Florida

Florida ARF & FADSP Celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week

Florida

FADSP LogoDSP's Making a Difference: Magalie Louis

FADSP is pleased to recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve. Magalie Louis is one of those DSPs.

Magalie Louis has been working at Arc Broward for nine years, currently as an Activity Specialist. She is an extremely dedicated employee, serving some of the most vulnerable children in their community. Her compassion and respect towards her students are evident in her daily interactions, providing unwavering patience and quality care to the children and their families. Over the years, she has developed both personally and professionally as a DSP.

Maggie works tirelessly to help all children in her care reach their maximum potential. She consistently honors and appreciates each child’s interests and abilities, encouraging participation in activities to foster overall development in a positive and supportive manner. Even in behavioral crises, Maggie remains calm and prioritizes the child’s needs, always treating them with dignity and respect.

Throughout her tenure, Maggie has advanced from Aftercare Counselor to Lead Counselor and now serves as an Activity Specialist. She adeptly adjusts the curriculum to suit the developmental levels of the children in her care, crafting creative lessons tailored to each child’s needs. Furthermore, she breaks down lessons to assist other Direct Support Professionals in implementing them effectively.

Maggie took immense pride in helping one particular student become more independent and successful at school. This fifteen-year-old boy with Down Syndrome was enrolled in Arc Broward’s ABLE program due to severe behavioral challenges that could cause harm to himself and others. Through Maggie’s determination and effective program implementation, his problematic behaviors decreased significantly, and his communication skills improved. His classroom participation saw remarkable growth, completing tasks and waiting patiently for his turn. Maggie’s advocacy and compassion enabled him to thrive in school and aftercare, promoting his continuous growth and independence.

Maggie embodies the skills and knowledge espoused by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Code of Ethics. She provides person-centered support, empowers children to make choices, and encourages their independence. Consistently advocating for the children, she ensures she has the necessary resources to serve them, maintaining communication with parents about their child’s daily activities. She fosters physical and emotional well-being through positive relationships and contributes substantially to the children's learning and growth.

Demonstrating integrity and responsibility, Maggie designs engaging lessons for different levels and serves as a positive role model for the children and staff. As a prominent advocate for the children, she supports their learning and independence. Maggie also promotes self-determination by collaborating with families to help children make appropriate choices for continued learning and building positive relationships. She respects individuals with developmental disabilities and strives to meet their needs daily, ensuring they lead healthy, independent lives. Maggie’s unwavering dedication and compassion are focused on the well-being of the children she serves, working diligently to transform their lives and those of their families by fostering significant behavioral improvements.

Thank you, Maggie, for your ongoing service to the individuals served at Arc Broward!

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