Michele Ilnicki has been employed in the Nursing Department at Liberty since May of 1991, initially as a Day Program Nurse. For the past 4 years she has worked as a Residential RN. Michele is a strong advocate, always willing to help others, and is enthusiastic in her position. She addresses individuals’ needs in a professional yet personable manner. She is well liked and respected by her peers and the individuals she supports. Whether checking paperwork, decorating for holidays or planning LEAC activities, Michele is always willing to pitch in. She is a true team player. Her smile, wit, and infectious laugh are unique. Thanks, Michele. (Go Yankees!)

Carol Jordan joined Liberty in 2002 in the Residential Program and began working in Family Support in 2005. Carol is a very energetic and compassionate member of the FSS team. She volunteers for extra responsibilities and roles with the individuals she supports as well as with her co-workers. Carol has excellent rapport with the families of the individuals in program. She is very creative and is always looking for different community inclusive ideas. We are fortunate to have Carol on our FSS Team.

Sandy Bell has been employed in the soap production area at Liberty for more than 10 years. Due to her dedication and strong work ethic, she has steadily progressed through each area of soap production and has met each new challenge with enthusiasm. One of Sandy’s greatest assets is her ability to provide training to the consumers who we serve in a respectful and professional manner. In leading by example, Sandy plays a major role in maintaining the “positive teamwork attitude” that is evident in the department.
We’re pleased to acknowledge Sandy as a valued member of the Liberty team..

Arlene Ogden has worked for Liberty for 25 years as a food service manager, vocational supervisor, and since September, 2003, in the life skills day habilitation program as Assistant Habilitation Specialist I. Arlene’s wonderful rapport with each and every individual in the program helps daily to create a positive atmosphere. Although assigned to the day supports department, Arlene is a “behind the scenes” worker for a variety of agency functions. She is responsible for large scale menus for day program annual picnics, holiday parties and the membership meeting, to name a few. She also organizes day-to-day ordering of food and supplies for both day programs. And, she accomplishes all this with a smile. Arlene is a pleasure to work with and is very well respected by co-workers and staff. Her genuine commitment to her responsibilities is a definite asset to the organization. Arlene is a proud grandmother of 5 and loves sharing stories about them with co-workers.
Liberty is proud that Arlene is a longstanding member of the team.

Medicaid Service Coordinator “extraordinaire,” joined Liberty in June, 2000. She earned a degree in Human Services and puts “heart and soul” into her chosen career. Carrying a very intense caseload, she takes pride in helping Latino individuals find providers and supports—not only solutions for physical needs, but for the spiritual and emotional needs of the adults, children, and their families. Nilda assists Liberty with translations and advocates for ensuring that written materials are available in Spanish. When necessary, she writes ISPs (service plans) in both English and Spanish. Nilda has wonderful relationships with co-workers and celebrates the accomplishments of others. Married to Modesto Colon, the couple has three grown children and two grandchildren. Nilda volunteers in the community and for her church. Recently, Hispanic Outreach Services presented her with the Sister Maria N. Dolan, CSJ, Award for Humanitarian Services.
Nilda is a very special person and we are honored and grateful to have her working at Liberty.

has been with Liberty for 15 years, working as a Residence Manager for the majority of those years. Michele joined Liberty’s Staff Training Team in November, 2006, and has had a wonderful impact on the implementation of our Assistant Manager Training Program. Michele continues to get rave reviews from those she trains both in the classroom and 1-on-1. She has wealth of knowledge, a personal approach and a mentoring style that has made this a successful training program from day one. Michele is a pleasure to work with. Her commitment to this program and the volunteer work she does is to be commended; she is definitely an asset to our organization. Thanks, Michele, for all you do!

has been working at Liberty for almost 19 years. Currently assisting the men living at Hickory Hill Road, Bob helps them discover goals they would like to reach. While sharing his passion for outdoor enjoyment, such as gardening, camping and fishing, Bob also shares the importance of caring for a home and his love of cooking. Bob is an advocate for one of the men who has been getting out in the community and becoming involved in his church (which means a great deal to the individual’s parents). Due to Bob’s steadfastness, this person successfully attended his first agency banquet. Bob has also supported others while working in various positions throughout the years, including supporting a person in his journey to sobriety. Bob is especially good with new staff, teaching them policy and procedure in a way that makes them feel at ease. He is always willing to do what needs to be done and often volunteers. A caring, loving and dependable staff person, we’re glad Bob is on the Liberty team.

