Liberty ARC Stories
A Bond That Can’t Be Broken
The bond between Julia Woodard and Samantha “Sammi” Togaila is one that even the COVID-19 pandemic could not break.
DSP Trainer Position Gives Helping Hand to New DSPs
Susan Ferry’s history with Liberty ARC spans across an impressive 26 year career. In that time, she has gained a wealth of knowledge that continues to benefit the agency in her new role as Direct Support Professional Trainer.
The DSP Trainer is a new position created to support newly hired DSPS, helping them transition from learning in the classroom to hands-on practice of the skills they learned. Susan’s background in Liberty ARC’s Residential Programs made her a perfect fit for this role.
Making the Change to a Meaningful Career
Twelve years ago, Amy Stearns decided she wanted a career change to make a difference in the lives of others.
What Amy did not know when she started at Liberty ARC was how her daily interactions with the individuals she supports would change her own life.
Making a Difference Everyday
Crystal Soto’s favorite aspect of working at Liberty ARC is having the opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives.“
Living Liberty ARC’s Mission Every Day
During this challenging time – in the midst of COVID-19 – it’s important to remind everyone why we work here at Liberty ARC.
We work at Liberty ARC to fulfill and accomplish our mission:
“Together we support people with disabilities to achieve a quality of life each person values.”
Senior Hab Coordinator Kara Reed is an excellent example of someone who lives every day by the agency’s mission.
Kara has worked at Liberty ARC for the last 23 years. She started her career as a bus monitor and a residential Direct Support Professional (DSP). She worked in the residential setting for 19 years, moving from DSP to Charge then Assistant Manager. She made the transition to Senior Hab Coordinator for Liberty ARC’s Community Connections day program a few years ago.
“I was in my early twenties and was looking for something different to do in my career,” she said. “A friend of mine, who worked in the Business Office, thought I would enjoy this line of work. She was right; I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
From DSP to Manager – Finding a Leadership Role She Never Imagined Having
“I never imagined myself being in a manager position because I had never supervised anyone before,” Jamie Siwik said…
From DSP to Manager – Finding the Perfect Home
“I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to be a manager, and this was it,” Rebekah Schuyler said..
Awake Night DSP Position Allows Growth in Daytime Passion
“When you support someone – even in the smallest way – it’s so satisfying, especially when they appreciate what you’re doing for them – it just makes you feel really good,” Dan Harrison said…
DSP by Day, Coach by Night
When Maureen “Mo” Manginelli switched careers six years ago, and joined Liberty ARC as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the Family Support Services (FSS) program, she never dreamt she’d become a Special Olympics coach.
“I love what I do,” Mo said. “I love my job and I love coaching because it gives me the opportunity to see two different sides to the people I support.”
Mo said she was offered a coaching position not long after she started her job with the agency.
Dynamic DSP Duo
Erica Rickard and Sarah Snell have been together for 11 years as awake night Direct Support Professionals in the same residence at Liberty ARC.
“She’s the best partner I’ve ever had,” Sarah said.
“She’s the yin to my yang,” Erica replied.
Erica has been with the agency for 14 years, while Sarah’s been here for 15. Both women started their careers at Liberty ARC as daytime DSPs, but after a few years they transitioned to the awake night shift.
“I wanted to work nights because I was going back to school and it worked really well with my schedule,” Sarah said. “This was supposed to be a temporary job, but I’ve made a home here. The awake night schedule works for me now because I can be with my family and I don’t miss anything.”