This week we continue to celebrate the contributions of Direct Service Professionals everywhere. We are grateful to all of the DSPs in our Habilitation program in Pittsburgh for the difference they make in the lives of clients with IDD.  

Our DSP Jennifer shared about how her time as an educator led her to a career as a DSP—and a learning experience of her own that has brought her personal fulfillment  

Please tell us a bit about yourself 

I have been working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for 5 years, and in the field of Education/Special Education for over 10 years. I am a lifelong Pittsburgh resident. My husband and have three beautiful children, along with a lab named Bruce.  I love to be outdoors with my family and watch my kids participate in sports and other activities. I also enjoy traveling and creating memories with my family! I am a Soccer Coach at my children’s elementary school, and I volunteer in the cafeteria/classrooms on my days off. I have a very large supportive family and during my free time I spend as much time as possible with family and friends.  

Tell us about how you became a DSP 

When I was 15 years old, I worked as a camp counselor at a summer camp in the South Hills. I learned quickly that my passion was working with children. I went to school at LaRoche University for Elementary Education/Special Education and graduated with a Bachelors of Education Degree in 2010. After graduating I began teaching in a Pre-K classroom. During this time, I found myself gravitating to children who needed additional support. I loved working alongside the Therapeutic Support Staff& Behavior Specialist Consultants in my classroom. As an educator, I tried to ensure that each child was supported, with accommodations  in place to help them reach their full potential, both inside & outside the classroom. After a few years, I continued my education at Carlow University and received my Masters of Education with a dual certification in Special Education in 2015. As I continued to work alongside additional support staff, my passion for working with children with IDD increased, and I decided on a different career path. In 2020, I became a DSP. I wanted to continue to teach, guide, and support others to accomplish their goals, and JEVS was the perfect place to start! 

Please tell us what you find to be most rewarding about your work and why. 

What I find most rewarding is seeing the positive impact I am having on my clients’ lives. Witnessing their enjoyment and supporting them as they achieve their goals is truly gratifying. It is a great feeling to know that I am making a difference in their lives, and I believe this feeling has helped me approach others with patience, kindness, consideration, and understanding. Everyone deserves equal respect, regardless of their differences. I believe I exemplify this with my clients, and this knowledge gives me a sense of fulfillment, knowing I am making a positive impact on both my clients and others around me. 

Can you tell us about a client or person you’ve encountered in your work who has inspired you? 

One of the clients I work with is nonverbal, and he inspires me weekly. The joy he finds in the smallest things inspires me to continue my work on a daily basis. He has taught me to enjoy simple things like taking a walk around the neighborhood or a park or visiting the library. He reminds me that little things and nature can bring great joy to someone. The way he communicates and interacts with others and with children also inspires me. He has taught me how much we can observe and understand without verbal interactions. Most importantly, he has taught me to appreciate what life has to offer. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and to be able to help him accomplish his goals and succeed in his daily living.  

What advice do you have for someone who is considering becoming a DSP? 

We can learn so much and achieve personal success by observing others with patience and empathy. Each person strives to feel capable of accomplishing their goals, and as Direct Support Professionals, it is our responsibility to provide supportive assistance to clients so they can reach their highest potential.   

 

Meaningful Careers with JEVS Care at Home

Interested in becoming a DSP, Caregiver, or Family Caregiver with JEVS Care at Home? Contact us today.