THE ARC NEW YORK 2023 FALL AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award
Joy Bookmiller, from the Arc GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming counties) Joy has been with her local Chapter for 30 years, and has been a DSP almost as long as the Elba Day Habilitation site program in Genesee
This award, in the amount of $2,500, is presented annually to four direct support professionals employed by a Chapter of The Arc New York. Through this award, The Arc New York recognizes individuals who consistently demonstrate excellence, creativity and commitment in providing supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Candidates have displayed an exemplary level of performance over the course of their employment, and shown commitment to improving the quality of life for people they support. All nominees are presented with a $250 check and certificate of recognition. This award is presented in honor of Thomas A. Maul, who during his tenure as OPWDD (formerly OMRDD) Commissioner from 1993 to 2006, addressed many of the long-standing issues that face The Arc New York and the people we serve. The Arc New York shared a major priority with the Comissioner—the true recognition of its workforce.
County has been in existence. Even after 30 years, Joy always arrives to work early and has maintained an exemplary attendance record. She starts the day with full intention to make it the best day possible for the individuals she supports. Joy mentors and leads by example. She never says, “That is not my job.” Joy considers all aspects of service provided at Elba Day Hab to be important, and that includes supporting new staff, just as she does the individuals she serves. Leasa Burch of The Arc Rensselaer County
Leasa has been with her local Chapter for five years. She coordinates provision of residential supports to the people at designated home sites
2023 Recipients
Mary Garvey of Mountain Lake Services, Essex County Mary has been with the organization for an impressive 32 years. Mary is the kind of person who takes initiative and makes sure that the needs of those she supports are met, and that their comfort and well-being are prioritized.
and supervises the team to ensure quality standards are met. Leasa demonstrates dedication and self-motivation through her constant desire to improve the lives of the people she supports. She will take the initiative to research something and bring it to her team in effort to be an advocate for the people she supports. Leasa pursued her LPN degree while working for The Arc, and is currently in the process of taking her boards and obtaining her licensure. Leasa is someone who is always seeking out learning opportunities for herself and her staff.
Mary is incredibly reliable and often volunteers to take the people she supports on outings and trips during her scheduled days off, and then follows that up by being at work for her scheduled time. She is a person that everyone can count on and will be there for others, always ensuring that the highest standards of care are provided.
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