you for your hard work and dedication!
POSITION: Various
YEARS OF SERVICE: Varies from 1 to 35 years
The Adirondack Day Habilitation and Regional Center – along with its employees – was chosen as the Capital District DDSOO’s “Employee of the Year” because the center as a whole “makes up an exceptional team,” says Sherry Mann, a direct support assistant who works at the Day Hab.
“Each and every one of the staff go above and beyond, bringing our work environment together,” Mann adds.
Adirondack Day Habilitation and...
POSITION: Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist 1
YEARS OF SERVICE: 14
Organized, cheerful, hard worker, flexible and an “out-of-the-box” thinker are just a few ways people describe Amanda Bishi.
“Amanda is the true essence of a team player, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever there is a need with the goal of bettering the lives of the people and families we serve,” says Lisa Leary, DDPS II and Amanda’s supervisor. “Whether it is within Regional Office, other OPWDD...
POSITION: Willowbrook Liaison/Licensed Master Social Worker II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 17
Anna Bevilacqua-Cuccaro, the Staten Island DDRO Employee of the Year, is known to be a strong advocate not only for the members of the Willowbrook Class she supports, but for her colleagues and other people OPWDD serves, as well.
“Anna is a passionate advocate for Willowbrook Class members,” says Siobhan Hunt, Community Services Team Leader and Anna’s supervisor. “In this capacity she consistently extends...
POSITION: Developmental Assistant II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 23+
Charleen Chambers was named Brooklyn DDSOO’s Employee of the Year because of the exceptional and consistent ways she puts the people at the home where she works first!
Millicent Copeland, Developmental Assistant, and a colleague of Charleen’s says Charleen arrives at work early and eager, and gets busy starting the laundry, cooking breakfast, stripping the beds and putting on fresh linen without a pause.
“If Charleen...
POSITION: Psychologist II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 34
Dave Wolf, Taconic DDSOO’s Employee of the Year, truly “helps people live richer lives,” says Richard Conca, Psychologist I, and Dave’s colleague.
“Dave exemplifies the primary qualities of a clinician,” Conca adds. “He is a sincere and dedicated employee.”
In addition to a challenging caseload, Dave chairs the Informed Consent Committee at the DDSOO. Conca says Dave takes this responsibility very seriously.
“He won’t...
POSITION: Social Work Assistant III, Eligibility/Front Door Liaison
YEARS OF SERVICE: 17+
Denise Skowronski has been called “the glue that holds the Eligibility Department together,” which, according to the several nominations she received, is only one of the reasons she was named the Western New York DDRO Employee of the Year.
“Denise is extremely knowledgeable regarding all aspects of eligibility and services available,” says Dr. Jill Hamilton, a psychologist who works with Denise on...
POSITION: SWA III
YEARS OF SERVICE: 4
Frandy Osias was selected as the Hudson Valley DDRO Employee of the Year not only because of the impact he makes on and for the people he supports at OPWDD, but also for his commitment to his community.
Frandy started with OPWDD in 2014 as a direct support professional in State Operations working the night shift in Rockland County. He became a Habilitation Specialist in 2016 and transferred to Regional Office in 2017. As a Front Door facilitator...
POSITION: Contract Management Specialist II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 10
Gary is the definition of “Putting People First.”
“Gary is an outstanding team player who has a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh,” says Liz Garone, LIDDRO Fiscal Director and Gary’s supervisor. “Gary is supportive to all units in the Regional Office and always tries to lighten the mood for his team. He is always ready to assist and has participated in a variety of committees to support leadership within...
POSITION: Rehabilitation Counselor II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 33
Harry Aristide was chosen by the Bernard Fineson DDSOO to be its Employee of the Year because he has proven daily to be one of Bernard Fineson’s finest.
“He has compassion, empathy and patience with the individuals we serve,” says Susanne Page-Banner, Habilitation Specialist 2 and Harry’s supervisor.
“Daily, weekly, monthly, Harry has shown what sets him above the rest,” she continues. “Harry has always treated...
