#iameasterseals DSP Week 2020- Staff Spotlights
9/16/2020
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:
Kris Krieger, Autism Training Supervisor, St. Louis - It is Direct Support appreciation week. With the onset of COVID-19 back in the spring, the navigation of supporting families as a DSP has required many changes. The needs of families have been amplified. “School from home?? My child is not going to sit in front of a screen for multiple hours! How are we supposed to work and support our child with e-learning?? My child is regressing. My child’s behavior has gotten worse. We need help. We can’t do this! Our family is falling apart.” Families navigating the world of autism struggle with fear, doubts, frustration and tears. On the flip side, they have hope, see joy, possibilities and celebrate the small victories that others might not notice. All of these ups and downs can happen multiple times each day. As DSP’s, my coworkers and I are privileged to be trusted to be a part of their journey. We help celebrate the highs as well as help to empower during the lows. We work to empower, not enable. We work to help both the individual and the family see that there is hope. DSP’s work to positively impact the families they serve and the community around them. I know my coworkers will agree, that the families we serve positively impact us, as well. I love what I do. Remember, if one day at a time is too much, take One. Moment. At. A. Time. A huge shout out to my coworkers and all DSPs! I love being a part of the autism team at Easterseals Midwest.
Amanda Browley, Autism Training Aide, St. Louis - Because of Easterseals, I have met many wonderful families and individuals. I have worked in Autism Services and Community Living; learning, teaching, and helping. If it weren't for Easterseals, I never would have met a wonderful young lady. She no longer lives in the area or receives services, but her mom reached out to me and I continue to take care of her in my free time. We have our challenges, but the fun always overcomes. At the end of the day, I love what I do and that is what matters.
Mary Frosch, Community Services Instructor, Joplin - I am so excited to be working for easterseals. I started working for this wonderful company on July 3, 2019. I have the best supervisors and co- workers that treat me with the upmost respect. Everyone is willing to help each other out when needed. I have never worked for a company quite like this and am so happy that I chose to work here. I love all of our individuals and we have a lot of fun and they get their work done. I have worked with two individuals that live together and we have been working on cooking since I started working with them. They have prepared fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, peas, pork chops, fried potatoes, bacon, egg and cheese omelets, pork loins, Tenderloins, just to name a few. They are getting so good at cooking that I just need to oversee and they do the rest. They are both very cautious when it comes to using the stove. Both individuals are so proud of what they do and love to share with their peers of what they have done
Laurel Taylor
Chief Human Resources Officer
