Liberty ARC Stories

Frontline supervisors (FLS) play a key role in mentoring and strengthening teams of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) they oversee to provide high-quality supports and services to people with disabilities. Because of this strong belief, Liberty ARC is proud to provide the opportunity for our management to take part in the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badges Academy to strengthen their careers.

Liberty ARC is pleased to announce the promotion of Julie Trombly as the Assistant Director of Employment Services.

In this position, Julie will oversee Employment Services programs for people with disabilities, including Liberty ARC’s Career and Employment Network (CEN), Community Pre-Voc, Pathway to Employment, and day hab programs, Community Connections and Life Skills.

Liberty ARC, the Montgomery County Chapter of The Arc New York, is pleased to announce the appointment and promotion of Ashley Walton as their new Director of Operations.

In this role, Ashley will oversee Liberty ARC’s Residential Services in the mid and up county areas of Montgomery County, including Fonda, Fultonville, Canajoharie, Fort Plain, and Palatine Bridge. Ashley will ensure all regulatory requirements are met, implement the agency’s Strategic plan, report fiscal performance, provide oversight to billing procedures, support teams to be collaborative and effective, and focus on person-centered supports.

Bethany Nitsky, a Direct Support Professional Awake Night staff member, is a part of Liberty ARC’s second cohort enrolled in the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badges Academy. Recently, she completed her DSP-III credentialing, which is the highest DSP credential one can receive through the academy.

“I think that the Hispanic Outreach Program is vital being that we have such a large Spanish speaking population in our community,” said Maria Pantschyschak, Liberty ARC’s Hispanic Outreach Liaison and Employment Support Specialist.

When Isis Velasquez first came to Liberty ARC as an intern, Susan Woodcock, a long-term employee and an Assistant Site Manager, stepped in as a mentor to Isis. With Susan’s encouragement, Isis gained confidence and felt reassured that following this career path at Liberty ARC was where she was meant to be. Isis has blossomed into dedicated and out-going Direct Support Professional (DSP).

“As part of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) credentialing program I am receiving an in-depth learning about different disabilities as well as how to further understand them, so that I can better support the individuals I am with day to day at Liberty ARC,” said Breanna Lapi, a Residential Direct Support Professional. “I also gained knowledge through the courses of how to overcome/deal with different scenarios I am faced with while working on a day to day basis.”

Teachers have state certifications, and nurses have licensure exams they have to pass – but what about Direct Support Professionals? How do you measure proficiency in the many areas that DSP’s touch every day?  The National Alliance For Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) is pioneering a DSP credentialing program, and Liberty ARC is excited to be a part of it.

“I love my job. Things are always changing in my field in Quality Assurance, and I am always learning something new. Schooling with the support of Liberty ARC was a great added bonus to better myself and my career,” Joshua Diaz said.

Liberty ARC's 2022 Annual Report is out now! 2022 was a strong year for our organization, as we continued to expand and improve the quality of our services and programs. “My Best Life” as aguiding theme, all of our efforts at Liberty ARC are focused on empowering the...