direct support professional Archives - Penn-Mar

Ten Years of Career Ladders’ Impact

ggorham — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:59:58 +0000

Certification has “literally changed the culture” of Penn-Mar

Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller vividly recalls the industry conference where he first heard Joe Macbeth, President and CEO of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), describe the people who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as skilled professionals whose work deserves recognition.

The message “stirred something” in Greg and became the catalyst for Penn-Mar’s partnership with NADSP. With the initial approval and support from the Penn-Mar Foundation, the Career Ladders program offered a structured pathway combining training, national certification, mentoring, leadership opportunities and compensation growth. Its purpose is clear: to help DSPs build careers while strengthening retention and the quality of support.

The program’s growth was made possible by Kay and Jim Pitts, who established the Michael James Pitts Endowment in 2016 with a $1.5 million gift honoring their son Michael who had received support from Penn-Mar since 2009. Their generosity inspired other families and friends to contribute, helping grow the endowment toward its $10 million goal. Kelly Baker, a former DSP and Career Ladders Program Manager since 2019, helped replace NADSP’s cumbersome Portfolio certification process with its E-Badge Academy. The self-paced online model makes certification easier to fit into demanding work and personal schedules.

With support and autonomy from her supervisor Jen Skelly, Kelly expanded the program’s resources, onboarding, and mentorship to help DSPs progress from DSP I to DSP III certification.

Since 2016, 221 DSPs have earned credentials through Career Ladders. Today, 125 current team members hold certifications, with another 109 working toward theirs. “Investing in our team’s long-term careers protects the trusted, stable partnerships that help the people Penn-Mar supports thrive,” said Kelly.

Kelly is especially proud that Career Ladders creates opportunities that did not exist before. The national credentials stay with DSPs throughout their careers, giving them lasting recognition and mobility.

“I now see myself as a leader…modeling Penn-Mar’s core values and mission.” — DSP Amanda Glenney

The program’s greatest outcome may be the transformation of DSP identity. Kelly has seen participants move from seeing themselves as caregivers to recognizing themselves as skilled professionals who bring greater confidence, intention, and accountability to their work. “Certification is all about being valued and seen, and it creates a huge ripple effect. When the DSPs grow, so do the people they support,” she said.

“The Career Ladders program has… taught me to listen with my whole body, because often, talking is done without words.” — DSP Renee Kephart

“Our certified DSPs have literally changed the culture of our organization,” Kelly said. “The work is demanding, but DSPs repeatedly meet challenges with resilience, compassion, and empathy because they believe the people they support deserve to live courageously. They will try over and over to achieve that outcome. They never give up.”

For Kelly, the 10-year anniversary is an opportunity to measure more than credentials earned. It marks a lasting culture shift: DSPs are better equipped to understand communication, respond to unmet needs, lead with Penn-Mar values, and build stable partnerships that enable people with IDD to thrive.

“I now see every behavior as having meaning, often tied to past experiences or unmet needs rather than just something to manage.” — DSP Whitney Dorsey

Joe Macbeth calls Penn-Mar a national leader in showing that investment in DSPs strengthens the entire support system. “The success of this partnership reflects what is possible when organizations embrace DSPs as skilled professionals whose development directly impacts the quality of supports and services people receive,” Joe said.

Ten years later, Career Ladders has become more than a certification program. It has helped DSPs see new possibilities for their careers while strengthening the support they provide every day. As Kelly puts it, “When people begin to believe in themselves, we see a shift in how they do their work and give support.”

“As a DSP we may not make world impact, but we sure can make an impact on the people we support, one interaction at a time.” — DSP Kim Njuguna

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Amanda DeStefani Nationally Recognized for Person-Centered Supports and Championing Self Advocacy

ggorham — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:56:17 +0000

Amanda DeStefani Builds Programs Around People. Now She’s Being Recognized for It.

From L to R: Ally Comerci, Amanda DeStefani, and Vanessa Whitman pose together while Amanda holds her award.

On April 23, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a leading national association dedicated to advancing the future of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), presented 57 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Awards at their Connect ’26 Conference in Boston. Penn-Mar DSP Amanda DeStefani was one of the award winners.

Amanda didn’t see it coming. Back in February, her supervisor, Jen Hisey, pulled the Penn-Mar Central Day Program team together to share the news. That’s when Amanda found out she had been nominated and selected as ANCOR DSP of the Year in the Person-Centered Supports 2026 Special Category.

