Dungarvin Minnesota Employment Services has reached a major milestone by earning a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) — and notably, on its very first accreditation review. This impressive accomplishment reflects the team’s dedication, collaboration and strong commitment to Dungarvin’s mission.
Dungarvin Employment Services include certified employment specialists who assist individuals with job exploration, development, training and ongoing supports.
CARF’s accreditation process includes a thorough evaluation of service delivery, policies and outcomes, as well as interviews with individuals served, staff, leadership and external partners. Throughout the review, Dungarvin’s commitment to its mission — respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports— was clearly evident.
The CARF reviewer noted that the program demonstrated exceptional strength, not only meeting but exceeding expectations. The review was described as particularly strong for any program, making it an outstanding result for our first-time accreditation.
The three-year accreditation is CARF’s highest level of recognition, signifying substantial conformance to rigorous quality standards and a dedication to continuous improvement.
At the forefront of this effort was Director Kristin Hockert, whose leadership and guidance were essential in navigating the rigorous CARF process. Supporting her was Operational Manager Brianna Moolah, who played a critical role in preparation and coordination. Their work was backed by the entire management team and a dedicated group of vocational rehabilitation counselors, all of whom worked diligently to ensure program excellence.
This achievement highlights Dungarvin Minnesota’s commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered employment services that make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Congratulations to the entire Dungarvin Minnesota Employment Services team on this well-earned recognition!
Jocelyn Mickelsen, a Compensation Analyst in the Dungarvin Human Resources Department, recently celebrated her 20-year Milestone anniversary with the organization. She and her team gathered at the National Central Office in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, to honor her. Her parents joined the party as well.
Jocelyn started with Dungarvin as a temporary employee in the HR department, and was eventually hired as a permanent staff member. She has since been promoted to her current position.
“She has been an asset in every position she’s held,” said Dungarvin Total Rewards Manager Melanie Siepker. “She pays great attention to detail and doesn’t do anything halfway, which is highly appreciated. She is truly valued here at Dungarvin.”
Reflecting on two decades with the company, Jocelyn said she has appreciated the opportunities to grow through challenging work, as well as the flexibility Dungarvin offered as her life and needs changed over the years.
“I’ve met, worked with and learned from incredible individuals, some who have retired, and we still connect regularly. I appreciate what Dungarvin offers to the communities we serve, and glad to be a small part of the bigger picture. One of my favorite things to do is read stories about individuals we serve and how their lives have been impacted by the support provided by front-line staff and the organization,” Jocelyn said.
She is appreciated beyond the HR Department, as this comment from Jeana Moreno, Dungarvin Minnesota’s Senior Administrative Support Manager, shows: “Jocelyn is an amazing woman. She is smart, compassionate, collaborative, dependable and she has a witty sense of humor. It is an honor to know and get to work with someone like her.”
Wow, those are some amazing compliments, Jocelyn! You are truly valued at Dungarvin, and we hope you’re here for many more years to come. Congratulations!
Vandella Williams, a Mental Health Specialist in Minnesota, recently gathered with colleagues and some of her family to celebrate 10 years with Dungarvin. The group enjoyed a meal at Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse in Edina.
In attendance were Vandella’s two sisters, daughter and granddaughter; as well as Dungarvin Minnesota Senior Directors Anna Hegland and Karin Stockwell, Operational Program Director Aaron Lehto and Operational Director Shari Newgard.
“It was a wonderful meal and celebration, with the flare that Vandella brings to Dungarvin,” Shari said.
Sounds like a lovely time with lovely people! Congratulations, Vandella, on this Milestone. We’re glad you’re part of the Dungarvin family.
The Dungarvin team in Vacaville, California, recently gathered to celebrate the Milestone anniversaries of two colleagues. Honored were Direct Support Professionals Donna Robinson, for her 20 years with the organization, and Baynes Acosta, for his 15 years. Staff and family members attended, as well as California State Director Jesse Hansen, West Regional Director Bill Myers and Dungarvin VP of Operations Robert Bachicha.
