Consumer Directed Choices, Inc.

We are excited to welcome Danielle Wiltsie to the CDChoices team as one of our new Programs Managers. Danielle brings over 20 years of experience in advocacy, family services, and care management. She has led advisory boards, worked with stakeholders, and advanced initiatives to improve services and support for families and self-advocates. Outside of work, Danielle loves spending time with her family and watching her two teenagers thrive in sports and other activities. She also enjoys traveling and creating unforgettable memories. Her most recent adventure was a trip to Italy! We’re excited to have Danielle’s expertise and dedication on our team. Welcome, Danielle!

It fills us with excitement to honor Katherine (Kathy) Bruno as a recipient of the 2024 PA Recognition Award! Kathy’s extraordinary compassion and dedication have made a profound impact on Lucia Wilson’s life. Described by Lucia as a "bonus daughter," Kathy goes above and beyond, assisting with everything from filling medication holders to helping with transfers, showering, and more. Her selflessness and care shine through in every act of support. Kathy, thank you for treating Lucia like family and being such an incredible source of support. You are truly amazing!

Denise VanAuken was nominated for the Constance Laymon Personal Assistant Recognition Awards by three of her consumers—Helen Ashley, Tracy Kirsch, and Deborah Brophy—who all praise her dedication and compassion. Helen appreciates Denise's organizational skills, her care in handling appointments, and her emotional support, including a thoughtful gift that helped Helen remember her late husband. Tracy highlights Denise's willingness to step in on short notice, her emotional support during difficult times, and her selflessness in helping her and others beyond her scheduled hours. Deborah, who has experience as a PA herself, recognizes Denise's exceptional communication skills and practical support in daily tasks, expressing how lost she would be without her. Each of these consumers emphasizes Denise's personal care, reliability, and commitment, making her truly deserving of this award.

Today, the staff of CDChoices is celebrating Friendsgiving! It's a time for us to come together, share delicious food, and appreciate the amazing team spirit that makes our work so meaningful. Grateful for our CDChoices family and the opportunity to make a difference together every day!

We are thrilled to celebrate Linda as a recipient of the 2024 PA Recognition Award for her incredible work with Sylvia Lehtinen. Lin has made a profound impact by helping Sylvia, who lost her ability to speak and care for herself, reconnect with her love of art. Through thoughtful, sensory-stimulating projects, Lin has brought a cherished part of Sylvia’s pre-stroke life back to her. Thank you, Lin, for your compassion, creativity, and dedication. Congratulations on your well-deserved award!

Rita has been honored as a recipient of the 2024 PA Recognition Award for her outstanding care and dedication to Ty'Sir Barley. Through her patience and unwavering support, Rita has helped Ty'Sir reach remarkable milestones—assisting with daily tasks, encouraging his communication skills, and fostering his independence. With Rita’s guidance, Ty'Sir is learning to express his needs, care for himself, and engage meaningfully with the world around him. These achievements are truly significant, and Rita’s commitment is making a lasting impact on his life. Congratulations, Rita, on your incredible work!

Betty (BJ) Chapman has been awarded a 2024 PA Recognition Award for her exceptional dedication as a caregiver to Gaspar "Gary" Rosado, who is living with Alzheimer's. Over the past year, she has not only helped Gary stay healthy through daily exercises and activities but has also filled his days with joy—whether through dancing, music, or scenic outings. BJ’s compassion, patience, and creativity have brought immense happiness to Gary and provided his spouse, Debra, with peace of mind and precious time to recharge. Thank you, BJ, for making such a meaningful difference!

Courtney has been honored with the 2024 PA Recognition Award, nominated by Timothy and Colleen Remchuk for her outstanding care and commitment. Over the years, Timothy has faced multiple health challenges, including strokes, open-heart surgery, and epileptic seizures. During one of these episodes while out fishing, Courtney quickly recognized something was wrong and got Timothy to the hospital within minutes. Her attentiveness and quick action make all the difference. Even as Timothy's mood has shifted in recent times, with Courtney being the only one able to calm him, she continues to help him develop skills, manage his medications, and maintain as much independence as possible. Whether it’s giving Timothy space or stepping in during emergencies, Courtney always knows just what to do. The Remchuk family can’t imagine life without Courtney, and Timothy absolutely loves her. Her outstanding dedication is celebrated with this recognition, and it couldn't be more fitting!

We are excited to honor Iyasia Wood for her dedication and compassion as a personal assistant. Two years ago, Althea Wood experienced life-changing injuries from a fall, setting her on a challenging path of recovery and rehabilitation. Throughout this journey, Iyasia has been a steadfast support, providing exceptional care while also managing her final year of high school through online homeschooling. Despite her own struggles with sickle cell disease, Iyasia's determination and faith shine brightly. Her selflessness and love have motivated Althea to continue fighting for her health and healing. Iyasia exemplifies goodness, sacrifice, and steadfast support, demonstrating what it truly means to care for someone else. Thank you, Iyasia, for being a beacon of hope and for your remarkable efforts! This recognition is a testament to your incredible impact.

We are thrilled to celebrate Keeley Kennedy, a 2024 PA Recognition Awardee, for her incredible dedication and impact as a personal assistant. After Erich Schlicht’s father, Jeffrey, suffered a stroke, the family faced the challenge of keeping him in his beloved childhood home while managing his recovery. That’s when Keeley joined the team, and she has been nothing short of a savior! Her positivity, thoughtfulness, and caring spirit have made a profound difference in Erich’s father’s life. Since she joined, he has transformed—coming out of his room, eating normally, and regaining his independence. Keeley’s infectious spirit and unwavering support have reignited his will to improve and brought joy back into their family. Thank you, Keeley, for your amazing work and for being a light in challenging times. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition as a 2024 PA Recognition Awardee!