DSP of the Month: Clarrissa Stinson
Congratulations to Clarrissa Stinson, March’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Clarrissa started as a DSP in January of 2011 and within 2 years expanded to Clarrissa’s Care Services, LLC, in November of 2013.
“I was inspired to become a DSP during my career as a clinical services coordinator,” Clarrissa said. “I noticed the disconnect between individuals and their healthcare providers, so I felt an urgency to be called to action to serve this population of people who wanted or needed my care and assistance. My goal now with Clarrissa’s Care Services is to expand services to individuals in our community who are homeless, LGBTQIA, or have unique circumstances that may not be captured by our traditional standards in the DD community.”
Clarrissa graduated this year from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management in which she believes will not only give her even more knowledge but will also allow her to help the individuals she serves achieve their ultimate goals.
“It is so important for me to meet the unique needs and goals of each person I support,” Clarrissa said. “I want to establish a safe and nurturing environment that promotes personal development, self-discovery, and independence. One of my biggest goals is to improve the quality of life of the individuals I serve, whether through assistance with daily living activities, the development of social skills, or just by being a supportive companion. I am always there to support my clients on their journey towards independence and fulfillment.”
Jacqueline Bradford, a former co-worker of Clarrissa’s, said that Clarrissa is such a great asset to the community that she wishes she could carbon copy her.
“Clarrissa is very passionate in what she does,” Jacqueline said. “She goes above and beyond to make the DD community come alive! She helps her individuals she serves believe in themselves and treats all of them like family. Clarrissa lets her individuals know that we are all as one in this world! She really loves what she does, and I know it makes her extremely happy. It brightens my life to see how she enriches her individuals lives and the joy she brings to them. They know they are safe with her and that they can talk to her about any and everything in private.”
Clarrissa believes that each day she works with her individuals is special because each day brings a unique opportunity to explore unlimited possibilities.
“I tell my individuals that they must never allow their disability to be an inability,” Clarrissa said. “Through my work, I’ve witnessed the incredible resilience and strength of individuals with developmental disabilities. It is an honor to be a part of their journey and to play a role in guiding and helping them achieve the things that they love to do. The DD community needs all hands-on deck that are willing and able to not only support the community, but also help the individuals within the community be the best version of themselves!”
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for April’s DSP of the Month are due by Friday, April 5.