Direct Support Professionals are Heroes Who Are Transforming the Lives of Individuals with I/DD
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart and soul of the work Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has done supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for the past 40 years. DSPs are on the front line providing invaluable services to our most vulnerable population. Their work can range from working as a Job Coach assisting clients with paid employment to providing services to our clients in their own home; giving them the ability to live independently. For Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 12-18, 2021) we would like to recognize just a few of our nearly 400 employees who are helping to transform the lives of our clients.
Nancy Martin is a wonderful Job Coach with the El Centro Community Integration Services program. She is a great asset to the team! We would like to express our sincere admiration for her outstanding efforts in the workplace. We appreciate everything that she has done for our clients over the past several years since she joined us. The endless hours she has spent working and the professionalism she has shown has immensely motivated our entire management team. – Julio Deleon, TMI Community Integration Services Division Manager – El Centro
San Diego Supported Employment Job Coach Denisse Arellano does an outstanding job assisting our clients. She ensures that they meet their goals, but also identifies key areas where they can show improvement. Her voice and written reports are informative and complete. Denisse has also developed a wonderful professional relationship with the other TMI Managers. She has even crossed departments internally and has helped out with the TMI Independent Living program. In addition, she has excellent advocacy skills! Thank you, Denisse, for being a wonderful employee to work with! – Mary Carrington, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Division Manager – San Diego
Katrina Wilkins, a Job Coach with our Temecula Community Integration Training Program, has worked hard during the pandemic to ensure that each of her clients remained connected not only with each other, but also with other clients outside of their group by hosting conjoined Zoom group sessions. She has made sure that each client is heard and encourages them to share their ideas. Katrina has demonstrated great creativity in her daily sessions and has provided supplies for fun activities. We are very fortunate to have her as a DSP!
I would also like to recognize Nenet Litzenberger, who has done a wonderful job with helping to set up group connections for our Community Integration Training Program alternative services during the pandemic. She creates fun weekly sessions which our clients love! Nenet has demonstrated great teamwork by working with her many colleagues to collaborate on topics and activities. She is invaluable and truly makes an impact in the lives of our clients! – Andrea Rivera, TMI Community Integration Training Program Division Manager – Temecula
Thank you to these amazing DSPs and all of our outstanding employees who have worked diligently throughout the pandemic to ensure the safety, happiness and success of our clients during this challenging time. We see you and we appreciate you more than you know!
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2000. In 2020, we launched Disabled Veteran Employment Services. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion.