DSP Talk

Marilee Boylan is an occupational therapist with a background in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She has extensive experience in job development and coaching, helping individuals with IDD find meaningful employment opportunities. Marilee is passionate about creating job matches that utilize the strengths and skills of individuals with disabilities, an...

Dan Hermreck is the Director of Certification and Accreditation for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). He has a background in math education and initially worked as a teacher before transitioning to adult education. Dan got involved with direct support work by accident when he took on a training coordinator position at a local ARC chapter. He became familiar with NADSP...

Lindsay Anne Murry is a long-time employee of AHRC NYC, with 19 years of experience in the organization. Lindsay has held various positions within AHRC NYC, including assistant manager, human rights committee coordinator, staff trainer, executive assistant, and program manager for special initiatives. Monique Robinson has been with AHCR NYC for a little over a year. She started as a direct support...

BJ Stasio is an advocate and activist based in Buffalo, New York. He is passionate about advocating for disability rights and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. BJ relies on personal care attendants and self-direction support staff to support him in his daily activities and advocacy work. He is dedicated to giving back to the community and believes in the power of storytelling t...

Ed Bartz is a 61-year-old man living successfully with cerebral palsy. He has strived to live independently and has been a strong advocate for self-direction programs. Ed uses an augmentative communication device to convey his thoughts and feelings, and he is known for his social nature and sense of humor. He hires direct support professionals (DSPs) to assist him with personal care and live the q...

Valerie Largent is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Team Leader from the ARC of Monroe County. With over 12 years of experience in the field, Valerie is dedicated to assisting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in obtaining the necessary skills to obtain employment. She is passionate about empowering individuals, promoting inclusion in the community, and integrating peo...

Danielle Neff is a Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP) at a provider organization in Long Island, New York. Danielle supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about helping these individuals achieve their goals and live independent lives. Danielle's career in the field of disability support started as just a job, but it quickly became her calling...

Peter Leonard is the father of Kevin Leonard, who receives support and services from New Horizons Resources, a provider organization in Hudson Valley, New York. He appreciates the direct support professionals who have made a positive impact on Kevin's life and continue to help him blossom. In this episode of DSP Talk, host Gina Scarpa interviews Peter Leonard, the father of a son with developmenta...

Joseph Macbeth is the President and CEO for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). He has been working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1983. Macbeth is recognized as an international leader in the advocacy movement to recognize direct support work as a profession. In 2022, he was awarded the Service to the Field Award from the American Ass...

Welcome to DSP Talk, the podcast that's exploring the complex world of disability support. Join us as we speak to direct support professionals, people receiving services and support, family members, and other field experts, as they delve into the diverse and dynamic world of disability support, navigating the challenges, sharing uplifting stories, and shedding light on the impactful human experien...