On December 16, SUNY Orange hosted a ceremony at the Rowley Center for Science and Engineering to honor the achievements of the fall cohort of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Microcredential program.

The ceremony recognized 23 students who successfully completed their coursework and earned competencies established by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals. This accomplishment qualifies graduates for certification at the DSP I or DSP II level. The students are currently employed by Access, ADAPT, Greystone Programs, the Center for Discovery, Hudson Valley DDSO (OPWDD), The Arc Greater Hudson Valley, and The Center for Discovery.

Students expressed their appreciation for Willow Baer, commissioner of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), for attending the ceremony. Participants welcomed the opportunity to meet Commissioner Baer and shared their gratitude for OPWDD’s financial support of the program. Commissioner Baer took time to personally congratulate each student and engage with them throughout the event.

Senator James Skoufis and Assemblywoman Paula Kay, long-time advocates for the DSP Microcredential program, also participated in the ceremony. Opening remarks were delivered by Provost, Dr. Erika Hackman on behalf of SUNY Orange.

The ceremony included special recognition of Jasie Buzzell, who is employed by OPWDD and serves as a tutor in the DSP Microcredential program. Buzzell distinguished herself as the first student to complete all three levels of the program, DSP I, II, and III, and graduated from SUNY Orange in the fall semester with an Associate of Science degree in Human Services. She has since enrolled at SUNY Brockport to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work and plans to continue on to earn a Master of Social Work.

Students shared their gratitude to OPWDD for its continued support and commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities, as well as to Senator Skoufis and Assemblywoman Kay for their advocacy. Paul Henning of Greystone Programs spoke on behalf of the DSP I Microcredential, noting that the program has opened doors for students and fostered a strong sense of community. He emphasized that participants have become a driving force for positive change within the field.

Representing DSP II, students divided their remarks to allow multiple voices to be heard. Teresa Berean, Ti’onia Hayes, Kim Quellmalz, Veletia Sealy, and Devon Bonilla each shared reflections on the importance of continuing education to strengthen the DSP workforce amid growing demand. They also credited SUNY Orange instructors with motivating them to pursue further education beyond the microcredential.

Speaking on behalf of DSP III, Buzzell noted that participating in the ceremony was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the dedication, growth, and resilience of the students. She encouraged her peers to celebrate one another and acknowledge the support systems that helped them achieve their goals.

The DSP Microcredential program is designed to support professionals serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by enhancing career skills and advancement opportunities. The stackable microcredentials can also provide a pathway to a certificate or to an initial or advanced degree.

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 (December 2025)

NEW YORK STATE

ORANGE COUNTY

Chester: Paul Richard Henning

Cuddebackville: Nona C. Ramsey

Highland Mills: Sharah Skye Melvin

Middletown: Cortney Kavanaugh, Jenique Parris, Siobhan M. Valentia, Justin J. Wilson

New Windsor: Chrystal L. O'Brien

Port Jervis: Lerone M. James-Watson

Washingtonville: Michael Buzzell

 

ROCKLAND COUNTY

Garnerville: Will Carline Damis

Total completers: 11

SUNY Orange DSP II Completers (December 2025)

NEW YORK STATE

ORANGE COUNTY

Central Valley: Ti’onia Hayes

Goshen: Teresa P. Berean

Middletown: Rafal Figura

New Windsor: Veletia Ophelia Sealey

Newburgh: Shyniece Powell

Port Jervis: Kim C. Quellmalz

ROCKLAND COUNTY

Stony Point: Snerly Leger

Suffern: Lourdes Marie Milien

 

SULLIVAN COUNTY

Bloomingburg: Devon Julius Bonilla

Liberty: Vanessa Nailog Mills

Monticello: Gloria Osisami

Total completers: 11

SUNY Orange DSP III Completers (December 2025)

NEW YORK STATE

ORANGE COUNTY

Washingtonville: Jasie M. Buzzell

Total completers: 1