Nonotuck's Neighborhood: September 2025 by Joshua Murray

Nonotuck’s Neighborhood SEPTEMBER 2025

Our Lowell and Lynn offices recently came together at Pawtuckaway State Park for a team-building retreat, creating space for connection and the chance to get to know one another in the beauty of nature.

A Letter From George Fleischner Dear Friends, At Nonotuck, our work is always grounded in the values of kindness, love, respect, interdependence, vulnerability, and commitment. This month’s stories reflect how those values are lived out every day across our community. We’re excited to welcome Robert Bowen, our new AI and Data Analytics Manager, whose expertise will help us strengthen the ways we listen, learn, and respond as an organization. His work reflects our commitment to building systems that serve people more personally and effectively, as well as, provide efficiency and less paperwork for staff. Our This Month in Disability Rights History: September 2025 feature reminds us that the struggle for equity and recognition is ongoing—and that each milestone matters. From pioneers like Roland Johnson and Alice Wong to trailblazers like Chris Burke and Gunnar Dybwad, we honor the courage and resilience that continue to guide us toward a more inclusive future. Celebrating Civility and Kindness at Nonotuck highlights how practicing respect and compassion not only strengthens our community, but also allows us to see each other more fully and live more authentically. Kindness and civility are values that can feel fragile in today’s world, yet at Nonotuck they remain at the heart of everything we do. Finally, we pause to appreciate our Direct Support Professionals during DSP Recognition Week. Their work exemplifies mutuality and interdependence: care that is not one-sided, but grounded in genuine relationships of trust, stability, and love. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to service. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we continue to create spaces where every person is seen, valued, and supported in living a full and genuine life. With gratitude, George H. Fleischner CEO & President Nonotuck Resource Associates

Nonotuck Welcomes AI Data Analytics Manager

Nonotuck Resource Associates is proud to announce the hiring of Rob Bowen as Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Analytics Manager, part of our Information Technology (IT) department. Rob’s hiring is part of a larger, organization-wide initiative embracing AI and other emerging technologies to assist Nonotuck in providing services for people with disabilities throughout Massachusetts. Rob says he was attracted to “the opportunity to apply cutting-edge AI and data automation in service of our mission to help people with disabilities to live their best lives” when applying for the job, adding: “Nonotuck’s emphasis on values of authenticity, mutual love and respect, interdependence, and vulnerability is important to me personally and vital to the well-being of our communities.” “The agency’s emphasis on personal relationships and holistic support presents unique challenges for AI, automation, and data analytics—challenges which require creativity, empathy, and ethical responsibility, and I am excited to contribute in ways that honor those values.” Rob says his initial goals for the position include launching projects that demonstrate how AI can align with and support Nonotuck’s mission, establishing best practices for data use, and developing AI, automation, and data tools to support staff and streamline processes. Long-term, Rob says his goal is “to make Nonotuck a leader in person-centered, AI-supported, data-informed care.” “Rob’s hire marks an important step in Nonotuck’s journey to thoughtfully integrate AI into the heart of our work,” said George H. Fleischner, Nonotuck’s CEO and President. “Artificial intelligence and data analytics, when applied with care, creativity, and respect for human dignity, have the potential to help us deepen our person-centered approach, strengthen relationships, and enhance the quality of services we provide to people with disabilities. Rob’s expertise will help ensure that our use of technology always serves our mission and our values.” Rob is a seasoned technology leader with more than 25 years of experience in enterprise information systems, project management, and database development. His earlier consulting work included extensive customization of Microsoft Office and Salesforce CRM systems. Rob has also held prominent roles at other national nonprofits, where he has worked as both Senior Developer and Director of Systems and Engineering, managing national IT operations and engineering teams.

This Month in Disability Rights History: September 2025 This month we have the birthdays of two important advocates, the premiere of the first television character with Down syndrome, and we honor the passing of a figure so important, he has a humanitarian award named after him! Birth of Roland Johnson: born September 14th, 1945 A self-advocate and early leader in the disability rights movement, Roland Johnson helped found Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (S.A.B.E.) after spending 13 years at Pennhurst State School and Hospital. His activism highlighted the power and dignity of people with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Birth of Alice Wong: born September 14th, 1963 Alice Wong has become a transformative force in modern disability advocacy. Through the Disability Visibility Project, Wong has worked to ensure that disabled people’s stories are heard, valued, and preserved, amplifying intersectional experiences often ignored in mainstream conversations. Her activism continues to shape the broader landscape of media, literature, and public policy, centering disabled narratives. First TV Show with Recurring Character With Down Syndrome, “Life Goes On”, Premieres: September 12th, 1989 “Life Goes On” was the first television show to feature a recurring character with Downs syndrome. The actor Chris Burke was born with down syndrome, and his character Corky Thatcher appeared in all 83 episodes of the 4-season run of the show. Since the show finished, Chris has acted as the Goodwill ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society, and toured with his three-piece musical group for 20 years. Passing of Gunnar Dybwad: died September 13th, 2001 An influential civil rights advocate, Gunnar Dybwad reframed disability policy through a social rights lens. The AAIDD’s annual Dybwad Humanitarian Award honors his legacy in promoting dignity and inclusion for people with Intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Celebrating Civility and Kindness at Nonotuck

