Celebrating Our Direct Support Care Champions
During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on several of the Care Champions who make a difference every day at Incompass. While each of their stories is unique, they share a common commitment to supporting the individuals we serve with compassion, dedication, advocacy, and respect.
From building meaningful connections and encouraging independence to advocating for new opportunities and creating safe, supportive environments, these DSPs demonstrate the many ways direct support makes an impact. We’re proud to recognize Ronny, Tom, Anne, Lucy, and Madline for the heart and dedication they bring to their work each day.
Take a look at their spotlights below and join us in celebrating these outstanding Care Champions!
Ronny Banegas
Ronny may be newer to our Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS) team, but he has already made a great impact! He has a natural ability to connect with the individuals we support, bringing a calm, positive approach to his work each day.
Using his strong Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) skills, Ronny has a way of helping navigate challenging moments and bring situations back to a positive place — often simply through his words and the connection he has built with the individuals he supports.
Ronny also brings a friendly, easygoing energy that makes both the individuals we support and his fellow Care Champions feel comfortable and supported.
When asked how he does it so well, Ronny says it’s all about the “vibe” he gives off — and we have to agree!
Thank you, Ronny, for the positive energy, compassion, and connection you bring to CBDS. Keep bringing those good vibes!
Tom Baca
If you know TREE, you know Tom!
For the past seven years, Tom has been an incredible part of the TREE team at Incompass — but his connection to many of the individuals we support goes back even further, having previously worked with them in transportation.
Tom brings contagious energy to everything he does. He is constantly advocating for the individuals he supports, whether he’s seeking out new employment opportunities, planning unique community experiences, or encouraging someone to try something new and build confidence.
And that energy extends to his team. Tom is always willing to share ideas, offer encouragement, support a coworker, or jump in wherever he’s needed. He’s an advocate, a motivator, a teammate, and someone who makes the program better simply by being part of it.
Simply put, Tom is THE MAN!
Thank you, Tom, for the energy, dedication, and enthusiasm you bring to TREE and the individuals we support. We’re incredibly grateful to have you as one of our Care Champions!
Anne Macharia
Anne works at our Pondview residential home, where she is recognized for her exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to the individuals she supports. She approaches her work with genuine care, patience, dignity, and respect, always keeping each individual at the center of the support she provides.
For Anne, being a DSP goes beyond meeting someone’s daily needs. She takes the time to build trust, listen to each individual’s voice, honor their choices, and create an environment where they feel safe, valued, and respected.
Through her kindness and dedication, Anne demonstrates what person-centered support looks like every day. Her willingness to go above and beyond and the meaningful relationships she builds have a positive and lasting impact on the individuals she serves.
Thank you, Anne, for the heart you bring to your work, your commitment to those you support, and the difference you make each day!
Lucy Maina
Lucy is a Direct Support Professional at our first Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) home, where she is recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and strong advocacy for the individuals she supports.
Lucy takes great pride in ensuring each individual’s daily needs are met with dignity, compassion, and respect. From supporting Activities of Daily Living to maintaining thorough and meaningful documentation, her attention to detail helps promote the health, independence, and overall well-being of those in her care.
She also goes above and beyond when it comes to safety. Although she is not the program’s medication officer, Lucy routinely pays close attention to medication records and documentation, helping ensure accuracy and consistency. Her commitment to quality and safety aligns perfectly with another exciting goal — Lucy is currently pursuing a career in nursing!
Above all, Lucy is a strong advocate for the individuals she supports. She takes ownership of the quality of care she provides and consistently looks for ways to make a positive difference.
Thank you, Lucy, for your dedication, reliability, and commitment to ensuring the individuals you serve receive the support, dignity, and respect they deserve!
Madline Kamani
Madline works at our Medically Complex Respite House, where she is recognized for her outstanding commitment to the individuals we serve and the care she provides to meet their needs. As a Safety Officer, she also plays an important role in creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Her dedication helped bring an exciting idea to life. Madline was instrumental in getting our therapeutic garden initiative started, creating a space where individuals can enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature, and engage in meaningful activities.
Whether stepping in to cover a shift on short notice or finding new ways to support the people around her, Madline consistently shows up for her team and the individuals we serve.
Thank you, Madline, for your dedication, dependability, and the positive impact you make each day!