Samantha Russell is a dedicated treatment manager at Mount Lake Services in the cornerstone program, where she has been working for the past twelve years. Starting as an aide in the assisted living setting, Samantha transitioned to the cornerstone program to work with individuals with complex needs, especially focusing on those with sexual problematic behaviors or forensic backgrounds. Her passion lies in helping individuals build a new identity and move forward positively in their lives.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, Samantha Russell discusses her experience working in the human services field with individuals who have complex needs, including those with forensic backgrounds. She delves into the skills and support required for direct support professionals (DSPs) in such settings, emphasizing the importance of specialized training and a trauma-informed approach. Throughout the conversation, Samantha highlights the rewarding aspects of her job and offers advice to those considering a career in this line of work.

Samantha sheds light on the critical role of DSPs in providing clinical support to individuals with complex needs at the cornerstone program, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond the forensic label and focusing on the unique abilities of each person. She shares practical insights on how DSPs can support individuals in their journey towards a new, positive identity while ensuring their safety and success.

Key Takeaways:

• Individuals with complex needs may require increased clinical supports and specialized training for DSPs to effectively support them.
• DSPs at the cornerstone program provide more clinical support compared to other programs at Mount Lake Services, focusing on therapeutic and reflective approaches.
• It is essential for DSPs to adopt a trauma-informed approach and recognize the potential and gifts of individuals with forensic backgrounds.
• The rewarding aspects of working in this field include empowering individuals to enjoy life and supporting staff in implementing trauma-informed practices.
• There are diverse opportunities for growth and exploration in the human services field, allowing individuals to find their niche and achieve their career goals.

Notable Quotes:

• "DSPs need to be trained and equipped to support individuals with complex needs, especially those with forensic backgrounds, through specialized training and objective reporting."
• "It is crucial to have a trauma-informed approach and focus on the individual's journey towards a new identity while ensuring their safety and success."
• "Empowering individuals to enjoy life and supporting them in their journey towards a positive new identity is incredibly fulfilling as a DSP."

Resources:

• Website: Mountain Lake Services
• Website: Cornerstone Program

Don't miss out on the full episode to gain more insights from Samantha Russell on working with individuals with complex needs and forensic backgrounds. Tune in for engaging discussions and valuable perspectives.

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Chester Finn is a strong disability rights advocate with a rich history of advocating for individuals with disabilities. He has been involved with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and served as the president of the Self Advocacy Association of New York State from 1995 to 1997. With a passion for standing up for people's rights, Chester has dedicated his career to creating positive change in the disability rights field.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Gina Scarpa interviews Chester Finn, a prominent disability rights advocate, about his journey and work in advocating for individuals with disabilities. Chester shares how he got involved with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and emphasizes the importance of listening to those receiving supports and services. He highlights the power of collaboration between direct support professionals (DSPs) and individuals receiving support in advocating for disability rights. Chester's insights shed light on the significance of trust, respect, and understanding in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Advocacy starts at an early age, with Chester's grandmother instilling in him the values of standing up for what he believes in.
• Collaboration between DSPs and individuals receiving support is key to effective advocacy and achieving positive change.
• Trust, respect, and understanding are fundamental in fostering meaningful relationships and advocating for disability rights.
• People with disabilities have valuable perspectives and insights that should be considered in decision-making processes.
• Advocating for respect and fair compensation for DSPs is essential in ensuring quality support for individuals with disabilities.

Notable Quotes:

• "You understand and you trust the person, you’re able to talk with them." - Chester Finn
• "When people respect us, they're going to respect you in your job." - Chester Finn
• "You got to work together, you got to command that respect." – Chester Finn
• “It's their right. This is how they want things. With rights come responsibilities." - Chester Finn

Resources:

• Self Advocacy Association of New York State
• The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with Chester Finn as he shares his experiences and insights on advocating for disability rights. Tune in to the full episode for more impactful discussions and stay tuned for future enlightening content from the podcast.

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Jane Canale: Jane started her career in the field of speech pathology after graduating with a bachelor's degree. She began as a habilitation specialist and eventually transitioned into human resources, where she played a significant role in developing the HR department at Schenectady Arc. With the recent merge of Schenectady Arc and Liberty Arc, Jane continues to contribute to the growth and development of employees in the organization.

