Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 7
Kerri Wilkey was named one of the Western New York DDSOO’s 2024 DSPs of the Year because she is an exemplary employee and exhibits a strong work ethic.
“Kerri assists in training new employees as they enter the agency and is a role model for all employees. She completes any task that is requested of her,” says Brandy White, Developmental Assistant II. “She volunteers to come in to provide quality, person-centered outings, like going to Bisons games.
“Kerri exhibits leadership skills akin to that of quality supervisors while in the role of DSA,” White continues. “Kerri is an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and possess knowledge that assists her to identify signs and symptoms of medical emergencies that many may not be aware of. Kerri is an asset to the agency and our team and should be recognized for all she brings.”
Despite working numerous shifts, Kerri continues to report as scheduled with a good attitude and completes any task that is asked of her. Kerri will volunteer to pick up extra shifts to help not only at her worksite, but at neighboring worksites on the team, White says.
“Kerri shows genuine care and empathy for the people she supports and her coworkers. She has exhibited leadership skills that surpass her role as a DSA and continues to enrich the lives pf people in her care,” White adds.
“At Easter, Kerri completed grocery shopping to ensure that the homes had Easter dinners for the holiday as there were no staff on duty to complete due to illness and vacations,’ White says.
“Kerri has a heart of gold, showing it every day in the genuine care she shows to the individuals she serves. She gives 110 percent-plus every shift she works ensuring that the needs of the home and staff are met. Kerri considers the people she serves as part of her family, and it shows in the relationships she has built with them,” White concludes.