DSP's Making a Difference: Reggie Ellis

As part of DSP Recognition Week, FADSP is pleased to recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve. Reggie Ellis is one of those DSPs.

During Reggie’s tenure of almost 2 years at Florida Mentor, he has always gone above and beyond the call of duty. He works in an Intensive Behavioral home with several large gentleman, yet they have the utmost respect for him. Reggie is always engaged with the gentleman in board games, sports activities, and adheres to what he has been taught in his BAS training. He is very good at deescalating a potential behavior. Reggie has a keen intuition as to what to say and how to say it. In a recent email from their APD Area Director, they notated that when the APD monitor visited the facility that they mentioned Reggie by name in the monitor’s report.

Reggie understands each individual’s Support Plan and behavior plans that reside in the home, and he adheres to the plans set forth by the behavior team. He engages with the residents, always encouraging them to participate in physical exercise in the outdoors. Reggie enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, corn hole, and walks through the park with the individuals he supports.

Reggie operates on the highest level of integrity and responsibility. He always takes responsibility for his actions and does not project the blame to others. Reggie gives respect to the individuals served and other staff, therefore he receives a harvest of respect in return. He is aware that developing healthy relationships with the residents and staff is essential to success. Reggie is constantly working to maintain open communication established through the highest of human engagement. He has an amazing amount of resilience working long hours and in many cases coming back after a long shift to help manage behaviors. Reggie has proven himself to be a model employee and an asset to Florida Mentor - Sevita.

Thank you, Reggie, for your continued service to the individuals served at Florida Mentor!