We are delighted to announce the recipients of our GEM Award for the first quarter of FY26.
As you know, this year we launched a new recognition program to celebrate employees who are truly going the extra mile in furthering NeuSpark PDS’ mission. The GEM Award highlights those who demonstrate extraordinary dedication by enhancing the lives and well-being of the people we support, strengthening our workplace culture, or lending invaluable support to their colleagues.
Please join us in congratulating this quarter’s GEM Award honorees:
Donna Davis, Direct Support Professional, 3106 Coney Island Ave IRA, 27 years of service
- Donna consistently fosters a fun and positive environment for both the people she supports and her coworkers. She is an outstanding communicator, strengthening relationships with families, and frequently assists with scheduling, inventory, medicals, and documentation. Donna is always ready to step in, and she often mentors and trains new staff.
Robert Fraser, Direct Support Professional, 457 81st St IRA, 20 years of service
- Robert is known for going “above and beyond.” He regularly volunteers to cover medicals and hospital shifts, helps train new staff, and demonstrates remarkable leadership. Robert has even taken vacation time from his other job to cover shifts here, ensuring his colleagues could take their own time off. After more than 20 years of service, his energy, respect, and commitment remain unwavering.
Ruby Jameison, Direct Support Professional, 3106 Coney Island Ave IRA, 21 years of service
- Ruby ensures smooth-running shifts to reduce stress for the people she supports. She often brings small, thoughtful items to brighten their day, even outside of work hours. Ruby communicates effectively and quickly addresses any vacancies, needs, or concerns, always striving to resolve issues in the best interest of those we serve.
Mideline N-Etienne, Direct Support Professional, 3106 Coney Island Ave IRA, 18 years of service
- Since PDS merged with ASBM in August of 2021, Mideline has taken the lead in the medical system. She manages scheduling, attends appointments, and follows up with nursing staff, always prioritizing the needs of the people she supports. With her positive attitude, Mideline consistently encourages others to be their best selves.
Paulette Pierre-Louis, Direct Support Professional, 638 78th St IRA, 6 years of service
- Paulette’s professionalism and enthusiasm are unmatched. Her presence instantly brightens the day of the women she supports. She keeps them actively engaged—whether cooking, exercising, or spending meaningful time together. Her impact extends beyond her site; whenever she covers shifts at other residences, both staff and individuals eagerly ask when she’ll return.
Shavone Sheppard, Residence Manager, Bay Ridge IRA, 9 years of service
- Shavone demonstrates excellent leadership skills, and always ensures that “team spirit” is present. She assists and supports her coworkers with trainings and is a true team player. Shavone always ensures her books are in compliance, and she has been called upon to assist other residences with her exceptional organizational skills. She also has lead a variety of trainings at various residences. Shavone was instrumental during the roll-out of Precision Care. She assisted new assistant managers to become familiar with the program. Shavone is dependable, reliable, and flexible with her time.
Angela Murphy-Shoy, Direct Support Professional, 1022 Ave W IRA, 32 years of service
- Angela genuinely cares about the people she supports at PDS. Her care goes beyond the individuals at her assigned residence and extends to multiple other PDS homes as well. She truly shines when it comes to planning and organizing meaningful activities. Some of the memorable events she has coordinated include Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tours, ferry rides, Broadway shows with overnight hotel stays, and more. Angela has been instrumental in introducing the people we support to new and exciting places and experiences that they have now come to love and look forward to.
- She also takes the lead on planning birthday parties, barbecues, and other special celebrations. Angela not only helps prepare food but also shares these events with people and staff from other residences, making them feel connected and included. These gatherings have become something everyone looks forward to, and some individuals even request Angela to take them on shopping trips. While ensuring that everyone is having a great time, Angela never forgets the details—reminding her coworkers about community inclusion paperwork and encouraging teamwork. Her efforts build strong bonds among staff and foster lasting relationships among the people we support.
Heartense “Twanna” Johnson, Direct Support Professional, 86 Dikeman Street IRA, 20 years of service
- Twanna has been described as “the backbone of the house,” and it’s easy to see why. She is the go-to medical person at her residence and consistently steps up without being asked. When a task needs to be handled, Twanna is the first to take action and see it through.Her positive spirit is contagious—you’ll always find her smiling, laughing, and lifting up both the people she supports and her fellow staff members. She goes above and beyond in her role, and her dedication has been noticed outside of PDS as well. On a recent trip to Weil Cornell Radiology, the staff there sent a heartfelt thank-you note praising Twanna’s compassion and commitment. In part, it read: “Myself and the staff witnessed how caring and dedicated Twanna is to (person supported), and I’m sure the rest of the residents in the home. Twanna was extremely helpful and assisted us during the examination. Thank you, Twanna, for caring for (person supported).” Her unwavering dedication, kindness, and initiative make Twanna an invaluable part of the PDS team.
