02/28/2026
Meet this month's employee spotlight Jackie Morgan! Jackie started at The Arc Madison Cortland back in 2012 as a DSP. After a brief break, she returned to the agency in 2022 and now serves as a Residential Manager in Cortland County. Jackie began working at the agency directly after high school while also earning her associate's degree. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in this field. “Growing up, I had a cousin who managed a state house and often brought the people she served to visit our family restaurant. I quickly developed a strong connection with them. I also have two cousins who live in IRAs.” Her early exposure to the field sparked her passion for this work. Her Grandmother was eventually the one who encouraged her to apply after high school.
Jackie’s average workday, like many at the agency, is ever-changing. She says the one thing that stays constant is being greeted with smiling faces and happy “good mornings,” which helps set a wonderful tone for each day ahead. One of her favorite parts of her job is finding ways to communicate most effectively with the people we serve, since good communication and trust are so essential. She loves learning about everyone’s specific needs and what works best for them.
Jackie’s advice for someone entering the field, “I won’t lie to you, this field can challenge you in ways you didn’t know existed. But in the end, the work is incredibly rewarding, and you build relationships that you will carry for the rest of your life”. The good moments will always outshine the hard ones. Jackie’s daily mantra is “Life doesn’t have an instruction manual, we are all just learning as we go. This rings true in both your professional and personal life. Adaptability, patience, and learning from experiences matter to shape who you are and who you will be”.
Outside of work, Jackie is a volunteer firefighter, plays in a dart league, enjoys cooking and baking, and spending time with her closest friends. She also values her time just relaxing at home with her partner and their two dogs! Jackie’s resilience and compassion make her such an essential part of The Arc Madison Cortland’s team, we are so lucky to have her.
