Congratulations to Direct Support Professional Thomas Felter for being selected as NHR’s Employee of the Month for October!

Tom’s nomination read as follows:

I’d like to nominate Tom Felter, DSP Floater, for Employee of the Month. A few months ago, Tom took a floater position and floats to several Ulster County houses. He is person centered and keeps the wants of the folks he supports as his main focus. He recently spearheaded having people from Mountain View and Canal Path do an activity together. Canal Path went to Mountain View for dinner and a sip and paint . He recently reminded me of carving pumpkins as people at Canal Path love to do them. He has spent the past two days ensuring everyone got to pick out their designs for their pumpkin carving and has been carving away. Tom continues to demonstrate person centered supports and successfully building friendships. Tom , thanks for all you do to support the houses and the people who live there. They all look forward to when you are working !!

Tom will receive a $100 VISA gift card for being selected Employee of the Month. Please thank and congratulate Tom!

Kimara Smith

"Kimara’s dedication to the individuals at Morehouse is truly unmatched. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, patient, and respectful, with an exceptional understanding of the individuals she supports. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their needs are met with kindness and care.

Kimara is a tremendous asset to Morehouse, and I am truly grateful to have her on my team. Her hard work and dedication deserve to be recognized and celebrated!""

Shana Jackson,
Residence Coordinator, Morehouse Road

Miranda Stehle

“Vehicle & Maintenance Specialist Miranda Stehle is always willing to help. She approaches everyone with a kind and pleasant disposition. She looks for any and every way to assist with the vehicles for our houses. She is always available and answers Fleetio reports and questions quickly. Her dedication helps in so many ways by ensuring that the vehicles are in good working condition. Miranda is always willing to help people learn about the software and how to get everything documented.”

Mahlon Groom,
Director of Program Services

Pieter VanLeeuwen

“I would like to shout out to New Horizons’ “Music Man” (Creative Arts Therapist), Pieter VanLeeuwen. He rarely receives recognition. Each week he performs and helps the Deer Run gentlemen perform with their own musical instruments. They make requests of songs to sing. Pieter encourages musical trivia and name that tune. He also encourages them to interact with each other as they discuss what song is a favorite of theirs. They will often be seen moving to the music and sometimes with encouragement from staff may even get up and dance. For those who do not look as though they are participating, they really are as they are visibly smiling and bopping to the music. When Pieter sings a favorite song, they sing louder as they are just having the best time. Please recognize Pieter. He does so much good with his guitar and suggestions of songs and games. He does not receive recognition by all but the Deer Run gentlemen have a good time when he arrives with his guitar.”

Debra Charette-Ierardi,
Residence Coordinator, Deer Run

Mutiu Mudashiru

“A big shout-out to DSP Mutiu Mudashiru for the tremendous improvement he has shown! Mutiu has been doing an excellent job demonstrating what it means to be a strong team player. His positive attitude, willingness to engage, and continued growth have not gone unnoticed. Mutiu has also been doing a great job providing support and interacting with the individuals both inside the program and out in the community. His dedication to building positive relation-ships and being actively involved is making a meaningful difference. Keep up the great work, Mutiu! Your progress and commitment are truly appreciated. We are proud of the growth you continue to show!”

Lauren Lavigat,
Residence Coordinator, Cream Street

Brendan Dutcher

“I would like to shout out Brendan Dutcher at Clintondale. Since promoted to the Residence Coordinator, he has done a lot for the people supported to live an independent life as much as possible. He works well with his team to maintain a safe environment for the individuals. The individuals are more involved in their community and living their best lives.”

Maricia Fitzgerald,
Director of Program Services

Akintunde Abiodun

“I would like to take a moment to give a special shout-out to DSP Akintunde Abiodun for the excellent job he has been doing since joining our team! Akintunde is still fairly new, he has already shown great dedication, professionalism, and a positive attitude toward his work. He has been doing an outstanding job supporting the guys, making sure their needs are met, treating them with respect, and encouraging them to be as independent as possible. Akintunde has shown that he is willing to learn, take initiative, work well with others, and go above and beyond to provide quality care. His patience, kindness, and commitment to the individuals have not gone unnoticed. Akintunde, thank you for your hard work, dedica-tion, and positive energy! Keep up the amazing work. We appreciate everything you bring to the team, and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow and succeed in your role. Great job, Akintunde!“

Ty Crawford,
Residence Coordinator, Pleasant Ridge

Erick Nyaliech

“Erick Nyaliech deserves special recognition for the reliability, dedication, and teamwork he has consistently shown at Unionvale over the years. As a float staff, Erick continues to choose Unionvale as a house where he wants to work, and his commitment is greatly appreciated. He is dependable, attentive, and approachable with both the individuals and his coworkers. Erick is a true team player who is always willing to step up when needed, even when it means going outside of his comfort zone to help the house and the team. His willingness to support wherever needed and his positive attitude make him a valued part of Unionvale. Thank you, Erick, for your continued commitment and for always being someone we can count on.”

Carmen La Serna,
Residence Coordinator, Unionvale

Congratulations to Unionvale for being selected as NHR’s Team of the Quarter, 3rd Quarter, 2026!

Unionvale’s nominations read as follows:

I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate our entire team at Unionvale for the incredible way you all come together. With staffing shortages, call-outs, and unexpected emergencies happen-ing throughout the house, everyone steps up and shows what true teamwork, dedication, and com-passion looks like. You don't just show up—you go above and beyond. You support the residents, support one another, jump in wherever you are needed, and continue to put the safety, comfort, and well-being of the people we support first. Being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is not an easy job. DSPs are asked to wear so many hats every single day. You provide care, encouragement, advocacy, companionship, guidance, and support, often while handling unexpected situations and incredibly challenging circumstances. A lot of the work you do happens behind the scenes and may not always receive the recognition it deserves—but it matters. The patience, resilience, compassion, and commitment you bring to work makes a tremendous difference in the lives of the people we support. Thank you for all that you do.

I wanted to take a minute and express what an AMAZING TEAM of DSPs we have at Unionvale This is not about one DSP, but ALL of our DSPs. Unionvale is a unique residence. The extreme medical needs of some our residents can feel overwhelming at times. Being understaffed is a “normal” way of life at Unionvale. When one team member is missing, it is felt throughout. During the time Carmen was on leave, I had the task of scheduling and finding coverage when a team member was out. This Unionvale Team came together and worked WONDERS to keep Unionvale staffed and our residents safe and healthy. Everyone pulled together, worked doubles, extra days, extra hours. Whether there was notice or an immediate need, ALL came together. All supported each other. I never heard the words “no, I can’t, I won’t”. Instead it was “sure, yes, I’ll be there”! Although this comradery and dedication is a norm, it hit differently when we needed it most! Such an Amazing group of people to work with. I could not be more proud than I am working at Unionvale! This would be my SHOUTOUT to the Unionvale Team and to Allie, who helps us out every week and an important part of our Team! I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation to be a part of this TEAM!

The Team at Unionvale will receive a $500 VISA gift card for being selected at Team of the Quarter! Please congratulate them when you see them!