Saratoga Bridges celebrates Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) week September 13-19, along with thousands of other agencies nationwide, to recognize our dedicated employees who give continuous creativity, energy and passion to their positions while providing the highest level of quality services and programs. These staff members ensure individuals with disabilities have more meaningful, dignified, independent lives by promoting their abilities and achievements. They support individuals’ goals, hopes and dreams as they work, shop, play, and volunteer throughout their communities. Truly their philosophy is that every day is full of possibilities!
Meet 6 of our Direct Support Professionals and 2015 Employees of the Year –
Melissa Benish
Day Habilitation Assistant at Without Walls
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I am not staring at a computer like previous jobs. For the most part it is a stress free job. I like the flexibility of going someplace new every day with the consumers. I love the fact that I don’t have to look at four walls all day I enjoy seeing the consumers laugh and smile each day at program. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like I’m working.
Who gives you inspiration?
I get my inspiration from my mom. She was a hard worker and always had a full time job while I was growing up. She is retired now and enjoys life. She has always been there for my brothers and me. I intend to always be there for her and my kids too.
When do feel the most happiness?
I am the most happy when I am with my family, boyfriend or both. Life is to short so we have to live life like it’s our last day every day!!
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
When I am not working I like to be hanging outside by the pool, with my boyfriend and/or family.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share?
I am from Saratoga Springs. I lived in NE for 13 years and became a cornhusker fan. All of my children (2 boys ages 27 & 25 and one girl 23) and 2 granddaughters (ages 7 & 5) and a grandson on the way, all live in the state of NE. I see them all on Skype as much as possible or in person at least once a year.
Jasmine DeVoe
Individual Support Aide with Family Support Services
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
What I love most about working for Saratoga Bridges is seeing the look on my consumers faces when we complete one of their goals or do something they enjoy. The happiness they show is the most rewarding thing when working here. It reminds me why I love my job.
Who gives you inspiration?
My family, especially my mom, give me the most inspiration because they taught me my work ethic, how to love, and still teach me things every day.
When do feel the most happiness?
When I’m at home enjoying time with my family and seeing my younger brothers grow up. Also when hanging out with my best friends.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
Guptill’s skating arena. I have always loved to rollerblade since I was little. I still try to skate every Friday.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share?
I love to go to movies and read books when I actually have some free time. Also going to fun events with the Adult Social Club is a lot of fun.
Stephen Lloyd
Bus Driver
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I like the satisfaction of helping our consumers. I try to show them people care about them.
Who gives you inspiration?
I get inspiration when I feel I am helping people. I try to help out whenever possible.
When do feel the most happiness?
Spending time with family and good friends.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
When I am not working I like to go golfing and hiking at the Saratoga Battlefield.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share?
I enjoy bowling and spending time with my pets.
Evelyn Marzloff
Secretary at Clifton Park Day Program
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I like working for an organization whose mission is to care for others who cannot necessarily care for themselves. Though I do not give direct care to the participants, I am happy to support the caretakers with any of their office needs.
Who gives you inspiration?
Without a doubt, the classroom staff give me the most inspiration. Physically caring for others is not easy and everyone here at Clifton Park does it well and with a caring heart. They are my heroes.
When do you feel the most happiness?
I feel the most happiness on music days. From the front office, I can hear the participants playing instruments and singing loudly all the way down the hall. That makes me happy.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
My favorite hangout is anywhere my grandkids are hanging out. They make me happy too.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share with your co-workers?
I love gardening and look forward every spring to planting my flowers. I like to get crafty too. I just stenciled by mailbox with bright flowers.
Laura McClements
Day Habilitation Instructor at Clifton Park Day Program
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
It’s an amazing feeling to come to work and know that I am changing and impacting people’s lives for the better. It’s very rewarding to see individuals accomplish goals and life skills. Throughout the years I have worked here, I have established many relationships with both staff and individuals.
Who gives you inspiration?
My mother is my inspiration because she is the most selfless person I know.
When do feel the most happiness?
While I am spending quality time with my two kids and working with individuals at both day program and residential.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
I love hanging out and fishing with my kids at my grandparents’ pond.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share?
Horseback riding has always been a passion of mine. I started taking horseback riding lessons when I was younger and owned two horses. I was in 4-H and competed in horseback riding shows at the Saratoga County Fair.
Tara Wilson
Day Habilitation Assistant at McGregor Day Program
Why do you like working for Saratoga Bridges?
I like working for Saratoga Bridges because I am rewarded daily by seeing the difference I can make in an individual’s life. My presence is important to the individuals we serve as well as the staff that I work with.
Who gives you inspiration?
My children give me inspiration. I want to be a great role model for them.
When do feel the most happiness?
Seeing my children happy makes me happy. Also, seeing individuals and even myself making progress makes me very happy.
Where is your favorite hangout when you’re not working?
My favorite place to hang out outside of work would have to be the beach — especially Pilot Knob on Lake George. I have a great interest in up cycling to refurbishing, but I just don’t always find the time to experiment.
What other hobbies, interests, talents or information would you like to share?
I also really enjoy worship at church.