Region: 6 – Long Island
DSP Nomination Name: Stacia Brown
Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 28
The nominee's favorite or most rewarding part about being a DSP:
“When I interact with the individuals, whether the music is playing or when joking around, dancing and doing activities with them, I praise them. They love to be the center of attention. The individuals are like family to me. I am glad I chose to be direct support staff.” – Stacia Brown
About Stacia:
Stacia has always been on the frontline since choosing to become a DSP, according to Sharee Lewis, Developmental Assistant III, who works with Stacia. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Stacia was doing 16-plus hours and always had a smile on her face.
“She didn’t let the situation dictate how her day was going to be,” said Lewis. “She always made the best of the day. The love that she shows the individuals and her work ethic are beyond excellent.”
“Stacia comes to work every day in a wave of positivity,” Lewis adds. “Both the people she supports, and her coworkers always enjoy being around Stacia.”
Lewis said Stacia completes her job requirements and then goes above and beyond to make sure that the people she supports in the home are happy.
“She makes sure they are included whether it be having a dance party in the living room or a sing-a-long in the van,” Lewis adds. “She is the epitome of inclusivity. Even through the stressors of COVID-19, Stacia continued to keep positivity in the home, which was a huge benefit to the people who were quarantined or isolated.”
“Stacia Brown is a direct support PROFESSIONAL, in every sense of the word,” according to Doris White, Team Treatment Leader in Long Island. “She brings knowledge, care, compassion and a positive work ethic to work on a daily basis to the people she supports as well as her coworkers. She is the gold standard for Direct Support care.”