SEPTEMBER 2024

Dear Staff,

This week, we celebrate Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week along with the rest of the country. To our DSPs: We recognize your commitment, dedication and unwavering service to carry out our mission in your roles each day in our organization, and we thank you.

As an organization, this is a week we look forward to each year, and are proud to honor our DSPs not just this week, but every day; You are the heart and soul of everything we do to support the people we serve. We are proud to continue this tradition of presenting each DSP with an ACLD backpack, as a token of our immense appreciation.

I am pleased to announce that as of the end of August, ACLD has opened its 48th Supervised IRA today, Harrison IRA! The Harrison IRA is a residence for seven people transitioning from residential schools. A big thank you to the Residential Department and Facilities Management Team for seeing this process through. We are looking forward to the many memories made in the Harrison home in the coming years.

ACLD and the ACLD Board of Directors is pleased to announce the annual Gail White-Rison and the Exemplary Service Award to our staff. The deadline for applications will be on October 21, 2024. More details can be found below.

Our next session of Quarterly Town Hall Meetings for Quarter 3 will be held in the first two weeks of October. I encourage all employees to attend one of these sessions. You can find more information about these sessions below in this edition of Limelight, along with information and testimonials for Hispanic Heritage Month, upcoming Organizational Care spirit days, 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

Quarterly Town Halls

President/CEO Rob Ciatto will host the Quarter 3 town halls in October.

Due to high participation in the past several meetings and our limitations on Zoom, we ask that each employee only attend one meeting per quarter. We will also record one session per quarter that we will make available for all staff to access after the meeting.

Please use the following links below if you would like to participate:

Tuesday, October 1, 2024- 10:30-11:30 AM

Wednesday October 2, 2024- 4:00-5:00 PM

Monday, October 7, 2024- 2:00-3:00 PM

The 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 either scan the QR Code below or click the link and it will take you to the application.

The deadline for submission is October 21, 2024. This deadline is approaching fast! Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity!

The Exemplary Service Award

The ACLD 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. The award application can be accessed by scanning the QR Code below or clicking the link below.

Please note: the deadline for submission is October 21, 2024. This deadline is approaching fast! Get your nominations in as soon as you can!  

Organizational Care Corner

New Hire Orientation Manual Cover Contest

Congratulations to all who participated in the cover contest! The first place winner's art will now be the cover of the Day 2 Manual for New Hire Orientation along with a $50 gift card, with the second and third runners up each receiving a $25 Gift Card. Congratulations to our finalists and all who participated! Special thank you to Diane Salomé-Diaz, Program Community Coordinator, Curtis Umlauft, Residential Scheduling & Operations Manager, and the Art Studio Program Staff for making this activity possible.

FIRST PLACE (Above)

(From left to right) John DeFranscici (class lead), Darliz B., Tyrone R., Greg S. and Philip M. (not pictured)

SECOND PLACE (Above)

Heather R. (far right) along with Art Studio Program Staff Emily Colwell, Barbara Miller (far left) and Diane Salomé-Diaz (second from right) and Curtis Umlauft (center) from Residential Services.

THIRD PLACE (Above)

Jasmine G. (second from right) along with Art Studio Program Staff Emily Colwell, Barbara Miller (far left) and Diane Salomé-Diaz (far right) and Curtis Umlauft (center) from Residential Services.

SURPRISE! You can enjoy Food Truck Fridays through the end of October!

The Chance of a LIFETIME!

For just $75 each, you and a friend have the chance to win BIG!

Diane Reilly is the true 'heartbeat' of East Hills!

She is the staff member who always thinks outside of the box to encourage the residents to achieve their goals and be independent. She knows them all, what they like and dislike, and always takes the initiative to assist them in what they need and want to get done like making candy sushi, brownies and party planning. There is nothing that she will not do with them or for them. She keeps East Hills beating!

-Winona Howard, East Hills Manager

There is no 'I' in 'TEAM'

We would like to recognize Lustere Petit, Angela Clarke and James Choisi for their hard work, dedication and positive attitude. They have made a significant impact recently when B.L.U.E. was short-staffed. Lustere, Angela and James are kind, supportive and fun to be around. They all have been great mentors to our new employee Jessica and led by example for her to follow. They always know how to motivate our people supported, while engaging in volunteering activities, such as with the local animal shelter, which provide our men and women supported the opportunity to give back to the community and build social connections.



-Antonella Bechini, Assistant Director, B.L.U.E. Day Program

Stephanie Bernadin has been a wonderful addition to the apartment program for the past five years.



Her friendly personality, soft-spoken manner and a warm smile always makes Parkdale a welcoming place. She provides the individuals living there with the assistance they need and helps them manage their busy schedules. Whether it is helping them with transportation to and from work, or setting up medical appointments, Stephanie is always there the lend a helping hand.

