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DSP Recognition Week: Celebrating the Heart of Human Connection
Season 2, Ep. 10
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Michelle Chu is a seasoned program and community builder with over a decade of dedication towards fostering inclusion and connecting people to essential resources. Currently, she works in the Community Connections department at Job Path, where her efforts are directed towards supporting adults with autism and other disabilities. Michelle plays an integral role in the Guac Committee, which stands for Growth, Unity, Accessibility, and Community, working tirelessly to create an inclusive workplace at Job Path. With a unique background in improvisational theater and extensive experience in tech and design operations, Michelle brings innovative approaches to her social work, making people feel understood and encouraging community growth.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise speaks with Michelle Chu, an extraordinary program builder dedicated to supporting adults with autism and other disabilities at Job Path. Michelle delves into her role as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and shares her unique perspective, incorporating her background in improvisational theater into her social work. The conversation explores Michelle’s innovative approaches to community building and the impact of fostering inclusivity in workplaces, setting the tone for a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and rewards of being a DSP.
Michelle insights reveal the emotional depth and commitment required in the DSP role, describing it as more than just a job, but a vocation filled with meaningful connections and personal growth. The episode uncovers both the rewarding experiences and the challenges faced by DSPs, highlighting Michelle's creative solutions, such as adapting games like Uno to assist participants in expressing their emotions. Throughout the podcast, valuable keywords such as "fostering inclusion," "creative expression," "emotional connection," and "community growth" echo the essence of Michelle's impactful work. Her ability to transform daily interactions into profound experiences underpins the core theme of the episode, focusing strongly on empowerment and self-direction within the communities she supports.
Key Takeaways:
- The role of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is about empowering people to achieve personal goals.
- Michelle Chu leverages her improvisational theater background to create innovative solutions that facilitate emotional expression for those with disabilities.
- Building strong support systems and maintaining open communication with team members and families are vital for successfully overcoming challenges in the DSP role.
- Recognizing and celebrating small wins can significantly affirm the importance and impact of a DSP's work, offering deep professional satisfaction.
- Emotional resilience, combined with creativity, can transform everyday interactions into meaningful growth opportunities for individuals and communities.
Notable Quotes:
- "I think for me, definitely one of the most rewarding, because who would have thought that you could take a deck of Uno and turn it into, like, a vehicle for helping somebody better communicate how they feel emotionally?"
- "I really think that the participants we serve are capable of so much more than they're given credit for."
- "Sometimes it's just like a gentle nudge to do something that we don't know is a possibility that makes it happen."
- "At the end of the day, what I most care about is making sure my team felt supported."
- "I think the heart of being a DSP is really empowering them to feel like they can do it."
Resources:
- JobPath : Home - Job Path NYC
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18:12||Season 2, Ep. 16Mike Veny is a renowned mental health advocate and certified corporate wellness specialist who has profoundly influenced conversations on emotional wellness in both professional and personal spheres. He is celebrated for his transformative journey from a professional drummer dealing with his own mental health challenges to becoming an esteemed leader in mental health advocacy. Mike is the recipient of several accolades, including Corporate Livewire's 2022-2024 Innovation and Excellence Award, Acquisition International Magazine's 2025 Global Excellence Award, and the 2023 Leader of Mental Health Awareness Award from NAMI New York State. