Center for Training & Professional Development

"Excentia Human Services is a nice place to work because you feel appreciated as a staff member, and as a person. And you go home knowing that you've changed an individual's life."
Becky F.
Welcome to Excentia Human Service’s Center for Training and Professional Development (CTAPD). We offer continuing education opportunities for our employees, led by experienced and credentialed professionals.
In July 2022, we partnered with Millersville University to create two specialized programs for our center. More details on these programs can be found below.
If interested in applying for a program, please click “General Application” and complete the corresponding form.
Deadline Information:
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Enrichment Program
Excellence in Human Services Leadership Program – Stay tuned
PLEASE NOTE: These programs are only for Excentia Human Services employees.
Benefits of Program
Both programs are FREE!
Travel expenses are covered.
We pay our employees to attend classes.
Easy Application Process
Complete the General Application.
1) Fill out the General Application above.
2) Submit the application online in about 15-20 minutes.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Enrichment Program
Led by Millersville University faculty and graduate students, in this program participants will be given professional growth opportunities, and will attain their DSP 1 certification. Participants in this course will also receive a $1,000 stipend.*
Length of Course: 6 months / Time: Each session is from 9 a.m. – Noon.
Course Schedule
(Sessions occur on the 3rd Wednesday of the month).
September 20, 2023 (Opening Session)
Welcome
Speakers: Dr. Victor DeSantis, Hope Schmids, Rachel Leisher, and Allison Yarrow
Location: Millersville University
October 18, 2023
Promoting Independence and Change with Individuals
Speaker: Dr. Jessica Weiss-Ford
Location: Excentia Human Services
November 15, 2023
Promoting Professionalism and Handling Conflicts
Speaker: Deb Jones, MSW, LCSW
Location: Excentia Human Services
December 20, 2023*
Crisis Prevention and Incident Management
Speaker: Dr. Curtis Proctor
Location: Excentia Human Services
*Date may change due to holiday.
January 17, 2024
Boundaries and Dual Relationships
Speaker: Dr. Marc Felizzi
Location: Excentia Human Services
February 21, 2024
Graduation on Millersville University Campus
Speakers: Dr. Victor DeSantis & Hope Schmids
Excellence in Human Services Leadership Certificate Program
In this program, participants will be encouraged to work with real issues and challenges specific to Excentia Human Service’s culture, specifically within the role as a Supervisory member. Upon completion, participants can apply for supervisory positions within our organization.
Length of Course: 9 months / Time: Each session is from 9 a.m. – Noon.
Course Schedule
(Sessions occur the 4th Tuesday of the month).
July 25, 2023 (Opening Session)
Leading with a Vision
Speakers: Dr. Victor DeSantis, Hope Schmids, & Renee Rohrer
Location: Millersville University
August 22, 2023
Everything DiSC Management
Speaker: Lisa Horst
Location: Excentia Human Services
September 26, 2023
Emotional Intelligence – Building and Maintaining Effective Work Relationships
Speaker: Lisa Horst
Location: Excentia Human Services
October 24, 2023
Communication Skills for Supervisory Members
Speaker: Lisa Horst
Location: Excentia Human Services
November 28, 2023
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Speaker: Dr. Janet McNally
Location: Excentia Human Services
December 19, 2023
Managing Time, Meetings, and Technology Effectively
Speaker: Chad Barger, CFRE, CNP
Location: Excentia Human Services
January 23, 2024
Coaching and Feedback Skills for Performance Management
Speaker: Dr. Janet McNally
Location: Excentia Human Services
February 27, 2024
Team Dynamics: Creating “Win-Wins”
Speakers: Dr. Victor DeSantis & Melanie DeSantis
Location: Excentia Human Services
March 26, 2024
Embracing and Managing Change
Speaker: Dr. Janet McNally
Location: Excentia Human Services
April 23, 2024
Graduation on Millerville University Campus
Speakers: Dr. Victor DeSantis, Hope Schmids, and Renee Rohrer
Location: Millersville University
Attendance Policy
Excentia Human Service’s requires attendance at every session and completion of all assignments. Each participant will have ONE excused absence from the program and must give written notice to the Training Lead if he/she/they will not be in attendance. If a student misses more than ONE session, the participant’s continuation in the program will be reviewed by Human Resources.