Dear Staff,
In recognition of Juneteenth, ACLD will be adding an additional Floating Holiday for eligible employees effective July 1, 2022. Please see below in this newsletter for a message from ACLD’s executive staff on the observance of this very important day.
June is Pride Month, and in this edition of The Limelight, you can find reflections from staff and people supported on "What Pride Month means to you?", along with a reflection from last month's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In case you missed last month's Limelight, you can Click Here to read reflections from staff on Haitian Heritage Month and Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
Help our amazing agency and staff get the recognition we deserve by voting for ACLD as the Best Nonprofit for this year’s Long Island Business News Reader Rankings! All you have to do is Click Here and then select “ACLD” under "Best Nonprofit". Voting ends this week on June 17th at 11:59 pm and everyone can vote once per day!
In this edition of The Limelight, you will also find coverage of Clinician’s Appreciation Week, a new Children's Services Spotlight, personal milestones for our amazing staff, and other news from across the agency.
Sincerely,
Rob, Gerard, Anne Marie and Kim
Robert Ciatto, Executive Director
Gerard DiMuro, Assistant Executive Director
Anne Marie Sime, Assistant Executive Director
Kim Leonard, Chief Financial Officer
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What does Pride Month mean to you? |
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Tara Pace, Behavior Intervention Specialist in Residential Services
“PRIDE to me is a sense of freedom. It’s a reminder of all the people before me that have fought for the rights that I currently have. It’s a reminder of all the people who have lost their lives just because of a small part of who they are. We are all in this together, and I think we forget that, sometimes. That’s what the LGBTQ+ community is for.
Pride is about standing together, united, and lifting each other up. Being there for each other. Pride means accepting myself for who I am. Pride is embracing and being embraced by a community that is diverse and beautiful and eccentric and anxious and brilliant and strong and fierce. Pride is Love!”
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Paul Christensen, Adult Supported in Phelps IRA
“I am proud to be a gay man. What I like about the gay community is that we are very brave and friendly. I feel it is very important to show support to all people within the LGBTQ+ community”.
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Barbara Sheehan, Adult Supported in Oakdale IRA
“PRIDE to me means people caring, accepting and loving one another. It means being true to who I am on the inside.
PRIDE means I can be my true self without worrying about having to live in fear of what some people might think”.
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Acceptance, inclusion, and the freedom to be yourself is central to creating an enviable life. ACLD proudly celebrates Pride Month and supports equity and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community. |
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Pride Month started as a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York city in which LGBTQIA+ people stood up and demanded an end to the harsh laws of the time which forced them to live their lives denying their identity. Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a time to honor the impact and sacrifice of early advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and those who continue the fight today.
This fight for acceptance and inclusion is one that we relate to at ACLD, regardless of who you are. Pride began as and remains a fight to live freely and authentically within society.
Pride Month is an opportunity to recognize the challenges to equity and inclusion that are still faced by many in the LGBTQIA+ community, which can be even greater for LGBTQIA+ people of color and LBGTQIA+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, ACLD recognizes Pride Month as a time to celebrate the resilience, perseverance and unity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Matthew Shepard’s death was one of the most brutal anti-gay hate crimes in American history. His parents Judy and Dennis Shepard created a foundation in their son’s name to share his story to inspire people, organizations and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. Though Matthew’s life was tragically cut short, he will forever be remembered as a catalyst for truly historic changes in our nation's laws. Matthew’s death shined a light on federal hate crime laws, which back in 1998, did not include sexual orientation or gender identity. Since his death, his parents dedicated their lives to strengthening hate crime laws and raising awareness of the violence to the LGBTQIA+ community.
On October 2, 2009, President Barack Obama signed The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This legislation added crimes motivated by the victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to the federal hate crime law.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion and Acceptance” through its educational efforts, outreach and advocacy programs, and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story. We urge you to learn more about the Matthew Shepard Foundation by visiting their website here
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June 28th is Pride Day and The Organizational Care Committee is organizing an employee engagement day for staff across the agency to dress in Pride colors. Everyone is encouraged to participate.
