As Bethany cared for her grandmother, she was drawn to a new career path where she could help others. It has been over two years since Bethany stepped into the role of a Direct Support Professional at the Judy Mahon Center, and she has been an amazing addition to the team.
Taylor Bumpus, Assistant Director of Support Services for Adults, can speak to all of Bethany’s contributions and compassion. “Bethany was brand new to the field of working with individuals with developmental disabilities when she joined the Mahon Center, and I have never seen someone take to the job as well as she did while being so “green.” She was quickly able to form strong, positive relationships with our participants and brings care and compassion to her interactions with every one of them. This is not just a job for Bethany. She is a strong advocate for the participants that she works with and is always looking for new and fun ways to bring joy to their days.”
Bethany’s biggest motivator and favorite part of her job is the clients. She wants to make sure they have the support that they need to have the best day possible. Even on the most challenging days, she shows patience and kindness. “I love their individual personalities and their smiles make my day, every day, said Bethany.”
One of her favorite memories was when the center had a water day bash in 2023. Equipped with water guns and inflatable pools, everyone had fun cooling off from the summer heat in their own way. “Seeing their smiles as they sprayed water at me was the highlight of my day.”
The themed parties at the Mahon Center are always a hit too. The staff goes above and beyond to make each party extra special with decorations and games. Even if the coordinating can get chaotic, Bethany swears it is worth it. “The decorating we do for the holidays always brings the clients and staff so much joy, even if getting it all together is stressful at times, it is worth it in the end.”
Off the clock, Bethany says life is busy and full. She and her husband of twenty-five years enjoy spending time with their five children ages 15-25. They make frequent trips to visit their daughter that lives in Florida and Bethany loves to plan vacations to new places for the whole family, especially road trips. Bethany has been to all but two US states, North Dakota and Alaska. Her goal is to visit all the continental states and hopes to check Europe off her travel list too. Bethany and her husband are very excited to embrace this new season of life with their kids and welcome their first grandchild this summer.
Bethany encourages anyone interested in social work to be open-minded and take the leap. “It’s so much more than coming to a job each day and just putting in the hours. The bonds and trust you build with the clients are important and rewarding. Part of being a DSP is building professional relationships with our clients so that they can have the best experience when they are with us.”
