IGHL is proud to announce that Crystal Santiago, Coordinator of Day Hab Services at East Moriches Day Hab, is the January 2026 Employee of the Month.
Crystal started her journey with IGHL 11 years ago. She began as a Day Hab Specialist and worked her way to her current role of Coordinator at East Moriches Day Hab, a position she has held for 8 years. As the leader of East Moriches Day Hab, Crystal thrives in keeping an immaculately clean program, initiates exciting and educational activities, conducts great outings with a focus on community connection and responsibility, and decorates beautifully no matter the season. Crystal has a very high standard for her program and it shows. She is very thorough and passionate about each element of care for participants and about making sure they are reaching their potential and having every experience that they want. She is organized, professional, and leads by example. Her management and her team are very lucky to have her. Thank you for all that you do for IGHL and East Moriches Day Hab, Crystal!
Congratulations, Crystal!
The award ceremony for Crystal will take place at East Moriches Day Hab on 1/27/2026 at 12pm. For those who are unable to attend, the celebration will be posted on Facebook.
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.