“I was totally shocked,” Amanda said. “I didn’t know anything about the awards or the fact that I was nominated so I was extremely excited and proud. Most of all, I was proud of the people our team supports who share their preferences and ideas every day to help us create fun and innovative person-centered programs.”

One of those examples was featured in Amanda’s award profile in the ANCOR Conference booklet on pg. 12:

“After reading Charlotte’s Web, the people Amanda DeStefani supports decided to create their own puppet show. Amanda made sure everyone had a role in bringing production to life, supporting people to choose characters, write dialogue, and design scenery. When one man joined the project late, Amanda smoothly folded him into the process, making sure his ideas became part of the story as well.”

Amanda shakes a person’s hand on stage as she accepts her award.

Amanda and her group worked very hard to bring the production to life. She helped cast members learn their lines and was amazed when one person memorized her part instantly with no help from her coaches.

Amanda’s group designed and sent invitations to other program departments as well as to Penn-Mar managers and leadership, encouraging them to support the two-day performance in the Penn-Mar Central Day Program gymnasium.

The event was such a hit that the group is considering putting on a show about The Little Mermaid.

“The people we support in the Central Day Program are very into reading, crafts and cooking,” said Amanda. Recently they wanted to make grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so Amanda turned the request into a learning experience, taking them to the store to compare prices and purchase the ingredients.

Each day is shaped by what the group wants to explore, from trips to the library to visits to the state capitol. On one visit to a pet store, Amanda challenged the group to pretend they were buying a cat and figure out what they would need to purchase on a $500 budget to feed and care for the pet.

Since Amada joined Penn-Mar as a DSP in 2023, she has been a fierce advocate for the people she supports.

She leads a self-advocacy group made up of team members and the people Penn-Mar supports for sharing concerns about issues affecting those with disabilities. A recent conversation explored the need for wider spaces in public restrooms to allow people using wheelchairs to maneuver them more easily and doors with push pads for easier access. That resulted in each person in the group composing and mailing letters to their legislators, imploring them to address the issue.

Amanda’s supervisor and nominator, Jen Hisey, said it best about why Amanda deserved to win:

“Amanda is the epitome of what it means to be person-centered. Whether she’s helping someone identify letters and numbers, reading a book, or leading the advocacy club, Amanda takes her role seriously and does everything she can to ensure a person’s voice is heard and that their needs are met. It is because of the quality of support she provides that she was nominated for this award. Several of the people she supports have varying degrees of dementia. Her attention and care have helped them to remain safe and engaged. She’ll tell you she’s not creative, but I’m always excited to see what she comes up with next!”

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Penn-Mar Human Services’ Direct Support Professional Named One of Best in the Nation

ggorham — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:31:35 +0000

– DSP Amanda DeStefani Wins ANCOR’s 2026 Award for Person-Centered Supports –

April 17, 2025

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to share that the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) has named Penn-Mar Direct Support Professional (DSP) Amanda DeStefani a winner of the 2026 ANCOR Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards, in the special category of “Person-Centered Supports”.

By prioritizing person-centered support, Amanda has empowered individuals to move beyond the sidelines and create new bonds with the community. As a quiet yet powerful leader, Amanda models best practices for her colleagues, mentoring new team members while advocating for the DSP workforce at the state level. For instance, when a staff member connected with an individual who rarely left the building, Amanda encouraged that staff to take the lead. With support, the individual began going out into the community every week, a breakthrough Amanda facilitated by stepping back and recognizing another’s strengths. This ability to lift others up is a testament to her leadership style.

Her innovative spirit also reflects Penn-Mar’s commitment to growth and improvement. Within her day program group, she consistently introduces meaningful, skill-building experiences, from mock job interviews to community caroling, helping ensure each person she supports builds confidence and independence.

“Amanda represents the very best of what it means to be a Direct Support Professional,” said Greg Miller, President and CEO of Penn-Mar Human Services. “Her ability to listen deeply and turn a person’s interests, whether it’s a love for literature or a simple request for an ice cream social, into a path for growth and self-advocacy is remarkable. She doesn’t just provide support, she creates a platform for people to lead their own lives with confidence and dignity.”

Beyond creative projects, Amanda emphasizes inclusion, ensuring no one feels left out, which is why she also leads Penn-Mar’s self-advocacy group, where she encourages the people in the IDD community to identify issues important to them. For example, on Developmental Disabilities Day, she helped participants prepare talking points for lawmakers, motivating them to share their views. For those hesitant to speak, Amanda respectfully advocated on their behalf, ensuring their concerns were represented.

