Vashti with her husband, who also works at Living Well.
Our DSP Shoutout for this week is Vashti, who has been with Living Well for 23 years. Another long-time employee who makes a huge impact on the lives of the people we support, she is the embodiment of caregiving. She has a kindness and drive to her that are obvious to all who meet her.
Vashti says her favorite part of the job is taking people to medical appointments and advocating for them, so they get the best care possible and to make sure they are comfortable. Lucky for us, others see that passion in her, too.. One time she had a doctor tell his staff that he has never met another support professional who advocated so eloquently and effectively for the person being assisted in his office. This is caregiving and advocacy at its absolute finest, and we are grateful for her and others like her.
Vashti and Tessa.
Bess Bryan, Program Manager at Brunswick, says, “The name Vashti is rooted in history, a queen’s name, and that is exactly how I see her. She is someone who leads with purpose, is looked up to by generations that surround her, and is most notably someone who embraces and serves her entire community with selfless, unconditional love.” Bess is grateful that Vashti has not only been by her side for the last 15 years leading Brunswick Ave (23 years for her career), but that she’s been a true friend and support outside the job. Bess marvels at Vashti’s ability to fully show up and says, “I don’t know how she fits so many people, and causes, into one day, but she does. She stands tall and steady and is the rock of our home. I love Vashti. I think the world needs more people like her.”
All of us at Living Well agree with Bess, we need more Vashti’s!
ABOUT VASHTI:
Number of years/months with Living Well: 23
Hobbies/Interests: I love to travel and watch movies.
Education: Associate Degree of Arts from Anoka Ramsey Community College and enrolled at Metropolitan State University.
Job Experience/History: I worked for Dungarvin Minnesota Inc. for 10 years. At Living Well Disability Services I have worked as an Advocate, Personal Advocate, Senior Advocate, Assistant Program Manager, and Advance Assistant Program Manager. I also work at Lutheran Social Services as DSP and have been there for 8 years.
Favorite part of the job: The favorite part of my job is taking people to medical appointments and advocating for them to get the best care possible and to make sure the people I serve are comfortable.
Favorite work story: My favorite work story is going to an appointment with a person served and his mom, and his primary Doctor making a positive comment that there is a big improvement in their health since he moved into Living Well Disability Services. His mother agreed and said yes, that she is very satisfied with the care he’s getting, and that she also noticed many health issues he had before are much improved. I felt so good. That was a big motivation for me.
What is your motivation for coming to work? My motivation for coming to work is the people I serve. There is always something important they need from me each day, and with that in my mind I gain strength to leave home and drive 40 minutes to work each day.
What made you apply: I applied to Living Well because I had already developed passion for working with people who have special needs from assisting my sister with her two special need sons.
What made you stay: I stayed all these years because when I feel appreciated and have opportunities to grow.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I encourage anyone who wants to join Living Well to apply and know you will be working with a company who listens and shows concern for their employees.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I love to go to movies and dinner with my family. I also love to deep clean my home.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I volunteer with The Organization of Liberian Women in Minnesota. for the city of Brooklyn Center.
Want to nominate a DSP? Please email jessica.maurer@livingwell.org to nominate a Living Well Disability Service DSP. Thank you!
Want to underwrite our DSP Shoutout Program? Please contact Devan Heinsen at devan.heinsen@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.