When The Arc of Essex County staff gather to discuss adult day programming, it’s essential to have Kristina Olszewski at the table. Not just because she’s the Director of Traditional Programming in Day Services, but also because, in her earlier role as Assistant Director, she oversaw each of The Arc’s program centers at one time or another.

“I’ve worked with everyone, and I know them all so well,” she says. “When we talk about programming, I can bring that perspective, knowing how each of our consumers will respond to any decisions we make.”

Kristina grew up in Verona and always knew she wanted to go into a field where she could help people. After studying psychology and criminal justice at Caldwell College, she initially worked in the mental health field helping people find jobs. In 2017, she was hired by The Arc of Essex County as Assistant Director of Day Programs, where she oversaw each of the six (at the time) Arc Day Programs at some point or another. “The support I received from my direct supervisor was very different from anything I had experienced before,” she says. “I immediately felt comfortable and was able to learn quickly because of that support.”

In January 2023, when Day Programs were split into “Traditional Programming” and “Creative Programming,” Kristina was promoted to her current position, where she manages the traditional side of the Bridges, Opportunity Zone, SYA, and West Caldwell Hub Day Programs.

In her eight years with The Arc, Kristina has seen a lot of changes and adjustments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Arc really made an effort to keep everyone employed, and we all we all did a lot of work together to support consumers who were at home and looking for engagement,” she says. Partnering with Residential Services, Kristina and The Arc team would create activities and send them home with consumers, such as cooking and arts and crafts. “We did a lot of virtual programming and were just trying to keep everyone engaged and involved as much as we could.”

That collaboration continues today in different ways. Kristina works alongside Director of Creative Programming Angela LoSapio to coordinate Studio Arc and other innovative and inspired activities for Day Program consumers. She also works closely with the Residential Services team, as so many Day Program participants are also residents in Arc group homes.

Kristina loves that, although her position is based in the main office, she gets plenty of time to be out at the programs. She enjoys watching participants make progress in their independent skills, and she always considers the annual Holiday Express party to be a highlight. “That day is magical, just pure happiness for everyone,” she says.

Although Kristina spends plenty of time helping day program participants with their activities, she says they  have often helped her right back. “It’s always struck me that when the consumers can tell you’re not having the best day, they will ask you about how you’re doing, and they will make your day better,” she says. “They take the time to care about you just as you care about them. So really, when you’re with them, there’s just no way to have a bad day.”