Our DSP this week is Ruby. She is a full-time student who started working with Living Well as a teen and works summers and occasional shifts at our Diane Road home throughout the year. She is a lot of fun and is always willing to help the staff in addition to striving to help the people she supports live their best lives.
Elaine and Ruby.
Jill Tollefson, Program Manager at Diane Road, considers Ruby an exceptional employee with a big heart. She says, “Ruby is a college student who works a lot in the summer and always lets us know when she is home for a weekend during school. She will also pick up shifts for staff when they need coverage and is an incredible team player. Ruby is always happy and loves the people she supports, and we are super lucky to have her on the team.” Jill adds that Ruby is studying to be an accountant, which at first blush doesn’t seem to fit her charismatic nature. Which is why she loves this profession, for it can draw people with varied educational backgrounds and pursuits. The emotional intelligence required to do the job is virtually untrainable, so wherever Ruby lands post-graduation will surely benefit from her experience caring for others.
Debbie and Ruby.
The people Ruby works with and for all appreciate her and think she deserves this honor. Debbie, who lives at Diane, says, “I love Ruby a lot. She is a friend and staff. She listens and loves me too.”
When work feels a little bit like family, we all win!
Ruby and her family.
Ruby, thank you for the joy you bring to the job. We know you will soar in your career, and are so grateful you made room for Living Well on your resume. Thank you for making space for us in your busy life and schedule, and for the way you approach caregiving with wonder and delight. Congrats, Ruby.
ABOUT RUBY
Number of years/months with Living Well: 3 years 1 month
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time outdoors running and camping. I also enjoy a good book. I like to spend time with my friends.
Education: I am attending UND and studying accounting.
Job Experience/History: I have been an accounting assistant, worked at a senior living home, and worked in special education classrooms as a paraprofessional.
Favorite part of the job: Increasing the quality of life and happiness of the people I support.
Favorite or craziest work story: Taking the people supported on walks around the park and on swings.
What made you apply: Working with students with disabilities in high school made me fall in love with the work.
What made you stay: My bond with the people who live at the home.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: It is a very rewarding job.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I volunteered a lot during Covid gathering supplies for those in need and fundraising.
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.