Ep 38: Overcoming Barriers: Kirsten Sanchirico's Journey in Disability Advocacy and Education

Kirsten Sanchirico is the Vice President of Workforce Advancement at the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation. Starting as a Direct Support Professional in 1993 and in her current role, Kirsten has focused on the facilitation of cultural change in the delivery of services for individuals living with intellectual disabilities. Leading The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation (RCWT), Kirsten has worked in partnership with The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and other stakeholders on Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce development by integrating the NYS DSP and Front Line Supervisor Core Competencies, as well as, the NADSP Code of Ethics and the NYS DSP Performance Evaluation. RCWT was awarded the Moving Mountains award in 2021 and employs over 25 consultants in various positions around the state including Direct Support Professionals. In addition to RCWT, Kirsten is a Trainer for Person Centered Thinking and Planning, as well as the Executive Director for The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices. Kirsten lives on a small hobby farm in Schoharie with her husband where she enjoys gardening, raising animals and hiking.