Her recognition by ANCOR serves as a testament to her dedication to the DSP profession and her unwavering commitment to the Penn-Mar mission to help others Live Courageously.

For more information, please contact Roger Mecca at roger@vitaminisgood.com.

About Penn-Mar Human Services
Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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Crystal Rich’s Journey: From Family Caregiver to Empowering DSP

ggorham — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:44:09 +0000

Crystal Rich brings her drive and heart to help people grow and live more independently.

Crystal Rich assumed responsibility early in life for the daily care of her great-grandmother, who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the value of her experience, she began considering how others might benefit from her insights.

After finding traditional school “boring,” she completed the GED High School Equivalency test and graduated at 17 from Carroll County Public Schools. From there she resumed her part-time job at a fast-food restaurant while she figured what to do with her “crazy drive,” as she puts it.

Crystal launched her professional journey in hospice care before transitioning, at age 19, to an Assisted Living Home. There, she earned her Medical Technician Certification and spent nearly two decades working in home care.

Alongside her healthcare career, Crystal obtained a Pennsylvania license to practice as a hair stylist and cosmetologist, though she viewed salon work primarily as a personal hobby while continuing to seek more stable opportunities for her family.

In November 2025, Crystal joined Penn-Mar as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at its Westminster Supported Living unit where she is part of a team that supports six people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 25 to 70, facilitating their transition to independent living.

When she arrived for her job interview, the position she initially applied for was filled. Fortunately, her current position had just become available. “I feel like this was all meant to be,” she said. “I had no idea when I accepted the job all that it would entail but once I got here, I hit the ground running. Every day I learn as much from the people I support as they learn from me!”

Most of the people Crystal supports came from homes where they lived with family members and parents who, as they aged, began exploring other options for transitioning their loved ones with IDD into independent living.

Penn-Mar’s Supported Living Program provides tailored learning experiences and guidance to help people with disabilities pursue their safe, happy, and healthy independent living objectives.

“This is a very unique program that was developed for developed for people with IDD who are ready for more independence but still need support in their day-to-day lives,” Crystal said.

She noted that things are so different — and better — today for people with IDD. Crystal sees that progress every day. More people are getting out into their communities, volunteering, and working through Penn-Mar’s employment programs.

Crystal describes her daily responsibilities in Supported Living as “constructive chaos.” She meets with the members of her group at their homes and basically goes with the flow depending on their needs for the day which may involve medical appointments, unforeseen illnesses, or volunteering and employment commitments.

A significant component of her role involves teaching essential life skills such as cooking, laundry, and housekeeping. Once foundational skills are achieved, they move on to financial topics like responsible spending and bill management. “We want them to be free-spirited and open-minded about learning and making solid decisions,” said Crystal.

Crystal’s “crazy drive” ended up leading her to her true career destination.

In April, Crystal will travel to Clearwater, Florida to accept her associate degree from Ultimate Medical Academy. She is also preparing to participate in Penn-Mar’s Career Ladders Program to earn her NADSP E-Badge Academy certification.

“People with IDD are amazing and so much more than their disabilities,” said Crystal. “I’m excited to watch the people I support grow in their independence and experience more of what life has to offer. I love being part of that every day.”

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Thinking Outside the Big Box

ggorham — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:26:48 +0000

After 30 years in retail, Daniella Amos found renewed purpose supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Daniella Amos

After three decades working in the retail field, Daniella Amos started to feel like she was ready to take a leap and explore different careers that excited her and gave her purpose.

In the 18 years she spent with BJ’s Wholesale Club managing two store locations and 12 years with Lowes, her responsibilities ranged from customer service to inventory control. In the appliance and paint departments she supervised, moving heavy equipment and 20-gallon paint cans were regular requirements of the job.

People were always telling Daniella what a “sweetheart” she was. Her customers loved her and would often stop her on the street or at a local event to tell her what “a kind and giving heart she had.”

One day she was approached by a man who was shopping in the paint department at Lowes. He watched how she helped a customer and asked her if she had ever thought about counseling children. “We could use someone like you in the Baltimore County School District,” he said.

While she had never thought of working in support services, she knew that the physical demands of her current job were starting to take a toll, not to mention the stress to continually increase sales, open new credit card accounts, and resolve customer complaints involving anything from damaged products to expired coupons.

