Two longtime employees of United Helpers who began their careers as direct support professionals (DSP) were recently honored for excelling in new roles they took on as they moved up the organization’s career ladder.
This year’s Behavioral Health Heart Award went to Lisa Van Kirk, of Heuvelton. Ms. Van Kirk began her career 10 years ago as a DSP, also spending time with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team as a care manager prior to joining the Behavioral Health Clinics as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2022.
“Lisa embodies everything the
Behavioral Health Heart Award represents through her compassion, positivity,
and dedication to both her colleagues and the individuals we serve,” said
Administrator of Behavioral Health Programs Breanne Snyder. 
Lisa Van Kirk accepts her award.
Ms. Snyder said that much of her department’s growth in recent years has been made possible because of people like Ms. Van Kirk. “She is a welcoming presence for new staff, a source of encouragement for her peers, and a driving force in growing our programs through school-based services and the upcoming launch of group therapy.”
Ms. Carter of Ogdensburg began her career as a DSP in 2013 working in that role until the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the day habilitation program in March of 2020. She began working in finance as an accounts payable clerk, quickly rising through the ranks to become a finance assistant and ultimately a staff accountant.
“Just three months into her staff accountant position, she had to transition back into accounts payable to become the second accounts payable clerk,” said Comptroller Tammy Ritchie, who nominated her for the honor. “In January of 2025, due to staffing, Angel became the sole accounts payable clerk.”
In addition to serving as the lone accounts payable clerk for seven months, Ms. Carter also continued completing her monthly duties as staff accountant for the senior/disabled housing department.
“Even to this day, Angel
continues to wear two hats each day. She juggles and prioritizes both accounts
payable and staff accountant job duties, ensuring tasks are completed in a
timely manner,” Mrs. Ritchie said. “Even with her days being so full, she is
willing to take on more and offer help if needed.”
Angel Carter accepts her award.
Both the Behavioral Health Heart Award and Exemplary Professional Services Award were created in 2023 to recognize staff that did not fit into the criteria for already established awards across the organization.
The Behavioral Health Heart Award is presented annually to an employee who excels while working in the company’s behavioral health programs. The recipient receives a small trophy and a cash prize.
The Exemplary Professional Services Award is presented annually to an employee serving in an administrative professional position. The recipient receives a plaque and a cash prize.
