Sonji Phillips

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 this essential...

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 historically, many...

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), Council on Quality...