Our DSP for this week is Bernard Doe. He also answers to Ben, and he is not overly picky what you call him. Bernard works at our Kennelly home in Burnsville and has been with Living Well for six years. He found Living Well though a friend and loves it so much he has no plans of leaving anytime soon.
Aaron Oden, Program Manager, says, “Ben, he is the Kennelly house savior. He’s always there when we need someone, even on short notice. Every time Ben comes through the door Becky lights up and says it’s Bernard, and it makes me jealous.”
When asked what she like most about him, Peggy, who lives at Kennelly, says with a laugh, “He’s goofy!”
Ben, you are a hardworking dedicated professional who is always willing to share your knowledge. We appreciate your energy and are grateful you made a career out of caring.
ABOUT BERNARD
Number of years/months with Living Well: 6 years 1 month
Hobbies/Interests: I would say being home alone and watching movies. I enjoy science fiction and adventure movies. I also love to cook African food. I am from Ghana and enjoy traditional dishes. I love to make fermented corn dough with okra soup; it is my comfort food and feels like home.
Education: I have a degree in supply management from the University of Ghana.
Job Experience/History: I started in the care field immediately after coming to the US back in 2019. I work here and at another group home as well.
Favorite part of the job: Putting smiles on the faces of the people who live here. I enjoy working with people I really appreciate. I have been taught a lot by the crew here. Dick, Tom, and Aaron are so good to me, and I love to work for Aaron.
Favorite or craziest work story: When someone here sits on the floor looking for attention, saying “I fall.” We always check to be sure, but we know it is a pattern and a go up and pretend to dust them off and have a conversation and a laugh. Another person here will ask if it is hot and sunny outside, meanwhile it is raining. They are sneaky and funny, and laughter is part of the job, and it makes you relax. We have fun.
What is your motivation for coming to work: I am motivated by my first-born son who has Down Syndrome. That is where I have carried my vision from. I wanted to learn more, and now when I travel home, I teach others the best way to care for others. Between my two jobs I have learned a lot about how to care for people with Down Syndrome and autism.
What made you apply: A friend worked here and introduced me to Living Well. He worked at another house and was about to transfer here, but then he left back to Ghana.
What makes you stay: The people here and the staff. It is like a family here. We like to get out and go for walks in the neighborhood if the weather is nice or take a drive to the park.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I always tell people it is an environment that respects the work and the people here. It is like a family, that is what I tell people. I am happy to work here for these reasons, and I do not intend to retire.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I relax when I am here. And I like to travel home to see my kids and all my family. Aunties, uncles, grandparents, everyone! My kids are not here so it is more fun when I get home, I go for a month or two at a time and I like to see how they are getting into good trouble.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I volunteer at church. I am an usher and help people with their seats. I go whenever my schedule allows.
Want to nominate a DSP? Please email jessica.maurer@livingwell.org to nominate a Living Well DSP. Special thanks to Miles and Cheri Cohen for their support of DSP of Week. Want to join them in underwriting our DSP Shoutout Program? Please contact Jamee Yung for sponsorship opportunities.