DSP of the Month: Mildrate Abun
Congratulations to Mildrate Abun, October’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Mildrate received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
«In order to better understand and serve a variety of people with developmental disabilities, I enrolled in and obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education with the goal of creating a positive impact in their lives,» Mildrate said.
As a trained English and Special Education teacher, Mildrate taught English to students who had English as their second language in Cameroon and worked with kids with developmental disabilities in the Fairfield School Districts. Mildrate has now been a DSP for the past 7 years.
«My inspiration to become a DSP stems from my childhood experience with people with developmental disabilities,» Mildrate said. «Growing up, people with disabilities were treated as the underprivileged ones in Cameroon. They were treated like outcasts and were hardly cared for. My dad (of blessed memory) made these individuals his friends. He would invite them to our house to spend time and dine with us. This is how I learned the importance of helping those in need. I would share my lunch money, food, and clothes with these individuals sometimes. Those early experiences ignited my passion for helping others, which eventually led to my pursuit for this career. My desire from a young age has been to continuously be an advocate, and a support system that individuals with disabilities can lean on so that they can reach their highest potential.»
Holle Metz, BCBDD SSA II said not only is Mildrate is knowledgeable, intuitive, and kind, she is also the go to person for all the people who work for Assurance Care, both staff and individuals receiving services.
«Mildrate provides support to others in every way she can, and always with compassion and a smile,» Holle said. «One example of her exceptional work is with an individual who had gone through many providers, one after the other. She would lock them out, hit them, and yell at them. She seemed impossible to provide services to. Along came Assurance Care, and Mildrate specifically, who was able to use patience and empathy to break down the walls of this individual and develop a strong, working relationship that has changed this individual’s life and allowed them to thrive. She is always available to talk staff through difficult situations with this individual and help them build good relationships with this individual, as well. She is a blessing to all she serves.»
Mildrate said after taking over the care for the individual on Holle’s caseload, she was able to facilitate her long-overdue doctors’ appointments that had been pending since 2020, by reporting weekly updates to the team about the individual’s well-being.
«With the help of the team, I successfully reintegrated her into the community,» Mildrate said. «She now attends social events and parties with other individuals. She also visits her mom in the nursing home regularly after a couple of years of not seeing her mom. This is a significant change, as she had previously withdrawn, spending most of her time alone in her room or in conflict with her roommates. I made myself available to her whenever she needed support, even outside of scheduled hours. One of her main goals was to live independently in her own apartment. We worked tirelessly with Holle and the rest of the team to help her achieve that goal. Her attitude has transformed. She now lives a very happy life. She has shifted from saying, ‘I can’t wait to leave this place!’ to ‘I love this place.’ She thanks me every day for helping to improve her life. THIS SUCCESS BRINGS ME IMMEASURABLE JOY!»
In addition to the success with the individual on Holle’s caseload, Mildrate says she has so many special memories and success stories about the individuals she has served.
«One of my favorite things about being a DSP is seeing the person I’m helping smile genuinely,» Mildrate said. «I like when the individual is happy and satisfied with the services I provide. It also brings me joy and fulfilment when the person sees me as a source of support and trust and reaches out to me for help in times of crisis or when having a difficult moment. I feel even happier when an individual calls me and says, ‘I feel better now after talking with you.’ I also love helping the individuals I serve achieve their goals. It is incredibly rewarding to receive positive feedback and appreciation, not only from the person but also from the team, knowing that we have made a meaningful difference in the life of the individual together.»
Mildrate says she encourages others to join the DSP field because the demand for services continues to grow and the rewards, both emotionally and personally are incredibly satisfying.
«I love working as a DSP because I find the greatest fulfilment creating a meaningful impact in the everyday lives of people, especially those with disabilities,» Mildrate said. «It feels like being a source of light that brightens the lives of those in need. Being a DSP means you can directly support and make a change in the lives of people who need us most.»
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for November’s DSP of the Month are due by Friday, November 1.