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Monty Steltzer (middle) with his wife, Ann (front) and Dungarvin Founders Tim and Diane Madden.

Monty Steltzer, a Maintenance Engineer for Dungarvin Minnesota, recently celebrated his 30-year Milestone anniversary. Monty’s team, including his supervisor, Director of Maintenance David Stark, gathered for lunch at Pizza Ranch in Cottage Grove. They were joined by Monty’s wife, Ann, and Dungarvin founders Tim and Diane Madden.

When asked what he finds most fulfilling about his career with Dungarvin, Monty replied, “The ability to work with people that we serve and trying to make a difference in a person‘s life; and working with the great maintenance department and friends that I’ve made.”

Congratulations on the many years well spent with the Dungarvin family, Monty! We appreciate you.

Jo Daley and her husband Brendan Hackett were struggling to care for their son Sean, now 20, who had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age 3. “We had been in crisis for three years, trying to figure out a new treatment for Sean, whose behavior took a dangerous turn when he was 15,” remembers Jo. “Dungarvin came into our lives at a time when we needed someone to tell us it was going to be OK.” For more on Sean’s transformative journey, visit ECT transforms life for teen with autism and catatonia – UCHealth Today.

It was in December 2023 that Jo called Dungarvin seeking respite options for Sean. “I had been looking for a year before I found Dungarvin,” Jo said. “Things were getting worse with Sean’s disruptive (and violent) behavior and we could no longer even leave the house.”

On that fateful day, Jo connected with New Development and Day Program Director, Lisa Taft. “We talked for almost an hour as Jo explained that she and her husband had not taken time for themselves in nearly a decade and they were desperate for a break,” recalls Lisa. “I asked what services Sean was currently receiving and ascertained he was on the CES (Child Extensive Services) Waiver. This waiver typically serves very high needs children using CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) services, which are administered via a Home Health Agency. Kids can stay on this waiver until age 18 but then are typically transitioned to the DD (Developmental Disability) waiver. I explained that the CES waiver was very limited with things like respite due to a general lack of agencies that provide that service.” 

But Sean was on the cusp of adulthood which meant the DD waiver was a possibility, including access to services like Family Care Givers or Host Home Providers for respite, exactly what the family was desperately seeking. “Jo told me she had never even heard of that program, expressing frustration that her current Home Health Agency hadn’t shared anything about these services,” Lisa said. “I remember Jo flat out stating, ‘Tell me how to make this happen.’ I did, and told her to call me back if she needed further guidance.” Lisa talks to many families about this process but seldom hears back. But almost six months to the day later, Jo called back to say she was done with her to-do list and that Sean had been offered the DD waiver! She then asked: ‘What’s next?’”

From here, Lisa called the case manager to confirm Sean’s enrollment into the DD waiver. Meanwhile, Jo was so impressed with Dungarvin (especially Lisa!) that she switched to Dungarvin as her family’s new agency. In less than 30 days, Jo was onboarded and able to start Family Care Giving services on July 1, 2024.

Jo never directly asked her how much she would be paid in this new configuration — to be Sean’s Family Care Giver — but Lisa shared that it would be more than what she received as a CNA with her old agency. At this point, her eyes filled with tears sharing that the compensation would be ‘life changing’ and she could finally take a step back from her job to dedicate more time to Sean and the rest of her family. A month later Jo, her husband and their oldest son were even able to take a long-deferred vacation together to Las Vegas. Since then, Jo has enthusiastically passed the word along to other families in similar circumstances.”

“It’s hard to put this experience into words; it’s like we were drowning, and Lisa threw us a lifeline,” said an emotional Jo. “Everything was happening at once. We were fighting with these renowned doctors trying to get a diagnosis for our son. But Lisa stepped in and opened up a whole new world by helping me navigate the system, getting access to the respite support we so desperately needed to be able to take care of ourselves and Sean’s older brother, Jake, too. Because of Lisa, our mounting stress was alleviated. Lisa’s support literally saved my family.”

Today, Jo’s family is doing well, thriving even! They receive monthly visits from Program Director Tammie Mellen for ongoing training and support. (“Tammie has been such a wonderful and dependable resource for the past year, providing both knowledge and resources for our family.”) Recently, Jo was able to leave her high-powered sales job to continue focusing on her family. “Because of Dungarvin, I was able to make the right decisions for myself, for Sean, and for the rest of my family. My son is finally back to us because of his new treatment and the consistent support we are fortunate to receive. I have to say, Dungarvin is really doing some amazing things for people out there. From families with basic needs of support to extreme situations like ours. Thank you so much; we went through more than three years of hell until Dungarvin saved us. We are so grateful to have you in our lives!”

For more information on supporting a loved one with I/DD, please visit our website at Home – Dungarvin.

Elaine Bahe and West Regional Director Bill Myers in San Diego for the ANCOR Connect ’25 conference.

