The Arc Baltimore Honors Two Staff Members as Employees of the Year

The Arc Baltimore has named its Employees of the Year for 2024. Erika Dyarman is the recipient of the organization’s Employee of the Year – Administration Award, while Sonya Sanders was honored as Employee of the Year – Direct Support.

Presented during The Arc Baltimore’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Reception, both Employee of the Year Awards honor staff members at The Arc Baltimore for exemplary commitment to their profession and to The Arc.

“Erika’s dedication to The Arc has been outstanding, while Sonya has served with exceptional kindness, care, and competence,” says Kathleen Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer.

As an Attendance Coordinator and Revenue Analyst at The Arc Baltimore, Dyarman has navigated the complexities of implementing Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) – a web-based, case management tracking system for providers required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – while supervising auditors and managing multiple billing formats.

Sanders, a Direct Support Professional at The Arc, manages a wide range of responsibilities for the four people she supports, including grocery shopping, doctor appointments, skill development, advocacy, meal preparation, and community outings. She also mentors her colleagues, offering advice and guidance to both new and seasoned staff.

“Erika’s leadership and problem-solving skills shine through her adept management of LTSS processes and relentless pursuit of improvement,” explains Durkin, “while Sonya has been praised by one of the people she supports as the best staff member he has ever had.”

The Annual Meeting and Awards Reception provides an opportunity for The Arc Baltimore to recognize those individuals who have gone the extra mile in their service to the organization and those people with developmental disabilities who are recipients of The Arc’s programs and services. As in past years, the event featured numerous recognitions, as well as the election of The Arc Baltimore’s new board of directors and officers.

The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability) to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. The Arc provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, respite care, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals. For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.