-Joseph Bianco, Manager, Apartment Program

Lidley Pierre's passion while assisting the people supported is greatly shown through the meaningful relationships she builds with the residents of The Johnson IRA.

Lidley presents a person-centered approach and provides compassionate care to all. She is always smiling and friendly while she is working, which created a positive environment for both staff and residents. She is an exceptional DSP.

-Ada-Angie Jn Louis, Manager, Johnson IRA

Liam Houlihan is great member of our ACLD team.

He is dedicated and also cares tremendously for the residents at the Blake IRA, as if they were his own family. He also has a great relationship with the family members at the IRA and assists the people supported to communicate with their family. He advocated for the residents to go on a vacation, which they will now be going on next week and Liam will be attending with them. Liam is also willing to help other residences if needed. Recently he assisted with moving all the items purchased for the Harrison IRA from Bethpage to Harrison.

-Jacqueline Ditman, Associate Director, Residential Services

Milestones & Achievement

'Be Our Guest!'

Sarah Klaum, Community and Digital Media Relations Manager from the Development Department is returning to the stage at CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale, playing the role of Mrs. Potts in their production of Beauty and the Beast. Performances run from November 2-17th, with additional shows potentially added from November 21-24.



To purchase tickets, click here

Anniversary Milestones- September 2024

1 Year

Carmen Mompoint Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Ontario

Erica Lamboy Special Educator, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Dominic Schiraldi Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Casey Zendler Special Educator, Children's Services, Spiegel Children's Center

Colleen Dinavitser Registered Nurse, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Mirlande Joseph Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, PWW Commack

Grace Scribner Special Educator, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Sarah Jablonski Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Jacquely Latortue Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Connections

Daniel Cortes Day Habiltation Specialist, Day Services, Choices Bethpage

Yamile Boisrond Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Louis Kossuth

Romane Fleurvil Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Oaklake

Colleen Mahon Nursing Administrator, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Rosalvo Dort Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Choices Hauppauge

Saint-Hubert Chery Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Seaford

Emily Colwell Lead Day Habilitation Specialist- Art Studio, Day Services, Bethpage 837

Cindy Inga Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Choices Hauppauge

5 Years

Quaymar Miller Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Ronkonkoma

Jeanne Intermesoli Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Marie Vernard Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Magnolia Manor

Katherine De Paz Martinez Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Jenna Mastropasqua Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Tajai Mills Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Brighton

Chelsea Sweeney Occupational Therapist, Children's Services, Spiegel Children's Services

Viergela Jean Baptiste Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Lynbrook

10 Years

Jaclyn Spiegel Senior Psychologist, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Joseph Cipriano Assistant Director, Human Resources, Bethpage 807

15 Years

Brenda Nero Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Choices Bethpage

25 Years

Carolyn Wakeland Assistant Director, Day Services, Hauppauge

30 Years

James Molle Direct Support Professional, Community Habilitation, Bethpage 857

Welcome August New Hires!

Mackenzy Abraham Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Johnson Ave

Annoine Auguste Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Harrison

Narlee Baptiste Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Kayla Boughey Scheduling and Operations Manager, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Daphka Bozor Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Smith Cadet Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Magnolia

Karen Cheeseboro Lead Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, PWW Commack

Gabriel Chisholm Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Rosa Cruz-Sanchez Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Tamika Day Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Hawthorne

Joshua Fulton Residential Assistant Manager, Residential Services, East Meadow

Laura Furrer Behavior Support Specialist, Children's Services, Spiegel Children's Center

Analia Georges Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Phelps

Widmaer Guerrier Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Seaford

David Hibbler Residential Assistant Manager, Residential Services, Autumn

Kenesienna Ifemesia Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Jamar James Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Beaunel Jean Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, St. James

Keon Jerrick Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Wanda Jimenez Registered Nurse, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Justeen Johnson Residential Assistant Manager, Residential Services, Harrison

Marc Joseph Residential Assistant Manager, Residential Services, Lynbrook

Nadine Keefer Speech Language Pathologist, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Vyktoria Lamore Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Oceanside

Andrea Middleton Registered Nurse, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Celestina Mitchell Registered Nurse, Residential Services, Yorktown

Temeshia Morris Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Nermaica Pierre Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Carin Polissaint Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, East Hills

Jahvon Porter Taylor Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Joeffrey Romulus Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Westwind

Aleyandro Salvador Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Johnson

Alexandra Scott Special Educator, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Steeve Sejour Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Harrison

Trenice Simon Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Roslyn Heights

Taniya Smith Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Frederic Spiegel Sorter, Day Services, RewerAble

Ann marie Sutherland Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Chichester

Fred Any Rich Theogene Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Bethpage 837

Oscar Trejo Lead Maintenance Worker, Administrative Services- Facilities, Bethpage 857

Sabine Vaillant Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Lynbrook

Jazmine Walker Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Nadia Williams Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857