DSP of the Month: Tonya Howard
Congratulations to Tonya Howard, May’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Tonya has been the DD field for 26 years. After working for Settle Services during the ’90s transporting individuals with intellectual disabilities to and from workshops and/or schools, Tonya decided to become a DSP.
“I fell in love with the everyday anticipation of seeing these individuals faces because they always had a smile, regardless of their circumstances,” Tonya said. “I had learned so much just by listening to them and watching for their signals of distress.”
Once Tonya began working for county agencies such as Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, she said she realized how much dedication and commitment it would take to make sure those she was working with felt safe, loved, and cared for.
“Making a difference in the lives of those who need DSPs in their corner that will advocate, protect, genuinely be their friend and make them feel special each and every day quickly became my favorite part about being a DSP,” Tonya said. “The fact that I get to be with people who I love spending time with in and out of the community is so special to me!”
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. Our client recently had a pest issue in her home and Tonya facilitated quickly temporary housing and ended up finding her a new place to live. 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!”
Tonya says she was so glad to be able to be there for her and Tayler’s mutual client during the holidays as outside of Tayler, she is the only other support system her client has.
“I didn’t want her to be home alone,” Tonya said. “That’s one of worst feelings to have especially during the holiday season. She enjoyed herself so much and had a smile from ear to ear! Two of her favorite foods to eat were my daughter’s macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie! It was a special moment not just for her, but for me as well. Knowing that all it takes is the feeling of being a part of something is the greatest you can give!”
Tonya says that she has made so many great memories working in the DD field, but there was one memory that made her question if she could handle being a DSP emotionally.
“My saddest memory is the day I lost my best friend, Summer Estridge,” Tonya said. “She passed away on February 2, 2022, from a stroke and complications with COVID-19. She was special, a firecracker, and silly. We were Leo sisters; her birthday was on August 6th and mine is on the 9th. We would argue and make up in the same breath! She watched my kids grow up and was crazy about my grandson; always wanting him to come over and spend the night or weekends when I worked them. I almost quit the field after her passing, but I knew she wouldn’t want me to stop doing what I loved to do. You must love what you do and put that love in those who may see you as part of their family.”
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for June’s DSP of the Month are due by Monday, June 3.