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Outstanding Direct Support Professionals: DSP Week 2024

To celebrate Direct Support Professionals Week (Sept. 8-14th), we’re highlighting DSPs who go above and beyond across all five of our service states. Leaders in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania helped identify team members who are making a difference in their community through their work at RHA Health Servies.

Discover the joy and passion behind our dedicated DSPs below: 

Tennessee

Denise Fleming

“I was looking for a job that had meaning and purpose. I was blessed to have the privilege to become a DSP. It makes my day just to come to work and see those smiling faces. I always go home with a blessed heart at the end of every shift.” – Denise Fleming
 
 
 

Ethel Alexander

“I love my job. I became a DSP to make a difference in people’s lives. My favorite part about being a DSP is seeing a smile on an individual’s face. It lets me know that I can make a difference with the people we serve.” – Ethel Alexander
 
 
 
 

North Carolina

Danrico Fulmore

“My favorite part about being a DSP is learning from the people I care for. There is something to learn from them every day. Most people don’t know how much residents depend on DSPs. It means a lot to me to be recognized as an excellent Direct Support Professional.” – Danrico Fulmore
 
 

New Jersey

Tynesha Foster

“What most people do not know about this work is that it can be incredibly challenging, yet impactful and life-changing for the staff and the individuals that we serve. My favorite part of the job are the moments my team and I are able to celebrate some of the many milestones.” – Tynesha Foster
 
 

Joyce Washington

“Being an excellent DSP means going beyond just meeting the basic needs of the individuals we support. It’s about building relationships, understanding the individual’s uniqueness, advocating for their rights, and allowing the individual an opportunity to safely try big or small goals, regardless of the outcomes. It requires patience, empathy, and adaptability.” – Joyce Washington
 
 

Georgia

Alishia Vandyke 

 “I think the perfect person to become a DSP would be someone who likes to help people and see what they do really makes a difference. Someone with patience and understanding in difficult situations. Someone who is highly motivated to see the individuals live their best lives.” – Alishia Vandyke
 
 
 

Thomas Adams 

 “My favorite part about being a DSP is providing a service to our individuals! Most people don’t know that working as a DSP gives you a rewarding feeling. I find that being a DSP brings me happiness because I get the chance to provide a service to someone in need.” – Thomas Adams
 
 
 

Pennsylvania

Theresa Reeder 

“It is extremely rewarding to know that I am making a difference in someone’s life while providing quality care. Being a DSP provides me with a meaningful purpose in my life. While I help my individuals grow, I am also growing with them. I absolutely love my job!” – Theresa Reeder 
 
 

Thank you to the Direct Support Professionals who participated in this feature. We are proud of the incredible DSPs working at RHA that support people living their best lives. It is because of you that RHA continues to be a place #WhereHumansBloom.

If this article has inspired you, or you know someone who may want to become a Direct Support Professional, please visit rhajobs.com to view available positions near you.

RHA Opens New IDD Services Facility in Rogersville, TN

Rogersville, TN – RHA Health Services is proud to announce the opening of a new facility in Rogersville, dedicated to providing exceptional care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  

Located at 209 S. Depot Street, Rogersville, TN 37857, the new facility will offer a range of services, including community living, family model residential supports, personal care, and supported employment. These services are designed to support individuals in living fulfilling, independent lives within their communities. 

 “We’re thrilled to be bringing our services to Rogersville. This new facility is a big step in our mission to make a positive impact in the community and help more people lead fulfilling lives,” said Amanda Maez, Program Administrator.

The opening of this facility demonstrates RHA Health Services’ dedication to providing quality care in Tennessee. RHA Health Services is proud to play a crucial role in promoting independence, improving quality of life, and fostering community integration for individuals with disabilities across the state.

Young man with cerebral palsy laughing outdoors in city. He is using a wheelchair.
                                                             

About RHA Health Services: 

RHA Health Services is a leading provider of comprehensive support and care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health issues, and substance use challenges. Established with a commitment to quality care and community integration, RHA offers a wide range of services and operates across multiple states, working closely with local communities, and government agencies to ensure that individuals receive the tailored support they need to live fulfilling and independent lives. 

For more information about our services in Rogersville, please visit rhahealth.org/IDDTN or contact us at 423.500.5803. 

Nurses Week Spotlight: Miranda Desmond and Brittany Calhoun

In Maiden, NC, an RHA Health Services team of dedicated professionals shape the lives of those they serve every day. This Nurses Week, Miranda Desmond, RN, and Brittany Calhoun, LPN, two nurses with unique journeys, share their stories of passion and purpose working at RHA. 

Having been an IDD Nurse at RHA for three years, Miranda remains deeply connected to her work and the individuals she supports. She purposefully journeyed back to serving the IDD population after starting a family and found a role that allows her to provide compassionate care. “Here at RHA, you always have that opportunity to make someone smile, make their day,” Miranda remarks.   

One of Miranda’s most recent, rewarding experiences has been building a top-notch nursing department in Maiden, NC. Her valued team includes Pam, Cassie, Brittany, and Savannah. Miranda says, “I couldn’t ask for a better team. They’re more than just nurses and clerks. They’re amazing people too.” As a unit, they are constantly in collaboration to come up with a plan to help best support the health and safety of all the people supported. 

“When I applied at RHA, I didn’t know what I was getting into. I didn’t technically know what IDD stood for,” admits Brittany. “Now, these individuals are practically family to me, and I absolutely love it.” Beyond addressing their disabilities, Brittany focuses on nurturing the individuals she serves abilities and fostering a sense of self-reliance. 

Joshua Correll, a person served at RHA Health Services in Maiden, NC, shares his gratitude for the nursing team’s support. “I like to see my buddy, Brittany. The nurses are nice. They make sure I’m fed. A long time ago, I hurt my knee. They had to wrap it in an ace bandage,” shares Joshua. 

For Brittany, every day presents an opportunity to infuse love and compassion into the lives of the individuals enrolled in the Maiden Day Program. She reflects, “I’ve personally grown as a nurse. I remember being shy and, in my shell, and this [role] helped me come out of my shell and made me a more confident nurse.”  

Miranda and Brittany’s ongoing journey at RHA Health Services serves as an inspiration for aspiring IDD nurses. Their unwavering dedication to nursing excellence beyond Nurses Week continues to enrich the Maiden community, leaving a lasting impact on those they serve. 

To learn more about nursing opportunities at RHA Health Services, visit rhajobs.com. 

Julie McNeil Nominated for Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award

Julie McNeil, M.S. has been nominated for the prestigious Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award, recognizing her exemplary work improving the lives of families through ecosystemic structural family therapy as a Mental Health Professional with RHA Health Services. The award, named in honor of Dr. Marion Lindblad-Goldberg, celebrates professionals in Pennsylvania who embody her visionary approach to family therapy.

A driving force behind Julie’s success is her dedication to her own growth and development. Rachel Fritz, RHA Behavioral Health Team Leader, testified, “Julie is very much able to stay slow in the face of the pressure. She doesn’t allow a family’s intensity to affect her direction and treatment in that moment. She really worked on that.”

In her ecosystem and with the families that she works, Julie remains open to guidance and direction and is willing to enact change in herself for the betterment of the families. “I have worked with Julie for over three years. She always works to improve, and she always is moving forward. She takes criticism with positivity and turns it into something to work on.” said Lisa Freese, RHA Mental Health Worker.

Throughout her career, Julie has demonstrated a commitment to meeting families where they are, understanding their unique challenges, and guiding them towards lasting change. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve always had this passion to help people. Whether it’s a friend, family, or someone off the street, I’ve always wanted to be there to help them. Being honored by my peers is such an honor. I can’t even begin to describe what it means to me,” said Julie McNeil.

Julie’s nomination for the Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award is a testament to her profound impact. RHA Health Services is proud to have Julie McNeil on our team and support her work in the Mental Health community. 

To learn more about Julie McNeil and ecosystemic structural family therapy, visit pcfttc.com.

Kristen Irwin, RN, MSN: In the Spotlight

Here at RHA Health Services, we employ a diverse staff of compassionate, knowledgeable people that change lives across many states. Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Kristen Irwin, a dedicated nurse with over 8 years of experience working at RHA who just received her master’s degree with a Capstone Certificate of Excellence. With her compassionate demeanor and wealth of knowledge, Kristen offers us a unique insight into the world of nursing – a role that stays at the heart of RHA’s healthcare system.  

Q: How did you decide to enter the field of nursing?  

Kristen Irwin: Before I entered the healthcare space, I was working in retail. I knew I always wanted to go into healthcare because I’ve always had the heart and the passion to help other people and an interest in the medical aspect of life and science.  

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey into nursing at RHA?  

Kristen: My first year with RHA, I was working in one of our medical residential homes in Knoxville, Tennessee, where they had nurses on staff 24/7 to support two individuals there. The people supported were where I found my calling. IDD became my passion and my career. Many of the other employees that worked in the home had been there for a while, and that really stood out to me. My supervisor in the beginning was a home manager and she was wonderful and willing to do whatever was needed to support me.  

Q: What is your role at RHA Health Services today?  

Kristen: When I earned my RN degree, I transitioned from working as an LPN at the medical residential home to a role at the Knoxville, Tennessee, clinical team office. It was an exciting transition for me as I had never been in a clinical team role or worked in an office setting before. The people that I supported in the medical residential home were sad to see me leave, but they told me that they were proud of me.   

It was really rewarding to be able to continue to advocate for them. Though I wasn’t providing direct care to them daily, I was able to learn how the clinical team works to help advocate for them from a corporate level. Overall, it was an exceptionally smooth transition and I had ample support.   

Q: What advice would you offer to aspiring nurses or those considering a career in healthcare?  

Kristen: If you are considering becoming a healthcare provider with RHA, know that you can change somebody’s life every day. You will be supported. There’s a wonderful team here and you will feel like you’re a part of a family. The culture speaks for itself, and our people’s lives are better because of RHA.  

Closing Thoughts: Embracing the Heart of Nursing  

Kristen’s insights remind us that nursing is not merely a job, but a deeply meaningful calling rooted in the desire to care for others during their most vulnerable moments. In the face of challenges both old and new, nurses embody resilience, empathy, and dedication. RHA Health Services are proud to employ healthcare providers, like Kristen Irwin. We are grateful for their unwavering dedication to healing, comfort, and care.  

 To learn more about the growth opportunities available at RHA Health Services, visit RHAJobs.com today.