Amy Stearns: Amy's journey into the field of direct support professional (DSP) work was a result of caring for her grandfather battling leukemia. Her experience in providing care and support to him sparked a passion for helping individuals live their best lives. Starting as a relief staff at day supports, Amy has progressed to become a residential manager mentor, actively engaged in pursuing certifications and further professional development to enhance her role in supporting individuals.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Gina speaks with Jane and Amy about their experiences in the field of DSP work. Jane shares her journey from a habilitation specialist to HR and highlights the career development opportunities available at Liberty Arc. Amy talks about her transition from a restaurant manager to a DSP and the impact of development programs like the NADSP ebadge Academy on her personal growth and approach to person-centered care.

Jane and Amy emphasize the importance of providing growth opportunities for DSPs, enabling them to advance in their roles and prepare for leadership positions. They discuss the transformative effect of these programs on employees' confidence, enthusiasm, and commitment to supporting individuals, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal growth and professional development opportunities are essential for DSPs to feel challenged, confident in their skills, and motivated to deliver high-quality support services.
• Liberty Arc offers a range of training programs, including the NADSP ebadge Academy and New York State DOL Apprenticeship program, to help DSPs enhance their skills and pursue career advancement.
• The culture of continuous learning and development at Liberty Arc fosters a supportive environment where employees can set personal goals, receive training, and progress through various levels of responsibility within the organization.

Notable Quotes:

• "People make choices every day. It's about empowering them to be in control of their lives and supporting them to make informed decisions." - Amy
• "The NADSP ebadge program opens up a person-centered world for you, peeling back layers and discovering how you can do more." - Amy

Resources:

• Liberty Arc website
• NADSP E-Badge Academy
• DOL Apprenticeship Program
• RELIAS Learning Platform

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jane and Amy about the rewarding experiences and growth opportunities in the field of direct support professionals. Tune in to the full episode for more inspiring insights and motivation to pursue a fulfilling career in DSP work.

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Joanna Cepin is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. She started her career working with elderly individuals with intellectual disabilities and has since become an advocate for person-centered planning. With a passion for helping individuals lead fulfilling lives, Joanna has focused on fostering meaningful relationships with the people she supports to empower them to achieve their goals.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, Joanna discusses the importance of person-centered planning in therapy and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She emphasizes the significance of allowing the individual to lead their own planning process, highlighting the benefits of understanding what is important to each person. Through insightful conversations, Joanna explores how a person-centered approach can enhance the quality of care and support provided, ultimately leading to greater independence and fulfillment for the individuals receiving services.

Joanna also shares her personal journey in the field and reflects on the rewarding experiences she has had while supporting individuals with diverse needs. She delves into the challenges and joys of using a person-centered approach, advocating for creativity and flexibility in overcoming financial constraints and ensuring that individuals receive tailored support to achieve their goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Person-centered planning involves supporting people to lead their own life planning process.
• Understanding what is important to each person is crucial in providing effective support and fostering meaningful relationships.
• Direct support professionals play a vital role in advocating for and supporting individuals in achieving their goals.
• Person-centered Supports can lead to increased independence, goal attainment, and overall life satisfaction for individuals with disabilities.

Notable Quotes:

• "Knowing what's important to people is crucial in the process."
• “Even if you don’t have adequate funding, you can look for ways to make things happen”.
• "Person centered planning can take place in small steps and small increments."
• "What's important to us and what's meaningful to us is the same thing that's important and meaningful to the people that we support."
• "It's been so rewarding."

Resources:

• SUS - Website
• The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices: website
• CQL Personal Outcome Measures Curriculum

Don't miss out on the insightful discussion with Joanna on the benefits of person-centered planning in support services. Tune in to the full episode for more valuable insights and stay tuned for upcoming episodes of the podcast/webinar/series.

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TJ Casey: TJ is an accomplished acrylic painter who draws inspiration from his extensive travels. His love for art shines through in his dedication to creating beautiful paintings, some of which have been showcased in international exhibitions like the Swiss Art Expo. TJ's commitment to sharing his artistic journey and connecting with others through his work is truly remarkable.

Rebecca Hart: Rebecca is a passionate artist with a background in the human services field. Through her art workshops, she has fostered a sense of community, healing, and creativity among her students. With over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and the geriatric population, Rebecca brings a unique perspective to the intersection of art and caregiving.

Lily Holcombe: Lily is a seasoned artist who discovered her love for art at a young age, eventually pursuing it in college and making it a central part of her career. Her interest in helping others express their creativity led her to work with individuals with disabilities, where she found a perfect blend of her artistic skills and her desire to support and inspire others through art.

Episode Summary:

Artists TJ, Rebecca, and Lily come together in this engaging episode to discuss the therapeutic power of art and their experiences in the art program at Living Resources. From creating meaningful artwork to supporting each other's creative journeys, the guests share insights into how art can heal, inspire, and bring communities together. Whether it's exploring museums, crafting new projects, or learning from one another, their dedication to art as a medium of expression shines through in this enlightening conversation.

