A graphic that reads, "June's DSPs of the Month: Melissa and Randy Tucker. They have created a welcoming, warm, inviting, family environment. You can feel it when you walk in the house. They take an interest in the individuals' specific interests and fill their lives with the things they enjoy the most."

DSPs of the Month: Melissa and Randy Tucker

Congratulations to Melissa and Randy Tucker, June’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month! Before joining the DSP field, Melissa was in the nursing field for over 21 years and Randy was a concrete mixer driver for over 20 years.

“We found out there was a big need in the DSP field, and we really wanted to make a difference, so we decided to switch our career paths,” Melissa said. “Randy always wanted a job where he could make a difference in someone’s life, and he says now he has that and loves it!” 

Melissa and Randy started an agency called Anchored Connections LLC, where they provide 24-hour care and transportation for individuals with developmental disabilities. Melissa and Randy, along with a few other DSPs work together in a home in Butler County under the Anchored Connection umbrella with the common goal of enriching the lives of the people they serve. Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) Rates and Contract Coordinator, Susan Weber Worrell recognized the unbelievable work Melissa and Randy were doing when she was an SSA and an individual on her caseload moved into the home Melissa and Randy were overseeing.

“Melissa and Randy along with the other DSPs in the Anchored Connection home work together to make the house fantastic,” Susan said. “They take an interest in the individuals’ specific interests and fill their lives with the things they enjoy the most. Many individuals have absolutely thrived under their thoughtful care. They smile more, they are healthier, and they are engaged in their community! The house is so active! There are pictures of one of the gentlemen in the home that show him smiling the biggest smiles anyone has ever seen, even his family! They have created a welcoming, warm, inviting, family environment. You can feel it when you walk in the house. Melissa, Randy, and everyone who works in the house to support the three men truly represent what it means to support people to live their best lives. I bet they don’t even know how good they are because it seems it just comes natural to them!”

4 people indoors wearing Halloween masks

Melissa says her and Randy are very grateful to have the opportunity to not only change lives but have fun along the way.

“We both feel this is the most rewarding job that we have had and developed lifelong friendships with our individuals and their family members,” Melissa said. “Actually, to be honest, the awesome individuals we care for daily are not only our friends but now are part of our family!”

2 men indoors sitting in front of a door smiling together
1 man standing next to a man in a wheelchair indoors watching television

Thank you so much, Melissa and Randy, for changing the lives of so many of our individuals that we serve! We are lucky to have you both in the DSP community!

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 10.

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