Looking for FUN, she’s up for it!
Our DSP this week is Samantha, or Sam as she is often called. She spends her days at our 75th house and has been with Living Well since 2017. Sam is a gem and the people at the house light up when she is there. Sam goes out of her way to show up fully to work and comes in with a positive attitude and a kind heart. And she isn’t afraid to dress up, either. If something brings a smile, Samantha is on it!
Program Manager, Stacy Quackenbush, says, “Sam is one of the most dedicated DSPs I have worked with. She is always willing to step in and help cover open shifts.” Adding, “My favorite part of the days when Sam works is when she arrives. As soon as Sam walks in the door all the people served call out ‘Sam’ and you can see all the smiles simply because Sam is here. The people served love her so much because she takes the time to listen to them and make sure she is always supporting them at their specific level of need.”
Sam herself is excited to be part of an inclusive and supportive workplace. She was delighted when she found out she could work without a driver’s license and finds all kinds of fun things to do with the crew at the house.
Congrats, Sam, we are grateful for your continued dedication and work ethic. Thank you for all you do, we appreciate you.
ABOUT SAM
Number of years/months with Living Well: 6 years and 8 months
Hobbies/Interests: I like taking pictures, tai chi, diamond painting, thrift shopping, collecting precious moments, word searches, puzzles, card games, and board games.
Education: CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
Job Experience/History: In high school I worked at Joanne Fabrics and Malmborgs Greenhouse. After high school I worked at Culver’s, Panera bread and Kidstop (school age care program), and I have also done some PCA work. I am currently working at an early childhood special education center as well as at Living Well.
Favorite part of the job: Spending time with the residents, laughing with them, seeing them smile and helping them when needed.
Favorite or craziest work story: One of my favorite stories is when my mom dropped me off at work and the metro bus was dropping off the residents. Everyone was calling my name because they were excited to see me—and my mom heard them calling my name and the happiness in their voices.
What is your motivation for coming to work: My love and passion for helping people.
What made you apply: A coworker of mine at the early childhood special education center talked about her experience working at a group home and it sparked an interest. Living Well is the only company that I could find that doesn’t require a driver’s license working as a DSP, and they just make it work and so I decided to apply.
What makes you stay: People served and my very supportive Program Manager, Stacy Quackenbush
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I would tell them that Living Well is a wonderful place to work as a career, and that you can stay where you are at or work up in the company. I would also say gaining experience in the health care field is nice, and that it is a very supportive and inclusive workplace. If you love and have a passion to help people it’s a great place to work and you learn a lot about the people supported, yourself, and life in general.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I like to watch movies, walk my dog, spend time with my mom, ride my e-bike, visit farm sanctuaries, listen to music, paint/craft, play my hue drum, and scroll on TikTok.
With her beloved dad…
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I have volunteered with dog rescues. In the future I would like to volunteer at a children’s hospital, and since my dad passed, I have wanted to volunteer at hospice company, but will wait until the time is right.
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 for sponsorship opportunities.