A graphic with two hands coming together with text that says, "Proud to be a DSP, #dspappreciationweek."

A Look at Our 2024 DSPs of the Month

It’s that time of year again where we take the time to not only celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and Caregivers but show how much we appreciate what they do for those with developmental disabilities every day! Although DSP appreciation week began on September 8 and will end on September 14, at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities we take pride in dedicating the entire month of September to celebrating these skilled professionals!

The primary role of DSPs and Caregivers are to support people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities, live in integrated settings, and seek competitive integrated employment (CIE). Today the DSP and Caregiver role has expanded due to the worldwide shortage, making their job even more vital to someone with a disability. DSPs and Caregivers can now often serve as job development staff, and job coaches. They also can provide other services, such as help with activities of daily living, transportation, emotional support, creative ways to help their individuals become more independent, and support to advocate for rights and services.

Every month at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD), we select a DSP of the month that has gone above and beyond to make the lives of their individuals with disabilities the best it can possibly be. In light of DSP Appreciation month, we decided to take this time to recap and celebrate all the 2024 BCBDD DSP of the month winners. If you missed any of the heartwarming 2024 DSP of the month stories, now is your chance to take the time to read them all!

a blue graphic with stars and a headshot of a woman smiling with text that reads, "January's DSP of the Month: Alexis Moore, 'She has been amazing at bonding with Melissa! She has also been amazing at listening to what Melissa’s goals are, like becoming as independent as possible, and implementing them!”
January: Alexis Moore
Jennifer McCullum, who is the guardian of one of Alexis’ individuals Melissa, said that Alexis has not only gone above and beyond as a DSP for Melissa over the past 3 month, but she also helped find additional staff for Melissa as it has been difficult to do so in Reily, Ohio. “Jennifer has been amazing at bonding with Melissa,” Jennifer said. “She has also been amazing at listening to me, as the guardian, as to what my goals are for Melissa, like becoming as independent as possible, and not only helping to implement them but training new staff how to do this as well. Alexis knows how to move forward with Melissa’s goals and put them into place!” Continue Reading…
a blue graphic with stars and a headshot of a woman smiling with text that reads, "February's DSP of the Month: Jamie Estep, Jamie has gone above and beyond for me to make sure I am taking care of each week. She helps me shop, meal prep, and makes sure that my house stays spotlessly clean every week. She is my provider, Tuesday staff, and Tuesday best friend!”
February: Jamie Estep
Although Jamie is now a Business Manager at LCD Agency Services, she says she loves working in the field and has two clients that she can’t imagine giving up; one of those clients being Brennen Kinch who Jamie has worked with since December of 2018. Brennen said that his “Tuesday Best Friend” has changed his life in more ways than one! “For the past five years or so Jamie has gone above and beyond for me to make sure I am taking care of each week,” Brennen said. “She helps me to shop, meal prep, and she make sure that my house stays spotlessly clean every week. Jamie is the manager of LCD and has lots of things that she has to deal with on a weekly basis, but yet she still comes to my house on Tuesdays and helps me to do all of the things that I need help with. She gives me very good advice, and I value her opinions very much. She is not only my provider but also my Tuesday best friend!” Continue Reading…
a blue graphic with stars and a headshot of a woman smiling with text that reads, "March's DSP of the Month: Clarrissa Stinson, "Clarrissa goes above and beyond to make the DD community come alive! She helps her individuals she believe in themselves and treats all of them like family. She let's her individuals know that we are all as one in this world!"
March: Clarrissa Stinson
Jacqueline Bradford, a former co-worker of Clarrissa’s, said that Clarrissa is such a great asset to the community that she wishes she could carbon copy her. “Clarrissa is very passionate in what she does,” Jacqueline said. “She goes above and beyond to make the DD community come alive! She helps her individuals she serves believe in themselves and treats all of them like family. Clarrissa lets her individuals know that we are all as one in this world!” Continue Reading…
