Posted 2/6/2026
We’re shining a spotlight on Merakey team members who have taken on new challenges to improve their skill sets and widen their knowledge through NADSP certifications. NADSP (The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals) works to strengthen DSPs (direct support professionals) by raising practice standards, driving system improvements, and providing training, professional development, and accreditation.
As of this month, 89 Merakey colleagues have completed the DSP Certification, and 21 have completed the Front-Line Supervisor certification.
“Congratulations to our colleagues who have earned their NADSP certifications,” said Senior VP of IDD Lynn Kovich. “Your commitment to growing your skills and strengthening our services is truly commendable, and we are grateful for the excellence you bring to Merakey every day.”
NADSP DSP Certifications:
Shana Abdusalam | Brianna Dewitt | Bethany Henderson | Djennie Pierre |
Folashade Amao | Desiree Donovan | Hector Hilton | Alison Quigg |
Kaitlyn Baker | Esther Ekwale | Michele Hoang | Natalie Quill-Hopson |
Royale Barnett | James Elerby | Faylynn Kassander | Sheryl Rain-Offer |
Brittany Beck | Tara Ellex | Mackenzie Kohr | Alicia Rohland |
Katrina Boggs | Nina Ellis-Henry | Aminata Koroma | Lexter Ronquillo |
Breona Brown | Carolyn Emanuel | Ashley Lopez | Syreeta Rucker |
Jeri Campbell | Lori Erdman | Heather Lubert | Pamela Salensky |
Khyria Camps | Dettra Finn | Stephanie Lyons | Regina Santeufemio |
Mary Cavender | Wendy Fobes | Chianti Madison | Joseph Seepoe |
Sierra Christmas | Nikkita Frierson | Teri Mcconnell | Sarah Sherman |
Kaitlyn Cinclair | Shameca Fuller | Jenna Miles | Patricia Shoup |
Jessicarose Cook | Akanke Garrett | Binki Mitchell | Haley Shuhayda |
Gretchen Crowe | Matthew Goteh | Jane Mwangi | Tatiana Simmons |
Yvonne Cuthbert | Tracey Grant | Taylor Myer | Elsie Sloboh |
Gregory Daub | Aliana Hahs | Oladimeji Olasoji | Danielle Smith |
Debra Degenring | Jason Hairston | Charlotte Orgis | Babatunde Sobola |
Carmen DeJesus | Tristin Harris | Reginald Payne | Josh Sulham |
Mohamed Tarawally | Keanna Thompson | Kimberly Thompson | Donna Vella |
Katie Vogel | Carla Waites | Carol Wanga | Sabrina Webb |
Tamika Wheeler | Bedelia Williams | Charlotte Williams | Paris Williams |
Samye Williams | Velora Williams | Robert Wilson | Alecia Wolf |
Selena Young |
NADSP Front-Line Supervisor Certifications:
Belinda Baldwin-Freeman | Andreea Denny | Debra Martin | Melissa Ruby |
Jennifer Bender | Cindy Ealy | Jean McGinley | Angela Thomas |
Evalet Charles | Ryan Hovis | Belinda Palmer | Dawn Trawick |
Joyce Cook | Vanessa Jeffcoat | Rebecca Kazimer | Oshun Tumaini |
India Culmer | Rebecca Kazimer | Robert Reger | Nathan Walusimbi |
White, Susan | Zimmerman, Dane |
Here’s what Merakey team members have said about their experience with the certification process:
"I really enjoyed getting my certification through the E-badge Academy. I realized that I was able to learn more about my job and how to take care of the clients.”
- Debra Degenring
"I was very excited at the opportunity to complete the NADSP DSP I Certification. When I started the process, I thought it was going to be very hard for me to complete, but as I earned each badge, it helped me reflect on how many individuals and staff I help and advocate for every day. I recently became a Program Lead and saw it as an opportunity to set an example for my staff, as well as an opportunity to model the NADSP Code of Ethics as a new supervisor. I look forward to earning my DSP II Certification when I am able. This certification makes me proud to tell people that I work for Merakey because we are truly doing what is best for the whole organization.”
- Aliana Hahs
“Participating in the program helped me to gain a deeper personal understanding and reflection as a Direct Care Specialist, as we are the primary support system in the daily lives of the individuals that we serve.”
- Mary Cavender
IDD Philadelphia proudly recognized their 2025 NADSP Certified Direct Support Professionals and Front-Line Supervisors with a celebratory luncheon and Merakey swag. This recognition highlights their dedication to professional excellence and their continued commitment to providing high quality, person-centered supports. We are grateful for their hard work, passion, and the positive impact they make each day within the Merakey Community.
Staff who are interested in obtaining certification, may contact IDD leadership to learn more about this exciting program.