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the PM360 Elite 100 Most Influential People in the healthcare industry for his outstanding contributions to patient advocacy.Episode Summary:In this thought-provoking episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaze welcomes mental health advocate Mike Veny to discuss the complexities of emotional wellness during the holiday season. This episode dives deeply into why the holiday season can be emotionally challenging, with Mike offering insights into preparing for family gatherings, setting boundaries, and dealing with potential stressors.During this conversation, Asheley and Mike explore the often-stressful dynamics of family interactions and how societal expectations can exacerbate personal pressure. Mike provides actionable strategies for managing mental health during the holiday season, emphasizing the power of saying no, setting realistic expectations, and preparing emotionally for challenging interactions. Listeners are encouraged to redefine holiday traditions and focus on personal well-being, supported by Mike's profound insights into grief and loneliness for those facing a tough holiday season.Key Takeaways:The holiday season often carries emotional complexities due to societal pressures and family dynamics; setting realistic expectations can help manage these challenges.Preparing emotionally for family gatherings includes learning to say no confidently and practicing self-care through personal coping mechanisms.Mike suggests cultivating silence and stillness and addressing feelings through methods like scheduling time for grief.Redefining holiday traditions based on personal authentic needs can help individuals manage stress and enhance emotional wellness.Notable Quotes:"The holidays are very stimulating… it's important to cultivate silence and stillness, making time to just pause and be still." - Mike Veny"We all carry stories with us… It's important to ask, how do I know this story to be true, or is this story authentic to me?" - Mike Veny"Boundaries don't push people away… but they protect the relationship." - Ashley BlazeResources:Mike Veny's Official WebsiteMike Veny VideosThe Power of a Positive No by William UryListeners are invited to explore the full episode to gain deeper insights into mastering emotional wellness during the holidays. Follow DSP Talk for more engaging discussions that tackle the heart of the human experience and personal growth.15. Breaking Bread and Barriers: Tackling Food Insecurity with Dignity and Justice
17:50||Season 2, Ep. 15Michael Hollis is an expert in food systems and urban agriculture, with over two decades of experience at the intersection of food, community, and resilience. He currently holds the position of Vice President for Community Food Security at Services for the Underserved in New York City. Michael has previously managed feeding operations in disaster zones and has a background in environmental compliance and greenhouse design. His work emphasizes empowering communities to reclaim creativity and agency in building sustainable and equitable food systems.Episode Summary:In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages with Michael Hollis, a leading figure in New York City's food security and urban farming movements. Michael addresses the multi-layered issue of food insecurity in New York, highlighting the quiet yet widespread struggles experienced by families across the city. He discusses how food insecurity transcends the absence of food, affecting physical health, social structures, and mental well-being.Michael outlines the deep connections between food insecurity and broader issues like housing instability, employment challenges, and healthcare disparities. He describes how these problems interlock in feedback loops, exacerbating each other's impacts. The conversation shifts toward the impressive resilience and innovation of New Yorkers, with Michael sharing inspiring stories of community initiatives and discussing actionable steps for achieving a hunger-free city. By emphasizing justice and community-led efforts, he makes a compelling argument for redesigning systems to treat food as a human right.Key Takeaways:Invisible Struggles and Trade-offs: Food insecurity in NYC is marked by unseen sacrifices families make, such as skipping meals or traveling long distances for groceries.Wider Impacts of Insecurity: Beyond hunger, food insecurity erodes mental health, undermines community cohesion, and adds to chronic health issues.Systemic Roots of Inequity: Historical planning decisions and structural racism sustain access disparities, disconnecting many New Yorkers from abundant food supplies.Community Ingenuity: Local initiatives like community fridges and urban farms are innovative responses, exemplifying neighborly support and creativity in addressing food access.Path to Transformation: Achieving food security in NYC requires systemic justice, community empowerment, and policies that treat food as an intrinsic right.Notable Quotes:"The real face of food insecurity isn't just hunger; it's that stress, it's the limited choices." – Michael Hollis"A hunger free city isn't just one with more food, it's one with more justice." – Michael Hollis"Solutions don't just come from large systems or programs but from communities themselves." – Ashley Blaise"Food is not just a privilege, but a human right." – Michael HollisResources:Services for the UnderservedFriendly Fridge BX (Community Fridge Network)City Harvest (Rescuing Food For NYC) Rescuing Leftover Cuisine14. Fostering Healthy DSP-Family Partnerships
