NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Carol Stank
Congratulations to Carol Stank who has been selected as the September 2025 NADSP E-Badge Academy Earner of the Month. We are recognizing Carol for her excellent ‘Community Safety’ E-Badge submission. This badge represents a direct support professionals’ work in supporting individuals to be safe and learn to be safe in the community. This badge is part of the Safety CMS Core Competency. It also aligns with the NADSP Competency Area of Community Living Skills and Supports.
Carol works as a direct support professional at Comminity Services Group in Pennslyvania. The mission of Community Services Group is to promote the growth and enhancement of human potential through an effective, efficient and innovative system of care.
Carol’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Carol about her experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how she carries out her work as a direct support professional (DSP), the skillsets she demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on their professional recognition, and how they get credit for competency.
Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:
During the pandemic we faced many challenges and safety was one of them. One of the people I support loved being out in the community. Especially, she loved picking out her favorite activities and snacks in the store to enjoy once she got home. This particular person is very sensitive to touch and takes a long time to warm up to people. When COVID hit masks were a must in the community for the safety of the people we support and others. For many people this was an issue and proved to be one of the biggest barriers I have faced as a DSP. However, this became one of the most celebrated achievements.
Why is this competency so important to DSPs?
Keeping the people we support safe in the community is an important competency as a DSP. It helps them enjoy the places they enjoy while maintaining their health and safety.
Have you used this competency in your work?
Every outing is an opportunity to maintain safety in the community. When crossing streets, navigating through parking lots or when heading into busy stores. It’s always being aware of my surroundings and supporting the people I work with to do the same.
How can other DSPs replicate your practices?
By working alongside the people we support and empowering them to use safety skills outside of the home through repetition. Never give up when the people we work with may find difficulty with certain skills. We can support them to grow within their community in a safe and healthy way. I would encourage you to get to know the person you’re working with and gearing the skills towards their needs and abilities. This is the key to success to remain safe and secure in a community setting.
How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?
Community Services Group is dedicated to high standards of care that align with the NADSP Code of Ethics, focusing on person centered supports.
How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?
The NADSP-E Badge Academy benefits those I support by allowing me to reflect on situations that I have walked through as a DSP. It is building on my training and dedication to the Code of Ethics to provide the best possible support I can to those I serve.
What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?
As time passes, I hope to continue working towards maintaining and possibly advancing my NADSP credentials through the E-Badge Academy.
How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?
Through participation in the NADSP E-Badge Academy, I feel as though it has given me a greater appreciation for the accomplishments I have achieved throughout my professional journey. I have enjoyed looking back at where I started and past situations through writing my testimonials. I am more aware of the skills I have honed over the years and more focused on growing those skills.
I have really enjoyed writing my testimonials and looking back on the skills I have learned throughout my career and sharing them with others through NADSP E-Badge Academy.
The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The NADSP E-Badge Academy offers Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors (FLSs) the ability to earn national certification through stackable electronic badges. These badges demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values that these professionals utilize every day, recognizing the professional development that might otherwise go unacknowledged. Through the NADSP E-Badge Academy, DSPs and FLSs are acknowledged for the experience and education that they bring to the human services field.
NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Jennifer Hardin
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Julius Nyabinda
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Rhoda Mullen
