Pathfinder Village veteran staff members were honored at a special luncheon at the Pathfinder Village Pavilion on Tuesday, June 15, for their collective 280 years of service to the residential community and services provider that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Submitted photo)

EDMESTON –Pathfinder Village recognized the achievements and dedication of its employees celebrating their five-year service anniversaries at a luncheon at the Pathfinder Pavilion this week. In 2021, 18 employees are celebrating 200 years of service to Pathfinder residents, students, day service participants, and families.

Additionally, eight employees who celebrated five-year anniversaries in 2020 were recognized.

These staff have served a total of 80 years at the world-renowned provider of services and supports to people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

During his comments to thank the honorees, Chief Executive Officer Paul Landers spoke on gratitude.

“I invite you to take a moment and think about the last 16 months, as we have all lived through an unprecedented event,” said Mr. Landers. “We all struggled with professional and personal challenges … today, we’re going to take a moment and give thanks to you and be grateful for your efforts. It is important that we acknowledge your milestone achievements as members of our ‘Five Plus Club’.”

Honorees in 2021 included Classroom Aide Patty Slosek, celebrating 40 years of service, and Facilities Manager Kris Tilbe, who marks his 35th anniversary. Summit House Manager Kathy Roberts celebrates her 25th anniversary, and School Administrative Assistant Nichole Carney and Adult Day Services Coordinator Michael Cornell were honored for completing 15 years of service.

Chief Program Officer Kelly Meyers celebrates a decade of service. By department, the five-year honorees in 2021 include: Adult Day Services – Direct Support Professional (DSP) Victoria Gifford; Ancillary Services - Tom Eriksen and Brady Plows; Nursing - Director Stephanie Beams, RN, and Assistant Jennifer Truax; Pathfinder School - Teacher Michelle Kowalski and Aide Morgan Whippo; and Residential – DSPs Kelly Benjamin, Judith Marchand, Heather McCoy, Paul Penner, and Ashley Townsend.

Those honored for service milestones in 2020 included: Adult Day Services – DSP Jeanette Nutt, 20 years; Residential Services – DSP Amanda Piech, 15 years; Administration – CEO Paul Landers, 10 years; Pathfinder School – Sr. Director Maura Iorio and Aide Erica Smith, 10 years; Finance – Assistant Lesley Woodard, 5 years; Residential Team Members – DSPs Alexis Brazee and Nicholas Henderson, 5 years.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected open-access community and services provider in upstate New York and was founded in 1980 to provide people living with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, pre-vocational and outreach programs.  To learn more, visit http://pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.