When Elaine Bahe began her first job as a direct support professional (DSP) in New Mexico, she thought it would be an interesting position to try short term, maybe for a couple of weeks or a month. Her sister-in-law had encouraged her to apply, but Elaine hadn’t considered a career as a DSP. However, fate stepped in. The first month turned into a year, then five years, then 10 … and now, more than two decades later, Elaine still loves her job.

“I think after a couple of years I just fell in love with the people I worked with; one in particular,” Elaine said. “I mean, I couldn’t leave her. I’m still working with her today – 22 years later.”

That genuine love for and dedication to the people she supports makes Elaine an excellent DSP, now Residential Coordinator, which is why ANCOR (American Network of Community Options & Resources) chose her as the New Mexico DSP of the Year. She accepted the award, along with six other Dungarvin peers, during the ANCOR Connect ’25 conference in San Diego, April 7-9.

A kind, patient woman who projects a quiet confidence, Elaine supports Frances, who has intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bedrock of Elaine’s approach is that DSPs are not “caregivers,” which is what she tells the new Dungarvin DSPs she mentors.

“You’re going to be their teacher. You’re going to teach them to be independent. And for some individuals, that may never happen, but it’s little steps – you’re going to take little steps to teach them how to be independent,” Elaine said.

Elaine with her husband Tony.
Chatting during the conference.
Elaine and Dungarvin CEO Lori Kress.

Using that strategy, she has guided Frances on a journey to develop better communication and emotional regulation skills. Introducing Frances to new activities and interests, particularly a self-employment venture in jewelry making, made a tremendous difference in her personal development.

“Elaine approached this support as a job coach to help Frances create an inventory of beautiful, beaded jewelry … which she has successfully sold through a Facebook page,” said Elaine’s supervisor and the person who nominated her, Yolanna Eriacho, a Dungarvin Program Director.

In addition to supporting Frances, Elaine advocates for people with disabilities and their right to be part of the larger community, which hasn’t always been easy. “She met with resistance from community members and establishment owners who thought people with disabilities needed to be kept out of sight, and not heard from, Yolanna said.

But due to Elaine’s patience and persistence, people in the community have become much more welcoming and understanding.

Dungarvin is incredibly proud of Elaine for the excellent support, advocacy, and leadership she brings to Frances and her team in New Mexico. Congratulations, Elaine!

Sam Meier, a Senior Consumer Finance Coordinator in the National Central Office in Minnesota, took time out with her colleagues May 14 to celebrate 10 years at Dungarvin. The group enjoyed a luncheon with talk and laughter, and good food!

Reflecting on the last decade, Sam said what’s been most fulfilling about her job is contributing to the happiness and independence of the individuals Dungarvin supports, in collaboration with our dedicated operations staff.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I am part of a team committed to empowering the individuals and helping them succeed in life,” she said.

Sam Meier (right) enjoys lunch with her colleagues.

Dungarvin New Mexico recently marked National Nurses Week (May 6-12) by assembling the statewide medical team in Albuquerque.

“These professionals are truly the backbone of our daily operations, providing top-notch medical care to a wide variety of individuals and families in need of a range of personalized supports,” said New Mexico State Director Scott Good. “I am grateful for each of these individuals every day — and especially so, as we recognize their critical profession through National Nurses Week.”

Last week, the team met in person to go over various training topics. Shown in the photo above, from left to right, they are:

Recently, Clupper attended the Developmental Disabilities Nurse Association annual conference in Baltimore, where he also took their credentialling exam.

“Having Eric as a Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN) is highly beneficial because of the specialized knowledge and skills he possesses, tailored to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities,” shared Good. “His certification demonstrates a commitment to best practices, personalized care and ongoing professional development, ensuring that those he supports receive compassionate and effective assistance.

Clupper’s expertise can enhance people’s quality of life, promote independence and foster a safe and nurturing environment for individuals served by Dungarvin New Mexico. We are very proud of his special accomplishment!”

Hats off to Clupper and the entire New Mexico medical team for the expert support they provide to so many! Please leave a comment of support to these individuals below.

Life can get hectic, work piles on, and it’s easy to skip the habits that support our health — mind, body and spirit. As we make are way through Mental Health Awareness Month, remember to take time to take care of not only your body, but your mind – after all, it is part of your body, and it’s just as important. As part of this special month, check out the great strategies below for dealing with stress and anxiety, shared with us by the Dungarvin Minnesota Fun Committee. (The Fun Committee meets quarterly to plan events/activities for operational, supervisory and admin employees who work for one of the Minnesota-based Dungarvin companies.)

Try these helpful strategies for when you’re feeling anxious or stressed:

Also, check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It promotes Mental Health Awareness Month to help destigmatize mental illness and encourage more people to share their stories, spread awareness and advocate for more support for people with mental health challenges.

We are THRILLED to announce our annual art exhibition is back, but this time with a twist, as we prepare for Dungarvin’s 50th anniversary in 2026! This is an exciting opportunity for the individuals we support to express their creativity and share how Dungarvin has impacted their lives through original artwork.

