September 10-16 is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which is an opportunity to honor the dedicated DSPs who carry out our work of changing lives and discovering abilities every day. DSPs work directly with the individuals we support in residential homes, in day programs, and out in the community. Each day they help people with disabilities or autism live as fully included members of their communities. They do this by teaching life skills, providing medical care, advocating at the local and state level, or simply being a friend.
To honor DSPs, Northeast Arc’s residential staff nominated their colleagues who illustrate the impact direct support professionals can have. Some of those who were recognized shared what makes this work so rewarding for them.
Modou Lamin Sanyang
Topsfield
“I have been working at Northeast Arc for more than 7 years. I take Topsfield residents out into the community, to doctor’s appointments, and support them through other activities of daily living. I enjoy working at Topsfield because we have beautiful clients over there and I love them so much. They make me want to come to the house even if I’m not on shift.”
Nilmaris Davila
Cape Ann Community Residence (CACR)
“This wonderful job has changed my life; I went from a stay-at-home mom to caring for amazing individuals. Everyday is a rewarding adventure. I have fallen in love with all the individuals and they have taught me that just because you are facing challenges it doesn’t mean life stops: you have to face life head on and to be brave and courageous. I love my job.”
Dana Shay
Middleton 4
“I love when I get to work and the residents are excited to see me.”
Dana is pictured right next to one of the Middleton 4 residents.
Ryan Davison
Gloucester Men's Apartments
“The most rewarding part of my job is the unique relationships I have developed with the residents. Discovering what makes them laugh, what genres of music they enjoy, their different interests, hobbies, movies, etc. Getting to know each individual and being there for them is what it’s all about!”
Ryan is pictured on the right with one of the Gloucester residents.
Jennifer Call
Peabody
“Getting to go to work each day knowing that I’ll be able to make our residents smile and help them reach their goals is the best part of being a direct support professional.”
Jeanne Locicero
Independent Support Services (ISS)
“Working with the independent living program enables me to form a meaningful relationships. I feel a true purpose with my job. Every victory of the residents is a victory of mine.”
Corinne Freeman
CACR
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how happy my residents are and knowing that I get to make a difference every day.”
Corinne is pictured left with one of the CACR residents.
Congratulations to all those who were recognized for their dedication to Northeast Arc and those we support!
• Fidelis Aitsebaomo, Hale St. Elders
• Fatoumata Bah, Rogers Road
• Carmen Beato, Intervale
• Lemaris Bell, Mason Street
• Bony Biga, Hale St. Elders
• Jennifer Call, Peabody House
• Haddy Ceesay, Hale St. Elders
• Nilmaris Davila, CACR
• Ryan Davison, GMA
• Tanya Dunn, Ryan Place
• James Edebiri, Princeton
• Anna Foss, Bayberry
• Corinne Freeman, CACR
• Ann Hall, Walnut R.
• Kim Hartigan, Middleton 6
• Joan Kimani, Bayberry
• Jeanne Locicero, ISS
• Sara Mwaura, STL
• Omotayo Ogungbeye, Bayberry
• Cantave Pamphile, Princeton
• Jared Parisi, GMA
• Marc Predka, Lafayette
• Sugeli Ramirez, Rogers Rd.
• Adil Redouani, Rogers Rd.
• Barbara Resnick, Peabody House
• Victoria Resto, ISS Clifton
• Nicole Suke, Princeton & Washington Street
• Wasiu Saka, Hale St. Elders
• Modou Lamin Sanyang, Topsfield
• Dana Shay, Middleton 4
• Judith Taniu, Hale St. Elders
• Rodel Treggiari, ISS
• Suzanne Vincent, Mason S.
• Antony Wambui, Burlington