December 10, 2025
NYS Justice Center honors East End Disability Associates staff with Code of Conduct Award
State agency charged with protecting 1 million vulnerable New Yorkers spotlights Riverhead care worker
For more than a decade, Shaunice has been a tireless advocate for the people she supports at EEDA, creating an environment that is both nurturing, and person-centered. Starting out as a Direct Support Professional and advancing to management positions, Shaunice has built her career around the service of others. In her current role, she leads by example, drawing from her past experience to create a sustainable future for the organization and those in care.
“Management sets the tone of an organization—strong leaders cultivate strong practices. In the service sector, where maintaining consistent and effective care models is increasingly challenging, having an exceptional manager like Shaunice isn't just valuable—it's essential,” said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. “Thank you to Shaunice for her outstanding work and for helping us maintain an ethical standard of care in New York State.”
Those honored with a Code of Conduct Award truly embody the Justice Center’s founding principles and standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to ensure people enrolled in programs under Justice Center jurisdiction receive support in a manner that prioritizes their dignity, safety, and rights.
According to her nomination, Shaunice is always on the go. She’s rarely in her office because she is always out in EEDA’s programs connecting with her staff and people receiving care. Her work ethic is infectious—she sets a standard worth emulating and considers herself a lifelong learner. She never stops until a task is done right.
“EEDA is fortunate to have Shaunice as an important member of our Leadership Team. It has been a pleasure to watch Shaunice grow personally and professionally over the many years she has been with the organization, and I admire how she views herself as a ‘work in progress’-- always wanting to learn more,” said EEDA’s Executive Director Joy O’Shaughnessy. “She is always present and mindful, blending the perfect balance of professionalism and compassion. Shaunice has an endless reserve of energy she applies to ensure positive outcomes for the people she supports. The EEDA community benefit from how she brings to life the EEDA Vision, Mission and Values and NYS Justice Centers Code of Conduct in everything she does.”
Awards are compiled by the NYS Justice Center each year. Winners are selected by the Justice Center’s Advisory Council – a group that provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The council consists of service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members, and advocates.
The Justice Center received more than 200 nominations for this year’s program. Six winners were selected from a dozen finalists. Each submission highlighted the dedicated members of our State’s human services workforce.
For more information on this year’s awards, please click here.
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About the Justice Center
The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs. Through investigation, education, and action, the Justice Center creates a safer environment for more than 1,000,000 individuals receiving services across six State Agencies.