#iameasterseals| DSP Week 2020- Staff Spotlights
9/15/2020
Tell us your story. Take a minute to tell us why you do what you do and what you love about being a DSP and post it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag - #iameasterseals. When you submit your story, you will be entered into a contest for a raffle basket valued at over $300. If you do not have a social media account feel free to email me your story directly. Here are a few stories that have been shared to date:
Tonya Malone, Community Living Specialist, St. Louis – “Hello my name Tonya and this is DSP week. I have been a direct support professional for the past 29 years. I have found great joy in advocating and supporting individuals to become productive members of society. In doing this job I began my educational career in elementary education. The experience I acquired while at ESMW has made me a better teacher. I am now in my 24th year of teaching and I learned many valuable lessons but the most valuable is that we all can learn and be productive. I am very thankful for the opportunity to in some way shape the lives of individuals we provided service to - #iameasterseals”
Mercedes Lee, Community Living Specialist, St. Louis - I’ve been working for Easterseals Midwest for 5 years and it has definitely been the experience. I have shared so any moments with this organization. Looking back, one of my biggest “this is why I’m here” moments was my first time going to the Night to Shine dance. The individuals I supported were dressed up looking sharp as can be! We got there and we saw so many people. Some old some new. I sat back for a moment and just observed. People were dancing and mingling. One of my individuals even “stole” a dance with someone’s partner! But seeing how everyone was relaxed and genuinely being themselves made me realize our society has this expectation for people who have developmental disabilities. They have to “act” a certain a way but if they are different it’s frowned upon. I am glad that times like Night to Shine and many other activities are a chance to be whoever someone wants to be. It’s a chance of no judgement no expectations and a definitely a good time! I can honestly say I am proud to be a part of that! “We aren’t that different just diverse”
Shelley Jones, Job Coach, St. Louis - Happy DSP Week! To celebrate I would like to share my why. Why I love my job. I was always told that a good job is one that you can go to and enjoy going to daily. Easterseals is that for me. Working hands-on with individuals & collaborating with them is what I love to do. It’s their “aha moments” for me that really gets me going daily. To know that with dedication and commitment each individual that I support gets that “Aha moment” at a time and pace that only they can determine. #iameasterseals
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put in to giving” – Mother Teresa
Laurel Taylor
Chief Human Resources Officer
