It’s all too rare in life to see your work recognized and celebrated, so please join us in giving heartfelt congratulations to CIS’s Susan Schonfeld, Christina Nicoletti, and Brandon Hopely, who were each honored at Friday’s Points of Transformation Awards Ceremony, put on by the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services.
Christina is a nine year veteran at CIS, and was honored with the Employment Award of Excellence in recognition of her outstanding work connecting people to good jobs. Most recently, that’s been exemplified by her success in deepening CIS’s partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, where she’s helped countless CIS participants attain employment in good-wage Districts jobs amidst a supportive work environment.
Brandon Hopely is a key part of the Benefits Counseling team at CIS, and received a medal in honor of his work. Brandon helps participants understand how earned income impacts their benefits, and he gives them the tools to make informed decisions about work. He’s much-loved by those he supports, and is known for his expertise, his care, and his kindness.
And to top off the celebratory day, Susan Schonfeld, Executive Director at CIS, was presented with the Dedicated Leadership Award of Excellence. Susan’s impact in the disability services world cannot be overstated. Susan has been at CIS since day 1, and guided it from a pilot program to the region’s leader in supported employment.
In over 30 years at CIS, Susan has made supportive services for Philadelphians with disabilities more available, accessible, and equitable. The cumulative impact of Susan’s work has been more access, better jobs, and greater visibility for people with disabilities in workplaces throughout the region. We are so proud and gratified to see her honored in this way.
Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners—it was a moving event that reminded everyone of the extraordinary work of direct support professionals, and what a difference their work makes.