In this episode, TJ reflects on his artistic process, including his current project of a large butterfly painting and his past experience showcasing his work at the Swiss Art Expo. Rebecca and Lily highlight the importance of creating a safe space for artistic expression, encouraging students to embrace mistakes and discover their unique creative voice. With a focus on community engagement and personal growth, the discussion delves into the transformative power of art and the joy of connecting with others through creativity.

Key Takeaways:

• Art has the ability to bring communities together, inspire healing, and spark meaningful conversations.
• Creating art in a supportive environment allows individuals to express themselves without judgment and explore their creativity.
• Through art, individuals can learn to embrace mistakes, experiment with different techniques, and find solace in the process of creating.
• The Living Resources art program offers a nurturing space for artists of all abilities to explore their talents, share their work, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Notable Quotes:

• "Art brings community together, brings beauty to the world, and starts a conversation." - Rebecca
• "Part of the way that we support [the students] is encouraging them to make mistakes here, that it's a safe place.." - Lily
• "I just like how they get to know me and know others there and get to share with others." - TJ
• "It's therapeutic because it allows you to be fully present in the work that you're doing." – Rebecca
• “I love to make art, and I love to make art with other people” - Lily
• "I just basically like to give it as my inspiration from all my travels." - TJ

Resources:

• Living Resources - Website
• Living Resources Arts Program and Galleries - Art Resources - Arts Program Living Resources

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Marilee Boylan is an occupational therapist with a background in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She has extensive experience in job development and coaching, helping individuals with IDD find meaningful employment opportunities. Marilee is passionate about creating job matches that utilize the strengths and skills of individuals with disabilities, and she believes in the transformative power of work in building a vibrant life.

Maria Mercado is an employment support specialist at Job Path, an organization that focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Maria is dedicated to helping participants integrate into their jobs and communities, providing them with the necessary accommodations and support to succeed. She is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding disabilities and advocating for equal opportunities in the workforce.

In this episode, Gina Scarpa interviews Marilee Boylan and Maria Mercado about the importance of employment support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They discuss the low employment rates for people with IDD and the value of hiring individuals with disabilities. Marilee shares a success story of a past student with autism who found a job that utilized his talents and skills, highlighting the potential and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Maria discusses the work of Job Path in supporting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment, emphasizing the high success rates and the positive impact on participants' lives. They also explore the role of direct support professionals (DSPs) in helping individuals with disabilities find and succeed in their jobs.

Key Takeaways:

• 85% of working-age adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not employed, mainly due to a lack of opportunity rather than a lack of skill.
• Success in employment for individuals with disabilities is often a result of repetition, hard work, and being given the opportunity.
• Direct support professionals (DSPs) play a crucial role in employment support by getting to know the strengths, interests, and skills of individuals with disabilities and finding job matches that utilize their talents.
• Once someone is placed in a job, employment support continues by providing accommodations, ensuring work requirements are met, fostering positive relationships with coworkers, and supporting career development.
• The most rewarding part of employment support is seeing participants integrate into their jobs, take pride in their work, and experience personal growth and recognition in the community.

Notable Quotes:

• "Success is from repetition, hard work, and most importantly, from being given the opportunity." - Marilee Boylan
• "So many times people with IDD have not been given the opportunity to work." - Marilee Boylan
• "Everyone that can open their heart is able to put something on the table to provide supportive employment to someone." – Maria Mercado
• “It is so rewarding for me to see the participants identify with their work and feel pride and take initiative to take steps on their own.." - Maria Mercado

Resources:

• Job Path
• EmployAbility
• ABLE Accounts

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Dan Hermreck is the Director of Certification and Accreditation for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). He has a background in math education and initially worked as a teacher before transitioning to adult education. Dan got involved with direct support work by accident when he took on a training coordinator position at a local ARC chapter. He became familiar with NADSP through his connection with a state-level advocacy group and eventually became one of the first mentors for nationally certified direct support professionals. Dan is passionate about recognizing the professional skills of DSPs and advocating for their rights and fair compensation.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Gina Scarpa interviews Dan Hermreck, the Director of Certification and Accreditation for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). Dan shares his journey into the field of direct support and discusses the importance of recognizing the professional skills of DSPs. He highlights the unique role of DSPs in supporting individuals with disabilities across various aspects of their lives and emphasizes the need for a unique Standard Occupational Code (SoC) to accurately classify and gather data on DSPs. Dan also introduces the NADSP E-Badge Academy, a certification program that recognizes and awards DSPs for their professional skills.

