JUNE

2024

Dear Staff,

June is here, and finally, summer is right around the corner. As the weather continues to improve, we are looking forward to the summer activities, outings, and celebrations we have planned in our various programs. 

June is an important month; We will join the rest of the country in celebrating Juneteenth on June 19th, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It represents a crucial milestone in the ongoing journey toward equality and justice for all. By observing Juneteenth, we aim to deepen our understanding of the struggles faced by African Americans and commemorate their resilience and contributions to our society. In this edition of Limelight, you will hear from some of your colleagues about what Juneteenth means to them.

We also celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month during June and Cancer Survivor's Day on June 2nd. In this edition of Limelight, you will hear from some of your colleagues about what these important celebrations mean to them.

I am proud to recognize and celebrate Pride Month with all of you. This is a time dedicated to honoring the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging their struggles, and celebrating their contributions to our society and our company. At ACLD, we believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that all employees can bring their authentic selves to work every day. We invite all staff to join us in celebrating Pride on June 28th by wearing rainbow colors.

In this edition of Limelight, you will see some very special staff spotlights as well as other news and highlights from across the agency.

Sincerely,

Rob, Kim, Gerard and Anne Marie

Robert Ciatto, President/CEO

Kim Leonard, Chief Financial Officer

Gerard DiMuro, Chief Administrative Officer

Anne Marie Sime, Chief Program Officer

Organizational Care Corner

Mental Health Awareness Month: Wear Green Recap!

At last month's Manager's Meeting for the Residential Department, Sam Noezil (left), the new manager at Westwind, prepared Cornet for the Potluck. Unfortunately, due to a state audit at Westwind, Sam was not able to attend, so the staff at Westwind was able to enjoy them

On May 20th, Bethpage Day Services celebrated their Diversity Potluck, filled with dishes from all the different countries of their staff. Special thanks to Monica Davis, Elizabeth Bardouille, Rose Prezeau, Paulette Campbell and Mona Casells for coordinating this celebration and making the day so wonderful!

On May 15, the Kramer Learning Center celebrated their Cultural Diversity Potluck Luncheon! The Luncheon was a great success filled with food, laughter and fun.

Staff at our Bridges Levittown program also partook in the cultural celebrations with a Diversity Potluck of their own! The team enjoyed a variety of sweet and savory goodies from around the globe all while celebrating each other's cultural backgrounds.

The Chance of a LIFETIME!

For just $75 each, you and a friend have the chance to win BIG!

A big congratulations are in order for Frank DeMarco, who was recently promoted to Lead Production Assistant at Candleworks by ACLD!

Frank has been an integral member of the Candleworks team since its inception. In this new role, Frank will lead and oversee the production process for all Candleworks products, ensuring adherence to established guidelines and quality standards, assist the other staff and continue to handcraft each Candleworks product with love.

We couldn't be happier for you Frank, congratulations!

NADSP Frontline Supervisor Certification: ✔

"I am grateful for ACLD for giving me this opportunity to expand my knowledge of working with people with IDD by taking the NADSP course, I feel that I learned so much within a short time by being a part of this amazing program. No matter how long a person has worked in this field as well as their education, I feel you should always keep an open mind as we have so much more to learn."

-Lisa Garofalo

Residential Manager

Around the Agency

A Team Effort!

At the end of May, our Children's Services Staff participated in a Staff Field Day. This event was the first of its kind set up by the Boost Committee and was a huge success. The teams are already looking forward to next year's field day!

Speaking of teamwork, members from both the Kramer Learning Center and Spiegel Children's Center Staff participated in the Muddy Princess 5K Obstacle Run for Women on June 2nd. The Muddy Princess fun runs are fundraising events held nationwide in honor of those who fight against Breast Cancer.

Art Studio Program celebrates its largest art show to date!

Congratulations to Program Community Coordinator Diane Salomè-Diaz and the rest of the Art Studio Program on the successful opening of their Spring & Summer Art Show at the Hicksville Public Library. This show features over 160 artists from our Day Services and features photography, clay, resin work, and much more!

