Overview
In the world of IDD services, every connection matters. Some go beyond expectations, beyond shifts and schedules, and develop into something deeper. Ashlee, a Direct Support Professional (DSP), built a relationship with Katie that became essential to her care and stability.
This blog shares Ashlee’s story: a powerful example of how one DSP can make a lasting difference. In a field where turnover is high and burnout is real, stories like hers remind us what’s possible when trust and presence are sustained over time.
A standout DSP
Ashlee applied to her DSP role nearly eight years ago. Her professionalism and presence made an immediate impression, and it wasn’t long before she was matched with Katie, a young woman navigating complex care needs in communication, mobility, and daily living.
Katie needed physical support with transfers, meals, hygiene, and medication. Ashlee approached every task with calm, reliability, and compassion. As the days turned into months, trust grew as did the bond between them.
A family in need
Roughly a year into Ashlee’s work, Katie’s mother and legal guardian, Tammy, was diagnosed with ALS. As Tammy’s health continued to decline quickly, she began making plans for Katie’s future care.
Ashlee offered to open her home to Katie to ensure stability and continuity. It was a meaningful decision—one rooted in the strong connection they had built. Tammy accepted the offer, and shortly after, passed away knowing her daughter would be supported.
From DSP to guardian
After Tammy passed, Ashlee stepped into the role of legal guardian. She took on new responsibilities—medical coordination, daily support, and advocacy—guided by the strong relationship she and Katie had already built. While her role evolved, her steady presence remained the foundation of Katie’s care.
Team effort at home
Ashlee’s husband, Terry, had no prior experience in disability support, but he was all in from the start. He learned alongside Ashlee, contributing to Katie’s routines and becoming a consistent, supportive presence in her life. Together, they created a stable, caring home built on trust and mutual respect.
(The picture below is of Ashlee (left) and Jim Roach (right), former employer of Ashlee.)
What stories like Ashlee’s tell us
Not every DSP becomes a legal guardian, but every DSP has the potential to create lasting impact. Ashlee’s story highlights that true support is rooted in presence and connection, not just the tasks that fill a schedule.
As the IDD field continues to face high turnover and staff shortages, it’s stories like this that point to what’s possible when agencies invest in finding the right fit and supporting DSPs for the long haul.
Quiet leadership, lasting impact
Ashlee didn’t set out to lead, but she did, through quiet consistency, patience, and presence. Her story reflects what so many Direct Support Professionals across the country do every day: show up with compassion, build trust over time, and provide care that goes far beyond tasks.
The IDD field is full of people like Ashlee. Individuals whose work is rooted in humanity, not hierarchy. They may not always be recognized, but they are essential to the wellbeing, stability, and dignity of the individuals they support. At its best, this work is about connection and offering the best care possible.
How Giv supports DSPs and providers
At Giv, we believe stories like Ashlee’s are at the heart of this work. DSPs deserve systems that support them, agencies deserve tools that lighten the load, and individuals deserve teams they can trust.
Our platform is designed to make documentation, scheduling, billing, and care coordination simpler, so staff can focus on building the kind of connections that matter most. Because behind every great service is a person like Ashlee, doing the work with heart.
Learn more about Giv and how we support DSPs, agencies, and the individuals they serve.
