PORT HENRY — Mountain Lake Services is lauding its direct support professionals who were recently credentialed through a national certification program.
State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld came to Port Henry from Albany to personally present certificates to Mountain Lake Services field staff who achieved accreditation.
All had passed the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals E-Badge Academy for those who work in the developmental disabilities field.
“It’s time to recognized the efforts you put in,” Neifeld said. “You (direct support professionals) are the most important component of our system.”
About two dozen Mountain Lake Services staff members gathered in a classroom at the agency’s Port Henry headquarters to receive their certificates.
“It all starts with paraprofessionals,” Neifeld told them. “We’re here to celebrate your successes.”
She said the E-Badges let them better help the people who are being supported.
“It’s all based on mutual respect for people with developmental disabilities,” Neifeld said. “We really commend you. I know it’s not easy.”
Willsboro facility Manager Brittany Schreiber said she was excited about the process.
“There are meaningful experiences we do every day,” Schreiber said. “My credentialing assisted me with my growth to get promoted (to manager).”
ROADMAP FOR BEST SUPPORT
Home Based Support Services Manager Shelly Yager said the experience has left her feeling empowered.
“That’s what credentialing felt like,” Yager said. “The credentialing process is a roadmap to the best support.”
Mountain Lake Services Executive Director Jack Mudge said his agency serves a very rural area.
“We touch the population here in a big way,” he said. “We do an amazing job. The amount of time they’ve put in (to get accreditation), to go through the extra steps, shows commitment.”
With a staff of 575, Mountain Lake Services serves 349 individuals with intellectual disabilities. It has facilities throughout Essex County.