This exhibit is open through the end of July at the Hicksville Library, be sure to stop by!

ACLD at ACCANY!

ACLD was represented by some of our best and brightest at the Advanced Care Alliance of New York's (ACCNY) Networking Event. Thank you to the following staff who represented ACLD:



James Byrne, Admissions Administrator

Valerie Stammelman, Senior Information and Referral Specialist FSS

Danielle Davella, Coordinator of Pre-Vocational Services



This event was exclusively for ACANY Care Management, Members/Families and Long Island’s provider organizations to network and share information and service opportunities. 

Anniversary Milestones- June 2024

1 Year

Katherine Smith Physical Therapist, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Juliet Fitting Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Kaitlyn Litsch Special Educator, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Jennifer Molina Ruiz School-Based Respite Counselor, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Alex Ludewig Maintenance Supervisor, Administrative Services, Bethpage 857

Marie Laguerre Direct Support Professional Residential Services, Baldwin

Janice Ducille Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Alice Ct.

Rosemary Garcia Lead Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Hauppauge

Jamel Belnavis Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Kylie Gomez Teacher Assistant, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Zakee Gasby Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Wildwood

Nadine Torchon Direct Support Professional Residential Services, Oceanside

Cynthia Jean-Louis Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Hauppauge

Thandeka Golding Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Janhoi Allen Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Johnson Ave.

Virgilio Picnic Maintenance Aide, Administrative Services, Bethpage 857

Nada Laforest Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, West Hempstead

Josephe Buchanan Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Magnolia Manor

5 Years

Annette Byrum Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Roslyn Heights

Darlene Urso Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Marie Edouard Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Great Neck

Kenneth Lampert Maintenance Aide, Administrative Services, Bethpage 857

Maxime Joseph Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Seaford

Jonathan Aguilar Lead Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Bethpage 837

Tysharra Wright Medical Coordination Specialist, Residential Services, Ontario

Michael Lewis Residential Assistant Manager, Residential Services, Great Neck

10 Years

Michael Lewis Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Great Neck

Nakia Lide Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Jennifer Davis Residential Manager, Residential Services, Oceanside

Denise Russo Lead Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Bethpage 837

25 Years

Gloria Ruiz Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

30 Years

Debra Adams Residential Manager, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Welcome May New Hires!

Kerry-Ann Archibald Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Paulette Bermudez Registered Nurse Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Katlyn Boodram Behavior Support Specialist, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Gertie Bruny Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Rickey Clarke Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, East Hills

Michael Crisci Clerk, Administrative Services, Bethpage 807

Kevin Daly Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Broadway Bridges

Darvensky Dauphin Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Jose Diaz Maintenance Worker, Administrative Services, Bethpage 857

Jessica Ernest Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Arios Eugene Residential Manager, Residential Services, Magnolia Manor

Vially Fleuriot Day Habilitation Specialist, Day Services, Hauppauge

Brittney Gardner Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Calvert Avenue

Selah Green Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Ontario

Nathalie Jacques Residential Assistant Manager, Residential Services, Wildwood

Michel King Registered Nurse, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Won Ko Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Joshua Kramer Maintenance Worker, Administrative Servies, Bethpage 857

Courtney Leon Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Westwind Drive

Floyd McNeil Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Calvert Avenue

Marina Mendoza De Escarate Respite Counselor, Day Services, Bethpage 807

Jim Mercure Direct Support Professional Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Djeniva Merisier Teacher Aide, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Mandela Mompremier Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Spur Drive

Chynna Morris Behavior Specialist, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Faranaz Resally Registered Nurse, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Susan Risien Medical Coordination, Specialist Residential Services, Louis Kossuth

Nedeline Robert Registered Nurse, Residential Services, Yorktown

Patrick St. Fleur Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, Bethpage 857

Maryann Stanley Special Educator, Children's Services, Kramer Learning Center

Mishall Vakil Direct Support Professional, Residential Services, St. James