Key Takeaways:

• DSPs are skilled professionals who support individuals with disabilities across all aspects of their lives, including health and wellness, community inclusion, and relationship-building.
• DSPs wear many hats and perform a variety of tasks that overlap with other caring professions such as home health aides and personal care attendants.
• The lack of a unique Standard Occupational Code (SoC) for DSPs makes it challenging to gather accurate data on the workforce and advocate for fair wages and resources.
• The introduction of a unique SoC for DSPs would enable policymakers to make informed decisions and allocate appropriate funding for the field.
• The NADSP E-Badge Academy offers a competency-based certification process for DSPs, allowing them to earn badges and demonstrate their professional skills over time.

Notable Quotes:

• "Whenever I talk about great things that are happening in a human service provider, I always try to point out that, you know, this is because of your skill. This is not… you are a nice person, don't get me wrong, but you're also a skilled professional, and it's that professional skill that's really coming into play here." - Dan Hermreck
• "It [direct support profession] really is this kind of multifaceted profession, and that's what makes it unique in my mind."- Dan Hermreck
• "What I think we never say enough is that they're skilled, that they have really diverse set of professional skills that they're using each and every day."- Dan Hermreck
• "The lack of a unique SoC for DSPs makes it challenging to gather accurate data on the workforce and advocate for fair wages and resources." - Dan Hermreck
• "The NADSP E-Badge Academy offers a more manageable and achievable certification process for DSPs, allowing them to earn badges and demonstrate their professional skills over time." - Dan Hermreck

Resources:

• National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) website
• The Arc of the United States website
• Kansans Mobilizing for Direct Support Workforce Change: Final Report

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Lindsay Anne Murry is a long-time employee of AHRC NYC, with 19 years of experience in the organization. Lindsay has held various positions within AHRC NYC, including assistant manager, human rights committee coordinator, staff trainer, executive assistant, and program manager for special initiatives. Monique Robinson has been with AHCR NYC for a little over a year. She started as a direct support professional, then was promoted to employment community support coordinator. Shortly after Monique was promoted to community support supervisor. Dayvina Robinson heard about AHRC NYC through a friend. She started her career at AHRC right before the pandemic. Dayvina is passionate about learning and applying her love for psychology when working with the people she supports as a community support professional. Scott Diaz started as an intern at AHRC NYC. Advocacy work runs in his family, so he gravitated towards work that supported others. He started his career at AHRC in 2017 working in a day habilitation setting, but during the pandemic transitioned to residential. Since participating in the NADSP E-Badge Academy, he’s had the opportunity to network, build relationships with peers, and grow in his profession.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Gina Scarpa interviews four employees, Lindsay, Monique, Scott, and Dayvina, from AHRC NYC, who have taken advantage of the career pathway opportunities offered by the organization. Lindsay provides an overview of AHRC NYC and the services it provides for individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also discusses the various career development opportunities available to the direct support workforce, including trainings, certifications, and leadership programs. Monique, Scott, and Dayvina share their personal experiences and the impact these opportunities have had on their careers. They discuss the challenges they have faced, such as managing time and implementing new practices, as well as the rewards of supporting the people receiving services and making a positive impact in their lives.

Key Takeaways:

• AHRC NYC offers a wide range of career development opportunities for the direct support workforce, including trainings, certifications, and leadership programs.
• The NADSP E-Badge Academy is highly recommended for DSPs as it provides valuable knowledge and skills for supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Time management can be a challenge for DSPs, but the benefits of career development and networking outweigh the difficulties.
• The most rewarding part of the job is the opportunity to support and make a difference in the lives of the people receiving services.

Notable Quotes:

• "The most rewarding part of it is really the people that I support. They are just some of the most genuine people I've ever met in my life." – Dayvina Robinson
• “I was always asking for other ways to learn and develop my career and network. So, I was super proactive in trying to find these opportunities.” – Lindsay Anne Murry
• “You’re gonna have to want to do this, you’re going to want to be someone that is an ally…the passion shines.” – Scott Diaz
• “It [NADSP E-Badge Academy] teaches you so much. A lot of stuff that you thought, you know, and you really don't know.” – Monique Robinson

Resources:

• AHRC NYC website: hrcnyc.org
• NADSP E-Badge Academy: https://ebadge.nadsp.org/

Listen to the full episode of DSP Talk to learn more about AHRC NYC's career pathway opportunities and the experiences of staff members in the Direct Support Profession.

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