Our DSP this week is Miatta, and she has been with Living Well for just over five years. She started working overnights at another Living Well home and transferred to Douglas when she moved closer to Buffalo. Now she has a mix of daytime and overnight shifts, which suits her schedule perfectly. As the mother of three beautiful young children, she is always on the go and likes the flexibility of her hours.
Kristina Backman, Program Manager, says, “Miatta is an angel. She came from another Living Well house and fit right in as soon as she started. I could immediately tell she had an amazing sense of humor. She is very caring and has a heart of gold. Miatta is thorough at work and is an amazing human being in general. Kristina adds, “Miatta is great at documentation, cooking, cares, IFP goals, and is pretty much the whole package. She is exceptional and I wish I had like 10 of her.”
Miatta is a great DSP for many reasons. She is outgoing and has a bubbly personality. She loves to have a good time with the individuals at Douglas and her coworkers. And she is an integral part of the Living Well team.
Miatta, we appreciate all you do for Living Well! Your enthusiasm and kindness are incredible. Thank you for making a career out of caring.
ABOUT MIATTA
Number of years/months with Living Well: 5 years 3 months
Hobbies/Interests: When not at work I spend time with my kids. I am a mom of three, so I am busy with my little ones. I like to cook and take them out for treats. I also love taking their pictures. I am so busy!
Education: I have a high school diploma, and I went to Hennepin Tech college for a nursing program, but my schedule did not work at the time, so I had to stop. I did receive a Health Unit Coordinator certificate from there in 2020. Once my mom comes to the US from Liberia will go back to school.
Job Experience/History: I have always worked in this field, taking care of others.
Favorite part of the job: My favorite part of the job is that I feel for and empathize with the clients. And my supervisor, Kristina, makes work feel like home. I love to come to work because we work as a team, especially when it comes to the people we support here. And if a staff member has kids, we cover for each other. Kristina is very nice and is like a mom to all of us.
Favorite or craziest work story: One of our clients used to complain a lot in the morning, not really wanting to get ready. But once he was dressed and ready he was so excited to be up and about, and happy to be with his people. He gave great high fives. I like it when everyone is looking good and happy, and it brings me joy. It is the best.
What is your motivation for coming to work: Taking good care of people. I love people, especially the people we support. Making sure they are well cared for, and seeing the smiles on their faces makes me happy and brings joy to me.
What made you apply: I was looking for a job and a friend told me that she worked here, and that it is a very nice place to work. I started with another manager doing overnights. Now I have a mix of days and nights, so it works with my kid’s schedules. Kristiana helps me with my schedule.
What makes you stay: I stay because we are family. Living Well is a good company, and since I have been here, there has never been a problem. All my managers appreciate us and thank us for the work that we do. It makes me want to do more, I just can’t say enough about my coworkers and the people here.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I would say it is a loving place to work. We work as a team and as a family. It is unique and you will love it here.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Most often on my days off I take my kids to the park. And shopping is my therapy. This is what I work for, to get them treats when we go out, and put smiles on their faces, too.
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.