2007 DDSD Statewide Awards
The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) honored the following people and agencies for demonstrating excellence in Meaningful Day services.  Awards were given in the areas of Best Employer and Employee, Individual Accomplishment, Professional Achievement, Provider Excellence, and Best Community Membership practices.

Michelle Hernandez

2007 ddsd statewide directors meeting award winners

Successful Community Member of the Year

Michelle Hernandez, supported by ARCA of Albuquerque, was selected for her Community Membership.  Michelle enjoys a variety of experiences and is very excited about her life.  She has made many friends through the local community and nationally.  Through her association with the local chapter of the American Business Women of America (ABWA) she has had the opportunity to travel and help with the conferences.  Through that, she has had the opportunity to experience and to meet a varity of interesting people.

The Executive Director of ABWA has appreciated her friendly assistance in the national and spring conferences.  Michelle has been a member of the American Business Woman's Association since 1989.  She is an ambassador who represents people who are developmentally disabled with the business women of her chapter.  Michelle travels widely attending the AWBA conferences in Pasadena, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Phoenix, Arizona.

Michelle has worked at Family Treasures Thrift Store for over a year and enjoys employer support.  She assists at the University of New Mexico concession stand at the local football and basketball games by helping serve the nachos and Lobo dogs.  One of Michelle's life goals is having a job in the community without a job coach and being a successful community member.  Michelle is now in a phase-out program with her job coach.  She has kept two jobs and her self-confidence has impressed everyone she meets.

Jennifer Thorne-Lehman (right)
Michellle Hernandez (center)
and Judith Stevens (left)

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