28:06||Season 2, Ep. 14Jennifer Stanford Vogt is an established professional in the human services sector, with a career deeply influenced by serendipity and her belief in divine intervention. A graduate of Keuka College in 2008, Jennifer began her journey as a job readiness and GED instructor, eventually transitioning into the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her roles have included direct support professional (DSP) and staff development trainer, and her insights are further informed by her personal experience as a parent of a child with multiple diagnoses, including autism and epilepsy. Currently, Jennifer serves as the Associate Director of Education and Training at eVero Corporation, leading teams in creating impactful learning programs and fostering innovation in the sector.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Jennifer Stanford Vogt, whose path through the realms of human service and parenthood brings an invaluable perspective on the interplay between direct support professionals (DSPs) and families. Jennifer shares how her dual experiences as both a parent and a DSP have shaped her understanding of these roles as a partnership built on empathy and effective communication. Her narrative underscores the mutual effort needed for individuals with disabilities to flourish, spotlighting how these interactions can foster personal growth, skill development, and emotional well-being.Jennifer dismantles common misconceptions about DSPs, emphasizing the skills, critical thinking, and emotional resilience required in their role. Her insights pave the way for families and DSPs to foster mutual respect and build healthy partnerships. By acknowledging the emotions and needs of both sides, Jennifer suggests concrete ways to strengthen these relationships, like regular check-ins, active listening, and transparent communication. Overall, the episode provides a compelling view into the complexities of caregiving, offering a call to action for both families and professionals to work cohesively towards enriching the lives of those they support.Key Takeaways:Beyond 'Babysitting': The role of DSPs is often misunderstood; it involves advocacy, problem-solving, and much more than supervision.Building Trust and Respect: Regular communication and small gestures of acknowledgment help to build trust between families and DSPs.The Human Aspect: Acknowledging the emotional journey of both DSPs and families leads to better support structures and cooperation.Partnership over Isolation: Success relies on treating the family-DSP relationship as a collaborative effort instead of two opposing sides.Notable Quotes:"It truly takes a real partnership, some empathy, and communication to make it happen.""DSPs are constantly problem-solving, teaching, advocating, and adapting in the moment.""At the end of the day, we're all just really here for the same reason: to help the person that we're both engaged with grow, develop, and thrive.""Assume always that there are good intentions and really listen to each other."Resources:eVero CorporationFor a deeper dive into this enlightening discussion, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more insightful content on DSP Talk, where we continue to explore stories and strategies that enhance the lives of those working in human services.13. The Art of Teamwork Among DSPs and RNs
17:18||Season 2, Ep. 13Sindy McKinnies is a dedicated registered nurse with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. She has been associated with Cardinal Hayes Home for Children for nearly 17 years, beginning her journey in 2006 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Over the years, Sindy transitioned into her current role as a nurse, bringing her hard-earned expertise and passionate commitment to making a difference in the lives of those she serves. Outside of her professional life, Sindy enjoys CrossFit, attending concerts, and parenting her child.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Sindy McKinnies, a seasoned registered nurse, to discuss the critical role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in healthcare. Together, they delve into Sindy's journey from a DSP to a registered nurse at Cardinal Hayes Home for Children, reflecting on the profound impact these roles make on individuals' lives. Sindy shares her emotional connection to the work and offers insight into the invaluable lessons and experiences she's gained over nearly two decades in this field.Asheley and Sindy break down the nuances of the exempt clause in the New York State Nursing Practice Act, emphasizing its significance in enabling DSPs to deliver essential healthcare services. As Sindy explains, this clause allows DSPs to function under the guidance of a registered nurse, performing key medical tasks like medication administration and vitals monitoring. Their conversation highlights the indispensable part DSPs play in maintaining the quality of life for those they support, underscoring the close-knit relationships they build with nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and personalized care.Key Takeaways:Sindy McKinnies transitioned from a Direct Support Professional to a registered nurse, a career change fueled by her desire to make a meaningful impact.The New York State Nursing Practice Act's exempt clause empowers DSPs to perform certain medical tasks under an RN's supervision, extending their scope of practice and improving service delivery.DSPs can perform a variety of medical tasks, including administering medication and providing basic wound care, supported by rigorous training and oversight.A strong collaborative relationship