KenCrest awarded Shane Vagnarelli as a Community Champion during its 9th annual event at the RiverCrest Golf Club.
At the RiverCrest Golf Club on October 2nd, KenCrest honored Shane Vagnarelli as a Community Champion for his compassion and kind-natured spirit toward those with intellectual disabilities. This honor is reserved for individuals who embody KenCrest’s mission by supporting, empowering, and creating meaningful change in the lives of the people we serve. As a clinical behavior specialist, Shane has gone above and beyond in his work with KenCrest, impacting lives through his dedication, compassion, and expertise.
Shane’s journey in this field spans over two decades, and for several years, he has been a vital part of the KenCrest community. His role as a clinical behavior specialist goes beyond traditional support; he actively advocates for individuals with disabilities, finding ways to make what seems impossible a reality. Shane’s efforts have empowered families and individuals alike, instilling hope and facilitating growth in areas that others may have believed were unattainable.
One story stands out as a testament to Shane’s extraordinary commitment. Recently, he worked tirelessly to help a KenCrest individual achieve a lifelong dream—one that had been held for 20 years. From the very beginning, Shane took a hands-on approach, spending countless hours on phone calls, texts, FaceTime sessions, and in-person visits to advocate for and support this individual. His dedication transformed this dream into reality, showing how powerful it can be when someone truly believes in an individual’s potential. Shane’s commitment and compassion made a profound difference, allowing this person to experience a sense of fulfillment and joy that might have seemed impossible without his help.
Shane’s contributions to KenCrest go far beyond individual stories. His approach to his work reflects KenCrest’s values in every way. With a mild-mannered yet determined nature, Shane has taken on some of the most complex cases, working with individuals who require specialized mental health and sexuality support. His goal has always been to optimize each person’s strengths, creating a supportive and empowering environment where individuals feel equal and heard. This dedication aligns closely with KenCrest’s mission: to empower dreams, explore possibilities, and mobilize resources. Shane exemplifies this mission daily, helping individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their personal goals.
Academically, Shane’s background and ongoing commitment to learning make him uniquely equipped to meet the needs of the KenCrest community. He holds a master’s degree in clinical behavioral science and is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in social work and human sexuality. His specialized knowledge has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support for individuals with complex needs, especially in areas related to mental health and sexuality. Shane’s understanding and approach help those he supports feel valued, validated, and respected—often a vital first step in their personal growth journeys.
Shane has also made a significant impact on the lives of individuals with autism within the KenCrest community. His support empowers them to continue striving for their dreams, even when the path ahead seems challenging. By encouraging them not to give up, Shane opens up new possibilities and helps them see the potential within themselves. Through his work, Shane helps individuals explore and embrace their identities, ensuring they feel seen and supported.
At KenCrest, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and dedicated individuals like Shane, who tirelessly advocate for those we support. Shane’s work embodies the values we hold dear—Positivity, Respect, Inclusion, Dignity, and Excellence (PRIDE). His positivity brings light to challenging situations, his respect for individuals ensures they feel valued, and his commitment to excellence raises the standard of care and support within our organization. Shane’s impact on our clinical department has been profound, enhancing the quality of life for so many and providing a sense of hope and possibility to families and individuals alike.
KenCrest is immensely proud to honor Shane Vagnarelli as a Community Champion. His dedication, kindness, and unwavering belief in the potential of each person he supports inspire all of us. Congratulations to Shane and thank you for your incredible service and commitment. Your work has touched countless lives, and we look forward to seeing all the remarkable things you will continue to accomplish in the years to come.