DSP of the Month: Sydney Roness
Congratulations to Sydney Roness, May’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Sydney started her career in teaching and customer service and quickly realized that she loved helping people.
“I was never sure at what capacity the work I was doing would lead me to, but it was always a passion of mine to help people,” Sydney said. “I had been looking for a more direct way to become involved, and I had come across the job ad for Unbound Living, and it sounded exactly like what I had in mind. I applied and never looked back.”
Sydney has worked for Unbound Living Inc. for 10 months and was recently made House Manager.
“I would have to say that what I love most about Unbound Living is that it truly is a community,” Sydney said. “We all come together to support everybody in creating their most unbound life!”
Sydney loves her job for so many reasons, but says that one of her favorite parts of her job is that every day is so different.
“I have been so lucky to get to meet so many talented, unique, and wonderful individuals,” Sydney said. “From our group picnics to time spent one-on-one, not a moment goes by wasted. It’s in the little wins and successes that we feel the important impact of the work we are doing. This is very rewarding and fulfilling work. I am given the opportunity to support individuals in the community who need it. I have always wanted to have a career that I could go home at the end of the day and know that I made the world a little better that day. I didn’t know that I wanted to be a DSP when I applied. I knew in my heart that it felt right. Now that I am here, I could not imagine ever turning back!”
MicaJon Dykes, CEO of Unbound Living Inc, said Sydney exemplifies everything you would hope to see in a DSP.
“Sydney came to Unbound Living Inc. with no experience, but had a heart that overflowed with compassion,” MicaJon said. “She had experienced sonder through other life experiences, so empathy came naturally to her. She jumped in with both feet on day one, with one of our most challenging individuals. She organically forms deep connections with everyone she serves and works with. Her volunteer spirit, determination, and dependability have proven to be contagious with our staff. She is now learning group dynamics and leadership skills for continued professional development.”
According to MicaJon, Sydney is a true difference maker and embodies Unbound Living’s mission.
“At Unbound Living, Inc., we are dedicated to building deep, meaningful connections that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live freely and independently, breaking down barriers through compassionate, person-centered care while fostering a culture where our Direct Support Professionals feel valued, supported, and equipped to make a lasting impact; creating a community rooted in trust, respect, and the shared belief that everyone deserves to live an unbound life,” MicaJon said. “Sydney is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, cheerful, brave, and dependable. She embodies all the values we hold dear at Unbound Living and stands as a shining example of what it means to serve with purpose and heart. As CEO, I see my primary responsibility as serving and supporting our DSPs so that they can focus fully on their calling to serve others. I work to lift their burdens, protect their energy, and honor the deeply human work they do. Unbound Living exists to champion them because when DSPs are cared for, our individuals receive the best care possible.”
Sydney said MicaJon has been an absolute joy to work with because he is so dedicated to his work.
“Micajon truly puts his best foot forward always and shows us that he expects the same,” Sydney said. “He has always been a call or a text away. Between all the big questions and small ones, he has never made me feel that either was more important. The successes don’t always come in leaps and bounds. Sometimes they come in the form of a thank you or a held door. It may come in the form of being asked to play cards or watch a movie. I’ve felt success in making a sad moment a little less sad, or a scared moment a little more confident. Success can come as a fist bump or a hug. I’ve been very lucky to have many success stories in my short career, and I plan to have many, many more!”
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for June’s DSP of the Month are due by Monday, June 2.