Position: Developmental Assistant I
Years of Service: 4
Stephanie Smith was named one of the Finger Lakes DDSOO’s 2024 DSPs of the Year not only because of her exceptional work ethic, but because she is always doing the best she can for the people she supports.
Christina Payne, Developmental Assistant III, says Stephanie came into the home last August as a DA I trainee, eager to learn about her new role and about the people living in the home.
“Stephanie was immediately accepted and respected by the staff there. She was able to form bonds with the residents and gain their trust, as well,” Payne says. “She has done well with all the tasks assigned to her and comes to work with a positive attitude every day, motivating the staff to feel the same.”
What sets Stephanie apart from others is her willingness to step up and not only do what is expected of her, but to take on additional tasks that she knows will help in the running of the house, in the people’s lives or to help with staffing.
“Stephanie was a key player in getting the outside of the house spring-ready by purchasing flowers, mulch and baskets for the outside of the house. She also planted and decorated,” says Payne. “Stephanie has volunteered to come in on her off shifts to do appointments, cover holes and transport people in the home to events. She has also graciously agreed to cover the DA II role in another home so that the cluster is covered, staff wise, all while still on her probationary year as a DA I.”
Stephanie was tasked with improving outings at the home. Payne says that not only did she increase the number of outings, but the quality of them.
“She helped the people living there to discover new activities that they enjoy, such as movies, mall walks, and Comic Con, as well as many more,” Payne says. “She has volunteered to assist in one person’s swimming assessment – and then take them swimming – because she is aware of not only that person’s love for swimming, but of the parents’ desire for that person to learn. Stephanie also sets up in-house activities such as drawing time, and then displays the artwork created on the walls of the dining room for all to see, allowing the people living there to show off their creations to any visitors.”
“In the short time that she has been at the home, by her actions and attitudes, she continues to strive to improve and do the best for the people living there and her fellow staff. She is a great addition to the home,” Payne says.