YAI salutes its Direct Support Professionals. As part of National DSP Recognition Week, we will share profiles of some of our valued employees. They represent all our DSPs in their commitment and dedication to the people YAI supports.

 

Meet Michelle Balandra

 

Ana Reyes, a Bronx parent, couldn’t be happier with the progress her 27-year-old daughter Veronica has made with the support of Michelle Balandra, a YAI Community Habilitation Specialist.

 

“I did not believe Veronica would be able to do what she does now,” her mother wrote in a letter to YAI last month.

 

Michelle, who has been working with Veronica for three years, recalls a very shy, introverted woman who would focus more on television than anything else. She preferred not leaving her family’s home, even to go for a walk.

 

Combining Patience and Fun

 

With her positive energy, Michelle began exploring what made Veronica happy. She enjoys music, especially One Direction and other boys bands. She also likes reading magazines and books, although she might not understand every word.

 

Whether it’s learning how to use a cell phone or a computer, Veronica knows that Michelle will be patient and incorporate some fun. Today, Veronica has her own Facebook and Instagram accounts, “follows” her favorite artists,  and enjoys watching videos of her favorite bands on YouTube.

 

'A Completely Different Person'

 

Michelle recalls Veronica’s excitement about her sister’s Sweet 16 party in early August. “She wanted to go to the nail salon and beauty parlor and asked me to help her pick out clothes for the party,” Michelle said. “She was a completely different person.”

 

Building on that, Michelle began taking Veronica out in the community. She made her first visit to Central Park this summer and particularly enjoyed the Bronx Zoo.

 

“For me, it’s an honor to see the changes,” Michelle said. “She deserves the joy of achieving the things that she wants to do. When she learns or achieves something, you can see it on her face.”

 

She’s beginning to advocate for herself, asking questions, improving her reading comprehension and can perform simple mathematics.

 

“(Michelle) has given me, as a parent, peace of mind that my baby will be OK after I am gone,” Ana Reyes writes. “Michelle’s work ethic and dedication to her job are above reproach. She does not work here; Michelle is family. I cannot thank her and you enough for sending this amazing young woman into our lives. Lives forever changed for the better.”

 

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