Recognizing Excellence: Celebrating the Frontline Staff

At The Arc Mercer, our mission to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is driven by the strength, compassion, and dedication of our staff. Whether through daily care, behind-the-scenes advocacy, or uplifting their peers, our employees are the heart of everything we do. That’s why we proudly recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions through our Employee of the Month and Team Impact Award programs.

Honoring Those Who Go Above and Beyond

Each month, The Arc Mercer selects an Employee of the Month to highlight team members who embody the agency’s values of compassion, respect, and excellence. These individuals are nominated by peers and supervisors for their exceptional service and heartfelt commitment to the people we support.

Ashlie Tuccillo, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the Senior Day Program, was recognized for her dedication to our senior participants. Nominated by a colleague from our Healthcare Center, Ashlie’s joyful presence and tireless work—organizing trips, preparing meals, and offering emotional support—create a nurturing environment where both seniors and staff thrive. Her humility and kindness set a powerful example of quiet leadership and care.

Matu Gobah, a DSP in the Special Needs Day Program, is known for her positivity and steady presence, Matu brings light and love into every interaction. Nominated by Brooke Baker, Arc Mercer 2024’s Employee of the Year, Matu was praised for her compassion, resilience, and the strong relationships she builds with those she supports. “She gives 100% every day,” Brooke shared, “and the work she does never goes unnoticed.”

Each Employee of the Month receives a framed certificate, a $250 gift card, and an exclusive lapel pin. More importantly, they become candidates for our Employee of the Year Award, a prestigious honor presented at our Annual Gala, where the winner receives a $1,000 prize and a commemorative trophy.

Teamwork that Transforms

While individual excellence is essential, team impact is equally vital to our mission. The Dawn Carmosino Team Impact Award recognizes staff who go beyond the call of duty to elevate their coworkers and improve conditions for all. This quarter’s award went to Dority Bernard, BDSP at Avalon Apartments, for her extraordinary advocacy in expanding access to top-tier retirement benefits for her fellow mission-critical employees.

Acting on her own initiative and outside of work hours, Dority rallied her peers, led conversations, and advocated for inclusion in an upgraded 401(k) plan—an effort that has now benefitted many staff members across the agency. Her determination and courage set a new standard for employee-led change and embody the spirit of the Team Impact Award. As a quarterly winner, she will be a finalist for the Team Impact of the Year Award at this year’s Gala.

A Culture of Appreciation

These recognitions are more than just accolades—they reflect a deeper truth about The Arc Mercer: Our people make our mission possible. From DSPs on the front lines to advocates working behind the scenes, our staff create environments of care, safety, inclusion, and dignity every single day. We are proud to honor their work and share their stories with the broader community.

To our stakeholders, families, and community partners: thank you for supporting an agency that puts people first—not only those we serve, but also those who serve. Together, we celebrate a culture where excellence is acknowledged, kindness is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shine.

Congratulations to Ashlie, Matu, and Dority—and to all of our dedicated staff—for making The Arc Mercer a place of true impact.