OCTOBER 2025

Dear Staff,

Yesterday kicked off National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a celebration that is, of course, very important to us here at ACLD. At ACLD, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where every employee has the chance to thrive, develop their talents and make meaningful contributions. Our commitment extends into the community, as we work to encourage other organizations to build workplaces where people of all abilities can succeed. The strength of our team comes from the wide range of skills, backgrounds and experiences each person brings. Employees with disabilities are a vital part of any workforce, and their contributions drive innovation and help us reach the highest standards of excellence.

We are thrilled to announce that ACLD has been nominated in two categories in Four Leaf Best of Long Island: Best Place to Work and Best Charity! This recognition alone is a true testament to the work you each do day in and day out, and we couldn't be prouder. But let's bring that win home for ACLD! More information is included below.

ACLD and the ACLD Board of Directors are pleased to announce the annual Gail White-Rison Scholarship and the Exemplary Service Award to our staff. The deadline for applications will be on October 21, 2025. More details can be found below.

In this edition of Limelight, you'll see photos from our most recent Organizational Care Day, the newest episode of Enviable Life News and other news and information from around the agency.

Sincerely,

Rob, Kim, Gerard and Anne Marie

Robert Ciatto, President/CEO

Kim Leonard, Chief Financial Officer

Gerard DiMuro, Chief Administrative Officer

Anne Marie Sime, Chief Program Officer

Gail White Rison Scholarship

ACLD is pleased to announce that we will be offering the Gail White-Rison Scholarship Award again this year. This is a $1000 scholarship for people who are pursuing a degree in an accredited college/university. In order to apply click the button below and it will take you to the application.

Please note: the deadline for submissions is October 21, 2025. Please get your applications in as soon as you can! Don't miss out on this opportunity.

Exemplary Service Award

The Board of Directors is excited to announce the 9th annual Exemplary Service Award for our staff. This award recognizes exemplary service and commitment to ACLD’s Mission and Vision to provide an enviable life to those supported in ACLD’s programs. In order to apply click the button below and it will take you to the application.

Please note: the deadline for submissions is October 21, 2025. Please get your nominations in as soon as you can! Don't miss out on this opportunity.

Organizational Care Corner

Patriot Day- Wearing Sky Blue in observance of September 11th

Around the Agency

Psychology Department's Big Win!

Congratulations to the Psychology Department, the most recent winners of our DEI Collaboration Contest! The team recently got to celebrate with a luncheon from Mario's Pizza.

Here is their winning nomination, submitted by Whitney Reyes:

“The psychology department, both individually and as a whole group, consistently welcome all individuals and fosters inclusion daily. The Psychology Department employees communicate in various ways to support not only each other but guide each other to ensure the individuals we support are holistically cared for. The Department meet monthly, either virtually or in person, providing turn-key trainings on various topics, ensuring all are kept not only up to date, but also allowing an opportunity for colleagues to work together when needed. Working collaboratively fosters the cohesiveness the department exudes while blending in time to have fun. The Psychology Department embraces the DEI &B making it the supreme environment to work.”

Congratulations on your NADSP Completion!

Recently, employees Shaleah Stewart and Carmela Oppedisano completed their NADSP certifications! The two shared a little about their experience in the program with us:

I'm Camela Oppedisano, Residential Administrator at ACLD for 3 years. I have recently completed the NADSP program for frontline supervisors and I am grateful for the enlightening experience. The program allowed for the time and opportunity to reflect on my position, the importance of our work at ACLD and on what I would like to bring to the field in the future. The program instilled a sense of pride for the work that I do and has motivated me to further enrich the lives of the people that I support as well as the staff that I supervise.

