Ashley Kuell promoted to Senior Recruiter of Human Resources at People Inc.

Ashley Kuell of Silver Creek, NY has been promoted to Senior Recruiter of the Human Resource Department at People Inc.  Ashley has been employed at People Inc. since 2006.  In the 6 plus years she has held positions of IRA Specialist, Recruiter, EE Relations and Safety Analyst. She has her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia and is currently working on her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) as well as Human Resources Management Certification at Empire State College. Ashley is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Ashley credits her achievements to be closely aligned to a great upbringing at home. She also credits her dedication and commitment to education that gives her the ability to act independently, and strive to achieve her goals. She learned a lot growing up in a home that’s upbringing stressed; “that hard work and not giving up will get you far.” stated Ashley. She remembers that she was referred by someone at People Inc., and started part-time in one of the group homes.  She says, “People Inc. presents opportunities for teamwork; and a working environment with respect, opportunities to learn, and grow with a general sense of commitment by all to support the positive and caring culture at People Inc.” She has continued to let many of the candidates that interview for employment have an understanding that People Inc. is a great place to work and grow. Ashley says, “With great training and staff development, you can go pretty far if you work hard!” According to Trisha Duke, PHR, Director of Human Resources at People Inc.,” Ashley’s background and education has provided her with the expertise and skills needed to lead People Inc.’s staffing team. Her direct care experience has given her first-hand the invaluable knowledge needed to recruit quality candidates who will provide exceptional care to the individuals our agency serves. We are pleased that Ashley has chosen to grow and develop her career at People Inc.

Local Resident, DeWan Stroud promoted to Career Development Manager at People Inc.

DeWan Stroud of Cheektowaga, NY has been promoted to Career Development Manager at People Inc. DeWan has been an employee of People Inc. since 2009, and will celebrate four years in September. DeWan learned about People Inc. from a friend who worked at People Inc., and stated, “Finding out that I had gotten the position was very exciting…and of course with my recent promotion it is just wonderful!” Throughout his time at People Inc. DeWan has held positions as a HR Analyst and EE Development Analyst. He has his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a Specialization in Human Resources at Daemen College.   DeWan’s new position will involve supervising and managing programs to facilitate employee career development, supervising projects for Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and career development, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. When asked what makes the job so special DeWan said, “This was and is an amazing place that kick started my career!”   DeWan wants people to know that health and human relations at People Inc. can offer so much and so many opportunities. He said, “If you are just beginning a career, People Inc. is an incredible place to start, and if you started here it is a great place to grow and advance with hard work.” According to Trisha Duke, Director of Human Relations,” DeWan has an exceptional work ethic and is always eager to take on new responsibilities. It is great to see him accomplish his career goals as he assists employees with achieving theirs. DeWan is truly committed to providing People Inc. employees with the necessary tools to succeed in their roles.”      

Local resident, Crystal Ohnmeiss promoted to Senior Program Manager at People Inc.

Crystal Ohnmeiss of Buffalo has been promoted to Senior Program Manager at People Inc. Crystal has been employed at People Inc. since 2006. In seven years she has held positions of IRA Specialist, Fine Arts Instructor of Dance, Teaching Artist-Visual Arts, and Program Manager. She is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology. Crystal’s new position as Senior Program Manager will involve supervising the staff, managing program instruction, attending program meetings, acclimating new staff, seeking volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. Crystal enjoys the opportunity for shared growth, but the most rewarding is an individual’s own personal growth. According to Crystal, “my job at People Inc. was predestined when my mom taught a special education class.” She recalls volunteering in her mom’s class in her spare time. “I even recruited my friends and liked to help build friendships amongst all of my peers in the school to foster mutual respect and acceptance.” she said.   Denise Litz, Program Director at People Inc. said, “Crystal’s a hard worker that takes the initiative, is creative, service minded, and as a manager is committed to help others achieve their greatest degree of individualized success.”

Local resident, Elysa Maurer promoted to Senior Program Manager at People Inc.

Elysa Maurer of Lockport has been promoted to Senior Program Manager at People Inc. Elysa has been employed at People Inc. since 2009. In four years she has held positions of ICF Specialist, Cook, Team Leader, and Primary Program Instructor/Family Care Home Liaison. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Human Services. Elysa’s new position as Senior Program Manager will involve supervising the staff, managing direct-care instruction at four hourly afternoon respites, Activities Daily Living (ADL) implementation, acclimating new staff, medication administrations, seeking volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. Elysa is motivated by the mission of People Inc., and sees Respite as a wonderful provision for individuals, and a break for families. She said, “I have been humbled working here, because I get to meet so many people that have different cultures, beliefs, personalities, experiences…it made me step back and see the whole picture when it comes to society.” Elysa is inspired by the people she works with daily. “The individuals we serve families, co-horts, colleagues, senior management, and especially the kids I work with are so amazing!” she said.   Andrew Hall, Assistant Program Director at People Inc. said, “Elysa is a very hard worker who goes above and beyond to ensure all individuals’ needs are met. Elysa is also diligent in making sure that all individuals are enjoying their time at the respite programs by either participating in fun in-house activities or community based outings.”   

