Our DSP Shoutout for this week is Penn. As one of our newer employees, clocking in at four months so far, she has become an instant standout! She came with the dedication and personality needed for the job and has blended into the Schletty home beautifully. Penn is an incredible caregiver who has enjoyed learning the role on the job, and is genuinely happy to come to work each day.
Penn at work.
Program Manager, Amy Forseth-Thielke, says about Penn, “”I like to joke that Penn is the house nurse, and frequently call her Nurse Penn. She seems to always know what to do and when, especially in medical situations. She stays calm and collected, even during high stress moments. After working at Schletty for 3 months, one of the people we support had a pretty significant medical issue and Penn stayed calm and handled everything excellently.”
Alicia Stans, Regional Director, says, “Penn is always willing to pick up shifts and help out when needed. She has a wonderful positive attitude and brings good energy to the home. It is a blessing to have her on the team.”
With hundreds of employees—and 7 in training just this week—we have people who have been with us for days and decades. Staff like Penn show the world that with the right attitude and training, caregivers can and will find the profession. We are so grateful for Penn, and all of our Direct Support Professionals. Congrats, Penn!
ABOUT PENN
Number of years/months with Living Well: 4 months
Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, reading, movies, and singing.
Education: Studying IT at the University of MN.
Job Experience/History: Volunteered working with people with disabilities.
Favorite part of the job at Schletty: When I make sure to keep everyone safe and healthy. Doing things like making meals for people in the house or making sure they are getting the correct medication, that is very important to me.
Favorite work story: One day a person I support was taking medication and she said she didn’t want to take her medications anymore. I reminded her that she needed to take her meds to stay healthy and stay out of the hospital. She laughed and said she doesn’t ever want to go back to the hospital. We laughed and agreed that staying at home was much better. I think it’s great that everyone likes living here.
What is your motivation for coming to work: My motivation is when I think about the people we support. They can’t do certain things by themselves, and I can help them to do things they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. I help them stay healthy and happy. I think about the people’s laughs and smiles, and it makes me want to come to work.
What made you apply: A friend told me about it.
What made you stay: Out of respect for the people I support. I want to make sure they are taken care of.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: Come with a warm heart and focus on the people while you are at work. Think about improving the lives of the people in the house, not yourself, and you will be good!
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Watch movies with friends and read.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: Not at this 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 Devan Heinsen at devan.heinsen@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.