In honor of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 11-17, 2022). We are proud to take this opportunity to recognize the dedicated direct support professionals at Ada S. McKinley.

Chandra Hakim is being featured for her “excellence” in serving to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Direct Service Professional within our Employment and Community Support Services program.

Learn more about Chandra in this short interview:

How long have you been working at Ada?
“7 years.”

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the persons served have a smile on their face and watching them become more independent.”

What is something that you’re learned while working as a DSP?
“I have learned that the more you love yourself the more patient you will become with the persons served and being positive lifts the spirit of the persons that we support.”

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
“I love to sing and I have performed with Nancy Wilson, Kindred the Family Soul and Musiq Soulchild. I also like to act in plays.”