September 16, 2026
Happy Direct Support Professional Recognition Week!
In honour of DSP Recognition Week, we will be highlighting some of the Direct Support Workers who work so hard to ensure that the people supported by St.Amant live fulfilling lives. Rebekah has been part of the St.Amant famly for 8 years, inspired by her desire to support people to live their best, most meaningful lives. She fosters lasting relationships built upon trust, consistency, and compassion, helping the people she supports create memories that will last a lifetime.
I started at St.Amant at the end of July in 2018, it’s been about 8 years now. What brought me to St.Amant was my desire to support people to ensure they have the best possible days, experiences, and lives that fulfill them.
As a Direct Support Professional, I wear many hats. I am an entertainer, event planner, interpreter, health care aid, chef, problem solver and most importantly, a supporter of the people I work for. I am always working to ensure that they live their most fulfilling lives.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the people I support happy and healthy. I love to see them smiling and having a good time. That really fills my cup, especially when I support them at events they are very interested in.
Advocacy in my work could be from the smallest interaction in public. For example, when someone asks me about the person I support, I kindly redirect their questions and say “what do you think?” to the person I support. It is important that the person I support has the opportunity to respond. Doctor’s appointments can be similar. Often, the nurse in training asks me questions and I kindly ask them to ask the person I’m supporting. Then I interpret for the people I support, first asking their permission to do so.
I have a few favourite memories from my time at St.Amant. Many are with the person who I am currently supporting. I enjoyed supporting him at the Ride for Dad event with his friend, Fred. People shook his hand when he approached them and he gestured at his beard and their beard, noting to them that they were the same. Everyone was so welcoming, and he loved it, being able to feel like one of the crew. I also enjoyed taking him to the Smack Down Event at Canada Life Centre. He had a blast and loved the entertainment. There was a specific moment where he had bought this big WWE chain and was raising it up when one of the fighters were coming out. His enthusiasm was great.
For me, my memories stay with me when I experience those moments you can’t take a picture of. The authentic moments. Like moments with Tim, who has since passed away. We were riding in the van singing his favourite songs. He was incredibly happy. We grabbed a Slurpee, which made the moment even better. I also have fond memories of taking Jon, a person who I support, for a ride in the van. I loved to see him smiling when we stopped for a coke. He loved cruising in the van listening to his favourite band, Queen, smiling away. The genuine moments when I can help facilitate a day that brings them joy and I can see it truly emanate through their expressions and gestures mean so much.
Rebekah, thank you for your commitment to building a more inclusive Manitoba. Your efforts have made a difference in the lives of many. This week and every week, we celebrate you
