Position: Developmental Assistant I
Years of Service: 17
Julie Appenheimer was named one of the Western New York DDSOO’s 2024 DSPs of the Year because she not only advocates for the people she supports, but she has garnered strong respect from her peers.
According to Daniel Kirby, Developmental Assistant III, Julie advocates strongly for the people in the home where she works and is well liked by both the people living there and her coworkers.
“Julie makes everyone’s job so much easier,” Kirby says. “She has single-handedly organized almost everything at the home, including the basement and all the files. Her attention to detail is very refreshing at a home that was lacking a permanent supervisor for a long time.”
Even though she joined this home only recently, Julie has completely transformed it in so many positive ways, Kirby adds. Julie takes the time to reassure and build a strong rapport with those in her care; she is often able to de-escalate a situation because of the trust built; and she is a strong advocate and leader for the DSPs under her supervision.
“The home she is supervising has had many supervisory changes over the past several years and Julie’s can-do attitude and willingness to help is fostering consistency and teamwork,” Kirby says.
Julie’s compassionate and person-centered approach has made the lives of the people in the home so much better, Kirby says. Julie does this by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, and listening to the people’s needs, preferences and goals.
“By promoting dignity and respect, and empowerment, Julie is making a difference in their lives,” Kirby says.