Nonotuck recently gathered to mark National Civility Month, providing us an opportunity to reflect upon how civility and kindness shape our workplace, and how we provide care to the people we support. The event was hosted by the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) Committee, with co-chairs Nichole Bourke and Joshua Murray guiding the conversation. Staff viewed a video compiled by Justus Perry, featuring reflections from across the organization on what civility and kindness mean in daily life and work. The themes that emerged were clear: the importance of communication, listening without judgment, patience, empathy, and the recognition that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. As one staff member put it, civility is “the conscious choice to treat others with dignity and respect, even when we disagree.” Following the video, participants engaged in scenarios and discussions that explored how civility can guide us through challenges—whether it’s responding to a harsh email, handling interruptions in meetings, or navigating disagreements. Staff emphasized empathy, collaboration, and giving one another grace as cornerstones of Nonotuck’s culture. For President and CEO George H. Fleischner, the event reinforced what has always been at the heart of Nonotuck. “Civility and kindness are not extras in our work—they are essential. They create the trust, respect, and belonging that allow both the people we support and our staff to flourish,” he says. “This is what makes Nonotuck not just a workplace, but a community.”

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Appreciating Direct Support Professionals Every September, we pause to recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). September 7–13, we join the national celebration of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, honoring the people whose support helps people with disabilities in living full, authentic, and self-directed lives. DSPs provide care for many of the people Nonotuck supports. They can take on tasks big and small, helping with personal care, meals, mobility, and other needs, all while fostering personal growth. They provide companionship and stability, and ensure that each person is safe, supported, and empowered. Beyond the home, DSPs help people engage in community life—whether through employment, volunteering, recreation, or simply enjoying the rhythms of everyday life. DSPs help foster friendships, support meaningful employment, and open doors to opportunities that enrich lives. In the words of our guiding principles, they provide continuity, stability and consistency that allows people receiving services to feel secure and supported. At Nonotuck Resource Associates, DSP’s support our mission—to provide people with the opportunity to live genuine lives in homes and communities. They are a steady presence that provides their support that’s grounded in respect, love, and interdependence. Their work is also profoundly reciprocal. At Nonotuck, we embrace the belief that care is not one-sided—it is a relationship of interdependence. The relationships formed are rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity. At Nonotuck, we are proud to stand with our DSPs, today and every day. We thank them for their commitment and their willingness to bring love and respect into the lives of others. Because when we celebrate DSPs, we are really celebrating the very best of our communities: care, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves to live an authentic life surrounded by love.

Work Anniversaries

1 Year of Service

10 Years of Service

Marie Dorvil Vernet – Direct Support Professional, Brockton – Hire Date: 09/17/2024

Monalisa Smith – Assistant Program Director, Noho2 Prospect Street Northampton – Hire Date: 09/29/2015

Bridget Arciero – Registered Nurse, Lowell – Hire Date: 09/16/2024

Nichole Bourke – Program Director, Noho2 Prospect Street Northampton – Hire Date: 09/14/2015 Carrie Husted – Care Manager, Noho2 Prospect Street Northampton – Hire Date: 09/14/2015

2 Years of Service Joshua Gustafson – IT Technical Support - Project Specialist, Easthampton – Hire Date: 09/18/2023

11 Years of Service Sharon Vasquez – Registered Nurse, Lowell – Hire Date: 09/26/2014 Maureen Smith – Care Manager, Plymouth – Hire Date: 09/22/2014

3 Years of Service Elizabeth Carpenter – Care Manager, Lee – Hire Date: 09/12/2022 Pamela Atuquayfio – Care Manager, Auburn – Hire Date: 09/06/2022

Robert Engstrand – Training Coordinator, Plymouth – Hire Date: 09/18/2014

13 Years of Service Geovanna Diaz – Care Manager, Auburn – Hire Date: 09/24/2012

14 Years of Service

4 Years of Service

Janet Trzaska – Program Director/Special Projects, Auburn – Hire Date: 09/20/2011

Maureen Curran – Program Administrative Assistant, Plymouth – Hire Date: 09/07/2021

Jill Gallagher – Assistant to the VPs of Operations, Lee – Hire Date: 09/12/2011

7 Years of Service

15 Years of Service

John Olmsted – Direct Support Professional, Noho2 Prospect Street Northampton – Hire Date: 06/28/2018 (Rehire: 09/21/2018)

Deena Winneroski – Integration Specialist, Lee – Hire Date: 09/20/2010

17 Years of Service Maggy Walto – Care Manager / Special Projects, Lee – Hire Date: 09/15/2008

9 Years of Service Janine Conklin – Program Director, Noho2 Prospect Street Northampton – Hire Date: 09/19/2016

20 Years of Service Angela Procopio-Rahilly – Executive VP Operations, Lee – Hire Date: 09/20/2005

Nonotuck’s Neighborhood Now Hiring We’re hiring across Massachusetts! Human resources, shared living caregivers, direct support professionals, registered nurses, and more! APPLY TODAY!

Like what you read? Email Murray@nonotuck.com with your favorite story this month and you could win a gift card!

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