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ADAPT Celebrates Honorees at Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State Annual Conference

In October, the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State held its Annual Conference, where ADAPT staff members attended educational workshops that covered essential topics regarding people with disabilities, their families, and services and supports.  

At the Conference, Jacqueline Conley, Vice President of Programs and Community Partnerships, was announced as the 2021 winner for the prestigious ‘Natalie Rogers Employee of the Year Recognition Award.’ This award recognizes a staff member who has set the highest standard of excellence in supporting people with disabilities.  

Jacqueline has been with ADAPT for 17 years, and over the years, her inspirational leadership and dedication continue to help fulfill the mission of ADAPT.  Under Jackie’s supervision the day habilitation curriculum was developed and created with an eye towards meaningful contribution within the community and working with people to integrate into their neighborhood and peer groups with artistic and social opportunities. In addition, Jackie created the first “specialist” position when we hired the Advocacy Specialist. This position was designed to work with the people supported on activities related to self-advocacy and tackling issues within their communities. Today our day habilitation program provides a wide range of activities with the hiring of diverse community specialists with unique expertise in music, theater and performing arts, videography, photography, travel, writing, and much more. 

Jackie’s leadership has enabled ADAPT to develop partnerships with museums, arts studios, schools, and universities which have afforded people support with exciting experiences throughout the city and beyond. 

“I am honored to be this year’s recipient of the Natalie Roger’s Employee of the year award. Under the leadership of my friend, Edward Matthews, whose commitment to this industry is unwavering, we enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families every day,” says Jackie. “I am grateful to the ADAPT Executive Team, but I’d particularly like to express admiration to the smart, hard-working women on our team, who know, firsthand, the challenges of being a woman, rearing children, managing family while simultaneously working passionately in the career that you love. I am exceptionally grateful to those who have provided mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support, especially Linda Laul and Mariette McBride. I dedicate this award to ADAPT Community Network’s Direct Support Professionals.” 

Other ADAPT staff members and partnering organization, Inspire – Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association were honored at the conference for their continued commitment to ensuring the people we serve have access to quality care and opportunities.  

Maureen Dormody Shields,  Assistant Director (Education); Shaniece Frank, Assistant Director; Community Outreach; Elma Williams, Financial Assistant IV; Tuwain Kolleh – Nurse Case Manager, Laura Mooney, Administrative Assistant; Shelby Calkin, Teacher’s Aide; Deborah Geer, I.T. Manager; Noemi Roman, Staff Accountant. We are pleased to have such passionate dedicated staff that makes tremendous contributions to persons supported as well as its staff and community as a whole. 

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