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What does Juneteenth mean to you? |
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Christine Brown MD, Chief Medical Officer, Charles Evans Center & ACLD
“June 19, 1865 - a magnificent day marking the true end of slavery in the United States of America. Imagine the great effort it took to make the Emancipation Proclamation a reality for everyone, albeit two years later.
This is a reminder that we must all be a part of the effort to ensure that freedom and equality is upheld for all and that we use our voices to speak out against those who attempt to infringe upon the civil rights of others."
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George Singfield, Education Consultant in Residential Services
“I first heard about Juneteenth many years ago. After researching it, it has become a staple in my mental library. A combination of the words “June” and “19th”, Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
The Emancipation Proclamation is significant because it legally ended slavery in the United States. I applaud ACLD and other organizations who embrace the value of including such a significant observance going forward."
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Juneteenth Floating Holiday |
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What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you? |
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Diane Salomé-Diaz, Art Studio Program & Community Coordinator
“When I think of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month I think of 'connection'. Growing up first generation born in America at first wasn’t easy for me. My parents came from the Philippines and like many immigrants, came to America for better opportunities and to help provide for family back home.
Although they tried to provide community through events, family gatherings and sharing stories from their own lives, I felt I needed further connection, since I wasn’t around the culture as much as I wanted to be. It wasn’t until I was a young adult where I started to search more on the rich culture and history of the Philippines, and was excited to get more involved in activities through college. As a young art student, as well, I shared that search of connection through my art in a series of portraits called “Identity”.
Even now, as an adult I am always seeking to learn more and teach my own children. My “Kuya” (meaning older brother) who lives and grew up in the Philippines, has a beautiful knowledge and understanding of the history, so I usually lean on him to learn more. Visiting the Philippines is something I take in, in wonder like a child seeking the excitement of her surroundings. In my experience, Filipino people are resilient, as I found in my own parents, hardworking, and courteous. I am proud to be a American Pacific Islander and although there is more prominence of Asian cultures in America, I hope to see more representation of the Philippines in every way.
I encourage everyone to try the food, see the many beautiful dances, and visit the Philippines. Some facts: the Philippines is an archipelago of over 7000 islands, and It has influences from being under Spanish rule for over 3 centuries, as well as from America when it was under it’s tutelage. There are 3 main regions, or groups; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Although Tagalog may be considered the main language, each area has it’s own rich dialects. The Philippines also has English as a recognized language, and taught in schools.”
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Meet Nick Madamba, Day Habilitation Specialist at ACLD’s Respite-Strive program.
Nick is one of those employees that a supervisor can always count on. As a per diem staff member at our Respite/Strive program, Nick comes to program early, opens the door, and quickly ensures all is in order for the day’s activities. He routinely stays late to finish his documents and scans them to his supervisor. Overall, Nick is an asset to the smooth operation of the Respite-Strive program.
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Nick has an uncanny ability to connect with the people he supports in the program. At a recent community outing at a local park, Nick encouraged one of the people he supports to try playing soccer. Normally, this gentleman declines participating in activities, but with Nick’s gentle encouragement and support, this young man felt comfortable enough to try playing soccer with his peers.
Nick goes above and beyond to ensure the people he supports are safe during transportation. On occasion, some routes can be challenging, but with Nick’s calm and patient demeanor, he tackles any issues he encounters with professionalism and ease. Nick considers the people he supports his family, his friends, and he treats them with the respect and dignity that they deserve.
Thank you Nick for being a great coworker and ambassador that everyone can rely on!
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Children's Services Spotlight |
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Say hello to Leondra Buscemi, the new Curriculum Coordinator at Kramer Learning Center.
Before coming to ACLD, Leondra was a Curriculum Coordinator at a therapeutic preschool in Nassau County. She began her career 17 years ago as a self-contained preschool teacher, then taught an integrated class and UPK (universal pre-K) in an early learning center in Queens that services children from low socioeconomic areas. In 2013, she moved up to Education Director, went back to school, and graduated from St. Johns in 2014 with her advanced certificate in School Building Leadership. As education director, she specialized in lesson planning, classroom environment and interactions and data informed instruction.
