DSP Week: Meet Taran

Five Years of Making a Difference: Meet Taran

It has been five years since Taran started with the Advocacy and Resource Center, and in that time, he’s found one of the most meaningful parts of his job to be building relationships with the people he supports.



Taran started with the agency in July 2021 at our Maine Road IRA. Originally from Florida, he cites moving to New York and balancing life as a single dad as one of his proudest accomplishments.

For Taran, working overnight is about much more than simply staying awake. He supports individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout the night, making sure they are safe, healthy, and ready for the day ahead.

“I enjoy the individuals that I care for at Maine Road,” Taran said. “I believe I have been with them long enough to have caused positives in their lives, and I like that their families trust me to care for them and keep them safe.”

That connection extends beyond the typical overnight routine. Taran recently had a fun experience when he went camping with two individuals from Cliff Haven.

Before starting at the agency, Taran worked as an assistant chef. A natural night owl, at 12 years old Taran hoped to have a job either cooking or helping the elderly population. Looking back at what he is doing now, his 12-year-old self would probably approve.

Over the years, the job has taught Taran an important skill: patience. He also tries to learn something from everyone he works with. Known for his positive attitude, Taran noted the wonderful team of people he works with every day.

Outside of work, it might surprise his coworkers to know that Taran spins fire and electric poi (LED spinning props). He is also the father of a teenager and the owner of a rescued Whippet mix. He’s always up for a cup of coffee, but if you’re looking for someone to take the mic at karaoke, the answer is an emphatic “absolutely not.”