Our DSP for this week is Carter. He started working at our Carmen home just over a year ago and brings incredible energy to the house. He is a freshman at Bethel University and is studying special education and business finance. In addition to working here, he works as a PCA for folks outside of Living Well which shows his level of care and dedication, a much needed component of the job.
Alexis Santana, Program Manager, says, “When Carter works, you can feel such a positive and fun energy in the house. He connects so well with the people we serve, and you can truly see his passion for the work he does and the people he works with. Every time he is here, he sees the importance of getting people out and is so excited to offer new opportunities for people. Thank you for all that you do, Carter!!”
Carter, your exuberant personality and willingness to get out and have fun is priceless. We appreciate your dedication to the work, and your advocacy for supporting people with disabilities.
ABOUT CARTER
Number of years/months with Living Well: 15 months
Hobbies/Interests: Football, wake surfing, going for walks, country concerts, NFL NBA NHL MLB games, playing cribbage, hanging out with friends and family.
Education: I am currently a freshman at Bethel University, and I am studying special education and business finance. I also play football at Bethel and can’t wait to be a teacher someday!
Job Experience/History: I have a couple other small jobs while working here. I am a PCA for two other adults with disabilities and really enjoy getting out with them! During early summer I work for a graduation party company where we do tables, chairs, and tents for graduation parties and weddings.
Favorite part of the job: The people. Nothing I enjoy more than building personal connections with each of our people and my coworkers. The joy the people we support express from simple joys make me so happy to see the impact I have on their lives.
Favorite or craziest work story: This past Tuesday I worked in the morning and then went to the gym after. While at the gym I got a text from my Program Manager about Wild tickets that night. I was so in for this opportunity to take one of our folks to a Wild game. Our newest person at the house has never been to one, so I offered to take him. He was in! After we made it to the stadium, we went to the team store, and he picked a super cool long sleeve to wear for the game! Throughout the game he was cheering a bunch, chanting “Lets go Wild” with the crowd, joined in on the wave, and was smiling quite literally ear to ear.
What is your motivation for coming to work: I have a friend whose mom is a program manager, and I absolutely love helping out and serving this community, so I gave it a shot.
What made you apply: I was looking for a fulfilling job within this community and trusted my friends and what their mom was doing and the impact she was making.
What makes you stay: The energy. Everyone here is in great mood, and is uplifting, which then makes the people who live here happier so they can enjoy their time with us!
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: Join the team. You won’t regret the amazing experiences you receive here! Along with finding the joy you find here in serving these people!
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I love going to the gym with friends, playing cribbage, and hanging out with friends!
Do you volunteer in your community or school: Yes! I absolutely love volunteering! I volunteer through YoungLife through their WyldLife and Capernaum ministries as a leader. I volunteer as a unified basketball partner and coach in Farmington.
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.