2026 DSP Week: Celebrating Jane’s Dedication to Person-Centered Support
Published: September 17, 2026
A heartfelt recognition of compassion, connection, and everyday leadership.
By Jennifer Streck, Residential Manager
The impact of great support is felt in the everyday moments: a meaningful conversation, a shared laugh, a trip into the community, or time spent together in the garden. Jane Armistead, a Bridgewell Direct Support Professional (DSP), brings that kind of steady, caring presence to the women she supports, and her dedication has made a lasting difference in their lives.
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Jane consistently goes above and beyond what is expected. She builds genuine, meaningful relationships with each of the four women, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and included. On weekends, she frequently takes them on community outings, creating opportunities for fun, socialization, and new experiences. She also involves them in gardening activities, encouraging participation, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment. When the women express a desire to attend church, Jane makes it a priority to support them in practicing their faith.
One of Jane’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with people. She brings warmth, humor, and positivity into the home every day. She spends time talking with the women, joking with them, and creating an environment where they feel comfortable and cared for.
Jane also has an exceptional ability to remain calm during challenging situations. When emotions begin to escalate, she is often able to de-escalate the situation with patience, compassion, and respect. Her calm presence helps the women feel safe and supported while maintaining a positive atmosphere in the home.
What makes Jane’s dedication even more remarkable is that she does all of this while also raising and caring for her two children. Despite the demands of balancing work and family, she continues to give her time, energy, and compassion to the women we support, always putting their needs first and making them feel like family.
Jane exemplifies person-centered care in everything she does. She consistently puts the needs, interests, and well-being of the women first and serves as a positive role model for her coworkers. Her dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of the women we support, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.
