Norwich Day Hab Assistant Mandi Zbydniewski celebrates her 20-year milestone at Springbrook this month. At the Norwich Day Hab, Mandi has helped participants and Community Homes residents learn new skills and share ideas and everyday moments. Mandi has seen growth in the people she supports, the employees she works with, and Springbrook, which continues to expand. The day hab, which initially supported eight people, now supports 20.
After studying cosmetology but discouraged by the prospects, Mandi applied to the first community home that opened in Sherburne and Norwich Day Hab. Her sister encouraged her to apply for a direct support position and told her stories of her work and the joy she got from helping others. Her sister, who passed away in 2020, had the most significant influence on her life; she worked for Upstate Cerebral Palsy (UCP) in Utica for 22 years and worked as a direct support professional (DSP), an assistant director (AD), and a director. Mandi started at Norwich Day Hab shortly after she applied and has been there ever since. She is thankful for the opportunity and comfort of being close to home and, more than anything, being there for others.
“You’ve got to be upbeat,” Mandi offers to anyone working as a direct support professional or in the field of direct care. For Mandi, who has been working with some of the participants of the day hab for over ten years and serves as an advocate for one of them, maintaining an upbeat and optimistic attitude can have a significant and positive impact. This impact is the goal that Springbrook aims to achieve in the lives of others for their lifetime. Thank you for your commitment to Springbrook and the people you support, Mandi, and congratulations on your 20-year milestone.