POSITION: Social Work Assistant/Front Door Liaison
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2
The Capital District DDRO nominee, Katie Simmons, has been called an invaluable asset to the Front Door team in Albany.
“Katie has been with the Regional Office since 2016,” says Stacy Broker, Social Worker II and Katie’s supervisor. “She has proved to be a positive, reliable conscientious employee.
“Katie is a strong advocate for the individuals and families we serve. Her knowledge of...
POSITION: Willowbrook Liaison
YEARS OF SERVICE: 18
Kshama Sinha’s affection, tenacity, and her exceptional advocacy skills puts her in a class by herself.
“Kshama has a strong, detailed knowledge base of the 300-plus Willowbrook class members that she supports,” says Francina Branch, Team Treatment Leader and Kshama’s supervisor. “Although her job is demanding and the tasks are quite tedious, she goes the extra mile necessary to work on behalf of the people she serves.”...
POSITION: Direct Support Assistant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 15
Being a team player “in every sense of the word,” is only one of the reasons Lola Letty was chosen to be the Hudson Valley DDSOO Employee of the Year.
“Lola is kind, compassionate, dedicated, reliable and efficient,” says Mary Mendez, Developmental Assistant II and Lola’s supervisor. “She cares for the people she serves and does it in a manner that upholds their dignity and gives honor to our profession. She is a...
POSITION: Developmental Assistant II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 7.5
One of the many reasons Lucinda Meeker was selected to be the Central New York DDSOO Employee of the Year is because she promotes the idea of family when it comes to supporting the people in her care – and her colleagues.
“Lucy has consistently worked with staff to promote the idea of family,” says Gary Crill, DA III and Lucinda’s supervisor. “Lucy very much believes that people’s families are most vital to their lives....
POSITION: Habilitation Specialist I
YEARS OF SERVICE: 7.5
Lynsey O’Connor is a “shining example” of helping people with developmental disabilities live richer lives, according to Kate Drader, program director at the Broome DDSOO Tract Creek Day Habilitation Program, and Lynsey’s supervisor.
“Lynsey provides services to our individuals in a manner that embodies the mission and vision of OPWDD,” Drader says. “She is a role model for both staff and individuals with her positive...
POSITION: Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist I
YEARS OF SERVICE: 31
Marie Mahar’s creativity and experience are what landed her the vital job she does at the Central New York DDRO. But, it is her passion, enthusiasm and commitment that makes her the DDRO’s Employee of the Year.
Marie joined the Central New York Regional Office in September 2016 and hit the ground running. She had many years of experience in the OPWDD system with State Operations, overseeing...
POSITION: Registered Nurse/Nurse Administrator for the George Jervis Clinic
YEARS OF SERVICE: 27
Maureen Gavin, Registered Nurse and Nurse Administrator for the George Jervis Clinic, was chosen as IBR’s Employee of the Year because – according to her supervisor—the well-oiled, daily functioning of the clinic is due to what Maureen brings to the job.
“Maureen’s job responsibilities involve much more than drawing blood and taking vitals,” Karen Amble, LMSW, Director of the...
POSITION: Recreation Assistant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 37
Michael Ronan was chosen as the Long Island DDSOO Employee of the Year because he goes the extra mile, and is devoted to the happiness, health and safety of the people he supports.
“Michael is very outgoing, and caring when it comes to the best interest of the individuals he serves. He is always willing to lend a hand in all areas related to work,” says Vincent Lo Re, Senior Recreation Therapist and Mike’s colleague.
One...
POSITION: Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist I
YEARS OF SERVICE: 33
Taconic DDRO Employee of the Year Mike Delaney is described as “unassuming, but masterful,” by his supervisor Linda Goff, Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist II – and that’s not all.
“Mike quietly and efficiently ensures that students in residential schools are successfully transitioned to adult services,” Goff says. “He interfaces with school systems, residential providers, Front Door staff, the...