between DSPs, nurses, and physicians is vital for ensuring personalized and effective healthcare.Sindy emphasizes the importance of respecting DSPs' insights and acknowledges their critical role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals in care.Notable Quotes:"I felt such a desire to want to be there that I've never felt anywhere else, especially in the nursing field.""It's so important to listen to them… sometimes the stuff they're providing you doesn't make medical sense, but we have to figure out how that's connecting to something medically or behaviorally.""They're [DSPs] so very important for the quality of life, medically, emotionally. Just everything.""I love what I do, and I don't ever want to feel like I'm not one of them. I am one of them. I am a DSP, too."Resources:Cardinal Hayes Home for ChildrenThe New York State Nurse Practice Act (Article 139, §6908)12. The Road to Acorn Tree: Michael’s Dream
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14:14||Season 2, Ep. 11Latima Anderson Mason is an inspiring advocate and a dedicated mother to her daughter who has a disability. As her daughter transitions into adulthood, Latima has taken an active role in navigating the complexities of aging out of support services and exploring guardianship options. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for advocacy, guiding other families through similar challenges with empathy and insight. Latima is currently engaging in workshops and legal processes to ensure her daughter's rights and independence are upheld as she enters this new life stage.Episode Summary:In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages in a poignant conversation with Latima Anderson Mason, a devoted mother and advocate for her daughter with disabilities. As Anika approaches adulthood, Latima shares the intricacies of the aging-out process, especially focusing on the transition from high school to adult services at the age of 21. By sharing her story, Latima helps to shed light on the critical path of securing guardianship while balancing her daughter’s rights and independence—offering listeners a glimpse into the challenges and victories experienced by families navigating a similar journey.Latima Anderson Mason provides insight into the emotional and practical challenges of securing guardianship for her daughter, Anika, who is aging out of services. The discussion highlights essential topics such as the significance of understanding legal processes and maintaining the child's voice in critical decisions. Key resources such as AHRC New York workshops are mentioned, offering needed support to families. The episode concludes with Latima's personal hopes for a future where individuals with disabilities are seen and heard beyond their limitations. This episode is a must-listen for families and advocates in the disability community, providing relatable and beneficial guidance.Key Takeaways:Aging Out Process: Children with disabilities are entitled to services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until they turn 21 (in NY, other States it can be up to 22).Guardianship: is a court process that allows a parent or caregiver to make legal, medical, or financial decisions for an adult child who is unable to make such decisions independently. (Source Planning for Children with Disabilities Aging Out of the School System - , May 01, 2025)Effective Communication: Continuously explaining processes and decisions to a child with disabilities helps in understanding and decision-making.Alternatives to Guardianship: Supported decision-making (SDM) is a practice by which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are able to make their own decisions with the support of trusted persons in their lives and retain all their legal and civil rights. (Source: What is Supported Decision-Making? – SDMNY)Resources:AHRC New York: Guardianship ServicesOPWDD Transition Services Recorded Webinar May 9, 20249. Contributing Authors for Behavioral Success
21:10||Season 2, Ep. 9Geneira Poulis is a seasoned Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) with over 14 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. She has served in various pivotal roles, ranging from Assistant Program Director to Program Director, and is now dedicated to fostering person-centered, equitable behavior support. Geneira 's approach is deeply informed by her firsthand experiences with systemic injustice. Holding a Master’s of Social Work from Stony Brook University, she uniquely blends clinical expertise with a strong commitment to social justice, aiming to empower both the individuals served and the professionals who support them.Episode Summary:In this insightful episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages in a rich dialogue with Geneira Poulis, a respected Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS), to explore the critical role that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play in the development and execution of behavior intervention plans. Geneira emphasizes the importance of including DSPs in the creation process, describing them as the 'backbone' of behavior support plans, and illustrating how their firsthand experiences, insights, and daily interactions with