Daniella Amos and a person supported take a selfie.

It must have been fate that while scrolling her Facebook feed, she saw an ad for Penn-Mar Human Services hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). “Something pulled me in,” she said.

Daniella was hired in April 2022, and her supervisor Rhonda Morano said, “From day one, Daniella immersed herself in her work and quickly demonstrated strong commitment and capability.”

Daniella admitted that when she first considered the DSP position, she thought “support” meant doing everything for people. She soon learned that Penn-Mar’s person-centered approach gives people with IDD a voice to articulate their own wants and needs.

“Our job is to give them the support and independence necessary to achieve their dreams,” she said.

Daniella began her career in the Penn-Mar Central Day Program as a DSP group staff before transitioning into one of the Community Direct Support (CDS) groups. Currently, she supports four individuals in the community each day, consistently seeking meaningful, engaging experiences and volunteer opportunities.

Rhonda praises Daniella for her flexibility and dedication, noting that in addition to her regular 40 hour week in the Day Program, she has stepped in to support 11 residential homes as a substitute.

During her first year at Penn-Mar, Daniella felt “blessed” to be selected to attend the DSP Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) Conference where she took advantage of the “eye opening” training workshops and informal discussions with fellow DSPs from Penn-Mar and other human services organizations.

Daniella Amos and a person supported take a selfie.

She is a 2024 Professional Development Program graduate and a Leaders in Our Midst award recipient. She is also currently enrolled in the Career Ladders Program to enhance her learning and to eventually mentor the next generation of Penn-Mar DSPs.

Daniella says that her community trips with the people she supports to places like the African American Museum and Negro Baseball League Museum have even connected her to her own culture. And her participation with Penn-Mar’s advocacy group has increased her understanding of the many advancements that have been made over the years to promote equality and inclusivity for people with IDD.

“I definitely found the right career,” Daniella said. “I want to help everyone feel their worth. It takes a strong person to do what DSPs do, to find ways to overcome challenges and form meaningful relationships. In many ways, my retail experience prepared me for this, and there’s no question I have gotten more out of my career here at Penn-Mar than what I signed up for.”

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Jacey James: Leading With Heart to Transform Lives at Penn-Mar

ggorham — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:57:58 +0000

Jacey supports Frank continue meaningful activities after a devastating loss.

Three years ago, Frank Mansfield was in the car with his sister, Isabell, who suffered a fatal car accident. Frank was hospitalized with multiple broken bones. While he continues to grieve the loss of his sister, the steady support of his Penn-Mar Residential Supervisor, Jacey James, has helped him honor Isabell’s memory and move forward.

Frank first arrived at a Penn-Mar Stewartstown, PA community home in 2020 where he lives with three other gentlemen with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

Jacey joined Penn-Mar in 2021 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Frank’s community home. Since then, she has had two promotions: first to Senior DSP, and now to Residential Supervisor.

Jacey and Frank developed a close relationship over the years. After Frank lost his sister, Jacey stepped in to help him maintain all of Frank’s activities and traditions. She makes sure he has everything he needs for crafts, baking, and gardening, and schedules Frank’s trips to his weekly Senior Center visits and the Bell Association Club where he joins his friends for karaoke and movie nights.

Jacey describes Frank as “popular wherever he goes” and says that he has a better social life than she does! He is very active in his church and enjoys visits with his family and friends at country music concerts, museums, and restaurants where he prefers to eat “anything that’s sweet.”

Frank enjoys giving back, and with Jacey’s support, helps organize activities and donation drives at the Senior Center, collecting toys, hats, and gloves for the community.

Each year, Jacey supports Frank in honoring his sister’s memory. She assists him with getting crosses or flowers, which he brings when he visits Isabell’s grave and crash site with his family.

Frank, a country boy who lived on a farm and loves hard work, tractors, and the great outdoors, is looking forward to celebrating his 80th birthday on March 15. Jacey and her team are planning a John Deere-themed birthday party before he leaves for his fifth cruise to the Bahamas to commemorate the milestone with family and friends.

“At his age, travel can be more challenging,” Jacey said. “But we are trying to modify things and make changes as we go. His team and I have worked hard to ensure he stays active and healthy, so he can continue living out his dreams!”

“Jacey is a good woman and a good friend,” Frank said. “She takes good care of me, and I think of her like a sister.”

