RECOGNITION WEEK DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
SEPT. 7 - 13
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Recognition Week is a time that we celebrate the hardworking DSPs who make the vision and mission of the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) possible.
DSPs provide necessary support for the young men and women who reside at the CRP, assisting in selfcare, providing guidance, and encouraging the young men and women to explore their communities.
GET TO KNOW CRP DSPS!
Meet Ashley Benoit!
Ashley Benoit supports the young men residing at the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
Ashley has a background in special childhood education and has worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) throughout her career. Last December, Ashley began working at the CRP and fell in love with her work there.
By spending time with the young men she supports, Ashley has learned to communicate with non-verbal cues to address their needs.
When asked what her favorite memory of working at the CRP has been so far, Ashley said that every day has been a good memory for her, especially when she hears that the young men have been looking forward to her arrival all day.
Meet Tiffany Garrett!
From Adventureland to the local hardware store to the Children’s Education Center Luau Prom, Tiffany Garrett, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Johnson Place residence, is always ensuring that the young women are having a fun time!
For a little over a year, Tiffany has been working as a DSP at Johnson Place, bringing with her a wealth of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Tiffany enjoys getting to know the young women she supports better and better.
A rewarding aspect of being a DSP, Tiffany said, is seeing the young women apply what they’re taught by their trusted staff.
Building that understanding with the young women and seeing them experience the world more and more is rewarding for Tiffany.
Meet Najoya StewartLeslie!
Najoya started at the CRP two years ago, after working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and paralegal. What interested Najoya most about becoming a DSP was finding a job where she could take part more fully in the care of other people.
At the CRP, Najoya is involved in the meaningful milestones and daily life of the young men — and she enjoys being part of their daily learning and growth.
One area that Najoya has developed is learning how to communicate with the young men, who are non-verbal or have limited verbal abilities. Najoya has learned how to connect through body language, nudges, certain facial expressions, and other ways the young men share their preferences or needs.
This communication is important as Najoya supports the young men in building skills of daily living.
Of all the meaningful moments together, Najoya’s favorite memory is the first prom that the young men attended at the Brookville Mansion.
“They looked so nice going to the prom,” Najoya said. “They really enjoyed it. They were dancing!”
Thank you Najoya for dedicating your talents to supporting the children at our CRP.
Messages of Support!
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to all the staff at House 30, and to the remarkable House Manager and Assistant House Manager, Steven Johnson and Mellony Francis.
Your unwavering dedication, hard work, and genuine compassion doesn’t go unnoticed. You've made such a difference in Ryan's life — and in ours too.
From the moment Ryan moved into House 30, he was welcomed, cared for by incredible nurturing staff and treated like family. We are so thankful for all the efforts you’ve put into helping Ryan achieve goals, develop new skills, and build greater independence, all while ensuring his happiness and well-being.
His continuous smile at the CRP speaks volumes! Thank you for consistently going above and beyond!
The Dunn Family, Family of Person Supported
Our son Kyle is a very outgoing young man. Oftentimes though he struggles with anxiety.
Ashley and Lee are 2 DSPs that have shined in Kyle's world. They are patient, engaging and wholeheartedly make quality time for Kyle.
They are active listeners, proactively encourage his coping skills/tools and go above and beyond their roles to ensure Kyle feels safe and cared for.
Ashley and Lee, We are so very grateful to you each and every day!
Ken and Lori
Lenczewski,
Parents of Person Supported
My son has had some AMAZING DSPs at House 30!
Having Michael move into the CRP was the hardest thing I have done as a parent, hands down. But it has been a wonderful experience for Michael, thanks to his DSPs.
They have been kind, nurturing, compassionate, and have provided him with excellent experiences.
They have guided Michael in being part of a group, and in becoming more independent. He has gained valuable life skills, and I am so very grateful to them for that.
Jayden has been an outstanding DSP to Michael since he joined the CRP. His love and attention to Michael and his needs have been nothing short of stellar.
I consider Jayden to be my son from another mother.
A great surprise the other day, we had a visit from Jayden and Jerdian. Michael was beside himself happy to see them! Their connection is so strong. To see Michael this happy was beautiful. As a mom, my heart was so full!
To Jayden’s and Michael’s credit, Michael has been able to carry over his acquired skills to the DSP who spends much time with him now, Duelay. Michael knows Duelay loves him-what more could a mom wish for?
A special shout out to Dwayne who took extra special care of Michael this summer, while he waited to be placed in a day program.
