DSP of the Month: Monica Williams
Congratulations to Monica Williams , June’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Monica started her career as an HCP. Monica enjoyed the field so much that she dedicated herself to the position and eventually decided to make it her “forever” career.
“My inspiration to get into this field came from my family, and knowing what type of person I am this was definitely a career path that worked for me while my children were growing up,” Monica said. “I was able to be active with them and work with my schedule without any interference or distractions. Becoming a DSP was challenging at first because I was my own critic and I wanted to be perfect at what I did. Any team that I was assigned to and any company that I worked for; I would give my best. I have been stuck on shifts due to bad weather or because of a no call no show. I always felt like I owed my team as well as the individual to be the difference and that’s what drove me to be the DSP that I am today. I have now been in this line of work for well over 18 years!”
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. Monica goes out of her way to make sure this individual is safe, happy, and well cared for. She helps this individual process challenging relationships, develop a sense of personal responsibility, and learn to make positive decisions that improve their life. Monica has taken this individual on vacations and is planning to do so again. She is truly a blessing. She gives so much of herself because it is her passion. She is dependable, consistent, honest, and caring. Her patience is unmatched.”
Monica says she has never met anyone that she didn’t have a positive experience with, which has made it easier for her to take on any type of case!
“I have many good memories about meeting a lot of good people in this field,” Monica said. “Going on outings and seeing what makes the individuals I serve happy makes me happy as well. I’m an advocate for growth and making changes in a person’s life, even when they don’t think they can make a change. My goal is to prove that anything can be done, no matter how bad it looks, a person can make it through if you just put your best work in trying. I’ve made a dynamic change with the lady I work with now. She has established growth and learning that she can accomplish anything. Fear and bad habits can be defeated depending on how serious you are about your life!”
Monica encourages anyone who has caring, understanding, and supportive values to join the DODD community.
“There’s so many great people that are in need of good care and it’s a lot of fun to experience,” Monica said. “I don’t look at this as a job, I look at being a DSP as more of making a difference to the people that I care about. Giving love and respect and receiving it is the reward!”
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for July’s DSP of the Month are due by Monday, July 1.