At the recently held NYSARC, Inc. 59^th Annual Convention, The Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award was given to four individuals in each of the NYSARC, Inc. regions.

The Direct Support Professional Excellence Award offers NYSARC, Inc. Chapters the opportunity to recognize a direct support professional in their region who has demonstrated an exemplary level of performance over the course of his or her employment and has consistently displayed a commitment to improving the quality of life for people who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Each recipient receives a plaque and $2500.00.

The Southeast Region Recipient is Cherry Charlton from the Westchester County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc. and has worked for the Chapter for over 19 years.

The Northeast Region Recipient is Shauna Crossman from the Essex County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc. and has worked for the Chapter for 9 years.

The Central Region Recipient is Bettsey Godfrey from the Oneida-Lewis Counties Chapter, NYSARC, Inc. and has worked for the Chapter for over 25 years.

The Western Region Recipient is Reneé Potter from the Genesee County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc. and has been working at the Chapter since 1994.

The award has been given to direct support professionals since 2007.