Wyatt Malone, PA Residential Program Manager and Jacey’s supervisor, noted that throughout her tenure, “Jacey has demonstrated exceptional growth and commitment to Penn-Mar’s mission. Her dedication, leadership, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable member of the team.”

Jacey has taken advantage of every training program Penn-Mar has to offer. She received her DSP-III Certification from the Career Ladders Program and successfully completed both the organization’s Professional Development and Frontline Supervisor training programs. This month she will “push out of her comfort zone” to train a class on how DSPs can set up and manage appointments for the people they support.

“I constantly work on myself,” she said. “It has made a difference in my life, both at home and on the job.”

Jacey claims her work at Penn-Mar has changed her world view and improved the way she shows up for other relationships.

“Initially, I wanted to help people and improve their lives but now I realize the people I support have helped me just as much,” she said. “They have helped shape the way I see and understand others.”

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Penn-Mar Team Member Betty Huggins-Martin Honored with “Outstanding Direct Support Professional (DSP)” Award

ggorham — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:40:33 +0000

The community-based Senior DSP received a citation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Betty poses at the award ceremony with her certificate.

In October, the Maryland Department of Health, along with partners from the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Maryland Department of Labor hosted a celebration of everyday heroes who go above and beyond to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Thirty-one “Outstanding Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)” were chosen from over 100 nominations, including Penn-Mar Senior DSP Betty Huggins-Martin. The honorees received individual citations from Governor Wes Moore to say ‘thank you’ for a job well done.

During the event, Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty recognized the transformational work of DSPs and thanked the honorees for providing outstanding support in the award category of community living.

“Direct Support Professionals support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with developing important life skills that allow for meaningful participation in all aspects of their community life,” Secretary Beatty said. “This can include finding and keeping jobs, enjoying recreational activities, and living safely in their homes and neighborhoods. Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of our community system of services.”

Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott called the day’s celebration “a small token of the recognition that DSPs deserve every day of the year.”

Betty remembers being completely surprised when she learned that her supervisor, Lauren Martinez, nominated her for the prestigious honor.

“Lauren is an all-around great supervisor,” she said. “She saw something in my work that she felt deserved public recognition. She always makes it her business to tell me when I’m doing a good job and is quick to show appreciation for the efforts of the DSPs on her team.”

Betty takes a selfie with a person she supports.

Only six months after Betty joined Penn-Mar in August 2022 as a community-based DSP out of Westminster, she was promoted to Senior DSP. Describing herself as a “team player,” she said her supervisor knows she is willing to do anything she suggests or asks.

“I know how busy my supervisor is and I want coworkers on my team and other teams to know that if they need something, I will do the best I can to help and accommodate them. I am very connected with staff, and many DSPs at Penn-Mar reach out to me for advice. I like being a ‘go-to’ person for problem-solving.”

The recent award recognizing her passion for helping people in need was “heartwarming” for Betty. She first provided emotional support and personal care for a neighbor when she was only 14 years old and “just kept going from there.”

Before joining Penn-Mar, Betty supported the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s. Seeing them smile when they succeeded in doing something they usually struggled with made all her efforts worthwhile.

“I get the same feeling today,” she said, “helping the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at Penn-Mar live their best lives.”

Her recent award and the continuing training that Betty has pursued while at Penn-Mar have boosted her confidence and capabilities. She successfully completed a 12-month Professional Development training class, and in February she will obtain her DSP-III Certification, graduating from the Career Ladders E-Badge Academy program.

A natural “go-getter,” Betty pursues additional opportunities to enhance her skills and help her continue to be an outstanding DSP, be it side-by-side training with her supervisor or tuning in to relevant webinars.

And whether it’s helping the people she supports become more independent or devising innovative tools to help them communicate their person-centered wishes, Betty loves that no two days on the job are alike, with every day offering different experiences and breakthroughs.

“I love the direct support work I do in the community,” she said. “Looking ahead, my goal is to be a support team manager.”

That dream, and many more award opportunities, will undoubtedly be in Betty’s future!

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The “Ever Evolving” Kimberly Palmer

ggorham — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:46:13 +0000

Kimberly Palmer

She’s making her mark in a unique way.

Kimberly Palmer is accustomed to people commenting on her magenta-colored hair, vibrant clothing styles, and Converse All-Star high-top sneakers with rainbow flames.

And when the Penn-Mar Residential Supervisor frequently visits the organization’s Day Program, she can’t help but notice that several of the ladies there are now sporting their own shade of pink hair.

But her style influence can’t compare to the passion she has for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In college, Kimberly studied criminal justice, but a brief internship in the Howard County Crime Lab convinced her that she needed to pursue a new career and “a degree in life experience.”

She has always loved children and felt especially devoted to her nephew with autism. When her mother suggested she might like working with kids, Kimberly took her advice. For the next 5 years, she taught children with autism in Howard County. After moving to Chicago, she held a similar position for 17 years. She eventually moved back to Maryland where she worked at a school for people with autism for three years before finally finding Penn-Mar.

Kimberly Palmer stands next to the three people she supports.

Kimberly described herself as “very introverted” in her 20s when she lived in Baltimore, but everyone who knows her now would say quite the opposite. “The move to Chicago helped me grow,” she said. “That’s when I started fine-tuning my ‘brand.’”

As Kimberly got older, the physical demands of working with children with autism were taking a toll, so she started researching job opportunities for supporting adults.

“I looked at all the local companies, went on Indeed, and Penn-Mar stood out to me as being the best provider by a long shot,” she said. “I applied for the job in October of 2023 and was invited to an interview at one of their community homes. I ended up staying at the house for four hours, hanging out with the amazing guys who lived there. I was offered the Senior Direct Support Professional (SDSP) job before I said goodbye and was later promoted to the home’s Residential Supervisor.”

The three gentlemen with IDD who Kimberly supports are “like brothers,” having lived together since 1991. She loves watching them grow with the help of Penn-Mar’s person-centered supports.

One of those men is retiree Elmer who is living his best life” going on regular dates with his fiancée Cindy, a “boot twin” to Kimberly with her matching pair of high-top sneakers.

The other gentlemen, Alfred and Tommy, participate in the Day Program and like to visit coffee shops to try out new flavors, go to Taking the Lead for horseback riding, and help with grocery shopping.

Kimberly Palmer and Tommy take a selfie at Taking the Lead, where Tommy goes horseback riding. Tommy is wearing a helmet.

Because she fills in at other community homes on weekends when needed and is a regular presence at the Day Program, Kimberly has come to know many of the people that Penn-Mar supports and their DSPs.

“There are so many good people at Penn-Mar,” she said. “Everyone I work with absolutely cares about the people we support. We’re not in it for the money; we want to do something that makes a difference, help people achieve their dreams.”

Kimberly’s boyfriend Timmy saw that first-hand when he attended a Celebration of Life service for Steve, a person Penn-Mar supported who had recently passed away. He was so moved by the outpouring of love from team members that he told Kimberly, ‘I want to do what you do.’ Timmy decided to leave his construction career of 30 years for a position as a Senior Residential Assistant at Penn-Mar.

Kimberly is graduating this month from a Professional Development training class that she credits with helping her grow more positive about her abilities. She and her fellow students were encouraged to envision their future growth with Penn-Mar, but she knew any promotion opportunities would take her away “from the guys that mean everything to me” and the house that has a special place in her heart.

So, while Kimberly sees herself as “ever evolving,” she plans to stay put doing what she loves most: working directly with people with IDD. However, she is seriously considering switching her hair color to Smurf blue or forest green.

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Angie Shaffer Loves Making a Difference in the Lives of the People She Supports

ggorham — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:58:39 +0000

“It energizes me and brings meaning to my life.”

Angie Shaffer

Angela “Angie” Shaffer first joined Penn-Mar in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). She spent two years working in a residential setting before moving over to the Day Program where she was a DSP for a year before becoming a Community Coordinator. Angie’s extraordinary management skills were put to good use there. She created a new Day Program curriculum and developed a monthly calendar that allowed DSPs to slot in their activity preferences.

Angie also set up activity stations where participants could move from one area to another to refine their gross motor skills, seek employment training, or learn more about art, math, and reading.

After two years working in the Day Program as a Community Coordinator, Angie transitioned to the role of Program Specialist for the next four years. She handled a caseload of 28 people, handling all the responsibilities of a manager apart from having staff to manage.

In her sixth year, March 2020, she was given an offer to join the management team as a Program Manager. Angie declined the offer, knowing that her true passion was working directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and supporting their volunteer activities.

Chris, Alexis, and Miriam stand next to a horse in a field.

Today, Angie manages the schedules of four people supported who volunteer at a variety of local non-profit organizations.

Once a month, the group picks up and delivers meals at a Senior Center in New Freedom. Angie uses the experience to teach volunteers how to organize boxes, compare inventory against the delivery list, and practice data entry using the GPS for deliveries. Going to the Senior Center also provides opportunities for working on the group’s “people skills,” as Angie encourages them to smile and make eye contact with the seniors.

The Penn-Mar group also volunteers at Whispering Rise Farm and Animal Sanctuary in Freeland, helping care for the pigs and supporting the farm’s daily operations. Their time there is full of teamwork and connection, often ending with a shared lunch and conversation with the staff.

Angie’s group also volunteers at the annual York Fair, helping care for the rabbits and keeping their area comfortable.

“The volunteers I work with have come a long way,” Angie said. “When I first joined them, they had already been volunteering for two years, so now I work with them to build and maintain their skills. I’m so proud of all of them.”

Angie also introduced the group to “Vision Boards,” where they write down the things they want and hope to attain in their lives.

Tyler pats a pig at the pig sanctuary.

The people Angie supports are achieving their goals and living their best life every day! For example, Miriam landed her dream job by consistently performing her tasks working for Tropical Smoothie Café in Shrewsbury. Alexis embraced her love of animals which helped her obtain the perfect job taking care of dogs at Central Bark. Christopher is a kind and caring individual who has overcome many adversities and makes everyone he encounters feel welcome. Tyler does an outstanding job with the pigs at the Sanctuary and works one day a week at Mickey’s Pizza.

“I love making a difference in the lives of the people I support,” Angie said. “It energizes me and brings meaning to my life. The vision I have for my job is to expose, educate, and provide meaningful experiences. I want everyone in my group to be more active and open to possibilities. I would love to be able to take them outside York County to learn about other places and things that will inspire them to thrive and find meaning in their personal and work lives. Most of all, I want them to be happy.”

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My Family’s Personal Gratitude During DSP Recognition Week

ggorham — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:23:17 +0000

By Michele Jacobs, Penn-Mar Parent

Before moving from Baltimore City to Parkton, MD in 2012, our family prioritized finding a human services provider that could continue offering one-to-one support for our eldest son, Scott, now 35.

Scott is non-verbal and sometimes experiences behavioral challenges related to communication difficulties. But he also makes himself known — he has a contagious laugh and smile that never fails to captivate those around him.

Scott loves all kinds of music and carries around a hand-held radio so he can quickly switch between stations. If he is at a venue with live music, you can always find him dancing right in front of the stage.

Scott can comprehend what is being said and uses hand gestures to better communicate. Most recently, he has been relying on an Assistive Technology (AT) device with photos of people, places, and things that he can reference when signaling his wants, needs, and topics of discussion.

My husband Allen and I were looking for a provider who could give our son the meaningful and engaging life he both desired and deserved. We were extremely fortunate to find Penn-Mar Human Services, which is conveniently located only a few miles from our home. Penn-Mar’s Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) have changed not just Scott’s life, but ours too.

Scott lives at home but attends Penn-Mar’s Day Program every weekday. The program provides him with the individual attention he needs, gives him opportunities to explore the community every day, keeps him safe, and empowers him to develop friendships. Because Scott can be overwhelmed by large groups, the DSPs who support him make accommodations to surround him with smaller groups of people to ensure his comfort.

He likes to be “on the go,” but after considering several employment opportunities, he and his Penn-Mar team decided he would be best suited running his own business where he could travel from task to task. Consequently, “Scott’s Sweets and Treats” was established. Scott has two candy boxes at local pizza shops. With the assistance of his DSP, he purchases candy from Sam’s Club, delivers the candy and then fills the boxes, selling the candy for fifty cents or three for one dollar. He collects the profits and then uses some to buy himself drinks and snacks.

I often become emotional when speaking about these amazing DSPs who have made such a difference in my son’s and our family’s life. For 13 years, they’ve stood by Scott and by us, finding ways every single day to help him live his best life.

Supporting Scott takes patience and creativity, and his DSPs have shown both of these qualities in abundance. Each has brought their own history and perspective to his person-centered life plan, giving him experiences and insights we could never provide on our own. Year after year, they have stood with him and with us, ensuring he is cared for in every way, and our gratitude is immense.

September 7-13 is DSP Recognition Week. I hope you will join our family — and all the families who have loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — to say “thank you” to this essential and dedicated workforce for all they do to make this world a better place.

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