Our DSP for this week is Ella. She works Selkirk house in Burnsville and started working with Living Well two years ago. She is a college student at University of Iowa and will be a junior in the fall. She initially started as a business major but switched to nursing after working at Living Well and realizing caring for people was a better fit for her professionally.
Sydney Borden, Program Manager, says, “Ella puts her whole heart into caring for the people we serve. Her lively personality, positive energy, and genuine kindness make everyone feel welcome and at home. She is trustworthy, reliable, and always willing to go the extra mile for both the individuals she supports and her coworkers. As a dedicated nursing student, she brings compassion, professionalism, and a true passion for caring for others into everything she does. Ella exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding DSP, and she is truly deserving of this recognition as DSP of the Week.”
Ella, we appreciate your kindness and hard work. You bring sunshine to the house, and we are grateful you made room in your busy schedule for caring for others. You will be a fabulous nurse!
ABOUT ELLA
Number of years/months with Living Well: 2 years 1 month
Hobbies/Interests: I love to bake, especially desserts. I really like cookies, muffins, and bread but have not tried sourdough yet. Recently started gluten and dairy free recipes as well. I also take lots of walks, go on coffee runs, and hit gym with friends.
Education: In the fall I will be a junior at University of Iowa, go Hawkeyes! I started as a business major but though this job realized nursing was a better fit, so I switched last year. I am set to graduate in 2028.
Job Experience/History: I nannied and babysat my whole life and worked at Starbucks as a young teenager.
Favorite part of the job: Connecting with the people at Selkirk. They get super excited to see you when you come in the morning, and it feels nice to be needed and appreciated while at work. To know that I am making a difference by just helping them out feels great. Even helping with small daily tasks can make a big difference to them, and I am passionate about doing something that helps them love their daily lives.
Favorite or craziest work story: One memorable experience was taking someone to a medical appointment during rush hour traffic. Long drives can be overwhelming for him, so instead of focusing on the traffic, we spent the ride singing songs at the top of our lungs. What could have been a stressful day turned into a fun adventure, and by the end of it he was laughing, having a blast, and feeling completely at ease.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the relationships I’ve built with the people I support. Since I’m younger than some of the DSPs, the people who live at Selkirk often joke that I’m like their little sister. One person told me, “You’re like a sister from another mom, and I can count on you for everything.” Comments like that mean a lot to me. Two of the women love to chat about anything and everything, and they’re always giving me advice, especially relationship advice, which is pretty fun. Over time, they’ve become like family to me, and I can tell how much they genuinely care.
What is your motivation for coming to work: Making sure they know someone is there not just to get paid but to be helpful. Having passion for the work is what gets me there. Making a difference in their day and caring for them well. I am going to do my job fully to support them. I want them to feel pretty and accepted and to feel their best so they can go have a good day. It goes deeper for me than just the paycheck. I need a job, but I am here for the connection.
What made you apply: I was referred to Living Well by a friend who works at the Poppler House. I wasn’t sure about as I was a business major. Then I met some folks, really liked it, and applied. A referral and a meet-and-greet was all it took.
What makes you stay: I think my people would go crazy if I ever left, so I must stay. They all jokingly freak out when I go to college. “You are coming back, right?” I think I will stay on occasionally for a long time as I like hanging out with them. As much as I know I am super important in their lives, they are as important to me as well.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I would definitely tell them it takes time and there is an adjustment period. You will see a lot of things, and there can be many medical needs. It is so much more than a Band-Aid, and it is OK to ask for help. When I see someone is overwhelmed, I tell them it is rewarding and that they will get it. It will become a routine and you will have yours as well. Good staff will support you along the way.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I am always with my friends. I am very extroverted and I want to see all my hometown friends when I am home on break. We tan in the sun, go to Starbucks, take walks, and have girls’ nights in. I also hang with my family; my brother and I get dinner and catch up. I like to be with people.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: Yes, I volunteer at three places. At school, I volunteer at the hospital and the free medical clinic, which helps people without insurance or who have limited access to medical assistance. I volunteer at HCMC as a fake patient in a clinical situation to help doctors learn and get real-life experience. I feel rewarded when I am working with other people.
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@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.