During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on several of the Care Champions who make a difference every day at Incompass. While each of their stories is unique, they share a common commitment to supporting the individuals we serve with compassion, dedication, advocacy, and respect.
From building meaningful connections and encouraging independence to advocating for new opportunities and creating safe, supportive environments, these DSPs demonstrate the many ways direct support makes an impact. We’re proud to recognize Ronny, Tom, Anne, Lucy, and Madline for the heart and dedication they bring to their work each day.
Take a look at their spotlights below and join us in celebrating these outstanding Care Champions!
Ronny Banegas
Ronny may be newer to our Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS) team, but he has already made a great impact! He has a natural ability to connect with the individuals we support, bringing a calm, positive approach to his work each day.
Using his strong Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) skills, Ronny has a way of helping navigate challenging moments and bring situations back to a positive place — often simply through his words and the connection he has built with the individuals he supports.
Ronny also brings a friendly, easygoing energy that makes both the individuals we support and his fellow Care Champions feel comfortable and supported.
When asked how he does it so well, Ronny says it’s all about the “vibe” he gives off — and we have to agree!
Thank you, Ronny, for the positive energy, compassion, and connection you bring to CBDS. Keep bringing those good vibes!
Tom Baca
If you know TREE, you know Tom!
For the past seven years, Tom has been an incredible part of the TREE team at Incompass — but his connection to many of the individuals we support goes back even further, having previously worked with them in transportation.
Tom brings contagious energy to everything he does. He is constantly advocating for the individuals he supports, whether he’s seeking out new employment opportunities, planning unique community experiences, or encouraging someone to try something new and build confidence.
And that energy extends to his team. Tom is always willing to share ideas, offer encouragement, support a coworker, or jump in wherever he’s needed. He’s an advocate, a motivator, a teammate, and someone who makes the program better simply by being part of it.
Simply put, Tom is THE MAN!
Thank you, Tom, for the energy, dedication, and enthusiasm you bring to TREE and the individuals we support. We’re incredibly grateful to have you as one of our Care Champions!
Anne Macharia
Anne works at our Pondview residential home, where she is recognized for her exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to the individuals she supports. She approaches her work with genuine care, patience, dignity, and respect, always keeping each individual at the center of the support she provides.
For Anne, being a DSP goes beyond meeting someone’s daily needs. She takes the time to build trust, listen to each individual’s voice, honor their choices, and create an environment where they feel safe, valued, and respected.
Through her kindness and dedication, Anne demonstrates what person-centered support looks like every day. Her willingness to go above and beyond and the meaningful relationships she builds have a positive and lasting impact on the individuals she serves.
Thank you, Anne, for the heart you bring to your work, your commitment to those you support, and the difference you make each day!
Lucy Maina
Lucy is a Direct Support Professional at our first Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) home, where she is recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and strong advocacy for the individuals she supports.
Lucy takes great pride in ensuring each individual’s daily needs are met with dignity, compassion, and respect. From supporting Activities of Daily Living to maintaining thorough and meaningful documentation, her attention to detail helps promote the health, independence, and overall well-being of those in her care.
She also goes above and beyond when it comes to safety. Although she is not the program’s medication officer, Lucy routinely pays close attention to medication records and documentation, helping ensure accuracy and consistency. Her commitment to quality and safety aligns perfectly with another exciting goal — Lucy is currently pursuing a career in nursing!
Above all, Lucy is a strong advocate for the individuals she supports. She takes ownership of the quality of care she provides and consistently looks for ways to make a positive difference.
Thank you, Lucy, for your dedication, reliability, and commitment to ensuring the individuals you serve receive the support, dignity, and respect they deserve!
Madline Kamani
Madline works at our Medically Complex Respite House, where she is recognized for her outstanding commitment to the individuals we serve and the care she provides to meet their needs. As a Safety Officer, she also plays an important role in creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Her dedication helped bring an exciting idea to life. Madline was instrumental in getting our therapeutic garden initiative started, creating a space where individuals can enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature, and engage in meaningful activities.
Whether stepping in to cover a shift on short notice or finding new ways to support the people around her, Madline consistently shows up for her team and the individuals we serve.
Thank you, Madline, for your dedication, dependability, and the positive impact you make each day!
Incompass Human Services was born out of the disability rights movement, rooted in the fundamental belief that disability rights are human rights. And 70 years later we have never wavered from that mission. We know that many in our community are feeling anxiety and uncertainty right now, and I want you to know that we hear you. If you receive services, if you support people in our programs, if your loved one relies on Incompass—whatever your connection—there is room for you in our tent. You are valued, you are supported, and you belong here.
Every day, our Care Champions come together with a shared purpose to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries to live their best lives. That commitment is not just a guiding principle—it is who we are. And I am so privileged to lead an agency with such an authentic culture. Whether someone is medically fragile, behaviorally challenged, autistic, or facing other significant life challenges, they deserve the chance to have a purpose and a place in this world. And we’re here to help them find it – that is our “north star.”
