Region: 5 – Staten Island
DSP Nomination Name: Denise James
Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 17
The nominee's favorite or most rewarding part about being a DSP:
“To see the individuals’ service needs are met, and that they are happy.” – Denise James
About Denise:
From cooking to cleaning to assisting her coworkers, Denise James takes the initiative to get the job done – most times without being asked.
Everything she does, she does with her heart. She never looks for anything in return. She understands the needs of the individuals in her care,” Ruth Mohammad, Developmental Assistant III and Denise’s supervisor says. “She recognizes that to be successful as a DSP, it requires a team effort.”
Denise leads by example and is eager to assist with anything that needs to be done. During COVID, Denise came to work faithfully. She took care of the people at the home where she works as if they were her own family. When others were afraid, she stepped in and did the best she could to keep people comfortable.
“She can work with anyone and is always putting the needs of the people she supports before her own,” Mohammad adds.