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Leondra is trained in Creative Curriculum, ECERS and the Teachstone CLASS tool, which is a research-based method of measuring, evaluating, and improving teacher-student interactions that leads to improved academic and social-emotional outcomes for students.
At ACLD, she works with the teachers to implement both the Creative Curriculum and the principles of TEACCH so that classrooms are high quality, fun and engaging for all of our early learners.
She has provided staff development for teachers on many topics and greatly enjoys it! She is very passionate about the field of early childhood and strives to make a difference in the lives of young children by helping teachers provide optimal learning experiences. Leondra feels that there is no other job more rewarding!
Now, 4 months into the job, Leondra says she "feels at home at ACLD", and "loves working with the wonderful group of positive individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families".
Fun Fact: Leondra used to be a professional singer for many years. She writes songs in her free time, and believes music is a universal language.
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In honor of Faith Mazzone, ACLD’s Director of Nursing who passed away earlier this year, ACLD would like to recognize those staff members who like Faith, move heaven and earth daily to ensure the health and safety of the people we support across the agency. Faith Mazzone was known for her leadership, her fierce work ethic, her unwavering dedication, her passion for overseeing the medical needs of the people we support, and for her strength during times of adversity. Faith mentored, guided, coached, and taught many nurses during her tenure at ACLD.
This highlight will honor those staff members who are walking in her footsteps, continuing her mission to touch the lives of all those she supported at ACLD.
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This month we honor, Matthew Woitovich, Residential RN for the Oceanside, Seaford, Syosset and Hawthorne IRAs. Matthew has been with ACLD since February 2017, and since that time, has grown into one of the shining stars in the Nursing Department.
According to Tina Brown, Assistant Director of Nursing, “Matthew is a dedicated, outstanding team player who possesses a solid work ethic. Always open to taking on more responsibility, Matthew tackles whatever is delegated to him with confidence and with the utmost professionalism”.
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A fierce champion for the safety of the people he supports, he recently advocated for an alternative residential placement for a gentleman who was recovering from a hospitalization. Matthew was determined to ensure his recovery was in an environment that was conducive to his needs.
Tina Brown shares, “I rely on Matthew’s leadership skills to mentor ACLD’s new nurses and he enthusiastically shares his tools with them. He does a great job teaching them. He also assists ACLD’s new AMAP staff by always making himself available when they have questions."
Thank you Matthew for being invested in the success of all nurses at ACLD and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow!
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Help our amazing agency and staff get the recognition we deserve by voting for ACLD as the “Best Nonprofit” for this year’s Long Island Business News Reader Rankings!
Voting is easy and takes less than one minute.
2) Select “ACLD” under Best Nonprofit.
This voting ends on June 17th at 11:59 pm. Everyone can vote once per day!
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Clinician's Appreciation Week |
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Last month we celebrated Clinician’s Appreciation Week here at ACLD and thanked all of our Nurses, Behavior Intervention Specialists, Psychologists and Dieticians/Nutritionists for the extraordinary work they perform every day.
On Thursday May 12th and Friday May 13th we held appreciation lunches for these amazing men and women and gave them this year’s gift, a new ACLD sweatshirt.
Please join us in thanking all of our clinicians for everything they do for the children and adults we support!
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Dr. Abra Walters, Director of Pyschology Department receiving a boquet of flowers from Residential Director Anastasia Brillis.
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The Spiegel Children's Center celebrating their nurse Christina Rameriz.
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Mental Health Awareness Month |
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Last month, The Organizational Care Committee organized an employee engagement day to observe Mental Health Awareness Month, and staff across the agency dressed in green to show support for those with mental illness.
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Congratulations to Emily Krebs, ACLD Clerk at the 807 building on the Bethpage campus, on graduating from Nassau Community College last month with her Associate's Degree in Business Administration.
