“On behalf of myself and Jon, I want to thank Carlos Thompson for being such an amazing Apartment Counselor. He goes above and beyond in caring for Jon and his roommate with good humor, caring and understanding. I personally appreciate that he treats everyone with respect, is flexible and respects Jon's interests. I truly feel that he sees me and Jon's siblings as part of a team working together to give Jon both space and parameters he needs. Thank you, Carlos! We are so lucky to have you in our lives.”

— Muriel Horowitz

“Rita Cotterell is an Administrative Counselor at Cream St IRA. Rita goes above and beyond in supporting residents at CRM. She's a servant leader. She ensures that the residents eat special meals everyday. She listens closely to them and strives to see that they feel at home and their needs met. She has made CRM a beautiful home. Regular and relief staff appreciate how she has made CRM a welcoming home. Her sense of humor is incredible and she's very easy to talk and work with.”

— Peter Andele

“Thomas Koren for his positive work ethic. Tommy has been working with a Gentleman at Albrecht that really doesn’t like to go out into the community. Tommy has gotten this Gentleman to explore so many activities within the community this year. It has been so special to hear how happy the Gentleman is when he comes home from these activities. Great job Tom!”

—Katie Briggs

“Messaoud, or “Z” as he is called at Amenia, has only been with NHR since May of this year. But in this short time, Z has established himself as a strong team member, and support to the men of Amenia. Z will arrive to work, on time, and get right to what needs to be done before the men arrive home from their day programs. When the men walk through the door at the end of their day, they are usually greeted with enthusiastic cheers that they have finally arrived! Imagine walking into your house at the end of the day, and everybody cheers that you are home. The men feel valued the moment they hear this, and it sets them in a great mood. Z has also coordinated a day trip, working together with another staff, for 3 of the men to Lake George, to which a great time was had by all.”

—Michael Wheatley

“I would like to give a shout out to Erin Kowalewski, Administrative Counselor at the Pinewood Residence. Erin has been instrumental in using her various teaching techniques in order to help our folks be as independent as possible for many years now at the house. She has introduced us to many different types of foods, ways of doing things and has a special quirkiness that just seems to work. Erin has been able to form meaningful relationships with everyone that lives at Pinewood and has become a huge part of our team over the years. “

—Dee Eckert

“Elijah Jennings for his positive spirit every day when he walks through the doorway at Tyrrel. The first thing out of his mouth is “YEAH” and everyone responds back and the smiles and the laughter in the house is contagious.”

—Katie Briggs

"There are so many wonderful thigs to say about AlexisCarillo. Deer Run is so thrilled to have her here with us. She has only been with us fora short time, but she has blended right in with staff, the gentlemen who live here and the routine of the residence. She is always willing to help other shifts and will change her schedule for the needs of the house if asked. She is always on time and has an excellent work ethic. She demonstrates her enthusiasm for being here as she greets staff and the gentlemen of the residence. Alexis goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She has developed a wonderful rapport with a couple of our more challenging gentlemen. What can I say, she is just a pleasure to be around and we feel very lucky to have her with us."

—Debra Charette-Ierardi

“David Butler has been working at Unionvale for many years. David works hard every day to ensure that the people we support have the best quality of life. He is always calm and very patient with the residents and staff. He is always willing to help even when he is really busy. He is attentive and treats the residents with love, respect, and dignity. David maintains his professionalism even in challenging moments. Every day, he has a nice attitude. The residents love when he prepares their breakfast and lunch. He always asks what they want to eat. He plays nice music and often you see him dancing, smiling and making jokes with the individuals. At the end of his shift he leaves with a smile on his face and he makes sure he says goodbye to everyone.”

—Carmen La Serna

“I would like to give a shout out to Lisa Haven. A few months ago we lost one of the ladies at North Clove and before she went into the hospital, it was Lisa who took action to send her to the hospital as she noticed that she was just not right. Lisa has been working for NHR for the last 11 years and has been at North Clove as a part time DSP for 5 years. Lisa is loved by the ladies here. She is very attentive to the ladies’ needs and is a wonderful asset to our team. Lisa embodies NHR’s mission by teaching the individuals to have respect for themselves and the others around them. Happy DSP week to Lisa for a job well done!”

—Julie Lopez

“I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to Andrew Walker! Andrew has been working with NHR for the last 8 years, with the last 4 years at Stormville IRA. Andrew is always willing help out and is extremely knowledgeable about each individual in the house. He’s kindhearted and everyone loves having him in the home. Andrew is insightful and has good ideas to facilitate outings and activities and is a valuable member of the NHR family and the Stormville family. The guys love when he works because he makes it fun. He loves to cook and have the guys assist. Andrew is always ready and able to jump on and lend a hand, especially when one of the guys is having a stressful day, he really knows how to help them out. Andrew continues to grow and become a better DSP day after day.”

