REGION: 2 – Central New York
DSP: Rosemary Rees
Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 35
Rosemary Rees has worked in direct care for more than 40 years – 35 of them at Central New York DDSOO. Her dedication to the job is what brought her this honor.
Darryl Osborn, Rehabilitation Counselor II says Rosemary takes the time to talk to the people in her care, asking what interests them as far as activities and community inclusions.
“She actively engages them in conversations to gather ideas and interests,” he explains. “She then researches all requests and has a very creative mind when it comes to activity planning and the interests of the people she supports.”
Rosemary often uses connections she has built up over the years to create some very unique outings. She has taken groups to such things as a visit to a llama farm and volunteering at the Utica Zoo. She brings in equipment and items from home and incorporates them into activities for people to do.
“She often gets donated flowers and vegetable plants and then works with the people in her care to do gardening and landscaping opportunities,” Osborn adds. “Rosemary has created a raised garden bed that is accessible to non-ambulatory people that allows them to participate in the maintenance and upkeep of our vegetable garden. The bed has been designed so that people can water the garden with a switch, and they can reach to care for the plants.”
Rosemary looks to open up new inclusion experiences for the people she supports. For example, when she took her group to the llama farm, they not only got to see and touch the llamas, but they got to learn about the way the animals live and how they are cared for. Rosemary has done this on multiple occasions and people really enjoy her trips.
“Rose is a very handy person who enjoys getting people involved in projects and activities that go above and beyond the ordinary,” Osborn says. “You could not ask for a better employee. She brings laughs and smiles to the people every day – they look forward to her coming in and really enjoy interacting and engaging with her. She makes it fun, enjoyable and meaningful.”
“Rosemary is a strong advocate in promoting independence. She challenges people in her care to do the best they can to the best of their abilities,” Osborn adds. “She is always ready to assist when necessary, but allows and encourages people to strive to be their best with everything. She is a strong communicator and is always engaging with a reassuring and supportive tone.”
Team Treatment Leaders Tina Danielski and Nicola Backus say Rosemary is very personable and it shows in her interactions.
“All of Rosemary’s coworkers and supervisors speak highly of her,” they say. “She is a reliable staff person who will complete any tasks given to her. She is always positive and has a smile on her face.”