All the DSPs in House 30 deserve EVERYTHING !
I hope they know how grateful I am for them, and how much I love them. They know Michael loves them.
THANK YOU !!!
Linda Mancuso, Parent of Person Supported
To all of Matthew’s caregivers, We are deeply grateful for all you do to support, care and keep our Matthew safe. With love and appreciation always,
The Armstrong Family, Family of Person Supported
The DSPs in House 28 are amazing with our son, Noah. It is obvious that they love him, and treat him with respect and dignity. We are so fortunate that he has a "family" to care for him in his home. They are responsive to us when we call and always have him ready when we take him home. We know he feels very comfortable with them and enjoys being in their company. We are so grateful for everyone who cares for him. They do an amazing job every day!
Kerrie Blumberg, Parent of Person Supported
We wanted to say thank you to all the amazing DSPs at House 26. Every one of them plays such a critical role in making sure the boys are safe and happy, and for that we are truly grateful. We are lucky to have the staff take the boys to group activities like Bounce, Power-Pals with Chris, and also for 1-on-1's like AJ’s lessons with DJ Danny! We especially want to say thanks to Deandre for stepping up over the past few months when the boys, staff and parents needed a steady hand and some consistency and leadership the most. He handled his increased responsibilities with such a great attitude and proved himself to be a great asset to everyone. Congrats Deandre and the entire House 26 staff on a job well done.
Al and Alexandria Capra, Parents of Person Supported
Very caring, attentive, friendly and loving. They all work from their heart and I appreciate each of you from the bottom of my heart. I sleep at night better knowing my son is in great hands.
Yael Samouhi, Parent of Person Supported
A big "thank you" to the House 26 staff! We so appreciate the loving and safe environment they provide every day. Our boys are very lucky to have these amazing professionals. The strength of the bonds they form are evident in how excited they are to see each other.
In addition, the staff serve as role models as they teach them life skills and incorporate healthy behaviors into the house's daily routine, helping our children grow into young men.
Jessica Reed, Parent of Person Supported
Avery moved into Johnson Place almost three years ago. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever made as parents.
In the months leading up to her move, we met with the staff many times. They were patient, kind, and genuinely wanted to learn everything they could about Avery. When she finally moved in, the DSPs welcomed her with such warmth and love. They went above and beyond to make sure she was happy and had everything she needed to succeed. The staff is truly amazing, compassionate, dedicated, and supportive. They not only ensure Avery is comfortable, but they also make sure we, as her family, feel the same.
Since moving into JP, Avery has grown so much more independent and has made incredible progress with her skills. She’s also become much more verbal. The staff’s hard work and encouragement have made such a difference. They love her deeply, and she loves them right back so much so that she talks about missing them whenever she’s home on breaks.
Over time, they’ve become like family to us. We can’t imagine our lives without them. The impact they’ve had is truly beyond words. To say we are grateful is an understatement. We love you all.
Jessica and Michael Del Percio, Parents of Person Supported
As parents, there is nothing more important than knowing our son, Miles, is safe, cared for, and surrounded by people who truly see him for who he is. The DSPs, not just at his house, but throughout the CRP, give him exactly that every single day. They aren't just staff. They have become his support system, his biggest cheerleaders, and in reality, his extended family. They celebrate his wins, no matter how big or small, and they stand by him through the tougher moments with patience and love.
Because of the DSPs, we can breathe easier. We know our son isn't just being cared for, he's growing, learning, and thriving. That peace of mind is something we can never thank them enough for.
The incredible work they do may not always get the spotlight but for families like ours, it means EVERYTHING. To the DSPs at Miles's house and across the CRP.....thank you for your heart, your dedication, and the difference you make every single day.
Brandon Semilof, Parent of Person Supported
Our son Miles has lived in House 26 at the CRP for three years, and during that time we’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact DSPs have. It’s never just one person, there are always several who go above and beyond to make Miles feel cared for and supported.
Their work doesn’t stop at the CRP. DSPs create a bridge between Miles’ life at home and his life there. On weekends, he often calls staff members just to check in, and they always take the time to talk with him, even when they’re off shift and then remember to follow up when they see him again. When he returns after being away, he’s welcomed with warmth and love.
Knowing Miles is surrounded by such dedicated, compassionate people when we can’t be with him means everything to us. DSPs embody commitment, care, and connection and that is why we appreciate them so deeply.
Robyn Semilof, Parent of Person Supported