Wesley Munt<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWesley consistently goes out of his way to include others, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for his peers,\u201d said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Community Services and Self-Direction. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Munt also attends the Positive Pals Support Group monthly and is an active and enthusiastic participant in Community Services Meet-Up activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-Advocate of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Julie Johnston<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe is deeply involved in our chapter, always volunteering to help with events and advocating for her peers,\u201d said Kellie Kennedy, vice president of Day and Employment Services. \u201cWhether 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\u2019 market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne 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,\u201d Kennedy said. \u201cShe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supported Employment Person of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Richard Faery<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn 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,\u201d she said. \u201cHis progress in both employment and independent living is inspiring and speaks volumes about his determination and work ethic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pre-Vocational Person of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Katrina Pragle<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKatrina has shown remarkable personal and creative growth,\u201d Kennedy said. \u201cHer journey is a testament to the power of initiative, imagination, and kindness in building a vibrant and supportive learning community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne shining example of Katrina\u2019s creativity is her development of a fully customized GCC-themed Monopoly game,\u201d Kennedy continued. \u201cShe designed the board from the ground up, incorporating campus-specific spaces, play money, tokens, and clever elements such as \u2018Campus Security\u2019 and \u2018Go to<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jail.\u2019 The game was not only a hit among her classmates but also demonstrated Katrina\u2019s artistic talent and her ability to create something meaningful and fun for her peers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day Habilitation Person of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n David Gonzalez<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gonzalez regularly helps his peers and offers encouragement when they\u2019re struggling. Kennedy said he works hard on every project, and invites everyone to join in on the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou are always eager and willing to help out, and your commitment to personal growth is truly inspiring,\u201d she said. \u201cYou continue to improve your daily life skills while enthusiastically learning new ones, showing determination and a strong work ethic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friend of Arc GLOW<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jennifer Waddington, director of the LIVES Program at SUNY Geneseo<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJennifer brings a deep personal commitment to the LIVES Program, evident in her daily efforts \u2014 from writing and refining curriculum, organizing classroom spaces, and supervising graduate assistants, to consistently sharing program successes with administration and community partners,\u201d Kennedy said. \u201cHer leadership style is hands-on, collaborative, and student-centered, always focused on academic, social, and employment outcomes for the individuals the program serves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kennedy said some of Waddington\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Residential Person of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Geoffery Burnett<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt hasn\u2019t 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,\u201d said Deb Tuckerman, vice president of Residential Services. \u201cThe Geoffery we know today is a powerful testament to perseverance. He hasn\u2019t just grown\u2014he 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of Burnett\u2019s achievements has included great strides in controlling his anger and reducing anxiety, improving his budgeting and math skills, and employment at Mark\u2019s Pizzeria for over a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct Support Professional Person of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dawn Ratigan<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginning as a direct support professional, Ratigan became a residential manager of the Sanford IRA in 2008. Tuckerman said at the core of Ratigan\u2019s approach is her belief in meeting people where they are at, teaching her staff their role is not to \u201cfix\u201d or change others, but to support growth, learning and fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDawn 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ratigan also is the 2026 Thomas A. Maul Award recipient, which she will receive Oct. 25 during The Arc New York\u2019s Annual Meeting award luncheon in Albany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KidStart Employee of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Megan Smith<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMegan is an exceptional teacher and wonderful co-worker whose passion, dedication, and care are evident in everything she does,\u201d said Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children\u2019s Services. \u201cShe 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 \u2014 ensuring they are prepared, confident, and ready to take on the challenges of Kindergarten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employee of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meredith Lindeman<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindeman received eight nominations for Employee of the Year, showcasing support of her \u201chumor and bubbly disposition,\u201d \u201csupport and appreciation for her employees,\u201d and \u201ccommitment to making Turtle Rock IRA the best place for our folks to live and thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMeredith is one of the most loyal and fierce advocates for the individuals in her care. Her compassion knows no limits. Whether it\u2019s a 2 a.m. hospital trip, celebrating birthdays and holidays with warmth and creativity, or sitting bedside during hospice care, Meredith shows up\u2014fully, lovingly, and without hesitation,\u201d Hartigan said. \u201cHer 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Business Partner of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Parkview Health Services<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen 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,\u201d Miskell said. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eric Parker<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEric\u2019s 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,\u201d said Cheryl Englert, Arc GLOW Board of Directors past president. \u201cMore 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parker also has dedicated countless hours over the past 40 years to community efforts through the Rotary, his church and various volunteer organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was a special recognition given out to Englert honoring all her years as board president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom that point on, her passion for helping others ballooned. She was not inclined to drop Matthew off and head home,\u201d said Parker, who was elected as the new Board of Directors president. \u201cShe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event was DJed by Aiden Gauthier, who participates in Arc GLOW\u2019s 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 \u201cEye of the Tiger\u201d and Shawn Bennett sang \u201cThe Old Rugged Cross.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about Arc GLOW services, support, or employment opportunities, visit their website at ArcGLOW.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Press release\/provided photos BATAVIA \u2014 Over 300 people attended Arc GLOW\u2019s 3rd Annual Award Dinner and Meeting Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. Local representatives attending Arc GLOW\u2019s 3rd Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting included Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey. Also attending were Gregg Torey representing \u2026<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Richard-Faery.jpg?resize=900%2C600&ssl=1\")
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