Empowering Excellence 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to our first annual conference where we will celebrate, frontline staff of all of the Arcs of New Jersey. This promises to be an exciting event while supporting frontline staff in all they do.

11:30am EDT

10 Principles of Success – Building Excellence in Everyday Practice

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Biscane

This dynamic session equips frontline professionals in the I/DD field with practical, real-world principles to elevate performance, strengthen impact, and build a culture of excellence in daily service. Participants will explore how to intentionally enlarge their capacity to learn and manage—recognizing that growth is not optional in a field that demands adaptability and compassion.

The session emphasizes emotional intelligence, teaching staff to lead with sound reasoning rather than reactive emotions, especially in high-pressure situations. Attendees will reconnect with their purpose and the deeper meaning behind their work, reinforcing the critical role they play in the lives of those they support.

Through engaging discussion, participants will be challenged to act differently if they desire different outcomes—learning how to break overwhelming responsibilities into manageable steps and develop the discipline to “purge” distractions, inefficiencies, and unproductive habits.

The session also highlights accountability and perspective: recognizing that individuals, families, and communities depend on their success. Staff will learn to align preparation with opportunity, act decisively in critical moments, and maximize their potential in the present.

Ultimately, this session empowers staff to think bigger, act better, and lead themselves with excellence every day.

Speakers

Frank Adu

CEO, The Arc Middlesex County

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Biscane

Lead with Excellence

1:30pm EDT

From Direct Support to Dynamic Leadership: Translating DSP Skills into Leadership Strengths

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Newport

Speakers

Matt Brady

Assistant Executive Director of Vocational Services, The Arc, Ocean County Chapter

New Jersey

Jessica Scott

Director, Employment Services, Arc of Camden

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Newport

Lead with Excellence

2:30pm EDT

Empowering Excellence from Where You Stand Why it Matters to Lead

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

Biscane

Speakers

Frank Adu

CEO, The Arc Middlesex County

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Biscane

Lead with Excellence

11:15am EDT

Managing Up: Strengthening Communication and Teamwork from the Frontline

Friday September 18, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT

Biscane

Strong teams are built on clear communication, shared priorities, and mutual accountability. This Leadership-focused session equips Direct Support Professionals and frontline supervisors with the practical skills to “manage up” as a way to strengthen communication, improve teamwork, and drive better outcomes.
Participants will learn how proactive, solution-focused communication supports stronger partnerships with supervisors, reduces misunderstandings, and keeps teams aligned in fast-paced human services environments. Emphasis is placed on real-world application—how to raise concerns early, clarify priorities, and provide clear, concise updates that support effective decision-making and team performance.
Through relevant scenarios, participants will practice strategies that enhance collaboration, prevent breakdowns in communication, and improve daily operations. The session also highlights how these skills build trust, increase reliability, and contribute to a more cohesive and responsive team culture.
Supervisors will gain insight into reinforcing these practices to strengthen team communication and accountability across programs.
Participants will leave with practical tools and language they can immediately apply to improve communication, strengthen teamwork, and lead more effectively in their roles.

Speakers

Paul Kring

Director - Training and Compliance, The Arc of Union County (NJ)

New Jersey

Sue McCarthy

Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance, The Arc of Atlantic County

I started as a DSP at The Arc of Atlantic County in November of 2005. I worked in residential for the first year and then made my way into the Quality department in 2006. I became a coordinator and then worked my way up to Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance. My main job... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Biscane

Lead with Excellence