Posted 7/18/2025
The Staff Development team is proud to lead the NADSP 1 (National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals) and Front-Line Supervisor certification initiative, and glad to see staff members gaining certifications. Many of our team members have become NADSP frontline supervisor accredited education trainers which allows us to provide this comprehensive training within our Merakey programs. The team continues to strive to increase the number of DSPs, Program Leads, and Program Managers, to complete this nationally recognized accreditation.
Teamwork makes the dream work!
This week, the team is shining a spotlight on Program Manager, Robert Reger,
PA Certified Investigator and NTG/NADSP Certified Dementia Capable Specialist. Robert recently completed the NADSP Front Line Supervisor Certification, and he wanted to share his positive experience:
When I signed up for the class, I was not sure what it was going to entail. I was excited to find out more and was hoping I would learn something new. Looking back now, that is an understatement.
During the six classes I learned a lot about myself as a manager, and participating in the classes during the breakouts brought me out of my comfort zone. Talking with other members of management throughout Merakey, I had the opportunity to learn how we all have different styles of how we manage our staff. It opened my eyes to different views people had. I learned a lot about myself by working on the badges, and I learned how I can improve on being a leader for my team. I got some constructive criticism too, and that really helped me take a step back and think about a different approach to things.
This series of classes is very beneficial for every manager to take; it will open your eyes and help you to learn how your job ties into the core values of Merakey.
Congratulations on your achievement, Robert!