DSP's Making a Difference: Ana Ramirez
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. Ana Ramirez is one of those DSPs.
During Ana’s 15 years at ResCare, she has taken every single decision that affects her clients to heart regardless of the majority opinion. She is a relentless advocate at interdisciplinary team meetings and never hesitates to remind members of the interdisciplinary team to focus on the person being discussed being a unique individual. Ana’s reputation for achieving life changing breakthroughs during active treatment with her clients is exceptional and can be attributed to her never-ending patience, consistent positivity, and persistent dedication to the individuals she serves.
Ana has committed 15 years of her life to providing person-centered supports for her clients. She is always willing to volunteer as a chaperon for social events and is known for always taking her clients on outings in the community. Every year she attends A Night to Shine and goes out of her way to make sure each of the people she supports has a dance partner for the night. Ana has a skillful and creative approach which has allowed for positive breakthroughs in the lives of individuals with unique challenges. She makes sure every staff member respects each client’s dignity by protecting their right to express their personality without restraint. Ana is known to instruct new staff members that each client must choose which outfit they want to wear and which activities they want to do.
Ana sets an example for her peers and colleagues. She always displays the utmost professionalism by never calling out of work, never running late to work, covering open shifts and maintaining an open line of communication with everyone. All of the group home staff members look up to Ana and appreciate her high level of responsibility and ethics. She is a source of knowledge and is always more than willing to teach other people different ways of improving the quality of care provided to the individuals served.
Ana has a well-established history of assisting the people she serves with accessing opportunities and resources in the community that are available to everyone. She encourages her clients to pursue their cultural interests and religious beliefs. Many of the group home residents enjoy attending church and have stated how important this is to them. Ana decided to begin taking these individuals to church every Sunday and has done so now for years. Guardians and parents have expressed their sincere thankfulness to Ana’s supervisor and program manager for the excellent things she has done for the individuals she supports.
Ana is a fierce advocate. Every decision she makes is based on the best interest of the individuals served. She speaks up for the individuals at the annual Support Plan meetings and always makes sure everyone recognizes her clients’ achievements.
Thank you, Ana for your continued service to the individuals served at ResCare!
