Our DSP for this week is Pa. She works at out Poppler house in Eagan and started working with Living Well back in 2015. She is well loved by everyone at the house, makes life easier for those she supports and works with, and is an energetic go-getter.
Alex Buslee, Program Manager, says, “Pa started at Casey Court with me many years ago. When I moved to Poppler, she transferred shortly after. Pa is one of the most unique people I have ever met. If you knew her age, you wouldn’t believe it. She doesn’t act like most young people. She is so poised, mature and just genuinely kind. Pa always makes the right decisions and backs them to the end. She takes care of her family, her children, her job and anything else that falls in her lap. At Poppler, she runs the show. Everyone wants to work with her because she is the person who makes it all happen. She cares so much for the people who live with us, work for us, and has earned trust with everyone.”
Alex adds with a chuckle, “Aside from all of those admirable things, she is by far the best cook in our house and we all hope for leftovers.”
Pa, we appreciate you they energy you bring to the house, and are so grateful you found us!
ABOUT PA
Number of years/months with Living Well: 11 years 5 months
Hobbies/Interests: There are a lot of things I enjoy doing, but my favorite everyday activities are going for walks with my kids, spending quality time with my family, and doing a little online shopping.
Education: Currently I don’t have any recent certifications or additional training to share. However, I am currently enrolled in a phlebotomy training program to expand my skills and continue my professional growth.
Job Experience/History: I have been with Living Well since 2015. While I haven’t had a new job in almost 12 years, my work continues to teach me something new every day. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and improve my skills while providing the best support possible to the people I serve.
Favorite part of the job: The best part of my day is seeing the people I support at the home. Being with them, helping them, and seeing their smiles makes every day meaningful and reminds me why I enjoy the work I do.
Favorite or craziest work story: There are so many crazy and favorite memories from my 12 years here that it’s hard to choose just one! But I’ll keep it short. One of my favorite memories happened when I first transferred to Poppler. I was still getting used to the home, the residents, and my new coworkers. One evening, we were very short-staffed. It sounds crazy, but my coworker and I never panicked. We stayed calm, worked together as a team, and supported each other throughout the shift. By the end of the night, we had successfully completed everyone’s care, given all the showers and baths, and had everyone comfortably in bed by 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. That experience showed me the importance of teamwork and staying positive, even during challenging situations. It’s a memory I’ll always remember.
What is your motivation for coming to work: It’s my Program Manager, Alex.
What made you apply: I applied for this job because I had moved from Minneapolis to St. Paul and needed a new job. I never imagined I would still be here all these years later. Looking back, I’m grateful because this job has become much more than just a place to work—it’s a place where I’ve built meaningful relationships and found a second family.
What makes you stay: The people I support are the reason I love coming to work every day. I enjoy seeing everyone who lives here at Poppler. I also appreciate my program manager and coworkers. They are supportive, caring, and have become like a second family to me.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: Don’t be afraid to try something new. Even now, I still remind myself of that every day. I know it’s hard, but once you take that first step, you might discover the best version of yourself. Believe in yourself, stay confident, and never underestimate what you’re capable of.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Outside of work, I love spending time with my kids. I also enjoy doing arts and crafts. Over the past few years, one of my favorite hobbies has been attending summer festivals where I sell T-shirts that I make using my Cricut machine. It’s something I truly enjoy, and it’s even more special because my kids get to be part of it too. I’m looking forward to doing it again once my baby is a little older.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: In July, my family volunteered to serve free shaved ice at the Eastside Health Fair, an event hosted by our church for the East Side St. Paul community. It was a wonderful opportunity to give back, spend time together as a family, and support our local community.
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.