September 18, 2026
This Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we highlighted a few of the DSPs who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of the people they support. They are everyday allies and frontline champions, advocating for a more inclusive Manitoba through their commitment to kindness and dedication to quality care.
Melanie has been making a difference for nearly five years. She fosters lasting relationships with the people she supports, empowering them to live their best, most meaningful lives.
I have been working in the field of support for almost 5 years now. I began in Saskatchewan in 2022, and it’s the change I didn’t know I needed! The things that I had the most anxiety about when I started ended up being the smallest piece of the day for me. It felt good knowing I could be there to support someone who needed my help. I came to St.Amant while looking for a change in my personal life. I wanted to be closer to family, and through word of mouth I was connected to the organization.
The work that I do helps enrich and enhance so many lives. It’s more than simply cooking and cleaning. I also observe and learn how to communicate with people in different ways, to ensure they are heard and that their wants and needs are met. My work is to engage and to help teach people how to interact and become a part of the community.
The best part about the work that I do is seeing the successes that the children have. Whether it’s daily successes or long-term achievements, I’m up front ready to be their biggest cheerleader. It is very exciting to see people adapt and become comfortable in ways they were not in the past.
Advocacy is not only being a microphone when someone cannot be heard, but also observing cues, behaviours, and finding ways to communicate with someone who may not be able to verbally tell you what they want or need. Advocacy is being there to help them to achieve those goals. Advocacy is to ensure all people, including staff, are properly looked after and kept safe.
I have made so many great memories within the respite home at St.Amant, and I look forward to making many more. My main goal is not for me to have a favourite memory, but for the kids to have a mind full of their own favourite memories from their visits to respite. If that goal is achieved, that is my success.
Melanie, thank you for all that you do. You bring kindness, compassion, and care to each and every relationship, fostering connections that will last a lifetime. Today, and every day, we celebrate you.
