CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8

AWARDS, TRIBUTES & DISTINCTIONS LEXINGTON ARC RN NAMED CAPITAL REGION TOP NURSE

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PROGRAM EARNS DISTINCTION

Nancy DeSando, RN, was rceently named one of the Capital Region’s Top 25 Nurses as a Finalist in The Times Union’s Salute to Nurses special section. There were 600 nurses nominated, and the top 25 were honored at a virtual reception and in the Times Union. Nancy plays an integral role as the Director of the Article 16 Clinic at Lexington. She has been instrumental in helping to lead the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic. Nancy set up support groups to help employees guide individuals through the pandemic and led Lexington's Vaccine Task Force. She has given countless hours, nights and weekends to ensure the organization is providing everything needed to keep individuals and staff safe and healthy. In addition, Nancy provides medical oversight and supports to students with autism and other learning differences in Lexington's Transitions program.

The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence recently announced their Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center was selected by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) as a 2022- 2023 NASET School of Excellence. This distinction is bestowed upon select qualified, licensed, special education schools. Selection as a NASET School of Excellence is the highest level of recognition a private special education school can achieve through the professional association. This honor was presented to Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center as a special education school that meets rigorous professional criteria. “We are so proud that Bright Beginnings was chosen to be a NASET School of Excellence,” stated Lynn Pietroski, The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence’s Chief Operating Officer. “Our staff has done a wonderful job demonstrating truly exceptional dedication, commitment, and achievement in the field of special education and we are honored to be recognized.” The Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center operates integrated preschool classrooms, under the jurisdiction of the New York State Education Department, for both typically developing children and students with disabilities between the ages of two years, nine months and five years of age. The Bright Beginnings program promotes social interaction, pre-kindergarten readiness skills, and age-appropriate self-help abilities. All of this is accomplished in a nurturing environment and in partnership with the child’s family.

9

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog