The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has developed a national certification program for Direct Support Professionals working in community human services. The purpose of this certification program is to provide national recognition for the contributions and competence of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who apply for and meet the certification standards.

Direct support professionals benefit by learning and applying best practices and evidence-based skill and knowledge in the workplace. The organizations employing credentialed DSPs can provide stronger assurances of quality to funders and people supported, and can proudly market their employment of nationally certified staff. The NADSP certification program affords DSPs the opportunity to commit to the profession of direct support through its three-tiered credential program, which includes DSP-I, DSP-II and DSP-III certification through the NADSP E-Badge Academy.

Our Staff Development Team: Todd Merrit, Director of Staff Development and Behavioral Services, and Julie Cook, Coordinator of Quality Outcomes & Mentoring (shown in the back row), hosted a special recognition celebration honoring members of our E-Badge Academy who recently earned NADSP Certifications.

Pictured in the front row, left to right: Katrina Carter, Residential Program Coordinator (Ossining/Pound Ridge); Toni Battle, Residence Manager (Bedford Men & Women); Nicole Bernard, Treatment Coordinator – Youth Connection at Ann Manzi Center; Denise Clark, Residential Program Coordinator (Linette Court/Mamaroneck Manor/Scott Place); Antionette Faulkner, Treatment Coordinator (New Rochelle Day Hab); and Nicole Grossett, Coordinator (CHOICES Neighborhood Program).

These achievements combine accredited education hours with powerful testimonials that highlight real-life examples of using learned skills to positively impact the people we support.
Congratulations to all on this well-deserved achievement!