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Congratulations to Bridgette Samuel, ACLD Entitlements Coordinator, on graduating from S.U.N.Y. Old Westbury last month with her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. The Finance Department and co-workers in the 807 building surprised her with a cake to congratulate her on this accomplishment.
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Congratulations to John Heidenfelder, son of Laura Heidenfelder, ACLD Payroll Assistant, on his engagement to his longtime girlfriend Rosemarie. He popped the question on Saturday June 4th along with their dog Winston. They met sophomore year of college at SUNY Cortland, and have been together for about 10 years.
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Congratulations to Kyle Sanchez, son of Leda Sanchez, ACLD Team Coordinator in the Bridges Levittown Day Habilitation Program, on receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University last month. Prior to the Convocation, Kyle was also inducted into the Alpha ETA, the Honor Society of the Allied Health professions.
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Congratulations to Matthew Geiselmann, son of Sharon Geiselmann, ACLD Employee Development and Engagement Manager on graduating from New York Institute of Technology – College of Osteopathic Medicine last month. He will be a resident at Northwell Health at Huntington for Orthopedic Surgery.
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Congratulations to Matthew Angstriech, son of Heather Angstriech, on graduating from Bentley University with his Bachelor's Degree in Finance. He is moving to Massachusetts to work for MathWorks, a corporation that specializes in mathematical computing software.
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Our Art Program and Community Coordinator, Diane Salomé-Diaz, her husband, Eliot, along with their planning committee held a big event on May 21st to honor Biggie, legendary rapper, for what would’ve been his 50th birthday.
Eliot and a foundation he is involved with called Dondi White Foundation, presented the idea of a big community block party at Biggie’s neighborhood in Brooklyn. With the support and sponsorship of the Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso, several other sponsors and community members, the huge block party was an exciting, artistic, fun and successful event. From legendary DJs like Hot 97’s DJ Enuff to VJ Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box and to Junior Mafia’s Lil’ Cease, as well as a number of performers. The block party also included 7 live mural painters, a roller skating area by Roller Wave NYC, double dutch, an art station that Diane oversaw, and lots of freebies!
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OPWDD Commissioner visits ACLD |
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Last month, ACLD welcomed Kerri Neifeld, new OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) Commissioner, to tour our Bethpage campus and meet staff and people supported at our administrative offices, Bethpage Choices Day Habilitation Program, Art Studio, Oyster Bay Gardens Affordable Housing and RewearAble program.
The Commissioner was also shown two short videos about our agency, including a highlight of our new autism-focused day program B.L.U.E., and the innovative technology at the site.
We thank Commissioner Neifeld for visiting us, and we are excited to work with her as we continue to further our mission and provide enviable lives to all.
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This past Memorial Day the staff at our day habilitation sites and residential services threw parties and celebrated with the men and women we support. Here's some shots of the Bethpage Day Program’s party with a DJ, and the Great Neck community residence at North Hempstead Beach Park for fireworks and a concert by BonJourney. |
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Employee Referral Program |
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Don't forget about the NEW EMPLOYEE REFERRAL PROGRAM! You can now earn up to $6,750 when you refer people to work at ACLD. See the flyer below for details.
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Help the people we support find employment |
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Do you know of a job opening in your area that would be a good fit for the men and women we support who are seeking employment in the community?
If so, please send an email to the Vocational Services department at Millerl@acld.org.
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Discounts for ACLD Employees |
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Did you know that by being an employee of ACLD, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts at different businesses such as Splish Splash, Verizon, P.C. Richard, Six Flags and a lot more?
You can also register as an ACLD employee on PlumBenefits.com to get even more discounts on vacations, entertainment, online shopping and other services. Use company code ac0825520 to register.
