Greystone’s First Peer Mentor!

We are excited to announce Direct Support Professional, Buddy Boland’s (left) promotion to Peer Mentor.

The Peer Mentor program serves as the 4th and newest level in our Career Ladder for direct care staff. The course consists of four major components: ​how to explain, model, observe and evaluate the core competencies of Direct Support Professionals; how to measure results; how to utilize observation and evaluation; and how to provide feedback. Peer Mentors will provide another layer of support to new hires to assist them in developing job competency in their first few months on the job.

Buddy is the first to successfully complete Greystone’s Peer Mentor Professional Development Course. He started his career on June 25, 2005 and has been instrumental in supporting and providing care to the women and men supported by Greystone Programs.

Upon the announcement of the Peer Mentor program, he immediately expressed interest and saw the value of the program. Buddy loves sharing his knowledge, being a resource and providing support to new hires, making him a perfect fit to be a Mentor. Buddy’s mentee and fellow DSP, Anne, has had an amazing experience learning from Buddy. She states, “I thought I was a good DSP, but I still have so much to learn.” Buddy is the essence of peer mentorship and believes there is no greater reward than helping those who need our assistance, regardless of the challenges involved.

Speaking of challenges, Buddy credits his Greystone Family for love and support as the COVID-19 pandemic hit him and his family hard. His youngest sister passed from the coronavirus, and he lost another sister and three friends last year. He states, “Our amazing individuals, staff and administrators have been so very supportive. I owe everyone a great deal of gratitude for their support and kind words.”

Buddy is an avid runner and commits to five miles, three times a week to keep his mind clear and his body healthy.

Congratulations Buddy! Thank you for your commitment, dedication and passion.