This year’s theme?

50 Years of Dungarvin

What’s New This Year?

Selected artists will be featured on our social media, on our social media, on internal communication channels and even have their personal designs turned into special Dungarvin 50th Anniversary swag available for purchase through our online store!

Plus, one artist from EACH state in which we provide services will win an art kit! (AKA… we are hoping to get participation from individuals in all 15 states in order to hand out 15 art kits this year 😊)

Let’s celebrate the talents of those we support and make this milestone truly special. We can’t wait to see the amazing artwork that will come from this year’s celebration!

We are excited to share that the Dungarvin Minnesota Central Office (MCO) expansion of 13,000 sq feet is officially complete! The expansion is of the Waterford Commons area on the main level of our Headquarters in Mendota Heights, just to the left of the main doors. Overall, the expansion and remodel were designed to meet our evolving needs as Dungarvin MN continues to grow and expand to better serve our community.

Dungarvin MN needed a versatile and spacious area to accommodate a variety of events and gatherings, including a designated area for training our workforce, as well as large group meeting venues for various regional and national meetings as well as recognition and milestones celebrations.

“With the expansion, we have added conference/training space which is one large space that can be divided into multiple rooms depending on the needs of a given event or activity,” shared Missy Walters, Office Manager. “We can offer space(s) with modern audio-visual equipment such as ceiling speakers/mic and four 86” portable Clevertouch’s (Smartboard), the ability to seat over 100 people with flexible seating arrangements such as classroom style, boardroom set-up, small groups, breakout sessions, independent seating, and open space for mingling. With the new spaces, we are excited to bring together new staff, small groups, departments, as well as leadership teams to engage in training, growth, building efficiencies, leadership development, and team building!”

The new space will also accommodate several department needs from our operational side, providing both assigned workspaces and hoteling space for managers and staff to conduct and complete their daily work.

We look forward to seeing you there! Come check it out today 1440 Northland Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120.

Each May, the U.S. Children’s Bureau and Child Welfare Information Gateway promotes National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the critical role foster care plays in the lives of so many children throughout the nation. Through its mission to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports, Dungarvin proudly provides foster care services to ensure that both children and adults with special and/or complex needs are cared for in safe and loving foster care homes.

Our Foster Care Services are currently available in six states, although terminology varies by location. Services are provided in Colorado, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Oklahoma and vary slightly, depending on the needs of the area. Dungarvin colleagues train and support foster parents and families to care for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and behavioral challenges, and other specialized needs.

“Dungarvin’s goal is to participate in the child service team by assisting in reunifying families and/or finding permanent placements for youth in foster care,” said Emily Daniels, a Dungarvin Foster Care Social Worker in Columbus, Ohio. “Well-trained and well-supported foster parents provide the most effective intervention possible to children in care and their families.”

We’re proud to provide this important support service in states across the country. As part of National Foster Care Month, check out this great story by CBS affiliate WNTC TV, highlighting Dungarvin Foster Care Services in Jacksonville, N.C.

What started as just a job for a young man figuring out his life has turned into so much more! Sampson Wolloh is a remarkable individual whose journey as a Personal Support Assistant (PSA) at Dungarvin Louisville is nothing short of inspiring. Five years ago, he joined our Kentucky team as a PSA — a position that played a pivotal role in his personal growth.

PSAs provide support services and assistance to individuals in their homes and in the community.  Being a PSA at Dungarvin is an opportunity unlike any other. It’s more than just providing care, it’s about building stability, experiencing personal growth, and creating a meaningful impact in the lives of others while setting yourself up for success.

As a Dungarvin PSA, you’re able to provide assistance in a residential setting, giving personal and companion care. When working, PSAs provide direct support services onsite within the home of the persons we serve. PSAs can support people up to 24 hours a day.

“Imagine the opportunity being a PSA provides you: responsible for managing a household, keeping it clean and organized, and making sure that the persons served are dressed, fed, and ready for their day, every single day,” shared Sylvia Vandroff, Dungarvin Kentucky Area Manager. “Sampson embraced this responsibility with determination, though it was far from easy in the beginning.”

Every day as a PSA brings new experiences, but a general day might look something like the following. NOTE: Each PSA experience is unique to the routine/schedule of the person they are serving. The below are examples from Sampson’s experience.

Morning Routine (5:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.)

Daytime Flexibility (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

This is your time! With persons served away, PSAs can:

Afternoon & Evening (3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

Winding Down (9:00 p.m. – Overnight)

Sampson’s story is a testament to the opportunities and growth that the PSA positions at Dungarvin can offer. It’s more than a job — it’s a chance to build a future, gain experience, and develop skills that will serve you for a lifetime.

If you are someone who has a desire to create lasting, positive impacts on people’s lives, consider becoming a PSA today! Click here to apply: https://www.dungarvincareers.com/SearchResults.aspx?SearchTerm=PSA