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Anniversary Milestones - June 2022 |
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Marie Dormevil Direct Support Professional, East Islip
Ricardo Jeantilus Direct Support Professional, Residential
Sterlla Larrieux Direct Support Professional, Bohemia
Jhonsly Petit Frere Direct Support Professional, West Hempstead
Roldine Pierre Direct Support Professional, Residential
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Robert Signor Maintenance Supervisor, Kramer Learning Center
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Elizabeth Symons Employment Manager, Human Resources
Valerie Azic Compensation Analyst, Human Resources
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Arline Moore Residential Assistant Manager, Oceanside
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Bernadette Sweeney Direct Support Professional, Spur Drive
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Welcome ACLD New Hires - May 2022 |
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Mercy Aigbekaen Direct Support Professional, Brighton
Emmanuella Amoako Direct Support Professional, Alice Court
Maria Biagini Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Rayshion Bien-Aise Direct Support Professional, Ontario
Alicia Boone Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Heather Boyce Direct Support Professional, Wildwood
Valerie Broderick Payroll Assistant, Bethpage 807
Romario Brown Direct Support Professional, Magnolia Manor
Victoria Brown Day Habilitation Specialist, Hauppauge
Allen Charles Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Gary Clark Job Coach, Bethpage 807
Nancy Corry Payroll Assistant, Bethpage 807
Laura DiVito Accounting Administrator, Bethpage 807
Michael Dono Day Habilitation Specialist, Hauppauge
Kurt Edwards Residential Manager, Nesconset
Jean Fineus Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Dorine Fleury Direct Support Professional, Westwind Dr
Terrence Franklin Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Casey Fusco Teacher Aide, Kramer Learning Center
Evelyn Garcia-Suarez Registered Nurse, Bethpage 857
Patrece Gayle Registered Nurse, Bethpage 857
Steven Greene Direct Support Professional, East Islip
Renard Holder Jr Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Katherine Hoskins Registered Nurse, Bethpage 857
Amanda Leahey Clerk, Bethpage 807
Lynette Lewis Direct Support Professional, Wildwood
Marlon Manigat Direct Support Professional, Straightpath
Jahwreinscia Marley Direct Support Professional, Autumn
Tiffany Marshall Direct Support Professional, Hawthorne
Najira McMichael Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Elaine Perez Direct Support Professional, Long Hill Road
Marie Pierre Direct Support Professional, Sayville
Joseph Prout Teacher Aide, Kramer Learning Center
Mario Registre Direct Support Professional, Straightpath
Julia Ribaudo Day Habilitation Specialist, Hauppauge
Angelica Rojas Direct Support Professional, Alice Court
Demia Sanderson Direct Support Professional, Russell Gardens
Nancy Seide Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Yusuf Young Direct Support Professional, Magnolia Manor
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Don't forget to give a SHOUT OUT to recognize someone at your location for something special they did for you, your department or a person we support. |
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The Organizational Care Committee is always looking for new ideas and suggestions from all of YOU to continue to make ACLD one of the best places to work, and for children and adults to receive supports and services.
Now it is easier than ever before to share your bright ideeas. Just click here and your Bright Ideas will be sent directly to the Organizational Care Committee. A representative from the committee will respond to you promptly, and if your idea is implemented, you will earn a $25.00 gift card!
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Submit YOUR stories for the "Limelight" |
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Each month we include stories in this newsletter about YOU and all of the amazing staff here at ACLD!
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP to find out about these stories. Please send us anything to include such as:
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A story about how you or someone else went above and beyond to help the people we support, organized any fun or educational activity, or did anything to further our mission in any way
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Information on any staff member or team who you would like to see spotlighted for their exceptional work.
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Information or news useful for staff across the agency. Anything important or fun.
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Proud moments for you or your family (Personal or professional milestones, awards, weddings, educational degrees or works in the community)
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Employee Engagement day photos of you and your team.
- Or anything else you can think of!
DON'T be shy about submitting stories - we need new ones every month!
DON'T worry about writing it perfectly. Just give as much information as you have.
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"the limelight" is an initiative of the
Communications Committee
and is produced by the
Development and Community Relations Department.
Jonathan Dolan, Editor. For questions, comments or suggestions, please email dolanj2@acld.org
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Thank you to all who have submitted information
and photos. Keep them coming!
We welcome your comments and suggestions.
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