They met at the Makse restaurant for dinner, and Baynes’ and Donna’s supervisor Jeramie Nowlin said the evening quickly turned into more than just a meal.
“The table was alive with laughter, good-natured teasing and stories from years gone by,” he said.“ Baynes’ and Donna’s families joined us, and that’s when the real storytelling began.”
“It was one of those nights where you look around the table and feel grateful, not just for the years of hard work and dedication, but for the friendships, the shared memories and the feeling that we really are family here at Dungarvin,” Jeramie added.
What a fun party and a beautiful sentiment from Jeramie. Baynes and Donna, your extended Dungarvin family says congratulations on these Milestone anniversaries!
Gloria-Mae Cooper, a Minnesota Direct Support Professional, recently celebrated her 20-year Milestone anniversary with Dungarvin. Many longtime fellow staff members gathered to honor her at the Granite City restaurant in Maple Grove, where they enjoyed appetizers and dinner. Her son also joined the group.
Gloria-Mae’s supervisor Rory James described her as very caring and kind to everyone around her. “She’s a wonderful person to work with, and I am very blessed to have her on my team.”
“I feel very grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great organization,” Gloria-Mae said. “And the people I work with are great as well.”
Sounds like it’s mutual! Congratulations, Gloria-Mae, on this Milestone anniversary.
One of the most important times of the year for Dungarvin is just around the corner. DSP Appreciation Week is Sept. 8-12, providing the perfect opportunity to spotlight the critical roles Direct Support Professionals play in the everyday lives of people with disabilities and individuals in need of support.
Dungarvin has big plans this year to recognize and honor the hardworking DSPs who are part of its operations around the country.
First, the organization will recognize all of Dungarvin’s nominees and winners of this year’s ANCOR DSP of the Year awards. Look for Dungarvin social media posts, Sept. 1-19, celebrating each and every one of these outstanding staff members.
While Dungarvin is extremely proud of its ANCOR (American Network of Community Options & Resources) honorees, the organization knows that all of its thousands of DSPs are working hard every day to support the individuals we serve. So, during DSP Appreciation Week, leaders and other colleagues will post videos on Dungarvin social media channels thanking all of our DSPs for the work they do to empower community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
DSP Appreciation Week also will include Dungarvin’s popular “Spirit Week,” during which employees are encouraged to dress up for different themes each day in honor of the DSP workforce. The organization plans to share via social media photos of participants, including those of persons served, showing off their collective Dungarvin spirit.
All activities are designed to engage Dungarvin employees in celebrating our amazing DSPs and all they make possible through their skill and professionalism. Please join us by Liking, Commenting and Sharing our social media posts with your communities. Thank you!
This year, seven of Dungarvin’s Direct Support Professionals were named DSPs of the Year for their respective states by the American Network of Community Options & Resources (ANCOR), a national association representing 2,500 organizations providing services to people with disabilities.
Dungarvin has been publishing articles about these outstanding DSPs during the last few months, and today’s feature about Nikkita Lightsey marks the end of this series. Check out the other stories about Dungarvin’s DSP of the Year recipients:
- Elaine Bahe, New Mexico
- Earlean Rivers, North Carolina
- Rose Musgrave, Indiana
- Fatmata Bayoh, New Jersey
- Diane Butler, Nevada
- Maria Francisco, Oregon
Nikkita is ANCOR’s DSP of the Year for Oklahoma, where she consistently goes the extra mile to support individuals with disabilities. Her nomination, completed by her supervisor Angela Wheeler, is packed with examples of the many ways Nikkita has gone above and beyond to support and care for the people she serves.
“Some people are born with a caregiver’s heart – Nikkita is one of those people,” Angela said. “She is kind and patient, with the ability to bring out the best in people – not only those with disabilities, but everyone she encounters.”