POSITION: Licensed Practical Nurse
YEARS OF SERVICE: 8
Giving her all to the people she supports is what makes Patti Perry deserving of being named the Sunmount DDSOO Employee of the Year.
“Patti is kind and caring, giving 100 percent when taking care of people she supports,” says Brittany Grenon, Developmental Assistant 1, and Patti’s supervisor.
The licensed practical nurses at Sunmount are tasked with a very difficult job, according to Grenon. Not only do they provide...
POSITION: Direct Support Assistant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 10+
Penny Newton was selected as the Western New York DDSOO Employee of the Year because of the ways she has dedicated her life to helping others.
“From being a Family Home Care Provider for three people with developmental disabilities to working full-time for OPWDD, Penny approaches every day positively, and is always searching for ways to enhance the lives of the people she serves,” says Lisa Weisedel, Team Treatment Leader (TTL...
POSITION: Forensic Liaison
YEARS OF SERVICE: 9
Her ability to translate the greatest challenges into possibilities is one of the reasons Dr. Rebekah Burke was named Broome DDRO’s Employee of the Year – that, and the fact that her work is one of her greatest gifts.
Paula Millard, Team Treatment Leader and Rebekah’s supervisor, says that over the past nine years of her work at Broome, Rebekah has demonstrated, through her many roles, OPWDD’s mission of supporting individuals in person-...
POSITION: Assistant Office Manager, Resources & Reimbursement Agent 2
YEARS OF SERVICE: 16
Rhonda Sciorilli was chosen as the Central Office Employee of the Year because of her innovative ideas and willingness to embrace change for the greater good of the agency.
Rhonda serves as the Assistant Office Manager of the Central New York/Sunmount Revenue Support Field Office in Central NY.
“When employees bring problems to management, Rhonda will evaluate ways to improve...
POSITION: Recreation Therapist
YEARS OF SERVICE: 15
Staten Island DDSOO’s Employee of the Year Ricardo Alexander has been called the office’s best kept secret.
“Ricardo has definitely made his mark at SIDDSOO,” says George Santiago, Team Treatment Leader and Ricardo’s supervisor. “He is a very special person and has elevated our community in many ways.”
“Ricardo exhibits all the qualities that a person needs to be considered for this honor. The one quality that jumps out...
POSITION: Psychologist II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 9
Samantha Sasley was chosen as the Metro New York DDRO Employee of the Year because she is reliable, organized and efficient – among many other attributes.
“Samantha is an exemplary leader of the Eligibility Team in Manhattan who goes above and beyond to assist individuals and families in obtaining eligibility and OPWDD services,” says Ellen Bleckman, Manhattan Community Services Administrator and Samantha’s supervisor. “She is also...
POSITION: Social Work Assistant III/Front Door Facilitator
YEARS OF SERVICE: 12
Sharmin Clarke is hardworking, reliable and helpful to agencies, families and staff, - just a few of the reasons her supervisor Sharon Audain, DDPS1 and Front Door Team Leader, nominated her for Employee of the Year at the Brooklyn DDRO.
“Sharmin is an exceptional team player,” Audain says. “She is always ready to assist me and her colleagues. She helps with training new staff and with new projects, when...
POSITION: Developmental Assistant II
YEARS OF SERVICE: 27
Sheila enjoys caring for and improving the lives of the people she serves. “The time I spend at work helping and supporting people is extremely rewarding to me,” she says. “They are my extended family in every way.”
Sheila leads a team at a very busy home. She works with 10 people who have many chronic medical issues, and regularly supervises up to six direct support assistant trainees at one time. According to Renee Griffin,...
POSITION: Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist 1, CCO Liaison
YEARS OF SERVICE: 28
Susan Legacy is known for thinking outside of the box, her problem-solving mind, and her can-do attitude.
“She makes it a point to master everything she can within her work domain, going the extra mile is common practice for Sue every day,” says Eric Pasternak, DDPS I and Susan’s colleague.
Susan treats everyone professionally and shows them that they matter. She answers people’s...
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