Intandem recognizes dedicated staff

Intandem press release 

Service is at the heart of everything Intandem does, supporting the lives of people across Western New York, from Cattaraugus to Niagara County.

In that spirit, Intandem recognized many years of dedicated service from its many staff members in both counties. The agency marked the work anniversaries of staff members at five-year intervals in two ceremonies this month.

Some staff, celebrating five-year anniversaries, helped the agency move forward amid the uncertainty and many tests that arose from the pandemic in 2020. Others have been with the agency as far back as 1990 (35-year honorees) and 1985 (40), experiencing a world of changes and growing along with the agency. And all have provided their own form of dedicated service.

First, employees from Cattaraugus County received honors in a formal dinner at St. Bonaventure University’s Doyle Hall Conference Center on Tuesday Feb. 3. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Niagara County’s honored employees received recognition during dinner at the Wurlitzer Events building in North Tonawanda.

Intandem honored a total of 82 employees between the two counties, among them for a total of 1,385 years in service to the agency. These dinners offered a time of reflection on the work and service of all 82 staff members.

Intandem President and CEO Mari L. Howard presided over both ceremonies to recognize all honored staff members, emphasizing “commitment” as “what truly sets our agency apart.”

“This evening, we proudly honor you – our staff – whose years of service reflect a deep belief in our mission and the people we support,” Howard said. “Your work has made a lasting difference, and your commitment continues to move our agency forward. We are grateful for each of you and the role you play in our success. Thank you for your dedication, your excellence and your unwavering support of our shared purpose. You truly are champions of this organization.”

Listed below are Intandem’s 2025 years of service honorees:

•Five years: Mary Bethke-Lyman, Tonjua Claude, Nakesha Dennis, Alyssa Johnson, Jennifer Manross, Bianca Mercado, Audrey Mogon, Jeanne Ortiz, Charles Saph, Ashley Schoonover, Jaime Schupp, Karen L. Smith and Kristin Turner.

•Ten years: Deborah Amacher, Jacob Baksh, Malik Burney, Carmel Farrugia, Richard Frost, Robbie Hulbert, Cory Irving, Melissa Irving, Lisa Jackson, David Keech, Jasmine McCreary, Charlotte Mitchell, Teresa Morey, Samuel Muse, MaryJane Myers, Catherine Neilson, Telekia Nelson, Brianna Nichols, Megan Roberts, Jullett Rodney, Jacqueline Rodriguez, Brian Singleton, Teijah Stephens, Victoria Terwilliger, Cheyenne Washington and Sonia White-Ralands.

•Fifteen years: Deon Brown, Renee Brown, Marie Eidson, Elizabeth Gaines, Noelle Gambel, Kaylin Gunther, Patricia Robinson, Samantha Roman, Jason Sherlock, Julia Siejka and Deanna Turco.

•Twenty years: Deborah Brown, Rhonda Deer, Victor Farr, Susan Gwizdowski, Lori Ladd, Pamela Pacer, Richard Stanton, Margel Titus and Heather Wildfire.

•Twenty-five years: Tracy Burnett, Katie Caruso, Linda Dykstra, Ansherika Felts, Susan Lang, Barbara Nowak and Phronsie Wyland.

•Thirty years: Lauren Aloi, Kim Bass, Susan Broughton, Frederick Langdon, Tami Lapp, Tracey Spears and Suzanne Wilber.

•Thirty-five years: Kimberly Baker, Robert Driscoll, Terri Gilbert, Tracey Gilfert, Emily McClelland and Lisa Phearsdorf.

•Forty years: Marilyn Conlan, Ronna LaForge and Theresa Lasher.

Additionally, Intandem honored the following valued longtime employees for their retirement last year: Theresa Abdo, Anthony Bernasconi, Marian Billera, Chris Duet, Kathy Fetzer, Nancy Giardini, Cindy Knibbs, Deborah Nichols, Colleen Petrishin and Beverly Stewart.

More about Intandem: Intandem is a leading nonprofit organization that supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities as well as mental health concerns in Cattaraugus and Niagara counties. Through compassionate care and a variety of personalized services, Intandem empowers individuals to lead independent and fulfilling lives. The organization is committed to enhancing the well-being of those it serves and fostering inclusion within the community.

For more information on the services provided or to join the Intandem team, call 716-375-4747 or email info@intandem.org.