But honestly one of the things I am most proud of is the rich diversity of our community. Our Care Champions come from all backgrounds and bring their authentic selves to this work, united by a shared dedication to the people we support. In fact, one of our strategic plan goals is rooted in cultural competency and the JEDI model. We believe in fostering an inclusive culture where every voice matters, and that belief will not change. After all, the work we do here is built on seventy years of compassion, advocacy, and respect for each other.
As a Board member for The Arc at both the state and national level, I am advocating for our community alongside leaders across the country. Incompass is proud to be a chapter of The Arc, and we stand with our fellow advocates to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected. We are not alone in this mission, and we will continue to move forward with our vision —because the people we support deserve nothing less.
While I cannot predict what the future holds, I can say this with certainty: our commitment to the Incompass mission and our Care Champion culture will never waver. It is the foundation of who we are, and it is what will carry us forward—one step at a time.
Incompass Human Services is thrilled to announce that Chief Marketing Officer Dan Esdale has been elected Chair of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. This significant appointment underscores the strong relationship between Incompass and the broader Lowell community, highlighting the organization’s deep commitment to local development and collaboration.
Since becoming the marketing and fundraising lead for Incompass in 2019, Dan has been a mainstay in the human services and Greater Lowell communities. He joined the Board of Directors for the Greater Lowell Chamber in 2021, and brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Chair having spent five years as the marketing director at the Greater Boston Chamber earlier in his career. He is working alongside longtime Greater Lowell Chamber CEO, Danielle McFadden, along with Vice Chair Vichtcha Kong of Washington Savings Bank.
“I am truly honored to be elected Chair of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce,” said Esdale. “I am eager to collaborate with such an accomplished leader in Danielle McFadden to continue fostering a vibrant business community in Lowell while enhancing community outreach at Incompass. I’ll be a visible presence at Chamber events throughout the year.”
Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services, commented on Dan’s appointment: “Dan’s leadership role in such a prominent community organization not only reflects his personal commitment to our mission, but also enhances Incompass’s visibility and influence in the region.”
Dan’s achievements since joining Incompass include receiving the 2023 “Rising Executive of the Year” award by The Arc of the United States, recognizing his significant contributions to the human services field. He holds an MBA from UMass Lowell, a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Suffolk University, and an executive certificate from Harvard Business School.
Incompass Human Services proudly announces that CEO Jean Phelps has been honored with the first-ever “Community Award” by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). This prestigious national award was presented to Ms. Phelps earlier this month at the AAIDD Annual Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky, recognizing her remarkable contributions in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The “Community Award” is a new addition to the AAIDD’s recognition programs, designed to honor leaders who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. Jean Phelps, who has led Incompass Human Services for nearly 20 years, was recognized for her dedicated efforts in championing the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Under her leadership, Incompass has grown its service portfolio through a combination of organic program growth, construction of new group homes, and mergers & affiliations – ultimately contributing to more inclusive and accessible community.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Phelps shared her thoughts, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and lead such an incredible team of Care Champions. It’s really a testament to the commitment of every person at Incompass Human Services who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and given the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.”
Brad MacDougall, Chair of the Board at Incompass Human Services, added that “Jean is a wonderful person whose leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Incompass. She has not only steered our agency towards new heights but has also profoundly impacted the broader community by setting a standard for inclusion and advocacy. This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her visionary approach and unwavering dedication.”
Did you know that Heather has a cat named “Bear,” is a huge fan of Marvel movies, and has a one-year old daughter? Check out the full video below.
This month, Assistant Director of Day Programs Heather Melo sat down with CareCast host Dan Esdale. Heather happily shared insights in her role working at Incompass Human Services, and definitely had a little fun! She has spent virtually her entire career working in the field of human services, and had some heart-warming stories to share. During the conversation, she shares some of her favorite memories, tells us what she likes most about working in the field, and even gives us her take on the Brady vs. Belichick debate!
When asked how Heather would describe the Incompass experience, she had a wonderful answer!
“For me, I feel that all the staff are super invested in all of the individuals who come through this door. I feel that Incompass does a really great job of investing their time and really getting to know the individual; not just in the ways that we have to write their goals and all of those day-to-day things, but as a whole and I think we do a really good job with that.”
Heather also shared her favorite part of working as a Care Champion for Incompass…
“My favorite part is that I’m working with new people everyday, and I’m working with people who’ve been here for years and years. Seeing their growth over a time period is really fulfilling to see. And a lot of times when you know you’ve made a positive impact on those folks and you’re a part of that process, it’s great!”
Heather ended the conversation by saying “let’s do it again!” You can hear the CareCast on Spotify and iTunes as well…just search for Incompass Human Services!
And guess what…Incompass is hiring! Know someone you think would be a great fit? Let us know, as we’d love to talk to them. We have open positions in day programs and residential services, with both full-time and part-time roles available. Check out our open positions here.
We were thrilled to start the short holiday week by finding out that Incompass Human Services was featured in The Lowell Sun! This is a huge win for the Incompass community because we truly couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community, Care Champions, the folks we are honored to support, and their loved ones. Check it out here!
