Celebrate a Caregiver

by Jennifer L. Hipple, Communication Specialist

Our Celebrate a Caregiver program spotlights our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Lead DSPs who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. One nominee from our (west metro) Hammer homes and one from our (east metro) NER homes are selected each month and receive a $25 gift card of their choice as a token of our appreciation.

Meet Our Latest Recipients!

JUNE

Monti Patrick is a DSP at our west metro Royal Oaks home. Monti has been a consistent presence for over 10 years. He knows the people we serve so well and how to handle when they are upset. He uses humor to cheer them up or redirect agitation or frustration. Monti can navigate the challenges of the job because of his experience and the trust our people have in him. William Odame is a DSP at our east metro Rolling View home. William always has a positive attitude and adapts easily to rapid change. The day program pick-up times have been changed a couple of times, but William is always willing to adjust his time/schedule so that the people we support are able to get ready in the morning and are on time for their buses. JULY

Julia Barnhill is a DSP at our west metro Gardner home. Julia takes the initiative to get things done such as grocery shopping, cleaning, and helping with cares. She gets the ladies involved in activities they enjoy such as trips to famers’ markets, the library, shopping, movies, the zoo, and Color Me Mine (pottery studio). Julia can always be counted on and picks up extra shifts when needed. Kevin Heroff is a Float DSP for our east metro homes. Kevin is always flexible and willing to switch sites at a moment’s notice. He has an incredible ability to go into a home he’s never worked at before and take great care of the individuals living there without missing a beat. We have counted on Kevin in times of crisis and for training new employees.

AUGUST

Quita Kialain is a DSP at our west metro Stone Creek home. Quita helps with extra shifts and is often called on to work at other Hammer homes. She is kind and fun and always person centered when caring for and interacting with the people she serves. Quita goes above and beyond, always being flexible and having a positive attitude. Paul Roberts is a Float DSP for our east metro homes. Paul takes the time to get to know and understand the people we serve to provide the best care possible. He is a people person and a strong communicator and can reach the people we serve on a different level than simply “care giving.” They are always excited to see him and respect him as well.

SEPTEMBER

In September, in keeping with National DSP Recognition Week, we chose to honor all our direct care staff. We appreciate all of them for the work they do each day.

OCTOBER

Bill Pugh is a Lead DSP at our west metro Plymouth Colony apartment program. Bill is passionate about the job and dedicated to providing the people we serve with the best care possible. Just as importantly, Bill is always willing to go to other programs and work beyond his regular assignments. He goes the extra mile no matter where he’s working. Christine Hagen is a Float DSP for our east metro homes. Christine has made a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve at nearly all our east metro locations. Her ability to adapt to new settings and new people quickly and positively is invaluable. Serving everyone according to their unique needs isn’t always a simple task, but Christine does this with ease.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Pam Norman, who works at our west metro Sumac home, was a finalist for the ARRM Cares Award, which recognizes direct care staff (in MN) who go above and beyond in providing exceptional support to individuals with disabilities. Pam has a natural ability to understand a person’s needs by being a great listener and using her knowledge and resources to connect those we serve with the greater community. Pam has a talent for helping the people we serve make goals for themselves and take steps to accomplish them.