Our DSP Shoutout for this week is Kipp. He has been with Living Well 12 years, all at our Edgewood home. Kipp worked as an auto mechanic for three years before discovering the career path of caring and has not looked back since starting with Living Well. We are super grateful he found us all those years ago, and for his consistent dedication and willingness to be of service to the people and staff at the home.
Stacy Roberts, Program Manager, says, “Kipp is a kind soul who has a gift for getting along with anyone that is put in his path. He has been with Edgewood for 12 years and is a strong advocate for the individuals served that live at Edgewood.” She thinks he is a calm presence in the home who is creative with care and finding new experiences for the individuals served. She adds, “He’s amazing and well loved. He’s always ready to go above and beyond for his fellow co-workers and individuals served.”
Adrienne DeRuyck, Regional Director, says, “Kipp is reliable, and others know they can count on him. He keeps his focus on how to best support each person at Edgewood.”
Kipp bonds with everyone equally, and this makes him extra special. He has special ability to connect with everyone in an organic and beneficial way. For example, he helps Colleen get up and moving, and helped her learn to use technology in a game changing way. This is the kind of thing that makes him an incredible asset to the team, as he is an advocate for all and open to creating shared experiences with people to help them live fully.
Congrats, Kipp—we appreciate your incredible work!
ABOUT KIPP
Number of years/months with Living Well: 12 years
Hobbies/Interests: iRacing, Going to local racetracks, storm chasing.
Education: Automotive Technical School
Job Experience/History: As a youth I worked at a neighborhood park chaperoning and mentoring grade school aged children. I graduated technical school and worked three years as an auto mechanic before deciding I wanted to do something else at the time. Have been with Living Well ever since.
Favorite part of the job: Learning to communicate fluently with people of different backgrounds and abilities.
Favorite work story: Too many to count! Each week is fresh with new anecdotes.
What is your motivation for coming to work: I really enjoy everyone I work with. Coming here is like coming to a 2nd family/home.
What made you apply: I was referred by someone in the company, had always wanted to try helping people living with disabilities.
What made you stay: The people I work with and the sense that my efforts are of value to them. You see it in their faces, and it is very rewarding.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: If you enjoy forming meaningful relationships with people, then this job is for you.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Drive! Road trips, cruising around town, iRacing on my computer. I feel best when I’m behind the wheel of something.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: Not traditionally, but do I like to help my elderly neighbors with chores and pick up litter.
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 Devan Heinsen at devan.heinsen@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.