One of many examples of Nikkita’s compassion involves her experience working in a home in which the father of a child with disabilities worked 12-hour days, then came home to take care of his child. To help relieve some of his duties, Nikkita cooked the family dinner during every one of her shifts before leaving for the day, event though this was not part of her job. “It took me nothing, but means everything,” she said.
Nikkita said she felt honored and grateful when she was recognized as DSP of the Year for Oklahoma. About her DSP career, she said: “It’s very meaningful to me because I get to be a positive influence in people’s lives and make a difference for them. This has been a wonderful experience for me. I want to thank Angela Wheeler and all of Dungarvin for the wonderful things they’re doing to honor all of us.”
Nikkita is a fierce advocate for the people she supports. For example, one woman she worked with began acting out with disruptive behaviors. She had limited communication abilities, so was unable to tell people why she was distressed. Nikkita took her to a doctor. However, two different visits, including to an emergency room, failed to diagnose a problem.
But Nikkita didn’t give up. She continued advocating her, taking her to yet another emergency room and refusing to leave until they figured out what was causing the woman’s discomfort. This time, the ER staff discovered that her gallbladder had gangrene, and she needed immediate surgery.
“If Nikkita had listened to the medical professionals initially, rather than her instincts and observations, that individual would likely not be with us today,” Angela said.
The individuals Nikkita supports are lucky to have her in their corner. And Dungarvin is proud to have her on our team! Congratulations, Nikkita, for this well-deserved award.
To explore career opportunities at Dungarvin, please visit Employment – Dungarvin.
Herbert Tarpeh, a Direct Support Professional with Dunagrvin Minnesota, recently celebrated his 10-year Milestone anniversary. Herbert supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a group home called Chai House, where his compassion and dependability are greatly appreciated, said Dungarvin Operational Manager Sydney Barker.
“He consistently prioritizes the well-being of both persons served and his co-workers. His calm demeanor and consistent follow-through make him an invaluable part of the Chai House team,” Sydney said.
Herbert, his colleagues and people supported gathered for a meal to celebrate his anniversary.
“My career at Dungarvin has been meaningful because of all the individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with,” Herbert said. “The best part of my job is building strong, positive relationships and helping the people we serve work toward greater independence.”
Herbert, your Dungarvin family, locally and around the country, appreciates you and the fantastic support you provide. Happy Milestone Anniversary, and wishes for many more to come!
A picnic lunch, games and a merry-go-round were some of the fun activities enjoyed by attendees of the Dungarvin Colorado Springs Picnic. Each year, Dungarvin hosts the event to show appreciation for its amazing Direct Support Professionals and other employees, individuals supported, and Residential Services providers.
Taking place at John Venezia Community Park, the event also celebrates the Milestone anniversaries of employees who have been with the organization for 10-plus years. Attendees had their choice of Corn Hole and other games, riding the merry-go-round and playing in the splash pad. There was also an artist to draw funny caricatures of attendees and Twinkles the Clown did face painting.
In addition, a group with disabilities performed a demonstration of their martial arts skills.
Dungarvin Colorado sure knows how to throw a picnic! We are happy you had such a blast during this special time to acknowledge the great work of our staff and providers.
Dan Stoltz, a Dungarvin Direct Support Professional in Minnesota, recently celebrated his 30-year Milestone anniversary with the organization. Dan and several of his longtime colleagues gathered for dinner at Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill & Bar in Waite Park. They enjoyed a delicious meal and Dan opened gifts.
Dan supports individuals who live in a group home in Sauk Rapids; he has been at this particular home for 15 years, said his supervisor Amanda Bockoven, a Dungarvin Minnesota Operational Program Director. She described Dan as a knowledgeable and likeable colleague.
“You will never be able to stop by and not smile or laugh while interacting with Dan,” Amanda said. “If you have any questions related to any of the people in the home, he will know the answer. He is very person centered, definitely a team player, willing to help out when he can — he’s on top of his stuff.”
Congratulations to three decades with Dungarvin, Dan — here’s looking forward to many more!
