Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Tatyana Hargrove for being selected as NHR’s Employee of the Month for September!

Tatyana’s nomination read as follows:

Tatyana is a wonderful Coordinator who exhibits all that is positive in the field of Direct Care. Tatyana always sets a good example for us all here at the residence. She sets the stage for what she expects from us and never fails to work just as hard, if not harder than her team. In terms of the ladies who live here, she advocates for them in everyway from healthcare to what each person likes doing. She follows the Code of Ethics to the letter while caring for and about the ladies.

When it comes to Tatyana working with the ladies, she handles all aspects of their needs and wants. Since she has taken over the role of Residence Coordinator, she has only added to the house in a positive way. She has made sure the house is decorated to feel like the home that it is to the ladies who reside here. She makes sure we are always stocked up with any supply or food the ladies could need. She also makes sure the ladies are healthy, well taken care of from physically to mentally, and emotionally. Every aspect of the Code of Ethics she takes into account when it comes to the support of the ladies. She truly only adds to their lives and they are better for her being there.

When working with our team, she always asks what she can do to support us in doing the best job we can…. She helps us in any way she can to help us all grow in our roles as Direct Support Professionals. Tatyana has a large amount of knowledge, and ways to approach and solve problems that can arise in a day. She not only is our leader, but a great support system, and source of knowledge. Our team is only better, and stronger with her as our Coordinator.

Tatyana also never hesitates to step up to help anywhere in the agency. She covers for others when they are ill, needs advice, or training in how NHR operates. Tatyana is always the first to volunteer to join any committee, plan any party, cover any another house if the Coordinator is out, and just to help in any way she can.

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

Italia Alvarado

“At Angelo Blvd residence where our son lives, Italia is a gem. She always greets visitors with a smile and an energy that radiates. Often, she makes time to share a success story about a resident…while he is listening! She always seems to have her finger on the pulse of the moment and on what is needed. The men of Angelo are so fortunate to have her nearby.”

Mike Kessler,
Parent of a Person Receiving Support

Grace Martin

“I would like to shout out MVR's newest Residence Coordinator, Grace Martin. In only her few short months here, she has made a huge impact on Mountain View as a whole. She pours so much of her time, energy, and dedication into her work as she goes above and beyond for not only the individuals we support but her staff as well. She genuinely cares for the people around her and it shows in the way she leads, supports, and always makes herself available. She is always willing to go the extra mile, whether it is stepping in to help, listening when we need to talk, solving problems, or simply just making sure everyone is okay. She leads with compassion, patience, and a heart for everyone she serves. We are truly grateful to have a boss that sees us as more than employees. Her dedication doesn't go unnoticed and we hope she knows how much her hard work and support are greatly appreciated at MVR. Thank you Grace for all you do!”

Chade Mason,
Administrative Counselor, Mountain View

Agatha Ohunta-Okafor

“I would like to give a shout out to Agatha Ohunta-Okaor, Admin here at Round Hill. She is very caring and looks out for the best interests of the people she supports. I call her my schedule queen. She does a great job with the schedules. She does the schedules sometimes months ahead of time which is great. She has even been able to get other staff from other houses and relief to work here at the house. Thanks Agatha!!!!!”

Jane Brooker,
Residence Coordinator, Round Hill

Seth Momanyi

“I want to acknowledge Seth for the commitment, reliability, and teamwork he consistently brings to Unionvale. Seth is always willing to assist where needed and works well with both the individuals and his coworkers. He supports the individuals in their daily routines while encouraging their choices, independence, and participation. His dependable presence and willingness to help make a positive difference for both the individuals we serve and the team at Unionvale. Thank you, Seth, for your continued hard work and dedication to Unionvale.”

Carmen La Serna,
Residence Coordinator, Unionvale

Yvette Higgs

“I would like to give a very special shout-out to Yvette Higgs for her continued dedication to each and every individual at Morehouse Road. Mrs. Yvette is more than just a dedicated staff member—she has also become a mother figure and a source of support and guidance to many of her teammates. Her compassion, reliability, and genuine care for the individuals she supports are truly appreciated.