-Carmela Oppedisano

During the NADSP program, I learned a great deal about professionalism, ethics, and the values that drive high-quality support in human services. I gained a deeper understanding of person-centered practices, advocacy, and the importance of empowerment and dignity of risk for the individuals I support. The program also helped me improve my communication skills, understand the importance of cultural competence, and become more confident in handling real-life situations with both compassion and accountability. I also learned how to document more effectively, maintain professional boundaries, and work collaboratively with individuals, families, and other team members. Overall, the training gave me a stronger foundation to be a more effective and ethical direct support professional. Now that I’ve completed the NADSP program, I feel accomplished, empowered, and better equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I support. The journey was challenging at times, but it was also very rewarding. I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced, both personally and professionally. I also feel more recognized and valued in my role, knowing that the NADSP credential is a national standard for excellence in direct support. This program has not only boosted my skills but has also renewed my sense of purpose and commitment to the work I do every day.

-Shaleah Stewart

August Anniversaries

1 Year

Kayla Moreau Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Olivier Gabriel Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Calvert Ave

Candice Grogan Special Educator, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Guerline Augustin Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, East Islip

Cynthia Murphy Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Harrison

Kyia King Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

5 Years

Abraham Obour Direct Support Professional, Residential Services Ontario

Matthew Pride Maintenance Aide, Vocational-Maintenance, Bethpage 857

Gabriella Rodriguez School Psychologist, Children's Services, Spiegel Children's Center

Nicholas Zito Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

10 Years

Troy Eigner Maintenance Aide, Vocational-Maintenance, Bethpage 857

Norma Farrell Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Thomaston

Samantha Ascencio Program and Community Coordinator, Day Services, Choices Bethpage

Nancy Wittreich Lead Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Choices Hauppauge

15 Years

Kerri Cullen Medical Coordination Specialist, Residential Services, Hawthorne

25 Years

Jeanette Debonis Receptionist/Secretary, Day Services, Oasis Hauppauge

Mary Mustakas Receptionist/Secretary, Day Services, Bethpage 837

Sharon Bracken Behavior Intervention Specialist, Day Services, Levittown Bridges

35 Years

Severina Popa Receptionist/Secretary, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

40 Years

Rosemary Claus Direct Support Professional, Community Habilitation, Bethpage 857

Welcome September New Hires

Zuleyma Carrillo Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Spiegel Center

Kiara Daniels Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Dix Hills

Camy Duperval Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Wildwood

Loripearl Mondestin Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Plainview

Jean Eddy Pierre Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Sejon

Cindy Popo Residential Manager, Residential Services, Yorktown

Natasha Rouse Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Kenya Saint Vil Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Great Neck

Jessica Santaella Direct Support Professional Residential Services, Yorktown

Dawn Unger-Zinkowski Special Educator, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Donovan Wilson Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Hyman Avenue

Sofia Diaz Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Levittown Strive

Jennifer Ryder Special Educator, Children's Services, Spiegel Children's Center

Jane Fetherston Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Ramsey Hibbs Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Jaziah Beard Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Merline Gousse Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Eileen Kelly Special Educator, Children Services, Spiegel Children's Center

Seleda McCloud Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Bethpage 837

Bertin Bazelais Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Thomaston

Ashlee Cross Teacher Aide Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Samson Cruz Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Hyman Ave

Keyarah Epps Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Westwind Dr

Herla Gelin Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Harrison

Dymitry Jean Michel Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Sejon

Moles Josephy Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Hauppauge

Hyeji Miranda Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Steven Reyes Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Igline Ulysse Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Thomaston

Milestones and Announcements

Brava!

On August 1^st, 2025, Jeanette DeBonis, Receptionist/Secretary and Community Habilitation Specialist at Hauppauge competed at the EMPIRE OPEN DANCE FESTIVAL, at the beautiful Westin Hotel, Jersey City competing against the best in Dancesport!

Jeanette DeBonis and Alon Gilin @ Dynamo Dance competed against 13 couples at the Silver level and placed first and second in the single heats and 4TH place in Championship and 7^TH place in Scholarship.

Jeanette is looking forward to her next competition in March 2026- Keep on dancing, Jeanette!

On September 1st, Lily, granddaughter to Laura Heidenfelder celebrated her first birthday! "A year ago today, this little girl came into our lives and changed our world forever." Happy birthday Lily, and congratulations Laura!

Town Hall Recordings

Click here to access the most recent Quarterly Town Hall Recording via OneDrive: