IGHL is proud to announce that Ericka Barillas-Vargas, Residential Manager at Old Country ICF, is the December 2025 Employee of the Month.
As the Residential Manager of Old Country, Ericka continually goes above and beyond to ensure that each resident receives the highest quality of care and support. Her dedication is evident in the way she advocates for residents’ needs, supports staff members, and creates a safe, welcoming environment that feels like home. She not only manages the home with professionalism and efficiency but also builds strong, positive relationships with both residents and staff. Ericka leads by example, modeling compassion, patience, and respect in every interaction. Whether it’s staying late to make sure a resident’s needs are met, organizing exciting and valuable outing experiences, mentoring staff through challenges, or finding creative solutions to improve daily living for the individuals in her care, Ericka consistently demonstrates commitment that exceeds expectations. In just three years of working as the Residential Manager of the Old Country ICF, Ericka has made many of the residents’ dreams come true. She has created opportunities for the individuals to have experiences they never imagined they could such as going to casinos, concerts, Splish Splash, amusement parks, zoos, and Coney Island. Ericka is truly deserving of Employee of the Month and a huge asset to Old Country & IGHL.
Congratulations, Ericka!
The award ceremony for Ericka will take place at Old Country ICF on 12/30/2025 at 12pm. For those who are unable to attend, the celebration will be posted on Facebook.
IGHL is proud to announce that Kiresh Shah, Coordinator of Day Hab Services at Roanoke Day Hab, is the October 2025 Employee of the Month.
Kiresh began his journey with IGHL 6 years ago as a Direct Support Professional at our Pine St ICF. After spending a little over a year there, he was promoted to Coordinator of Day Hab for Roanoke Day Hab in April of 2021 - a position he still holds. Kiresh is a hard worker and puts his all into his job. He is extremely hands on and passionate about every element of the day at Roanoke. He is reliable, friendly at all times, and always down for whatever is needed. He works extensive hours in our residences after his shifts at Roanoke - currently he helps most at Quogue, but previously has picked up at Pine St ICF, Flanders, and Speonk. Kiresh cares very deeply for all of the people we serve, specifically at Roanoke - he advocates strongly for them, makes sure the environment is very positive, plans great trips and activities, visits rehabs and hospitals when they are having hard times - this list goes on. He is extremely proud of his staff, praises them endlessly and is very humble; always shifting praise to others. Kiresh is an excellent, reliable, hard working, passionate employee and deserves recognition. Roanoke and IGHL are very lucky to have him!
Congratulations, Kiresh!
The award ceremony for Kiresh will take place at Roanoke Day Hab on 10/29/2025 at 4pm. For those who are unable to attend, the celebration will be posted on Facebook.