The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize Bella Salemi as our December Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month! Bella’s compassion, dependability, and dedication make a meaningful difference every day in the lives of those she supports.

Bella worked as a midwife for four years at Notse Clinic “Le Bien Être” in her home country before coming to the United States. Bella currently supports individuals through ASSURANCE CARE LLC, where she has worked as a DSP for two years.

Bella credits her husband for inspiring her career path. In their home country, they worked together helping orphans return to school and build better futures. After he moved to the U.S., he worked as a DSP and later became a nurse. His dedication encouraged Bella to follow the same path.

“I enjoy caring for people and helping them improve their daily lives,” Bella said. “As a DSP, I can help someone live better every day. It is meaningful work. If someone likes helping others and wants a job that makes a difference, being a DSP is a great choice.”

Despite traveling 45–50 minutes to work each day, Bella says she does it willingly because of the strong relationship she has with her client, Terry. According to Bella, her client has historically struggled with relationships with staff and housemates. Still, through patience, consistency, and teamwork, Bella has helped Terry “live her best life,” a phrase Terry often uses to describe her own life.

“With consistent guidance and teaching from ASSURANCE CARE management, my colleagues and I learned Terry’s personality, needs, and preferred ways of communicating,” Bella said. “That helped us provide care that aligns with her ISP and meets her needs in a supportive way. I know her mood can change because of her health, so I try not to take things personally. When she apologizes or thanks me, it really means a lot.”

In addition to ensuring Terry never misses medical appointments, Bella helped introduce new activities, including shopping trips, sightseeing, cooking, and outings she once refused. Getting out in the community, Bella says, has brought Terry both joy and independence.

“I treasure meaningful moments, like the time she called just to make sure I made it home safely or when she sometimes teaches me new words, because English is not my first language,” Bella said. “I’m happy that we understand each other well, even with my accent, and that we can practice new words together.”

BCBDD SSA, Holle Metz, who has Terry on her caseload, said Bella has been an amazing caregiver to Terry and has helped tremendously with Terry’s memory issues.

“Bella keeps her on the go, encouraging her to be physically and mentally healthy,” Holle said. “Her calm demeanor provides security to this individual. Bella is dependable, kind, and truly invested in the well-being of the people she serves. She provides the stability, supportiveness, guidance, and kindness that this individual needs while also offering high-quality personal care. She is truly an example of the best qualities of a DSP.”

Bella says hearing Holle and Terry express such happiness and comfort is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves recognition for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for January’s DSP of the Month are due by Monday, January 5.