Haillie, Chelsea, Mary and Don.
Our DSP this week is Chelsea. She has worked at our Inndale home for seven years now and was nominated by Sam who lives at the house. She has a great personality, loves to have fun, and is an important part of the team. She is no stranger to company get togethers and is always willing to help people have a great day. She lives an hour away from Inndale, and really enjoys walking into the house when she gets to work, which makes it clear the job matters to her.
Having fun at Family Fun Day.
Mary Larson, Program Manager, says, “Over the years Chelsea has grown more confident in her role as a caregiver. She has a very kind heart, and can always make people smile and laugh, even when they aren’t having the best day. With either music or a funny story, she can bring about a smile. I appreciate her ability to be flexible with her schedule and I can always count on her for any moving projects and putting things together around Inndale.” Mary says Chelsea is tiny but mighty and that she brings joy to those she cares for and works with!
Hailie and Chelsea.
Haillie lives at Inndale and tells us, “Chelsea is one of my favorites. She takes me out to McDonald’s. She paints my nails and colors with me. I am happy when I see her. She is like my sister.”
Chelsea and Sam at Inndale.
Sam, who nominated Chelsea, says, “She’s welcoming to all of us.” And so we don’t miss the opportunity to mention it, Sam celebrated his birthday this week. Happy Birthday, Sam!
Chelsea, we appreciate all you do for Living Well and the crew at Inndale. It is clear you are an asset to the house and that you bring smiles and joy to all who live and work there. Thank you for your hard work!
ABOUT CHELSEA
Number of years/months with Living Well: 7 years 2 months
Hobbies/Interests: Walking trails and being outdoors, I love being in nature. I live by Taylors Falls so I go there a lot.
Education: High school diploma
Job Experience/History: I used to help take care of my parents. I have always been a caregiver, and this made sense.
Favorite part of the job: Helping people is the best part of the job, being of service and seeing others be happy.
Favorite or craziest work story: Seeing everyone with the biggest smiles on their faces when I make them laugh. We like to listen to music, dance and joke around.
What is your motivation for coming to work: There is a pretty good crew here, and I look forward to seeing them. I have grown close to them over the past seven years. I take shifts at other houses on occasion and have built great relationships with them as well.
What made you apply: A friend referred me, she works at Inndale as well. She told me they were hiring, and that this would be a good job for me because I like to help people.
What makes you stay: I stay because I enjoy spending time with the people that I support. We laugh a lot and knowing that they are having a good time is important to me.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: That they will learn a lot of things and get to know the people we serve.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I like to hangout and go shopping with my mom and go walk on the trails to see the views when I need some time in nature.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: Not at this time, but I did volunteer at a nursing home a long time ago.
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.