May’s Employee Spotlight of the Month: SSA Lisa Fairchild

Join us as we pay tribute to our incredible staff through “The Employee Spotlight of the Month!” Every month, we will spotlight a new employee so that we can share with the community the wonderful things our employees are doing every day!

Congratulations to Lisa Fairchild, our Employee Spotlight for the month of May!

Lisa was introduced to the developmental disability community at the age of 2, when her sister was born with Down Syndrome.

“I watched my mom teach and advocate for my sister and in her career my entire life,” Lisa said. “My mom was my inspiration to be that voice for those who aren’t heard.” 

Lisa has worked in the DD field for nearly 40 years. Before she began her role 14 months ago as an SSA for the BCBDD, she explored several different professions from being a DSP, to a Home Manager, to a Program Coordinator, and eventually an Assistant Director of a Day Program. 

“I have had the pleasure of working with some great people over the years and throughout the years every one of them have taught me some of the most important lessons in life, like patience, understanding, kindness and that absolutely everyone has a purpose,” Lisa said.

Although Lisa had so much experience working with others that have DD, she said that when she became a mom to “a handsome son with Down Syndrome,” it was a whole new world to her.

“I have walked that road that many parents do,” Lisa said. “I understand the frustrations of being called away from work to pick your child up from school and worrying that the employer will not understand.  Feeling alone, unsupported, not knowing what to do to be there for your child and fearing that you won’t be able to support them financially, mentally and physically, is tough. This is why I love being an SSA. When I can put a parent at ease by letting them know they aren’t alone, and that I will walk with them through happy times, frustrations, and guide them as I have been guided, well, that fills my heart.  When I see the child or adult grow and become the best version of themselves, that is the icing on the cake.” 

Brittany Christian, whose 16-year-old son, Isaha, is on Lisa’s caseload, says Lisa is not just her son’s SSA, she’s become a part of the family!

“Lisa is always available and truly listens to what my son’s needs are,” Brittany said. “Along with Isaha’s disabilities and now hormonal changes with puberty, Lisa gets it and allows you to vent to her. Lisa is such a beautiful SSA and wears her heart on her sleeve. Lisa has gone above and beyond for Isaha, by personally taking time out of her day to help me fill out his Medicaid application, not just once but twice, when we received our first denial letter. She was present during Isaha’s IEP meeting when I asked her to attend and even assisted in developing ideas that have been beneficial to his daily school life. Lisa has helped in researching and expressing, possible extended resources that maybe interesting or beneficial to Isaha like Camp Campbell Guard, Ohio Rise, and Best Buddies.”

Isaha will soon be starting his first job at Kroger, and Brittany says her hope is that Lisa will be able to help Isaha prepare.

“Lisa has helped Isaha grow his independence and has taught him what it means to be a respectful member of society. With these valued factors instilled upon Isaha by Lisa, Isaha has begun to show a stronger since of independence and decision making on his own without adult involvement.” 

“Isaha has had some struggles, and so has his mom, but I just keep encouraging them both,” Lisa said. “He did this on his own and I will continue to be there to encourage, give ideas, and support this family and all the other families as long as there is breath in me. I always say, if we were all made the same, this world would be a dull place to be, so be unique and shine!”

In Lisa’s new position as an SSA, she says that she loves that she gets to advocate in a whole new way.

“Every one of my kiddos and families are an inspiration to me,” Lisa said. “One of my favorite parts of the job is getting to know them all. The job of an SSA is not an easy one but is rewarding in many ways.  Knowing that you can help someone is the biggest reward. It takes heart and passion to make a difference in a life. Over the years I have learned that every individual is unique, and has their own personalities, dreams, and ambitions. You just have to take the time to find out what they are.”

Beth Risner, Lisa’s SSA Supervisor, says that the BCBDD is so lucky to have Lisa on board for many reasons, one being her constant positive outlook.  

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Lisa over the past couple of months,” Beth said. “She is a strong advocate for those on her caseload and brings with her years of valuable professional and personal experience. She is always willing to step up and offer help to her teammates.”

Is there someone from the BDBDD that has changed you and your family’s lives? Submissions for June’s Employee Spotlight of the Month are due by Monday, June 3!