REM Minnesota DSPs Chosen as 2017 DSP of the Day by The MENTOR Network
September 18, 2017
At REM Minnesota and The MENTOR Network, we value our Direct Support Professionals and others in direct support roles for their dedication to those we serve and their critical role in carrying out our mission every day.
Throughout the month of September, The MENTOR Network is honoring direct support staff members through the DSP of the Day campaign, which recognizes a different direct support staff member each day for their outstanding service. DSPs from REM Minnesota are among those chosen as the DSP of the Day this year. Congratulations to each of these team members, and thank you for your commitment to the individuals we serve!
September 30
Daniel Averbeck
“What I enjoy most about working in a direct support role are the fun new experiences we share together. Over the past year, I have been teaching a “Paint Night” and it’s become a hit. Similar to paint bar nights held at popular restaurants, everyone gets their own easel, acrylic paint, canvas and different brushes to use. I do a demonstration of each step of the painting and help anyone as needed. They do a great Job! I have also facilitated music nights were I bring different instruments (hand drums, guitars, a mandolin, accordion and yes, a didgeridoo) and mindfulness classes to become relaxed, present and calm mostly through breath exercise. Everyone is so unique and there are so many talents we can all learn from, it’s been great to share mine with the people we serve.”
September 25
Danielle Emkes
“I enjoy the never-ending opportunities to make a positive impact on the kiddos I serve. Watching them progress and accomplish things that people thought they’d never be able to do is so heartwarming and to be a big part of that is rewarding. The days are never the same, which provides challenges that have helped me grow as an individual and allowed me to build strong relationships with the kids. It’s amazing that these kids are able to spend hours out in the community as it was a struggle before. They have worked so hard to develop appropriate skills to be out and do the things they love and enjoy. This summer we were able to do many fun things—carnivals, parades, fairs, and water parks. One of our kiddos learned how to fish and another learned how to ride bike, which are huge milestones for them.”
September 21
Ashley Torres
“What I enjoy most about working in a direct support role is that it’s one-on-one interaction with the individuals we serve and you get to know them well. Out in the community, I enjoy walking dogs at The Humane Society with one of the individuals we serve and we recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Como Zoo and the Martin County Fair.”
September 10
Michael Christensen
“What I enjoy about working at REM is gaining knowledge, understanding, and better ways to help the people we serve. Recently, I was fortunate to be invited to watch an individual play in the Special Olympics softball tournament. I cheered him on as they won their last game of the tournament.”
September 8
Gina Gesino
“I enjoy the bond that is established and the trust the individuals I serve have for me. I enjoy being a mentor to them, helping them achieve goals they set for themselves and seeing the potential they have. Some of our favorite things to do in the community include going out for coffee, playing skip bo, then hitting the library to work on typing. Recently we went to the River Rats water ski show—everyone thought that was pretty cool to watch.”
September 1
Asmira Cisija
“I enjoy spending quality time with the individuals we serve. They really keep me on my feet and I try my best to make sure they receive great care and are happy. Every day after supper, we go to the park to swing, walk or bike ride. On weekends that I work and one of the individuals is out with family, I take the other individual to events in the community—whether it be a county fair, bowling, nature center, downtown, at the mall or one of the parks. We sometimes go to socials and get-togethers as well.”
Updated 9/25/17