individuals can significantly enhance the efficacy and relevance of these plans.Geneira Poulis provides an innovative perspective on empowering DSPs through collaboration and inclusion in the planning process. By underscoring the importance of fostering environments where DSPs can actively contribute, ask questions, and feel valued, Geneira outlines strategies to bridge the gap between clinical teams and direct support staff. This approach not only improves behavioral outcomes but also nurtures professional growth and satisfaction among DSPs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the field of developmental disabilities, offering practical advice and key strategies for improving team collaboration and client care.Key Takeaways:DSPs are the "backbone" of behavior support plans, providing crucial insights from their close work with individuals.Collaboration between DSPs and clinicians is essential for crafting effective, real-world interventions that cater to individuals’ specific needs.Empowering DSPs through dialogue and understanding the why behind behavior plans enhances their ability to implement these plans effectively.The inclusion of DSP experiences and observations in behavioral planning fosters a sense of pride and ownership, leading to better adherence and outcomes.Notable Quotes from Geneira Poulis:" I often feel like they're [DSPs] the writers and the behavior intervention specialists are the editors..""An observation gives us a snapshot, but the DSP gives us the whole picture. They're able to paint everything they see.""When we include them in creating the plan, it gives them a certain kind of pride behind the plan.""A strong, trusting relationship between the DSP and the people that they're supporting always gives positive behavior outcomes.""Make collaboration a built-in part of your system and not an afterthought."Discover more about creating effective behavior support strategies and empowering those on the front lines by tuning in to the full episode. Stay engaged for more enlightening content from DSP Talk, where we continue to explore pivotal topics in the developmental disabilities field.8. Combating Ableism in the Workplace
15:20||Season 2, Ep. 8Jonathan Meagher-Zayas is the founder and chief strategist of Equity Warrior Strategies LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing equity and social justice within the nonprofit and social impact sectors. With over 14 years of experience, Jonathan specializes in capacity building, leadership development, community engagement, and DEI strategy. He is a queer Latinx nonprofit leader, a social work adjunct professor, a certified fundraiser, a certified diversity professional, and a doctoral candidate focused on critical pedagogy in nonprofit leadership.Episode Summary:Join Asheley Blaise as she welcomes Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, a prominent leader in advocating for equity and inclusion in nonprofits. This episode delves into the pervasive issue of ableism in workplaces, particularly for individuals with developmental disabilities, and explores strategies for creating inclusive environments. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of recognizing inherent biases, co-creating solutions, and shifting organizational culture to promote genuine belonging.Throughout the episode, Jonathan shares valuable insights into the common misconceptions that employers and the public have about people with developmental disabilities, including assumptions about competency and the notion that accommodations are costly. He advocates for the power of language and the role it plays in either reinforcing or dismantling stigma. With educational examples from organizations like AHRC Nassau, Jonathan illustrates how effective advocacy and inclusion efforts can transform communities and workplaces. The conversation also highlights the continuous journey of self-improvement and actionable steps that allies can take to combat ableism.Key Takeaways:Cultural Transformation: True inclusion transcends policy changes and is deeply rooted in shifting organizational culture.Co-Creation and Leadership: Involving people with disabilities in decision-making processes is crucial to developing impactful strategies against ableism.Language and Representation: The ways we communicate and represent individuals can either reinforce stigma or foster belonging.Continuous Learning: Addressing ableism requires an ongoing commitment to education and unlearning of societal biases.Notable Quotes:"If employers really want to center people with disabilities, they need to co-create solutions together.""Belonging is a human need…language helps us connect, understand, and create that belonging.""Giving grace is going soft on the person but hard on the problem.""If you are most impacted by ableism in the workplace, you have the most expertise and perspective to share, how to better address it."Resources:Equity Warrior Strategies LLCAHRC Nassau NYS Community of Practice on DEIEncouraging you to dive into this insightful episode, it's clear there's much to learn and reflect upon when it comes to inclusion and equity. Stay tuned for more discussions on DSP Talk as we continue to explore ways to better our communities and workplaces.