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 Tamekia White

The people who live at YAI’s Rose Lane residence are fortunate to have Tamekia White in their lives.

Tamekia, a Health Care Specialist, has an eye for detail.

 

When several residents were going to a fashion show put on at Elmsford Day Services earlier this year, it was no surprise that Tamekia volunteered to take them. She enjoys getting dressed up. “I had to make sure they looked their best for the fashion show,” she said.

 

The event was a hit among the residents, who received compliments all evening.

Instilling People with Pride

Tamekia remembers filling in for a staff member early in her career at YAI and hearing a colleague telling the people who live in the home, “Remember, when you go to your day program or out in the community, you’re representing Rose Lane.”

 

“She looks at the people we support and puts herself in their shoes,” Jonathan Goldwasser, Senior Supervisor, says.

 

Tamekia, who is celebrating her fifth anniversary with YAI this week, brings her passion to the work. She focuses on what makes the people she supports happy.

Little Things Make a Difference

“At the end of the day, I want to be able to say, I made somebody happy today by taking them to Dunkin’ Donuts or taking someone for a ride in the van,” Tamekia said. “It’s those little things that make a difference and mean a great deal to the people we support.”

 

With her bachelor’s in health services administration, Tamekia learned about YAI through a friend at her church. When she’s not with her family, Rose Lane is home for Tamekia.

 

“When someone you support walks up to you and says, ‘you made me so happy,’ that’s an amazing feeling,” Tamekia says.

 

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