DOROTHY DANAHER

Dorothy Danaher began working at Liberty in 1991 as the Facilities Services Clerk and continues her duties in the department as Clerk I. Dorothy is very dedicated and provides essential services to the department and the agency. She handles difficult situations professionally and is willing to help anyone at any time. Staff from departments throughout the organization have commented that she is very helpful and friendly and always finds time to respond to questions and concerns. Dorothy is a regular volunteer at agency functions, whether it is helping with the golf event, assisting in the kitchen, or wrapping presents for individuals in programs during the holidays. We are grateful to have Dorothy on the Liberty Team!

MARIA PANTSCHYSCHAK

Maria Pantschyschak anks high as a Liberty employee demonstrating the value of Quality. She is a kind and caring person who treats everyone with Respect, which is returned to her by co-workers. A strong advocate for the rights and needs of people she supports, Maria is knowledgeable about the community and Resourceful in helping individuals identify and pursue Person-Centered goals to enhance their lives. Integrity characterizes Maria’s hard work, honesty, and sense of responsibility. She is up-to-the-minute on issues important to Liberty and completes tasks with accuracy and punctuality. Maria is always willing to help a colleague and help plan parties, picnics and banquets (often cooking her famous rice and beans for 300 people!) She is the department “go-to” person about benefits, community resources andSpanish language interpretation and translation. Now that’s Teamwork! Congratulations, Maria!

ANN RILEY and ED MOSCONI

Ed Mosconi (Live-in Assistant Manager) and Ann Riley (Direct Support Professional) have worked as a seven days on/seven days off team for 15 years. Their shift is a “well-oiled machine.” They have been a consistent presence at 92 Market through numerous staff and management changes. Ed and Ann have played key roles in increasing individuals’ independence skills and have seen many move on to “bigger and better” things. They maintain connections and friendships with individuals who have left the residence, having had a lasting impact on many who received supports. Under their guidance, individuals have time home alone and alone time in their community thanks to the staff’s dedication and perseverance.

Ed and Ann work so well together that they know each other’s next move before they even make it! The joke is that they’ve worked together so long, that they even have “spats” like a married couple and complete each other’s sentences! Individually, Ed has done coaching with the Special Olympics and Ann represents Market Street as a PCP Leader. Ed produces copious paperwork and is so well organized that more time can be spent on the “fun things” the individuals enjoy. Ann is so great in the kitchen that her creative cooking dazzles both residents and guests.

Ed and Ann provide security and respect through quality and person-centered approaches that come from the heart. The individuals all love and respect Ed and Ann in return. Thank you for your dedication to 92 Market Street and the agency at large. You are truly valued and loved by all the people whose lives you have touched!

SHERRI WOLFE

Sherri Wolfe has been a dental hygienist at the Health Center since July, 1996…she was there on opening day. Aside from her clinical duties, providing services for the patients, she has been instrumental in developing the 1-2-3 Smile Program which provides preventive services to young, underserved patients. Sherri’s enthusiasm for her job and patients is an inspiration to them and to all who work with her. Sherri and her husband Scott live in Charlton with their daughter Nakona and son Hunter. In her spare time Sherri coaches Pop Warner cheerleading which recently placed first in two regional competitions and eighth in the U.S. regional competition. Congratulations to Sherri on a well-deserved recognition.

MARTY HOFFMAN

Marty Hoffman is employed at Liberty’s Day Habilitation Program at 7 Main Street in Fort Plain. Marty started with the agency part-time in 1996 as Residential Supervisor, soon becoming full-time. He worked in a number of homes, mostly in the western part of the county where he resides, before transferring to day supports in 2005. The 7 Main Street site is very active in the community, performing multiple volunteer jobs as well as engaging in social and recreational activities. Marty is a great representative of Liberty in the community. He relates very well to the people we serve, and is always willing to be flexible around program needs. Marty was selected as Employee of the Month because he is cooperative, consistent and dedicated.