This month we are spotlighting Gloria B-E. who works in Kansas City as a DSP. She has been with Austen-Dooley for over five and a half years! We appreciate Gloria because she immediately rose to the challenge to work with an individual that can be difficult to care for at times, and she has not stopped rising and being encouraging. She is always present in the lives of the individuals. One individual even learned to use monosyllabic words which she had not done until Gloria encouraged her to do so with lots of patience. She is a friend that our individuals can depend on.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Austen-Dooley?
A: Working with the consumers, taking care of them, and making them feel happy and loved.
Q: What drew you to this profession?
A: I’ve done this kind of work my whole life. At my church growing up, there were people with special needs with whom I used to volunteer to work, and I did work with people with special needs when I was in college. They need someone to love and care for them. I also have a daughter with special needs. She goes to a day program while I’m at work.
Q: What’s a good piece of advice you’ve been given? Who was it from?
A: My dad said to treat people like you want to be treated and to care for and be kind to people. Everyone is different, and differences are what make people beautiful. It takes all kinds of flowers to make a bouquet.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
A: I like going to church and singing in and directing the choir. We just started going back to church live. That’s my other life, music. I also like to hang out with my daughter and my son, and I love shopping as well.
Q: What three words would your family or friends use to describe you?
A: Compassionate, lovable, and kind.