—Jason Hunt

“Going, going where do they want to go, I’ll take them”. Her famous words. She is always up to take the people that live at 129 West Road anywhere, no matter how far or what it is. She has taken people fishing, bowling, to the river, to see a friend, up to see family, out to the clubs, River Fest, to visit a person that use to live at 129 just to name a few. What is wonderful about Karen is she is not just their ride to and from, she joins in and ensures they are all having fun! Everyone that lives at 129 enjoys going out with her. There are times I get worried and call her and she says “oh so and so wanted to go here so we took a detour, I probably should have called.” Not only is Karen wiling to go out, but she knows the gentlemen have goals and dreams and works with them so they will one day attain them. She has developed a partnership with each of them to keep moving forward, letting them know they can do anything if they give their dream the energy it needs.”

—Jeannie Werber

“For always being readily available to help at the drop of a hat. Whether it’s coming in early or staying late, she always avails herself. Aneika has stayed late on numerous occasions to ensure that we have enough coverage for meds or to provide ADL’s to an individual who prefers her assistance. She’s open, honest and thoughtful when dealing with staff and parents alike.”

—Kay-Ann Forbes

“I'd like to send a special shout out to Sangay. While she's only been with NHR for 3 months, she has been a blessing to us all. She is hard working, and dedicated to the ladies we support here at Gerry Road. Sangay, you have been amazing since day one, eager to learn and always ready to help wherever you are needed. The ladies here love you and your sense of humor. You are appreciated, and we are so lucky to have you on our team! “

—Tatyana Hargrove

“I would like to recognize Linda Hornbeck for her outstanding person-centered approach!! Linda is a seasoned DSP and is always leading by example. She is always coming up with solutions to help make the lives of people she supports easier. Linda is either creating a clip so an individual she supports doesn’t lose her hearing aid , or you can see her stopping in the middle of the day after the eye doctor to take the folks for a walk on the walkway of the Hudson. Linda also supports individuals with seeing their family in PA , or driving two sisters she supports to Carmel to visit their mom. Linda is always putting the folks at Canal Path first and it shows in her daily routine at CPR. Thanks Linda for all you do !!”

—Annie Mitchell

“Anne is a very dedicated worker who does not compromise on the support that she gives to the folks at Pleasant Valley Home. She is attentive to their needs and always respects their choices. She always encourages the men about going to self advocacy meetings. Anne supports their goals, and documents them consistently.”

—Hope Badroe

“George is extremely reliable and helpful . He is a great relief staff who helps at Overlook and Clinton. No matter how many hours he works - he comes to work and works very hard . He has taken the individuals on outings, and always makes sure the house is clean. George is always happy and friendly and the individuals like and respect him a lot.”

—Brianna Malvai

“George has been working in my houses and others in need throughout Dutchess. I can call George in the middle of the night and have and he has always come in. George always comes in with a big smile and gets his work done. Also, all the people he supports like when he is on shift. He is always willing to go out of his way for his coworkers and is a great example of our mission here at NHR.”

—Katie Briggs

“Naznin is day shift at Thornwood and is very conscientious, making sure all aspects of her responsibilities are completed by the end of her shift. Naznin goes above expectations here at NHR and is always willing to come in when needed for extra shifts, not only here at Thornwood but also assisting Round Hill as well with open shifts. She deserves a shout out for her dedication to NHR.“

—Debra Whispell

“I would like to recognize Alana Logan , Canal Path Admin, for her en-thusiasm and always stepping up and being one of the first support staff to support the folks of Canal Path in the community. Alana has only been at CPR a little over 3 months and in that time and has supported the folks with going to the movies, both Dutchess and Ulster County fairs , a 4th of July Parade and the Blueberry Festival . Alana even changed her schedule twice to support some of the folks in their summer bowling league. These simple acts do not go unnoticed.”

—Annie Mitchell

“ I would like to recognize Monique Henry. She is a true team player. When she is presented with any problem, she always says “I will figure out a way” with a smile. She says "I got this" and it is usually resolved. There is one gentleman that sometimes refuses to go to treatment, when Monique applies her charm, he changes his mind and is ready to go, joking around and happily goes for his treatments. She is a special person that makes our team great. Nurse Malorie says "she is so great and thorough". Thank you Monique for all that you do to make the individuals’ lives meaningful and taking the time to make someone feel Happy.”

