New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R - Massapequa Park) recently honored North Babylon resident Yolanda Trent for being recognized as New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Direct Support Professional of the Year at a celebration in Albany.

Yolanda Trent has been working as a Direct Support Professional at OPWDD Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office for the past 18 years.As a Developmental Aide, Yolanda works with individuals in a residence where their behaviors may be complex, however, her patience, compassion and understanding is a calming reassurance to those in her care.Yolanda is well-known for being a strong advocate for this population and a great asset to the entire residential team, always creating new ideas to keep everyone fully engaged, safe and on track with their goals.She is currently part of the first Comprehensive Adult Transitional (CATH) Unit on Long Island, a cohesive work team that was named the 2023 OPWDD Statewide Team of the Year.