OPTIMAE provides employee training, PARTNERS WITH NADSP IN 2025

Jan. 20, 2025 (DES MOINES) – Optimae LifeServices announced today it will provide nationally recognized employee training to direct support professionals (DSPs) and front line supervisors (FLSs) in 2025, partnering with The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) as a member organization.

“By continuing our membership with NADSP in 2025, Optimae is continuing our commitment to direct support professionals,” said Bonnie McHugh, Optimae’s knowledge acquisition and transfer director. “DSPs provide critical health care services, and we’re pleased to provide ongoing training and development to assist them in their important role.”

Optimae’s core values of teamwork and education closely align with NADSP’s value statement. Through teamwork and education, Optimae staff “create a healthy and supportive environment for meaningful and successful outcomes,” and “generate continual improvement,” respectively. Similarly, NADSP believes “high quality support requires all professionals to follow the individual path suggested by the unique gifts, preferences, and needs of each person they support, and to walk in partnership with the person, and those who love him or her, toward a life of opportunity, well-being, freedom, and contribution.”

“Through this membership, Optimae LifeServices is sending a clear message that they appreciate support staff, recognize the critical role they play, and are willing to invest in their growth and advancement,” said Joseph Macbeth, president and chief executive officer of NADSP.

Optimae’s partnership with NADSP began in 2016 when the alliance visited the state of Iowa to conduct training sessions. Representatives from NADSP met staff and customers from Optimae and started to work regularly with the organization. In 2020, Optimae offered leadership training for front line supervisors from NADSP, securing a $40,000 grant from the Iowa Employer Innovation Fund to further develop front line supervisor training for its statewide workforce. In 2021, Optimae secured an additional $5,500 grant from the Iowa Employer Innovation Fund to further develop front line supervisor training for its statewide workforce using NADSP-developed curriculum.

“This is a true partnership and we appreciate Optimae LifeServices joining us in making a world of difference in people’s lives,” added Macbeth.

By continuing their NADSP membership, employees of Optimae will be able to access a robust library of archived webinars on subjects important to DSPs, receive e-newsletters, take advantage of discounted rates for the NADSP E-Badge Academy and the annual NADSP conference, as well as apply a 10 percent discount for NADSP training offerings.

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About Optimae LifeServices

Optimae LifeServices, Inc. provides healthcare and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness living in more than 50 central, southeastern, northeastern and south-central Iowa counties. For more than three decades, the organization has equipped its customers with supports and services that encourage choice, empowerment and community integration. Optimae’s programs include community-based, behavioral health, home health, rehabilitation and residential care services. Optimae advocates for the rights and needs of more than 5,000 Iowans each year, providing the quality of care its employees would want for their own family.

About NADSP

The vision of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) is a world with a highly qualified and professional direct support workforce that partners with, supports, and empowers people with disabilities to lead a life of their choosing. NADSP works to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values, through certification, credentialing, training, professional development, and accreditation services. www.nadsp.org

Kent Davis | Marketing Communications Director

Optimae LifeServices – At your side. On your side.

104 South Hazel Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010

515-350-9043 (mobile) | kdavis@optimaelifeservices.com