Training

Our Training Philosophy
MDS encourages growth and professional development among all employees, providing knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to better support people with disabilities and their families. We believe that learning occurs through a process of action, reflection, and experimentation. For that reason, all workshops and training events are designed to offer a variety of ways to learn. We combine lectures, reading materials, discussions, role-plays, and simulation to create an inviting and stimulating learning environment.

Check the MDS Events Calendar for scheduled upcoming workshops and training.

Staff Orientation
Gentle Teaching
PHI Training
Medication Training
Other Training Opportunities


Staff Orientation
Staff Orientation at MDS is intended to ensure employees have the foundational tools and information they need to accomplish their work effectively. Employees may have specific departmental orientation as well. Two-day orientation is held every other month at MDS for new staff. Check the MDS Calendar for specific days and dates.

Orientation Day 1
Overview of Disabilities Service System  (David Yeiter)
History of Laconia State School
The Role(s) of the DSP
Social Role Valorization
Human Rights (Lynn Yeiter)

Orientation Day 2

Gentle Teaching (Paula Smith)
Community Building (Jessica O’Connor)

Gentle Teaching
Join David Yeiter, Paula Smith and Jessica O'Connor for workshops to learn about ways to support people with disabilities that focus on creating an environment of trust, safety, and mutual respect. Check the MDS Calendar for upcoming workshops.

PHI and Direct Connect
All staff at MDS go through an intensive training course to help them think critically, prioritize and communicate effectively, using the PHI Coaching Approach. Jessica O'Connor, Jeff Saari, Sheila Mahon, and Mike Orr lead this transformational journey through training by building relational approaches to managing and supporting workers and colleagues and developing problem-solving skills.

Medication Training
The Nursing staff at MDS provides monthly training for DSP staff to administer medications safely and in compliance with state regulations. The MDS Events Calendar includes a schedule of First-Time Medication Training (four sessions) and Recertification Medication Training. Several Nurse Training modules are available as pdfs from the Employees section. Certified First Aid Training is also available from time to time.

Other Professional Development Workshops
From time to time MDS offers special workshops and training seminars on particular topics for staff, families and community. Current offerings are listed on the MDS Events Calendar. Check back frequently for updates.

The NH Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) and the UNH Institute on Disability offer many valuable workshops. Check their online calendars for statewide training opportunities.

Early Supports and Services Special Topics
Specialized workshops, focusing on children from birth to age three, are offered to parents, caregivers, professionals and interested community members. Workshops are generally geared toward the understanding and day-to-day application (at home, school and in the community) of the featured topic

MDS Library
Resource materials and books are available for all employees to read/borrow and are stored in the Jeannette Stubbs conference room at the Keene office.

Registering for MDS Workshops:

  • If you are interested in attending any of the workshops, please call or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  at 603-352-1304. Please register at least one week in advance to ensure that the workshop will be held. Space at some of the events will be limited, so first come, first served.

  • Check the MDS website calendar at www.mds-nh.org for most updated workshop schedules.