It's National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and we're celebrating by shining the spotlight on some of our staff members. Read on to hear their stories ...

Kristin Aucancela considers her work as a Direct Support Professional at a group home so much more than a job. 

Kristin Aucancela with Johnny, a resident of an RCALD group residence.

Working with the residents at a Rockland County Association for Learning Disabilities' group home has been extremely rewarding. "To know the residents depend on me and look to me for help . . .  I love that. I've grown to love the guys in the home. They are an extension of my family."

She knows every residents birthday and is known for baking birthday cakes on her own time for them. If someone is staying at the residence for a holiday, while others may go to be with their families, she is the first to invite them to her own home.

"She is the caring, nurturing mom of our program," says Dave Wardell, Supervisor of the home, who knows how fortunate he is to have Kristin on his team for nearly four years.

Kristin makes sure her 5-year-old daughter Isabella visits the home and attends events. "It's important that she sees all people and that when she sees someone with a disability, she understands they are no different than anyone else."

With four years experience at RCALD, Kristin says the learning never stops. "People think if you have a disability, you don't have a clue about what's going on. My guys are amazing. They are always asking questions."