Join us in Celebrating the 2025 DSPs of the Month
It’s that time of year again when we take the time to not only celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and Caregivers but also show how much we appreciate what they do for those with developmental disabilities every day! Although DSP Appreciation Week begins on Monday, September 8, and ends on Sunday, September 14, at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we take pride in dedicating the entire month of September to celebrating these skilled professionals!
The primary role of DSPs and Caregivers is to support people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities, live in integrated settings, and seek competitive integrated employment (CIE). Today, the DSP and Caregiver role has expanded due to the ongoing worldwide shortage, making their job even more vital to someone with a disability. DSPs and Caregivers can now often serve as job development staff and job coaches. They can also provide other services, such as help with activities of daily living, transportation, emotional support, creative ways to help individuals become more independent, and support to advocate for rights and services.
Every month at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD), we select a DSP of the month who has gone above and beyond to make the lives of individuals with disabilities the best they can be. In light of DSP Appreciation Month, we decided to take this time to recap and celebrate all the 2025 BCBDD DSP of the month winners. If you missed any of the heartwarming 2025 DSP of the month stories, now is your chance to take the time to read them all!
Valita Hurst, BCBDD SSA II, said Donna is a phenomenal DSP and has been instrumental in keeping one of her clients, Jamie, active in the community. “Donna has helped Jamie participate in all the things that he likes to do, such as softball, basketball, routine Taco Bell runs, daily walks in his neighborhood, church on Sunday, and dances,” Valita said. “Donna and Jamie have a great relationship. He respects and trusts her. He knows what to expect from her. Donna always makes sure that any new staff working with Jamie know his likes, dislikes, and his routines. Routines are huge for Jamie.” Continue Reading…
BCBDD SSA, Amber Quincy, said the personal sacrifices Toby has made to support those he serves have been remarkable. “Toby has consistently gone above and beyond for those he serves,” Amber said. “As a dedicated house manager, he has proven to be an exceptional leader and teammate. Toby is knowledgeable, polite, and always willing to step up, demonstrating both mental and physical resilience in every challenge he faces. What makes Toby’s contributions even more remarkable is the personal sacrifice he has made. Most of his family and loved ones live in another state, yet he remains here in Butler County, steadfastly supporting some of the individuals who need it most. His unwavering commitment reflects his deep sense of purpose, and countless people are grateful that he has chosen to pursue this path. Toby truly deserves recognition for his outstanding dedication and impact.” Continue Reading…
Ceola Lockhart and her sister, Terry Keith, became acquainted with Toshia when Terry started attending the Lodge’s day program. “Toshia is a very caring and loving staff member of The Lodge Activity Center,” Ceola said. “Toshia goes above and beyond for the individuals she supports and serves. When my sister Terry began attending the Lodge’s day program, she had very limited verbal communication skills. Toshia and Celina Parker, owner of the Lodge, immediately implemented the use of ASL with Terry, and now she uses this method to the best of her ability to communicate! Teaching Terry ASL made her feel included and part of the community at the Lodge. The use of ASL also helps Terry with daily life at home.” Continue Reading…
Angela Knodel has been Osman’s supervisor at ResCare for the last 8 years and said Osman is present and leads with integrity, providing support to not only individuals but also families, staff, friends, and peers. “Osman loves his job as ResCare’s Residential Manager and states that it is more than a job and he is blessed to serve and support the individuals every day,” Angela said. “Osman genuinely cares for everything he does; he puts 100% effort into all tasks. Osman is an active participant in all individuals’ support plan meetings and assists the team with creating outcomes that are focused on the individuals’ likes, hopes, and dreams. Osman provides honest feedback to establish that the support listed in the ISP is accurate, true, and realistic. Every day is a day for Osman to assist the people he supports in working on achieving their outcomes. He is their biggest fan and supporter.” Continue Reading…
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.” Continue Reading…
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!” Continue Reading…
Sean’s BCBDD SSA, Michelle Reed, said Rosie goes above and beyond in all that she does with Sean.
“Rosie works with Sean for about 16 hours each week,” Michelle said. “All activities, whether in his home or the community, are well planned out for Sean to not only participate but also be meaningful. For example, they plan to cook an item that he likes, in which he participates using Hand Over Hand (HOH) assistance. Once complete, she prints off the recipe and then takes a picture of Sean and puts it on the back of the recipe. Sean now has a recipe collection. Sean utilizes a computer as a communication device. He selects which restaurant he wants to go to by tapping the picture, and then taps the picture of what he wants to eat at the restaurant.” Continue Reading…
Courtney Hineman, BCBDD Community Outreach Advocate, has been a client of Alice’s since February and said that during the time she has been with her, she has gone above and beyond. “In May, my stepmom was sick, and she couldn’t go with me and my dad to Pigabilities in Cincinnati, so Alice went with me and my dad to walk with me in Pigabilities,” Courtney said. “She is always willing to help out and cover if I need a staff person, and I always enjoy our time together. We have gone to the Zoo, The Main Event in West Chester, shopping, and Pinball Garage. I enjoy when we go to my church together on Sundays. Alice went with me recently to my Grandma Shafer’s Memorial Service, and that meant so much to me.” Continue Reading…
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for October’s DSP of the Month are due by Friday, October 3.