The work Mrs. Yvette puts in each day does not go unnoticed. Everyone at Morehouse Road is truly thankful for her commitment, her caring heart, and everything she brings to the team. Thank you, Mrs. Yvette, for all that you do. You are valued, appreciated, and an important part of the Morehouse Road family.”

Shana Jackson,
Residence Coordinator, Morehouse Road

Shameka Coleman

“I would like to shout out Shameka Coleman for being a reliable coworker! She's always willing to help and support others. She doesn't just support the residents, but loves them!”

Cecillia Herbert,
Direct Support Professional, West Road Day Hab

Terry Moore & Imani Diarra

“I would like to recognize my overnight staff Terrel Moore & Imani Diarra for consistently going above and beyond. Your dedication, patience, and willingness to do your job with a caring heart do not go unnoticed. You two are staff that can always be counted on to do your best , and your positive genuine heart makes a difference in the lives of the individuals we support. You both have so much potential, and I truly believe you are capable of achieving great things in this field. Thank y'all for all that you do, especially for help-ing make the third shift run smoothly and successfully. Your hard work, reliability , and commitment are greatly appreciated. Keep up the amazing work, you are valued, and your efforts matter.”

Lauren Lavigat,
Residence Coordinator, Cream Street

Joseph Kirigi

“Joseph's willingness to step in and support Unionvale whenever he is needed is truly appreciated and deserves recognition. Joseph is someone we can count on and is always willing to come in and help, even on short notice. He demonstrates great patience with the individuals and communicates with them in a calm, respectful, and reassuring tone. The way he approaches and speaks to the individuals helps create a positive and comfortable environment for them. His flexibility, patience, and commitment to providing quality support are truly appreciated. Thank you, Joseph, for always being willing to

Carmen La Serna,
Residence Coordinator, Unionvale

Karma Chhoden

“Karma Chhoden is an excellent DSP. She has been going beyond her commitment at Gerry Road house, she is committed to Thornwood as well. Karma demonstrated her ability to provide care and well being for our ladies at Thornwood by working open shifts and coming out of her work schedule to provide medications and care to the residents. Karma is an excellent asset for any residence at NHR. She is always available, especially on weekends to help us out. “

Najiba Meskadi,
Administrative Counselor, Thornwood

Owen Passante

“I would like to give Owen Passante a much deserved SHOUT OUT for his Person Centered work at the apartments in New Paltz. Owen’s calm demeanor and partnership with the people he works with is to be commended. Everyone that lives and works in New Paltz likes when Owen is working. He is non-stop when on shift, taking people to work, picking them up, going for walks with people, assisting with doctor's appoint-ments, taking people to visit their friends, encouraging the person to be their best or just interacting with people he is always present for every-one. In addition, Owen has also taken on some additional responsibili-ties which may seem like nothing to him but it truly increases the smooth running of the program. He is truly an intricate member of the team. Thank you for all you do Owen!”

Jeannie Werber,
Residence Coordinator

Yanquoi Gbolo

“Yanquoi stepped in during a critical staff crisis and immediately demonstrated his dedication to his work and, most importantly, to the residents at Thornwood. Because of his support, commitment, and willingness to go above and beyond, we were able to provide the residents with many memorable summer outings and activities. Even beyond that period, Yanquoi continues to support the house by assisting with medical appointments and providing essential house coverage when needed. His reliability, compassion, and dedication have made a meaningful difference in our ability to provide the highest quality of care and services to our residents. We truly appreciate Yanquoi’s continued commitment, flexibility, and the positive impact he has on both the residents and the team at Thornwood.”

Najiba Meskadi,
Administrative Counselor, Thornwood

Quincy Williams

“Quincy Williams is a gentle giant who always has time to answer questions and explain what’s happening. He’s a steadying fixture, always calm and always open and supportive.”

Pat & Dave Bownas,
Parents of a Person Receiving Support

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!