—Sonia Grant

“Andrew is a relief staff who assists at Cream St on a consistent basis. He is very hardworking, very cooperative, and very helpful. He is well liked by all staff who appreciate him. He is great with the individuals. He always keeps busy, keeps the house clean, and assists with medical appointments etc. Our hope is to have Andrew assume a full-time position at Cream St when he becomes eligible. Overall, he is a great addition to the team.”

—Fortunate Higgins

“Andrew is a relief staff who works hours at Overlook. Andrew is very kind , funny and is a very hard worker. Andrew likes to be busy and always find things to do. He has very good relationships with the people he supports and is very reliable and helpful “

—Brianna Malvai

Team Shout Outs—DSP Recognition Week!

Jansen Road!

“After much thinking I cannot give any 1 DSP at Jansen a shout out. All the DSPs at Jansen deserve the same compliment. Kimberly Quijano. Kailine Matos Lopez, Lauren Lavigat, relief staff Jomaury Garland, Dorothy Muntz. Day Hab staff Ty Crawford, Devante Reid and Jerome May have all been the best DSPs any Coordinator can ask for. They have all gone above and beyond to provide coverage at Jansen with the staffing vacancies. But most of all they have worked tirelessly providing the best care for the residents at Jansen despite the long hours worked. They have followed the DSP code of ethics and structure needed for the PWS diagnosis of Jansen residents. I am very grateful for their efforts and teamwork.”

—Rosemary Marguis

Mountain View!

“We want to share some thoughts about Mountain View House. In 2020, when our daughter Angii was getting ready to transition out of her residential school and into a residence, someone at the main office sent my husband and I to see Mountain View House. I remember thinking at the time that we were in the middle of nowhere. Who would guess that 4 years later, her home is Mountain View and that not only does she love it, but Roger and I do as well.

A house is a physical edifice but it’s the people inside that make it a home. The staff of Mountain View make it a home. Our daughter sends us text photos of the good meals she’s having just to make us jealous. She feels supported and cared for by all of the staff – whether it’s the meals they cook, the support they provide, their understanding when she goes through a hard time, the respect they show to everyone, or the millions of little things they do for Angii and her housemates – all of it has enabled Angii to feel safe, supported and to feel at home.

For us, as her parents, hearing her talk about her home means the world to us. Knowing she has a place of her own, a place she shares with people she genuinely cares about, and a place where people are going to help her get through the hard times is truly what we have hoped for. Absolutely all of the staff have gone above and beyond. Darryl, Amanda, Peggy and all of the staff have done so much to help Angii.

And we’ve discovered that Mountain View is not really in the middle of nowhere. Any place with a Walmart is going to be “golden” for Angii and we are finding all sorts of new places to explore (particularly Barthels Creamery)! Plus, Angii has let us know that living in a setting that is both quiet and peaceful has done so much for her. What more could we ask for? We are forever grateful to NHR and especially to Mountain View House for their love, guidance and support!"

—Donnamarie and Roger Jones

Tyrrel Road!

“My name is Muriel Anderson representing my son Bruce who resides at the Tyrrel Residence. He, along with the other adults at the residence are getting the upmost care and love from all the staff. I have visited many times to see “our” people smiling and laughing which goes to show what wonderful care they are getting. We are so glad and happy we chose and were given the opportunity to have our son reside at this location. With a smile on our faces, we say thank you so much to the staff and New Horizons!”

—Muriel Anderson

129 West Road!

“A BIG and HEARTFELT Shout Out to the DSPs at 129 West Road, Pleasant Valley! Under the leadership of Jeannie Werber, she and the 129 team have consistently and with great compassion, competence, and understanding created an environ-ment that truly reflects a person-centered and supportive approach. From day one, it was clear that Jeannie and the team wanted to see our son, Xavier, succeed. Jeannie has brought her years of experience into the house and the work, and the DSPs have been there to carry out the work with her. Successes have been celebrated and, when there have been challenges, Jeannie and the DSPs have continuously sought new knowledge and explored approaches to support the men living in the house. Jeannie has mentored the DSP team, who has shown an incredible commitment to its professional work. Each DSP brings something different, and what they all contribute is evident every time we as parents are at the house and spend time and speak with Xavier. The DSP team has created a safe, caring, and supportive home and base for Xavier and the other men…. We thank each DSP for the work and commitment they show and all that they continue to give and contribute. THANK YOU, DSPs and NHR!”

—Mette Christiansen