Position: Developmental Disabilities Secure Treatment Assistant I
Years of Service: 16 years
Amanda Sarvis was named one of the Sunmount DDSOO’s 2024 DSPs of the Year because she is not only an exceptional employee, but because it is said she finds the good in everyone she comes across.
“Amanda can make independent judgments and decisions,” says Charity Vaillancourt, Developmental Assistant III, and Amanda’s supervisor. “She can be creative and work in any complex situation and perform her duties with little or no flaw. Amanda is always assisting and advocating for the people she supports, as well as the people she works with. She is always looking to do better and does not take the easy way out. She is a caring and dedicated Developmental Disabilities Secure Treatment Assistant.”
Vaillancourt says Amanda will advocate for things the people in her care need and help them to be as independent as they can be.
“She will assist them in making good and thoughtful decisions,” She adds. “Amanda is not shy about voicing her thoughts and opinions. She always assures this is done in a professional way so that no one is offended.”
Amanda does her job with a smile, Vaillancourt says, “She is not afraid to get dirty; she is not afraid of what other people will think in the moment of getting the job done. She will work with any person and coworkers. As someone who supervises Amanda, you are not worried she will say no; you can count on her to make the best out of any situation.”
Amanda continues to help people with developmental disabilities to live richer lives. She is always advocating different ways to help the people she supports be independent and experience new things, Vaillancourt says.
“Amanda is liked and is an asset to her team and to coworkers,” she adds. “She is a role model and an educator to the people she cares for; she is special to everyone who meets her.
In addition, Vaillancourt says Amanda wears many hats. “She will put on gloves if the job is going to be dirty; she will put on an apron to work in the kitchen; she will drive the van or be a passenger. Amanda will put on a smile with every job she does.”
“Amanda cares for the people she supports, and it is seen by her team and supervisors,” Vaillancourt says. “She finds the good in everyone she comes across.”