Employees in the Spotlight

Black background; text recognizing DDI's Direct Support Professionals

DDI DSP Spotlight; Stacey Innocent pictured

“I love helping and caring for people. Every day is a new adventure. I love watching the individuals we support learn and grow and enjoy new adventures. This job has taught me that I can overcome any challenge I might face, and I am proud of that.” —Stacey

DDI logo; spotlight on picture of Khari McNeil; DSP Week 2025, Transportation

“The skill that I have developed since working here with the individuals we serve is patience and being thoughtful in taking care of the guys. Before, I was always in a rush. I have learned that I cannot rush time.” —Khari

DDI DSP Spotlight; Nazario Jean pictured with a spotlight

"All the kids I consider my family, my best friends, my children. I want to show them love the way I was shown love in my life. Personally, I was very shy when I started, but I have since become more outgoing. I know now that I can work with people with disabilities and that I have the skills to understand their needs.” —Nazario

DDI DSP Spotlight; Bankole Olaofe picture

“I like to help people with disabilities. It is my passion to work with the people I support—putting smiles on their faces, helping them achieve their goals, and taking them out to enjoy community outings. I love it when someone achieves their goals independently after working on the goal with them for some time.” —Bankole

"This job means so much to me. Raising my kids was the most important job I ever had, and now that they’re young adults, this role gives me a new family to be proud of and new hands to hold along their journeys." —Kelly

Black background; spotlight; Courtney Sital; DDI Direct Support Professional pictured

"I have seen the person I support achieve something meaningful by learning his phone number. He started off with the first three digits and came to me to tell me that he was ready for his full phone number. When he got his full number, he flew through it and now knows it without having to get his book." —Courtney

One woman standing with plaque smiling; one woman next to her smiling; blue/gray brick background

Susan Putnam
Employee of the Month | July 2025

Early Childhood Services - Ronkonkoma Campus

A big congratulations to Susan Putnam – a welcoming and vivacious Assistant Instructor at the Early Childhood program in Ronkonkoma. Sue is truly a team player who always goes above and beyond to make sure the classroom runs smoothly.

Picture of three smiling women. The woman in the middle is holding her Employee of the Month plaque

Aurora Matos
Employee of the Month | July 2025

Early Childhood Services - Huntington Campus

When you step into the Early Childhood Program in Huntington, you're immediately greeted by the warm smile and welcoming presence of Aurora Matos, the heart of the front desk.

Edward Lewis
Employee of the Month | May 2025

Children's Day Program - Huntington Campus

Join us in congratulating Edward Lewis – Employee of the Month winner for the Children’s Day Program in Huntington. A devoted DDI team member for over 22 years, Ed currently serves as a Transition Specialist, and his passion for teaching and innovation shines every day.

Group of people with Employee of the Month winner, Courtney Shadbolt, in the middle holding plaque

Courtney Shadbolt
Employee of the Month | May 2025

Children's Day Program - Smithtown Campus

Courtney is an exceptional employee with an impeccable attendance record and unwavering commitment to her classroom students, other students within the program, and her teammates. She stands as a model staff member—someone others can look up to and learn from.

Congratulations! We applaud your commitment to the people supported by DDI
and your fellow team members.