DSP of the Month: Nadine Tchinang
Congratulations to Nadine Tchinang, June’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Nadine began her journey as a DSP in 2006 and eventually in 2022, decided to open her agency, Bien-Etre Home Care.
“I have worked as a DSP for years,” Nadine said. “Caring for others is something that I have always done. Growing up, I was the oldest of 7, and once my mom had her last child, she became very ill; my father had to work, so the responsibility for caring for my siblings was on me. This prepared me for being a DSP! I love everything about what I do. From talking and listening to my clients, to doing activities, to transporting them to their doctor appointments, I just want to make sure I advocate for them every step of the way!”
Nickie Johnson, BCBDD SSA, said Nadine became Priscilla Frazier’s, an individual on her caseload, DSP at her agency, Bien-Etre Home Care, over a year ago, when Priscilla was going through a lot of difficult changes.
“Priscilla had just moved into her own apartment without having to have a roommate, and she wanted to try working with an Independent Provider for Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC) services instead of an Agency,” Nickie said. “Priscilla is a co-dependent person who becomes attached very quickly, has a hard time adjusting to last-minute changes, and prefers that everything is explained to her. Nadine and her agency, Bien-Etre Home Care, ended up being a great fit for Priscilla because Nadine understands Priscilla’s boundaries. She has helped Priscilla learn how to adjust to changes and has had plenty of patience while doing so! Most importantly, they have learned to trust each other!”
Nadine said a DSP is a career you go into with your heart, and that’s what she tries to do every day with every single client.
“As a DSP, you have to be kind, patient, and you have to be there for your clients,” Nadine said. “I have had many challenges, ranging from clients with verbal and physical aggression to clients with personality disorders. Having to manage clients’ behaviors is so challenging, but it is worth the challenges! I truly encourage others to join the team of DSPs if you enjoy helping people and seeing them thrive! One memory that I will never forget is when I took one of my clients to search for a dog! It was really important for her to have a dog, and when she finally found the one she wanted, her excitement touched my heart.”
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for July’s DSP of the Month are due by Tuesday, July 1.