The Arc of Essex County is bringing celebration to the workplace with the launch of its new Arc Hero program, a quarterly recognition initiative designed to spotlight staff who go above and beyond in service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rooted in The Arc’s core values of collaboration, commitment, excellence, generosity, and respect, the program invites employees across the organization to nominate peers who embody the mission in meaningful, everyday ways.

For the first round of honorees, recognition came in unforgettable fashion. In true “Publishers Clearing House” style, The Arc leadership arrived unannounced at program sites, filling the space with the sounds of Celebration while delivering balloons or flowers, an Arc Hero t-shirt, a certificate, a gift card, and words of appreciation from CEO Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen. At each location, coworkers and Arc program participants gathered to deliver congratulatory high-fives, cheers, and hugs to the winners.

The Arc Heroes for the first quarter of 2026 represent a powerful cross-section of The Arc’s mission in action:

• Kevin Brieva (Administrative Coordinator) was recognized for commitment, collaboration, and excellence in the way he reliably steps up whenever he is needed, always with a positivity and professionalism.
• Janeen Burke (Stepping Stones School teacher) exemplified collaboration, stepping in to cover classes and ensure students have everything they need, being the ultimate team player over the last several months.
• Aliah Garvin (Residential Direct Support Professional) was recognized for her excellence as a DSP, consistently taking pride in her work and going above and beyond for the residents at the Bloomfield Group Home.
• Kena Loyal (Recreation and Respite Direct Support Professional) was honored for her deep commitment, bringing years of experience and unwavering dedication to those in her care as well as mentorship to fellow staff members.
• Shahidah Mumin (Day Program Direct Support Professional) demonstrated respect and excellence when she calmly but firmly helped avoid a behavioral incident by kindly maintaining eye contact, using an even tone of voice, and allowing space as a West Caldwell Hub Day Program participant was working through a challenging moment.
• Colin Spence (Maintenance Supervisor) was celebrated for his excellence behind the scenes, demonstrating dedication to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for residents by repairing an inoperative HVAC system in the middle of the night during a winter snowstorm, and continuing to check on Arc properties throughout the storm, ensuring the safety of the people in Arc care as well as staff members.

Each of these honorees reflects exceptional dedication, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond in service to others. Their stories share a common thread of care, connection, and impact that strengthens The Arc community every day.

As the excitement from this inaugural round continues, nominations are already open for the next quarter. Staff are encouraged to recognize a colleague whose work inspires them by exemplifying one or more of The Arc’s core values.

Arc Hero nominees during the first quarter of 2026 included:

LaBria Bates
Anna Brown
Carmen Edgehill
Kelly Ermolowich
Grace Eulelee
Sara Fermo
Sasha Gluzberg
Sharline Griffin
Shaniquah Harris
Mary Harris
Kathy Hart
Michael Jimenez
Pauline Kariuki
Morgan Lippmann
Debra McGauley-Eichhorn
Jasmin Medina
Dina Meixner
Regine Melle
Robin Moses
Darryle Napoleon
Sashoy Pryce
Dorea Ramey
Mearonda Robinson
Shawn Santos
Jamella Scott
Martine Tanis
Ivory Whitaker
Ashley Williams
Kiarah Winn