Press release/provided photos
BATAVIA — Over 300 people attended Arc GLOW’s 3rd Annual Award Dinner and Meeting Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel.
Local representatives attending Arc GLOW’s 3rd Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting included Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey. Also attending were Gregg Torey representing State Sen. George Borrello and Merle Draper from State Sen. Rob Ortt’s office. All provided citations to the award recipients.
In the coming year, Arc GLOW CEO Martin Miskell said Arc GLOW aims to:
· Move forward with creating two training facilities; one in Mt. Morris and the other in Batavia to invest in staff as they develop new skills.
· Arc GLOW will no longer utilize its 14(c) certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, which allowed payment of subminimum wages based on productivity. The agency is working to ensure a smooth transition for those in the sheltered workshops to alternative programs by the end of the year.
· Continue advocating for more and preservation of funding. Arc GLOW is anxious about the unknown domino effect of federal cuts on the state and Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
· Continue to make renovations to agency homes and sites to accommodate the needs of people served.
· Increase staff retention and recruitment.
· Purchase the transportation facility on Apollo Drive in Batavia.
· Increase community awareness in the GLOW region.
The award recipients this year were the following:
Community Services and Self-Direction Person of the Year
Wesley Munt
“Wesley consistently goes out of his way to include others, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for his peers,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Community Services and Self-Direction. “He warmly greets staff with uplifting stories about his day, setting a tone of joy and connection wherever he goes. His positive attitude is infectious, inspiring those around him.”
Munt also attends the Positive Pals Support Group monthly and is an active and enthusiastic participant in Community Services Meet-Up activities.
Self-Advocate of the Year
Julie Johnston
Johnston has been a dedicated member of the self-advocacy community for over eight years, making tremendous contributions not only as a self-advocate but as a leader, mentor and driving force for positive change within Arc GLOW and the community.
“She is deeply involved in our chapter, always volunteering to help with events and advocating for her peers,” said Kellie Kennedy, vice president of Day and Employment Services. “Whether it’s participating in local fairs, supporting our programs, or helping new individuals feel welcomed and empowered, Julie’s presence is impactful and inspiring. She also volunteers for her church and at a local farmers’ market.”
Kennedy said Johnston is constantly stepping in when she sees someone else struggling, and genuinely believes in the power of independence. In April, Johnston traveled to Washington D.C. to share her personal story with elected officials, emphasizing how Medicaid and services provided by the Arc have helped her live a more independent and fulfilling life.
“One of Julie’s most significant accomplishments this year has been her role in helping our chapter work toward SANYS (Self-Advocacy Association of New York State) recognition,” Kennedy said. “She collaborated with her peers and connected with Sue O’Hearn to understand the necessary requirements for our chapter to be eligible for board membership. Thanks to Julie’s dedication and leadership, we launched a plan in early 2025, and I’m proud to share that one of our members is now being considered for the SANYS board.”
Supported Employment Person of the Year
Richard Faery
Faery has been working with Tops Market in Medina since May 2024, where he has demonstrated incredible growth, resilience and commitment. Kennedy said he has worked hard to overcome various barriers and has done an outstanding job maintaining successful community employment.
“In addition to his success at work, Richard has achieved a major milestone in his personal life: he now lives independently in an apartment and maintains a demanding schedule of over 30 work hours per week,” she said. “His progress in both employment and independent living is inspiring and speaks volumes about his determination and work ethic.”
Pre-Vocational Person of the Year
Katrina Pragle
Pragle is a participant of the IGNITE program at SUNY Genesee Community College (GCC), which is a two-year college experience integrating academic learning, life skills and vocational exploration.
“Katrina has shown remarkable personal and creative growth,” Kennedy said. “Her journey is a testament to the power of initiative, imagination, and kindness in building a vibrant and supportive learning community.”
“One shining example of Katrina’s creativity is her development of a fully customized GCC-themed Monopoly game,” Kennedy continued. “She designed the board from the ground up, incorporating campus-specific spaces, play money, tokens, and clever elements such as ‘Campus Security’ and ‘Go to
Jail.’ The game was not only a hit among her classmates but also demonstrated Katrina’s artistic talent and her ability to create something meaningful and fun for her peers.”
Day Habilitation Person of the Year
David Gonzalez
Gonzalez regularly helps his peers and offers encouragement when they’re struggling. Kennedy said he works hard on every project, and invites everyone to join in on the fun.
“You are always eager and willing to help out, and your commitment to personal growth is truly inspiring,” she said. “You continue to improve your daily life skills while enthusiastically learning new ones, showing determination and a strong work ethic.”
Friend of Arc GLOW
Jennifer Waddington, director of the LIVES Program at SUNY Geneseo
Since her appointment as director of the SUNY Geneseo LIVES program in Fall 2022, Waddington has made a lasting and powerful impact on the program, its students and the broader campus community.
“Jennifer brings a deep personal commitment to the LIVES Program, evident in her daily efforts — from writing and refining curriculum, organizing classroom spaces, and supervising graduate assistants, to consistently sharing program successes with administration and community partners,” Kennedy said. “Her leadership style is hands-on, collaborative, and student-centered, always focused on academic, social, and employment outcomes for the individuals the program serves.”