Nicole Galley Promoted to Recruitment and Hiring Administrator

Nicole Galley has been promoted to Recruitment and Hiring Administrator in People Inc.’s Human Resources Department. Nicole is responsible for the hiring and recruitment at People Inc. Her extensive background in Residential, Business, Benefits, and HR analysis enable her to manage day to day hiring practices and procedures at Western New York’s Leading Not for Profit Health and Human Service provider. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance. She also holds a certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). People Inc. was awarded the Golden Buffalo Award from Buffalo Niagara Human Resource Association (BNHRA). The Golden Buffalo is awarded to a company that demonstrates the importance and positive impact strong human resource practices can have within an organization. This award recognizes the highest achievements in practices that Advance the Human Resource Profession in Western New York. People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations with over 2,000 employees. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Local resident, Soyenia Gibson promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Soyenia Gibson of Buffalo has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Soyenia has been employed at People Inc. since 2000. She will celebrate 13 years in July, and has held positions of Part-time Instructor, Full-time Instructor, Treatment Coordinator, and Primary Instructor. She is a graduate of Buffalo State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness. Soyenia’s new position as Program Manager will involve supervising the staff, managing program instruction, attending program meetings, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. Soyenia enjoys the opportunity to share personal growth herself, but the most rewarding is the shared experience through the engagement with all the individuals the program serves. According to Soyenia, “my job at People Inc. is so rewarding every day!” She recalls being in a class at Buffalo State, and hearing a guest speaker in the class speak about People Inc. “I went and applied as soon as I could…and here I am. Not long after I started I became so engaged with an individual one-to-one and helping them get acclimated to the group…his success finding a place, in turn proved that this was the place for me,” she said.   Quintella Cottrell, Program Administrator at People Inc. said, “Soyenia’s a hard worker that takes the initiative, is creative, service minded, and as a manager is committed to help others achieve their greatest degree of individualized success.”   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human service with over 2,000 employees. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Susan Bayerl, Associate Vice President at People Inc. becomes Board Chair of NYS Association of Health Care Providers

Susan Bayerl of Cheektowaga has become the newest Chairperson for the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP). The New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc. (HCP) is a trade association representing approximately 400 offices of Licensed Home Care Service Agencies, Certified Home Health Agencies, Long Term Home Health Care Programs, Hospices and health related organizations (HROs) across New York State.   She has been a part of the HCP board for the last thirteen years and, has served two terms as the WNY chapter president, and the Board Treasurer as well as two terms as the Executive Vice Chair. Per Mrs. Bayerl, “The Home Health Care Industry continues to face challenges in an ever changing healthcare environment while ensuring that at risk individuals receive the healthcare support necessary to keep them at home and healthy. HCP is an invaluable resource providing the support and information necessary to ensure providers succeed in this endeavor.”   Susan was recently promoted to Associate Vice President at People Inc. She is responsible for operation of People Inc.’s Home Health Care Department. This includes Certified Home Health Care, Licensed Home Health Care, Early Intervention, as well as People Inc.’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.   Susan believes in the importance of keeping individuals in their home surrounded by family and friends to promote healing and well being. People Inc.’s willingness to explore innovative new programs and ideas along with their commitment to quality services is why Susan has remained a part of the People Inc. family for the past twenty five years.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations with over 2,000 employees. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Professor Korydon Smith - Southern Accents: Disability, Housing, and Identity in the Rural South (and North)

Friday, February 22nd 4‐6pm At the Museum of disABILITY History 3826 Main Street *This event is free and open to the public*   This discussion brings together two facets of disability studies: (1) identity development theory and (2) the role of the built environment as an agent of empowerment/disempowerment. The discussion is set in the rural south, a place of dualities. The “South” is both a fact of history and an imagined myth. It is often romanticized in literature and mocked in popular media. It is a region that is easily stereotyped and yet remains understudied. Exploring housing in the South reveals the complex and often interlocking meanings of race, poverty, and disability in the modern United States, and illustrates the reciprocal relationships between social identity and the built environment. Korydon Smith is associate professor in the School of Architecture + Planning at the University at Buffalo, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate architecture courses, and conducts research with the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. Dr. Smith’s primary research investigates the relationship between design and social justice, while a second line of scholarship investigates alternative models of design education. Smith is the lead author of Just Below the Line: Disability, Housing, and Equity in the South (University of Arkansas Press, 2010), co-editor of the Universal Design Handbook, 2nd Ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2010), and editor of Introducing Architectural Theory: Debating a Discipline (Routledge, 2012). From 2001 to 2012, Smith was a faculty member at the University of Arkansas, where he received the Department of Architecture’s Outstanding Teacher Award four times, the School of Architecture Outstanding Academic Advisor Award, and the Honors College Distinguished Faculty Award. Smith holds an Ed.D. in higher education For more information regarding the Museum of disABILITY History, please see their website at museumofdisability.org .

Local resident, Kathleen Pistner promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Kathleen Pistner of Amherst has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Kathleen has been employed at People Inc. since 2008. In the five years, she has held positions of IRA Specialist, Team Leader, and a Documentation/Art Specialist. She is a graduate of Canisius College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Fine Art. Kathleen’s new position as Program Manager will involve supervising the Community Active People Program (CAPP); managing billing, attending Individual Service Planning (ISP) meetings, supervising staff, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations with over 2,000 employees. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.