Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 7
Nicolette Bochenski was named one of Central New York DDSOO’s 2024 DSPs of the Year because of her selflessness and team-first attitude, which is invaluable to the home where she works.
According to Team Treatment Leader Wendy Monroe, Nicolette exhibits a positive and supportive attitude inside and outside of the home.
“Time and again, she has demonstrated an incredible capacity for empathy,” Monroe says. “She goes out of her way to make the house a home for all who live there.”
Should anyone have to be hospitalized, Monroe says Nicolette is the first staff to volunteer to go to the hospital to advocate for the person and provide emotional support.
“She went to the hospital to support a person through their hospital stay, even on her own time. She made sure the person was comfortable, well cared for, and that staff at the hospital understood the person’s needs,” Monroe says. “When the person passed, Nicolette ensured a lovely outfit to be buried in and that services were beautiful. Nicolette made a remembrance plaque for that person that is still proudly displayed in the home.”
She says Nicolette takes the time to know the people and their needs beyond the paperwork and plans. She spends quality time with each person, assisting them so they enjoy their lives and communities.
“For example, Nicolette turns the home into a spa once a week, offering manicures and fancy nail polish,” Monroe says.
Aside from being an excellent support for the people living in the home and the demands of her own role, Nicolette never hesitates to lend a hand wherever needed.
“She has an excellent rapport with all of the people and the staff at the house and is always willing to offer assistance,” Monroe says. “Most recently, Nicolette assisted a person in the home to attend mass at St. Paul’s Church. This person has been there a few times now and has been building relationships with the church members. The person smiles as church members greet them by name, as well as smiling and kicking their legs as they listen to music, gazing up to the ceiling and smiling.”
Jesus Rodriguez, Developmental Assistant II agrees with Monroe.
“Nicolette is the embodiment of a compassionate person who goes out of her way to put people first. Nicolette is always advocating for the people in the home and looking for new ways to bring joy and fulfillment to their lives,” he says.