Audrey Billie, Direct Support Professional of the Month, Sets an Example for Residents and Staff

 

“It makes me feel appreciated,” says Audrey Billie, regarding her recognition as Direct-Support Professional of the Month. “I also love the fact that I can set an example for all my staff.” Audrey joined Advancing Opportunities just over a year ago. Within three months on the job, there was a management vacancy. She “stepped up to the plate” and assisted manager. By her sixth month on the job, Audrey proved herself, earning a promotion to Residential Support Lead at the Hiawatha group home. Audrey loves and values the fact that everyone shares the same agency vision. “We’re dedicated to the mission of Advancing Opportunities,” she says, adding she is a voice for the consumers.

 

At Hiawatha, Audrey cares for four residents: Felicia T., Kimberly D., Diana B., and Michelle C. She and the support staff involve the ladies in the life of the community, affording them the opportunity to experience life skills, such as purchasing items, going to the bank to deposit or withdraw money, and shopping for groceries. In addition, says Audrey, they like to exercise, walking to North Beverwyck Road, where the shops and restaurants are. On colder days, the ladies go to the mall to walk, getting exercise while experiencing the many colorful sights.

 

Audrey acknowledges that strangers sometimes stare. In such cases, she acknowledges the situation; although the consumers look and sound different because of their disabilities, they are people who are more similar than different. The key is not to react. If anyone asks a questions, she explains in a matter-of-fact matter that the people in her company and care are human beings who happen to have a disability—nothing extraordinary. As an advocate for the residents (and other persons with disabilities, she emphasizes the importance of remaining professional and calm.

 

 

 

Prior to Advancing Opportunities

Before working at Advancing Opportunities, among people with various disabilities, Audrey worked in day care and after-school programs. She was also a make-up artist and designer. Then, a friend told her about working in this field. What she knew was from observing her grandma, who was a home health aide for senior citizens. More recently, Audrey was assisting her mom, who is in a hospital rehabilitation facility. That experience, she says, gave her the skills she now uses at Hiawatha, especially caring for the medical needs of the residents, which she in turn uses to advocate for her mom. In that setting, she again emphasizes the importance of “remaining professional and calm.”

 

 

 

Looking to the Future

As much as Audrey concentrates on the present, she is enthusiastic about the future. “I want to always remain in a steady, progressing stage,” she explains. As Audrey continues to build experience and expertise, she looks to becoming a residential manager. She is also considering staring her own business someday, to continue to serve people with disabilities. “I just want to work my way up,” she says.

 

 

Back to the Present

Felicia T., the one resident able to express herself verbally, loves to assist. “I like helping Audrey,” she says. She enjoys her main job in the house: “I shred paper,” she says with pride. She also helps with other chores, under the guidance of Audrey. “The staff and consumers are like family,” says Audrey. “We take care of them as if they were our family, people we love and care for.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audrey Billie, Direct Support Professional of the Month