DSP Spotlight

Click the pictures below to read more about our past DSP Spotlights!

Taunia Hubler, ProBerco

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) don’t just provide care—they help individuals discover purpose and joy. Taunia Hubler, a dedicated DSP at ProBerco, noticed how much joy Linda found in coloring pages for friends and family. Seeing Linda’s enthusiasm, Taunia suggested turning her artwork into greeting cards for residents in local nursing homes. With support from her coworkers and supervisor, Taunia gathered supplies and set a goal of creating 100 cards. Linda was thrilled to participate and worked each week with pride, celebrating every finished card. After the first batch was delivered, a nursing home sent a heartfelt note describing the happiness Linda’s cards brought to its residents. The project soon became a meaningful weekly activity for Linda, boosting her confidence and giving her a strong sense of purpose. Thanks to Taunia’s encouragement, Linda now initiates the project independently, and her simple love of coloring grew into a powerful gift that brightens the lives of others.

Kristen Brookshire, Penn-Mar Human Services

Kristen Brookshire began her career at Penn-Mar’s Stewartstown, Pennsylvania home as a Direct Support Professional in 2002. Through Penn-Mar’s Career Ladders program, she obtained DSP-III and Frontline Supervisors certifications, developing proficiency in areas like CPR and trauma care. Kristen says, "Once I started training, I couldn’t stop! I did all three levels in only a year and now have my DSP-III certification.” She was recently promoted to Residential Supervisor while balancing work and raising four children. Kristen stated, "I’ve always been the type of person who wanted to help people, which is a value I’ve encouraged in my children. By sharing with them all the positive experiences of my career, I have no doubt that some of them might eventually consider following me in this field.” Kristen shared her experience shifted her perspective on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kristen explains, "Penn-Mar is where my heart and passion are. I wanted to challenge myself and everyone around me seemed to enjoy the program and the benefits it provided.”

Nohemy Smith, Barber National Institute

Nohemy Smith, a lead DSP at Barber National Institute, fosters inclusion and unwavering commitment to keeping family members involved and valued in the care of their loved ones. Nohemy supports individuals who are blind, deaf, and in a wheelchair. Nohemy consistently collaborates with families to find creative ways for them to enjoy life and actively inviting families to be a part of these joyful moments. She fiercely advocates for her individuals, ensuring they are living fulfilling lives. This past year, Nohemy faced the heartbreaking loss of one of the individuals in her care. Residential supervisor Camilla Smith recalls, “She became a pillar of strength for the entire home, offering emotional support to her team and the grieving family.” Her ability to maintain composure and provide empathetic guidance highlights her exceptional dedication. Nohemy’s resilience, selflessness, and unwavering passion for building strong family connections make her an invaluable asset to our team.

David Kisilu, Prospectus Associates, Inc.

David Kisilu is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who supports "Joel," a man with hearing and visual impairments, in his volunteer work for Meals on Wheels. To better communicate with Joel, David learned American Sign Language (ASL) through training from his employer, ProBerco. David supports Joel by helping him locate homes, ring doorbells, deliver meals, and share friendly greetings with seniors with confidence. David exemplifies a person-centered approach to his work as a DSP, one that empowers Joel to thrive in his role as a community volunteer and reminds us that DSPs do more than assist—they amplify the strengths of those they serve.

Wilberforce "Willie" Osei Yeboah, Penn-Mar Human Services

Wilberforce "Willie" Osei Yeboah, a native of Ghana, moved to the U.S. in 2011 with his three children later joined by his wife. As a single parent, he handled family responsibilities while working at a warehouse. Upon learning about Penn-Mar Human Services, he became a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in 2015.  Driven to learn and grow, he transitioned through various homes, staffing seven homes over 10 years, becoming a Senior Residential Assistant, and pursuing the Career Ladders Program. Despite the initial hesitation, encouragement by his boss led Willie to achieve the highest certification, DSP-III, in three years, showcasing his dedication to transforming lives through teamwork and empathy. Willie believes Penn-Mar Human Services is "the best place to learn and grow as a DSP". 

Nettie Bortner, Martha Lloyd Community Services

Nettie is a dedicated DSP with 18 years of service and currently providing vital support to an individual with complex medical needs. She transforms their quality of life, promoting health and happiness. Though the individual she supports does not express themselves with words, Nettie actively voices the individual's needs, educates others, and fosters connections through coordinated visits and video calls, advocating for community inclusion. She frequently volunteers for extra shifts, creating an uplifting atmosphere with her optimism. Nettie exemplifies Person-Centered Practices, putting individuals at the center of care and serving as an exemplary role model.