May Etiwe
Life Skills Specialist (LSS)
3 Years as a DSP
May Etiwe takes intentional time out of every shift to connect with the individuals living in the Nevada house, learning their interests and making sure they have what they need to engage in their favorite pastimes. Her care is especially evident with an individual with dementia, whom she supports with consistent compassion and dignity — never letting frustration show, no matter how long a task takes, and always meeting her with a comforting smile and an encouraging word.
May thinks on her feet, adapting her approach as new situations arise with this individual and recognizing that the right level of support can change from one day to the next. That flexibility has made her an essential part of ensuring this individual receives the highest quality of care through ongoing life transitions.
May is also a strong advocate in staff meetings, often the first to speak up when something affecting the individuals needs more clarity, asking thoughtful questions and offering insight that strengthens both the circle of support and the problem-solving process.
Through three years as a DSP, May Etiwe has shown steady compassion, creativity, and advocacy in her care — making her a highly deserving nominee for Direct Service Professional of the Year.