Pathfinder Village veteran staff members were honored at a special luncheon at the Pathfinder Village Pavilion on Tuesday, June 14, for their collective 275 years of service to the residential community and as service providers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Submitted photo)

EDMESTON – Pathfinder Village recognized the loyalty and achievements of its employees celebrating five-year service anniversaries at a luncheon at the Pathfinder Pavilion on Tuesday.

Altogether, 32 staff members have devoted over 275 years of service to Pathfinder residents, students,  day service participants, and families.

During his comments to thank the honorees, President & Chief Executive Officer Paul Landers spoke on why Pathfinder  and explained how the Pathfinder community, its purpose, and its stakeholders all contribute toward a supportive and enriching environment that elevates and engages people of all ages with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

“The place, the people, and the purpose – these are the ‘3-Ps’ at Pathfinder, and as I look around at our honorees, I believe these are the reasons why staff remain committed to our mission,” said Mr. Landers. “Through a process of finding the things you are good at and using those skills to be productive, you fuel your professional passion. In continuing to complete noteworthy work every day with our individuals, their families, and in our communities, you continue to re-ignite that passion and add to the culture of our organization that had its start 100 years ago here in Edmeston.”

Honorees in 2022 included House Manager Annette Lewis, celebrating 35 years of service, and Director of Development Lori Grace, who is marking her 25th  anniversary. Pathfinder School Classroom Aids Laurie Fink and Nancy Knorr, and Residential Team Members Katrina Reidenbach and Amanda Ray are celebrating 15 years of service.

Staff members with a decade of service include Otsego House Manager Christine Banks, Staff Support Specialist Michelle Banks, Adult Day Services Coordinator Hanah Baulch, Human Resource Assistant Tammy Fallon, School Aid Cait Kinch, and Direct Support Professional Chelsea Tuttle.

Those honored as new members of the “Five Year Club” include (by department): Administration/Finance  – Human Resource Assistant Jennifer O’Connor;  Adult Day Services  – Site Coordinator Samantha Kucera, DSP Jill Shiley;  Ancillary Services & Facilities  –Joanna Draper, Joy Nicolosi, Ronald Winton;  Education Services  - School Aids Mercedes Allen and Jessica Crosier, Otsego Academy Coordinator Rebecca Brown; andProgram Services  – Specialist Matthew Folta.  Residential Services  staff celebrating five-year anniversaries include Team Leader Katlin Bond, Overnight Manager Maryella Burdick, House Manager Tammy Myers, DSP 2.0 Lisa McGarrity, and DSPs Ryan Chapman, Nadine Eiholzer, Savanna Fistrowicz, James Hernandez, Alyssa Mahar, and Barbara Murphy.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected open-access community and services provider in upstate New York; it 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, vocational/pre-vocational, and outreach programs.  To learn more, visit  http://pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook  and Instagram.

– Information from Pathfinder Village