A graphic with stars and two women standing together smiling with text that says, "April's DSP of the Month: Charlene Crank, ""Charlene is a Downright Spectacular Person (DSP)! Charlene is constantly looking for ways to improve daily living and exciting community outings to make everyone feel included and recognize the importance they have in this world."
April: Charlene Crank
Lisa Spicer, Director of Operations at Blessed Homecare, says that she felt so lucky when Charlene responded to the Blessed Homecare ad, noting that she is a wonderful addition to the team. “Charlene said she had never done this type of work before and she said she wished she would have known about the role of DSP years ago,” Lisa said. “She is a Downright Spectacular Person (DSP) that has worked with several individuals at Blessed Homecare for a couple of years now. Charlene is constantly looking for ways to improve daily living and exciting community outings to make everyone feel included and recognize the importance they have in this world.” Continue Reading…
A blue graphic with stars and a photo of two women smiling side by side with text that says, "May's DSP of the Month: Tonya Howard, “Tonya told me that she tells people that if you get into this field for money, you won’t be happy and that she loves what she does!"
May: Tonya Howard
BCBDD SSA, Tayler Stroup said Tonya has gone above and beyond for a mutual client of theirs each week.
“Tonya shows up on her days off to ensure that our client isn’t alone. Our client recently had a falling out with their family, so Tonya took her over to her house for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Tayler said. “Tonya picks up our client’s boyfriend in Cincinnati weekly so that they can spend time together. Tonya ensures that our client feels like family and has everything that she needs.” Continue Reading…
A blue graphic with stars with text that says, "June's DSP of the Month: Monica Williams. Monica is terrific! Her kindness and patience are boundless. She is committed to truly making individual's lives better.”
June: Monica Williams
BCBDD SSA II, Holle Metz says Monica has worked with an individual with challenging needs on her case load for several years and her creativity and patience has improved this individual’s life tremendously.
“Monica understands and communicates with this person in a way that they understand and has set up structure and systems that allow this person to have greater independence,” Holle said. “She is devoted, kind, creative, and compassionate. This individual used to struggle with staff, kicking them out, verbally attacking them, even physically attacking them at times. Monica has worked through all of these issues with this person and has helped with reducing not only behaviors but increasing this individual’s independence.” Continue Reading…
A blue graphic with stars and a photo of a women smiling with text that says, "July's DSP of the Month: Khristina Thompson-Gant. 'She always finds a way to include everyone and does not exclude any place that the group may want to go. She will figure out how to get everyone there. She is patient, kind, and passionate about what she does.”
July: Khristina Thompson-Gant
Lamonda Dye, Founder and CEO of Reach Me Inc., said Khristina’s dedication is unwavering and that without Khristina there is no Reach Me Inc.! “Khris came to our program at a time that we really needed her,” Lamonda said. “Our program was new and lacked organization. I shared my vision with her, and she latched on and ran with it! Khris not only believes in our mission and vision she breaths it. She takes pride in preparing and implementing activities for our participants. She is funny and full of life! When she started a year and a half ago, we had 3 participants. We now have more than 15 participants including Butler and Hamilton counties. Because of Khris we have a thriving program!” Continue Reading…
A blue graphic with shooting stars, a headshot of a man with a hat on, and text that reads, "August's DSP of the Month: Steven Miller, '“Steven is compassionate, caring, and just an all around good person. He is an excellent DSP. He has a positive attitude and is really invested in helping people live more fulfilling lives."
August: Steven Miller
BCBDD Service and Support Administrator II, Holle Metz said she met Steven in a provider interview with an individual on her caseload named Paul. Holle says Paul knew right away that he wanted to work with Steven. “I could see how much they hit it off in the first five minutes,” Holle said. “Since January, Steven has really taken Paul under his wing and helped him develop confidence, build community relationships, and explore new interests. Steven has integrated Paul and his family into his own family. Steven is compassionate, caring, and just an all-around good person. He is an excellent DSP.” Continue Reading…

Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for October’s DSP of the Month are due by Tuesday, October 1.

DSP Appreciation

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