Direct Support Professional II @ Grandview (Virginia, MN)
Employed with NHS Northstar 7.4 years
Justin was nominated by his supervisor, Pauline Peterson. Pauline shared that Justin has gone above and beyond to help their new client feel welcomed and integrated into their home. Justin has come up with tasks and goals to help the new client transition into his “apartment” at Grandview. Justin has taken time to get to really know the client’s likes and dislikes, to help him feel comfortable there and with his new roommates. Justin has also helped the current clients transition with their new roommate and make Grandview flow smoothly.
We could not forget to mention that Justin is a talented artist! He has created paintings and other works of art that decorate the Grandview program.
We are proud to have Justin here at NHS Northstar!
Congratulations, Justin!
Take-Five
We ask each of our Shining Star winners to complete a quick, “Take-Five” questionnaire so we can get to know them a little more and hopefully inspire others to shine! Justin shared the following:
What motivates you to do your best work every day?
I think a big motivator would be the 4 guys themselves. They’re great to be around! They make the day-to-day life fun with their jokes or stories.
What do you love most about working with the individuals you support?
I really enjoy the jokes they like to play on me. They always have a story or something to say that always has a way of making the day a little more fun.
What is one skill or quality you have developed in your role that you are most proud of?
I think the skill I’m most proud of is the learned greater capacity for patience.
What is something you do outside of work that you are passionate about?
Art! Nearly all things art, I enjoy doing.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to grow in their role or career at NHS Northstar?
You must learn patience. Patience is going to help you in all circumstances. Everyone has their own speed of doing things.
We can only award one Shining Star of the Month at a time, but would like to recognize others that have been nominated. These staff and their nominations will stay in the running for future award opportunities:
Daniel Russel, RSS @ Kingston – nominated by Tina Henderson
Sheila Erickson, DSP @ Taurus – nominated by Giavanna Stodola
Desiree Abbott, DSP @ White Pine – nominated by Jordan Campbell
Candace Williams, DSP II @ Orion – nominated by Samantha Mitchell & Ashley Wilenius
Erin Melbo, Program Coordinator – nominated by Nicole Burlison
Tracy Theil, DSP @ Kingston – nominated by Tina Henderson
Pauline Peterson, RSS II @ Grandview – nominated by Justin Craven
Bret Stenstrom, Training Coordinator – nominated by Ashley Curtis