Our DSP Shoutout for this week is Alexis. She works at Carmen and is a bright light in the home. Alexis is kind, sincere, and giving, and when she comes to work, she is ALL in. People at the home adore her because she is authentically present with every encounter, and it is obvious she loves what she does.
Cindy, Alexis and Kate at Day at the Capitol on Tuesday.
But don’t just take it from us. Cindy’s sister, Candace Dahl, says, “Alexis is the epitome of a selfless human. She is kind, caring, fun, humorous, loving to her clients, hard-working, and the list goes on.” Adding with a chuckle, “think of Sonny & Cher’s song: and the beat goes on…” And Program Manager, Jenni Zeis, who has been with Living Well for a whopping 37 years has this to say about her, “Alexis is the kind of person who is always happy. Her essence is laughter, and she is never crabby. She shows up and gets the work done physically and emotionally, she is fully present.” Jenni thinks Alexis has a very high emotional intelligence, which makes her an incredible role model for the people we support, as well as her colleagues. Jenni says with appreciation, “We all can learn from her. She always shows up in a positive and professional manner, be that in a doctor’s office with family or in community. I am fortunate to work with her and know her as a person.”
One of many photos sent to Cindy’s sisters!
And if that wasn’t enough, Cindy’s other sister, Cherise Erickson tells us, “This award couldn’t be more well deserved for Alexis. She is smart, kind, hardworking, respectful, and FUNNY!! Alexis is so incredibly supportive to my sister Cindy that I don’t know what she would do without her. My family is very grateful to have Alexis in our lives, and more importantly is Cindy’s life!!!! THANK YOU, Alexis!!!”
Pajama Day at Carmen.
As you can see, we have a stellar staff at Living Well. Big love to all care providers out there, and this week an extra shout out to Alexis! Please take a few minutes to read all about this wonderful Direct Support Professional.
ABOUT ALEXIS:
Number of years/months with Living Well: 2 years, 7 months
Congrats to the newly engaged couple!!!!
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my fiancé, family, and friends, traveling, trying out new restaurants, going to Timberwolves games, and as of recently I got engaged to my wonderful boyfriend of 6 years so wedding planning has become a new and fun hobby.
Education: Graduated from Metropolitan State with my Bachelor’s in Psychology.
Job Experience/History: I have taken care of people since I was 17 years old. I started out working in different assisted living senior facilities, so my passion and experience was always with the elderly. Then, about 5 or so years ago I became an intern at Midwest Special Services (the day program where 3 of the people I support now attend) and I loved it and ended up getting hired on there. I was there for 2 years and then Covid hit which caused MSS to shut down and me to look for a new temporary job until we could reopen. MSS worked with all of our homes of the people that we supported to get us jobs while MSS was closed and that is how I started at Carmen Lane. I was here for a while and then things slowly got better and back to normal and MSS reopened, but at that point I had already gotten hired on through Living Well and here I am now almost 3 years later. I loved it here so much, loved the people and the staff and decided to stay here permanently. Carmen Lane is truly the best thing that came out of Covid for me and I am so lucky and thankful to be a part of such an incredible team and company!
Favorite part of the job: Coming to work everyday is something that I look forward to. Most days don’t even feel like work, Carmen Lane is just such a positive and fun environment to work in and I just love the people we support and the team I get to work with every day.
Favorite or craziest work story: When I first started, Covid and the Pandemic were going on so to make things fun, every Friday would be a different theme day. We did pajama day, color day, rainbow day, hat day, wacky hair day, country western day, etc so we would dress everyone up on Fridays and it was really fun!
What is your motivation for coming to work: My motivation is the amazing people we support, the incredible team that we have, and the wonderful families we get to work with.
What made you apply: Covid and MSS closing LOL…But I am forever SO thankful that Covid brought me to Carmen Lane!
What made you stay: We have the best team and best people that we support! We are truly one big family and it’s truly such an upbeat, positive, enjoyable environment to work in!
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: Our job is hard, but it is so incredibly worth it. Some days are hard, but other days are so fun and enjoyable. We get to support the best people and it is amazing to have such an impact on someone’s day. We think that we are changing the people we supports lives when in reality, they are changing ours and it’s such a beautiful thing!
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Love spending time with my fiancé, family, and friends. I have such a big, blended family so making time for everyone gets busy, but I am so lucky for the big family that I have and am so thankful for all of the people in my life!
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I volunteered at a senior living home when I was in high school, but I haven’t done any volunteering since.
Want to nominate a DSP? Please email jessica.maurer@livingwell.org to nominate a Living Well Disability Service DSP. Thank you! Want to underwrite our DSP Shoutout Program? Please contact Devan Heinsen at devan.heinsen@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.