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.