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Workforce Challenges in IDD Services: How Briason Associates Bridges the Gap
A Deep Look at Staffing Shortages, Retention Struggles, and the Innovative Solutions Briason Brings to the Moment The field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services has always been rooted in care, compassion, and advocacy. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), managers, clinicians, and support staff all play critical roles in helping individuals with developmental disabilities live meaningful, self-directed, and empowered lives. Yet today, the stability of
Sonji Phillips
23 hours ago7 min read


From Direct Care to Leadership: Creating Growth Pathways in Human Services
How Career Ladders Empower DSPs to Rise Into Management Roles — With Briason Support Every Step of the Way In the world of human services, few roles are as essential—and often as underestimated—as the Direct Support Professional (DSP). DSPs form the backbone of quality care, providing hands-on support, encouraging independence, and shaping meaningful daily experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their work is personal, skilled, and deeply impactful. Yet h
Sonji Phillips
3 days ago7 min read
Compliance Made Simple: How Briason Associates Supports Accreditation Success
Working in the human-services and developmental-disability world often means walking a tightrope between “doing good work” and “making sure the regulators say we’re doing good work.” At Briason Associates, we believe you don’t need to sacrifice humanity for compliance—and you certainly don’t need compliance to feel like a never-ending burden. Let’s talk about how we help organizations meet the requirements of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Coun
Sonji Phillips
Nov 1810 min read
Brass eLearning System: Bringing Training to Every Corner of Your OrganizationHow Remote Learning Empowers Busy Teams—and Why Briason Associates Believes It’s the Future of Workforce Development
In today’s fast-paced, hybrid, and geographically scattered workplace, one thing is universal: no one has enough time. Between tight schedules, regulatory demands, and the daily work of serving people, training often slips to the bottom of the priority list. Yet training is where excellence begins. It’s how staff stay compliant, grow skills, and strengthen the culture of quality your organization needs to thrive. But the old model of scheduling in-person sessions, printing ha
Sonji Phillips
Nov 148 min read
Transforming DSP Roles into Career Paths Through Training and MentorshipHow Workforce Development Turns “Jobs” into Long-Term Professions
If you work in the field of human services or developmental disabilities, you already know the heart of the system isn’t policy manuals, documentation, or funding streams. It’s people — specifically, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). These are the hands, hearts, and voices of the field — the people helping others live, learn, work, and thrive every day. Yet despite the importance of their work, too many DSPs experience their role as “just a job” rather than a career. That’
Sonji Phillips
Nov 127 min read
Preparing for 2026: Strategic Workforce Planning with Briason Associates
Setting workforce goals and building capacity for mission impact As we approach 2026, human service organizations face unparalleled...
Sonji Phillips
Oct 168 min read
The Link Between Leadership Training and Staff Retention in Human Services
Explore research-backed benefits of leadership development Leadership training isn’t a luxury in human services — it’s a strategic...
Sonji Phillips
Oct 146 min read


Creating Interdependent Teams (Not Just Independent Workers)
True accountability thrives in collaboration. Learn the difference between independence and interdependence—and how to build teams that...
Sonji Phillips
Sep 176 min read


What Great Leaders Do When Things Go Wrong
Failure happens. What matters most is how leaders respond when it does. No matter how skilled, experienced, or prepared you are as a...
Sonji Phillips
Sep 106 min read


5 Common Leadership Habits That Kill Accountability
How well-meaning leaders unknowingly weaken initiative—and how to turn it around Accountability is often praised but rarely practiced...
Sonji Phillips
Aug 306 min read


Conflict Is Inevitable—But Avoiding It Is a Leadership Mistake
Focus: Conflict Is Inevitable—But Avoiding It Is a Leadership Mistake Great leaders don’t shy away from tough conversations. Learn how to...
Sonji Phillips
Aug 26 min read


The Feedback Loop That Builds Strong Teams
In every high-performing team, one practice stands out as a silent driver of success: feedback. When done well, feedback is far more than...
Sonji Phillips
Aug 26 min read


A Year-End Message from Dr. Sonji Phillips, PhD, CEO of Briason Associates
As we close another year and look toward the promise of the months ahead, I want to extend my deepest love and gratitude to every family,...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 31, 20241 min read


Growing Stronger After Loss During the Holidays
Learn to honor your emotions, accept loss, and find gentle strength during the holidays, transforming grief into gratitude and deeper...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 26, 20246 min read


Creating Holiday Memories: Fun Activities to Enjoy with Loved Ones
Discover how sharing stories and memories during the holidays brings generations closer, creating lasting traditions and cherished...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 25, 20246 min read


Embracing the Spirit of the Holidays at Briason Associates
Learn how Briason Associates uses the holiday season to reflect, set intentions, and innovate, ensuring community support, caregiver...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 25, 20246 min read


Family is a Lifelong Gift
Discover how family gatherings offer comfort, healing, and authentic connection during the holidays, turning shared moments into havens...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 25, 20246 min read


Brass Elearning System: A Must-Have for Agencies Serving Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The Brass Elearning System by Briason Associates is essential for agencies supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. It...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 25, 20242 min read


Celebrating No Interruptions Day: A Moment to Refocus and Recharge
No Interruptions Day on December 31 encourages stepping away from electronic distractions to refocus and work mindfully. At Briason...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 25, 20243 min read


EQ vs. IQ: Which is More Important in Today’s World?
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is increasingly valued over traditional Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in today’s workplace, as research reveals...
Sonji Phillips
Dec 25, 20248 min read
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