Ten Years of Excellence: How Patient Care and Deep Empathy Define One DSP's Career

Bei Dzekem Kenso never planned to become a Direct Support Professional. When her late husband fell ill ten years ago, he was in the process of starting a new position at Multi Therapeutic Services. The manager approached Bei with an unexpected opportunity: she could take her husband's place. She filled out an application, got the job, and discovered a calling that would transform her life.

Today, Bei works at one of Multi Therapeutic Services' thirteen facilities in Northeast Washington DC, where she has become known for her exceptional dedication and the remarkable progress her clients make under her care. Her supervisor, Kenyetta Mack, didn't hesitate when asked to nominate someone for DSP of the Month. "Bei was the first person I thought about," Kenyetta says. "Hands down."

A Foundation in Special Education

What makes Bei so effective isn't luck or intuition alone. Back in her home country, she earned a master's degree in special needs education. This academic foundation gives her something that can't be taught in a single training course: a deep understanding of how to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

"It has always been something in me to take care of people," Bei explains. "When I came into the field, it was something that I already knew about. I really wanted to give people care, to meet their needs, to help them."

This combination of formal education and genuine compassion creates powerful results. Bei doesn't just complete tasks. She understands the reasoning behind every intervention and strategy her role requires.

The Power of Patience

Bei works one-on-one with an individual in her care, and the relationship they've built demonstrates what's possible when a DSP truly commits to person-centered care. When Bei starts her shift, she checks on all the individuals in the home before conducting a thorough check on her client from head to toe.

But the real work goes deeper than physical care routines. Bei has invested countless hours learning to understand her client's unique communication style. "She has her own way of talking," Bei says. "If you're really patient with her, then you will know her better. But if you're not patient with her, you won't know her."

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That patience has paid off. When Bei first started working with her client, communication was limited. Now, her client speaks much more frequently and clearly. Bei recalls a recent moment that surprised her: "I asked her where she put the teddy bear. She said 'On the chair.' I was so surprised because it had been so long since I heard her say something like that."

These breakthroughs don't happen by accident. They're the result of consistent, caring interaction and a commitment to truly seeing and understanding each individual.

Building Trust Through Empathy

When asked how she builds strong relationships with the individuals she supports, Bei's answer is straightforward. "You have to be patient. You have to be empathetic enough to put yourself in their place. You have to build a strong rapport with them."

Making people feel comfortable is at the heart of her approach. "Once you make them feel comfortable around you, they will communicate with you more easily," she explains. This comfort takes time to develop. It requires consistent kindness, genuine interest, and meeting each person where they are.

Bei also knows that therapeutic interventions need to be personalized. When her client doesn't want to do something, Bei gives her space and tries different approaches. Sometimes music helps. Sometimes talking in a calm, soft voice works. The key is understanding what works for each individual person.

More Than a Paycheck

Bei is candid about what motivates her work. "If you come just for the money, you won't really feel for the people you take care of," she says. "You don't put yourself in their place. But if the money is the second part and you do your job well, you really want to put in your best at the end of the day."

This work has shaped Bei's entire outlook on life. "Life is not all about you," she reflects. "Life is about the smile you put on other people's faces. It's about helping others in time of need. When you help others, when you think about other people's situations, it really shapes you."

Bei's Advice for New DSPs

For those considering a career in direct support, Bei emphasizes the importance of preparation. Study each person's Individual Support Plan thoroughly. Know their goals, their likes and dislikes, and understand their medical history. Learn what therapeutic interventions work for them specifically.

Most importantly, she says, "You have to know where they are coming from and where they are going. You have to know what goals you're expected to help them meet."

Unwavering Dedication Through Adversity

What makes Bei's story even more remarkable is the context. Despite experiencing serious personal tragedies over the years, she has continued to show up and provide exceptional care. Her supervisor Kenyetta, who has been in the developmental disabilities field for thirty years, says she's inspired by Bei's resilience.

"She's had some serious tragedies, and she just pushed forward," Kenyetta says. "She didn't miss a beat. I'm inspired because I couldn't even do what she did. She's the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Her only goal is to support the people under her watch."

With twenty-three years at Multi Therapeutic Services, Kenyetta has seen countless DSPs come and go. Her assessment of Bei is unequivocal: "I wish I could clone her. We love Bei. I'm just so impressed by how she continues to provide quality care. It's very inspiring to see that type of dedication."

A Model of Excellence

Bei Dzekem Kenso represents the best of what direct support can be. Her combination of formal education, genuine empathy, and unwavering commitment creates an environment where individuals thrive. The communication breakthroughs her client has experienced under Bei's care aren't just impressive statistics. They represent real improvements in quality of life and self-expression.

Both Bei and Kenyetta emphasize that this field isn't for everyone. "This field isn't for everybody," Kenyetta notes. "But for the people that it's for, you know it." For Bei, it's a calling she discovered in an unexpected way ten years ago, and one she continues to answer with excellence every single day.

As Kenyetta puts it, "We're very dedicated to what we do to bring quality services and quality life to the people we support. If we put ourselves in their shoes, we would want the same." That philosophy of treating others as we want to be treated isn't just good ethics. It's the foundation of exceptional direct support work, and it's what makes DSPs like Bei invaluable to the individuals they serve and the communities they strengthen.

Ten Years of Excellence: How Patient Care and Deep Empathy Define One DSP's Career

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