Saratoga Bridges celebrates Direct Support Professionals (DSP) week September 7-13 in recognition of our dedicated employees who give their creativity, energy and passion to their positions in order to ensure individuals with disabilities have more meaningful, dignified, independent and productive lives throughout their communities. They truly make a difference and follow a motto where every day is full of possibilities! Meet some of our exception DSP’s who are our 2014 Employees of the Year as well.
Daphne Belanger, Human Resources Specialist
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
My role with Kronos allows me to interact with ALL Staff Members of the agency.
Who gives you inspiration?
My coach Christy Morgan (Body Builder/Fitness Coach and Vegan Chef); Gene Bauer (founder of the Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen NY); Rich Roll (Plant Based Ultra Endurance Athlete and author of “Finding Ultra”)
When do you feel the most happiness?
When I’m cooking (Plant Based/Vegan) and being in nature near water, desert or woodlands
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
Sitting behind my husband Denis on our Harley
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share with your co-workers?
On Labor Day 2011 I watched a DVD called “Forks over Knives”. The following day I adopted a Plant Based lifestyle (Vegan) and it changed my health. I now enjoy sharing my knowledge and teaching others about the benefits of a Plant Based Diet.
It’s a chance to take care of you, the planet and the animals. There is truly NO other lifestyle choice that delivers as many benefits or makes the same kind of impact.
Cynthia Bruce, Residential Habilitation Aide at Malta Avenue
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
The people I work for. Not staff, Admin or anyone else. The people who taught me to help them help themselves and others.
Who gives you inspiration?
The people I work for. Watching them grow and learn inspires me every day. Those that I’ve worked for who have since passed have led me to be a better person and have inspired me to better at my job.
When do feel the most happiness?
When I see the people in their houses care about their house mates by helping them out. When I see the pride on their faces when they show their artwork. The people we work for aren’t any different from us as far as I am concerned.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
North Creek, it is so beautiful there.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share with your co-workers?
I would like to learn to crochet better. Also I think quilting would be fun. For new staff listen to the people you work for…even people who can’t communicate the way we do. Watch their eyes, their faces. It will help you so much to learn what they want and need.
Angela Carr, Day Habilitation Aide at Clifton Park Day Program
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I really enjoy working with our individuals to improve their quality of life. It is very humbling to complain about what goes on in my life when I see how hard some of our individuals try to achieve their own activities and some of the difficulties they face. My motto is, “I come into work with a smile and leave with a smile every day!”
Who gives you inspiration?
All of our consumers inspire me. I love being involved with them as we go on outings, participate in groups or activities in our classroom.
When do you feel the most happiness?
I am happiest when our individuals learn and master their goals.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I am with my children, grandchildren and extended family.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share with your co-workers?
I started dancing at 3 and playing piano at 8. I love singing and dancing with family & friends, fishing, camping and lots of swimming.
Charity Clement, Residence Manager II at Lemont Avenue & Locust Grove Road
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I like working for Saratoga Bridges because I love the individuals we support and I feel Saratoga Bridges does a wonderful job helping staff support the individuals we care for.
Who gives you inspiration?
My inspiration above all is GOD, my mother, my husband, my children, and the amazing people we care for at Saratoga Bridges.
When do feel the most happiness?
I feel most happy when I look at my children and see the amazing young adults they have become.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
My favorite hangout is church and my own back yard.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share with your co-workers?
I enjoy watching my daughter play softball and my son sing and play the piano.
Fawn Howe, Office Manager at Wilton Day Program
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I love the dedication I see in the direct care staff.
Who gives you inspiration?
The direct care staff
When do you feel the most happy?
When I am with my family & friends.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
At home – in the gardens
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share with your co-workers?
Reading, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles (odd shapes & 1000 pieces), crossword puzzles, sewing, walking & someday hope to learn to play the harmonica.
Winnie Pino, Day Habilitation Instructor II with Supplemental Day Program
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I enjoy working for the individuals we serve. I love creating activities and new experiences for them to enhance their lives. I have great coworkers and supervisors as well. They help the day go smoothly and with humor.
Who gives you inspiration?
My parents. They have taught me the core of compassion, empathy, love, loyalty, family, hard work and dedication. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
When do you feel the most happiness?
When I am with family and loved ones, and working in my studio.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
It matters more whom I’m with more than where. I spend a lot of my time with Roger and our dog, Neptune. The three of us go everywhere together.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share with your co-workers?
I have a working studio at home. I work in oils, watercolor and charcoal. I specialize in portraits. I do face painting on the side for friends and family. I started crochet because I can’t sit still. I love doing Irish lace. I’ve taught my dog Neptune over 50 verbal commands in Spanish and English. He knows about a handful of them with just a hand gesture.