Our DSP for this week is Kathy. She recently started at our Thompson home and has been with Living Well for almost three months. She has decades of experience in the field, and immediately upon joining the team warmed the hearts of other staff and the folks who call Thompson home.
Program Manager, Cynthia Hinojosa, says, “Kathy is a team player. As soon as she came here, her experience was obvious. She was able to help train staff from day one. And she won people’s hearts immediately. Her experience in figuring schedules out is incredibly appreciated. In addition to her work experience, her life experience has been helpful, too. Her being here allows me to focus on other things and dedicate time to managing tasks that benefit the entire house. We work well as a team, and I am happy to have her here as she is great at what she does. I do not know what I would do without her.”
Kathy, you found the career in a unique way, and we are grateful you made a career out of caring. Your dedication is obvious, and we appreciate you!
ABOUT KATHY
Number of years/months with Living Well: 3 months
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking is my favorite, I enjoy exploring Lebanon Hills. Cooking is also a passion, and I like to cook just about everything, lots of casseroles and crock pot meals, all homemade. I do not like boxed anything, here or at home.
Education: Back in New York I had some in schooling in behavioral therapies and earned an HHA certificate as well.
Job Experience/History: In 2004 I lost my arm and prior to that I was a bartender at a casino and was making lots of money. After my injury, I ended up finding a job at a group home. Met a job coach who said if you can make it here you can make it anywhere. All these years later I enjoy this so much more than that casino job.
Favorite part of the job: There is a person here who I do a lot of one-on-one time with, and I really enjoy working with him and giving him the love and reassurance he deserves. Everyone here is incredible, both the staff and people who live here. I have learned so much from the manager already and I have been doing this work for 25 years. Cynthia, is great and deserves a lot of credit.
Favorite work story: Way back when, like 15 years ago, I worked at a brain injury place serving seven folks with injuries. They told me one guy had lots of behavioral issues in addition to having only one arm and no legs, so I was nervous. I had lost my own arm a decade earlier, so when he saw me, he said, “OMG, I have a buddy now!” From that time on he was always by my side, and always comfortable with me. He was a character and could be difficult, but he really felt safe and seen with me and that felt great and still does. I am still in touch with him, and we chat twice a year.
What is your motivation for coming to work: I always say, God let me help one person today, even if only for two minutes. And here, we get the chance to do that every day. This is their life, so let’s help them live well.
What made you apply: My daughter is a doctor, an infectious disease specialist and a pediatrician. She came here for school, and I moved here with her and started at another company. While there I met Nate, who is now at Living Well, and he told me I would be a good fit here.
What makes you stay: Cynthia, who is the manager, and the people who live here. I met her at training and knew I wanted to work for her. She is a great manager and has a heart of gold, she talked about the people with such kindness, and I was sold. I guess I have good instincts!
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: You got to have patience, and you have to care. It is not for everyone, but if you care, have patience and a willingness to give even when you are tired, you will do great.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Watch TV, spend time with my son, and hike. Concerts are great, too. Just saw Kid Rock in the city.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I volunteer at a church for single moms, when I have time.
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.