Kennedy said some of Waddington’s many accomplishments for the LIVES program included: leading the creation of a comprehensive electronic guidebook, which includes a disaster preparedness plan and essential program resources; advocating for a third graduate assistant to strengthen instructional and program support; spending the supper revising and updating curriculum to meet diverse student needs, allow flexible adaption based on skill levels, and align with individual goals and outcomes.
Residential Person of the Year
Geoffery Burnett
Since 2022, Burnett made remarkable strides, reaching major milestones on his personal journey. Between tireless effort and the support of his staff and management team, he has worked to connect with the services needed to face, and overcome, life’s challenges.
“It hasn’t always been a smooth path. There were setbacks, moments of doubt, and real obstacles along the way. But Geoffery remained determined to move forward, closer to the person he envisioned himself becoming: someone independent, resilient, and ready to transition from care into his very own home,” said Deb Tuckerman, vice president of Residential Services. “The Geoffery we know today is a powerful testament to perseverance. He hasn’t just grown—he has transformed. His journey reminds us all that with courage, hard work, and support, it’s possible to rise above the past and pursue a brighter, more fulfilling future.”
Some of Burnett’s achievements has included great strides in controlling his anger and reducing anxiety, improving his budgeting and math skills, and employment at Mark’s Pizzeria for over a year.
Direct Support Professional Person of the Year
Dawn Ratigan
Beginning as a direct support professional, Ratigan became a residential manager of the Sanford IRA in 2008. Tuckerman said at the core of Ratigan’s approach is her belief in meeting people where they are at, teaching her staff their role is not to “fix” or change others, but to support growth, learning and fulfillment.
“Dawn Ratigan exemplifies the very best of Arc GLOW. Her leadership is thoughtful, her care is person-centered, her vision is inclusive, and her dedication is unmatched,” she said.
Ratigan also is the 2026 Thomas A. Maul Award recipient, which she will receive Oct. 25 during The Arc New York’s Annual Meeting award luncheon in Albany.
KidStart Employee of the Year
Megan Smith
“Megan is an exceptional teacher and wonderful co-worker whose passion, dedication, and care are evident in everything she does,” said Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children’s Services. “She takes the time to truly get to know each of her students, working with them not only to build on their strengths but also to support their areas of need — ensuring they are prepared, confident, and ready to take on the challenges of Kindergarten.”
Metz said Smith works seamlessly with her classroom teams and supports her co-workers across the agency, and that her personal and professional growth over the years has been nothing short of inspiring.
Employee of the Year
Meredith Lindeman
Lindeman received eight nominations for Employee of the Year, showcasing support of her “humor and bubbly disposition,” “support and appreciation for her employees,” and “commitment to making Turtle Rock IRA the best place for our folks to live and thrive.”
Christa Hartigan, vice president of Human Resources, said since joining Arc GLOW in 2017, Lindeman has devoted herself fully to the mission and the people supported.
“Meredith is one of the most loyal and fierce advocates for the individuals in her care. Her compassion knows no limits. Whether it’s a 2 a.m. hospital trip, celebrating birthdays and holidays with warmth and creativity, or sitting bedside during hospice care, Meredith shows up—fully, lovingly, and without hesitation,” Hartigan said. “Her presence provides comfort not only to the individuals she supports but also to their families and her staff. She is a steady hand during the most difficult moments and a joyful spirit during the happiest.”
Business Partner of the Year
Parkview Health Services
Parkview Health Services and Arc GLOW have been steadfast partners, even before the merger in 2021. Arc GLOW CEO Martin Miskell said Parkview provides comprehensive pharmacy services to all of the residential home sand day programs.
“When challenges arise, whether related to insurance, medication logistics, or the coordination of services, Francesca and her team are quick to respond. Their approach is always collaborative, solutions-focused, and grounded in genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people we support,” Miskell said. “This is shown in their attendance at our registered nurses/medical appointment coordinator meetings and them hosting quarterly roundtable meetings where they address questions and concerns along with providing updates and presentations.”
Volunteer of the Year
Eric Parker
Parker first became involved with Arc GLOW in 2009 after a former board member invited him, recognizing both his professional background in banking and finance and personal connection to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Eric’s passion for advocacy and inclusion stems from deeply personal roots. In the 1980s, he and his family navigated the challenges of finding support and education for his profoundly deaf daughter,” said Cheryl Englert, Arc GLOW Board of Directors past president. “More recently, his niece has benefited from Arc GLOW supports for over 20 years. These lived experiences give Eric a unique and compassionate perspective that he brings to every facet of his work with Arc GLOW.”
Parker also has dedicated countless hours over the past 40 years to community efforts through the Rotary, his church and various volunteer organizations.
There was a special recognition given out to Englert honoring all her years as board president.
Englert started with the agency 46 years ago when her son, Matt, began attending KidStart. It was at that time she joined the Board of Directors, and serving most of her tenure as board president.
“From that point on, her passion for helping others ballooned. She was not inclined to drop Matthew off and head home,” said Parker, who was elected as the new Board of Directors president. “She reached out to other families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and brought them to school, so they could also receive needed services and support.”
The event was DJed by Aiden Gauthier, who participates in Arc GLOW’s LIVES program with SUNY Geneseo. Winners from the All Star Self-Advocacy Talent Show provided entertainment: Nicole Hirtzel started the Conga before dinner, Carl Jennings performed “Eye of the Tiger” and Shawn Bennett sang “The Old Rugged Cross.”
To learn more about Arc GLOW services, support, or employment opportunities, visit their website at ArcGLOW.org