On Sept. 17, SUNY Orange celebrated the achievements of its Summer cohort in the Direct Support Professional (DSP) microcredential program at the Rowley Center for Science and Engineering on the College’s Middletown campus.

Sixteen students completed their courses and earned National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals competencies,receiving e-badges that qualify them for DSP I and II certification. Since the College’s DSP microcredential program launched in Summer 2024, a total of 90 students have earned certifications.

Stacey Moegenburg, associate vice president for liberal arts, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the valuableand impactful work DSPs perform in providing care and support. Yvonne Lenzen, acting associate commissioner for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), congratulated the students and emphasized the importance of collaboration between OPWDD, SUNY Orange, and partner agencies.

Brittany Zoppe, representing DSP II, said, “We managed challenging schedules, family responsibilities, classes, and stress with the professionalism that only DSPs can uphold. Most importantly, we did it together. I’m proud of our accomplishments and the bond we created throughout this process.”

Rafal Figura, representing DSP I, added, “I wasn’t sure this was an achievable goal when I started. But through perseverance and support from my classmates, I can proudly say we are all winners today.”

The ceremony also recognized Shannon Fraser, senior secretary at the Registrar’s Office, for her dedication and support of the program. Closing remarks were delivered in multiple languages as Teresa Berean addressed the audience in Spanish, Elina Joseph Bonheur spoke in Creole, and Figura delivered remarks in Polish.

The Fall semester welcomed 15 new students to the fifth DSP I microcredential cohort from Access, ADAPT, Greystone Programs, the Center for Discovery, and Hudson Valley DDSO.

For more information about the DSP microcredential programs, contact Nolly Climes, LMHC and human services coordinator for SUNY Orange’s Behavioral Sciences Department, at nolly.climes@sunyorange.edu or call (845) 341-4139.

SUNY Orange DSP I Completers (August 2025)

NEW YORK STATE

ORANGE COUNTY
Central Valley: Ti’onia Hayes
Florida: Elina Joseph Bonheur
Goshen: Teresa P. Berean
Middletown: Walter D. Conklin, Rafal Figura
New Windsor: Veletia Ophelia Sealey
Port Jervis: Kim C. Quellmaz

ROCKLAND COUNTY
Stony Point: Snerly Leger

SULLIVAN COUNTY
Bloomingburg: Devon Julius Bonilla, Evelyn Rivera

Total completers: 10

SUNY Orange DSP II Completers (August 2025)

NEW YORK STATE

ORANGE COUNTY
Middletown: Melanie P. Moore
Newburgh: Tierra S. Burks
Warwick: Yohanna L. Fernandez

ROCKLAND COUNTY
Suffern: Suze Princivil

SULLIVAN COUNTY
Wurtsboro: Brittany Nicole Zoppie

OUT OF STATE

PENNSYLVANIA
Matamoras: Kristin Whalley

Total completers: 6