10 Trudeau Truths with Direct Support Professional Jennifer Platt

You know them as the educators, caregivers and leaders who work to keep everything running smoothly so that our clients at the Trudeau Memorial Center can have the best experience possible. But what are they like when they’re off the clock? 

Here’s a chance to get a more personal look at the people who make up the team at Trudeau… 10 questions at a time.

10 Trudeau Truths with Jennifer Platt

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in human services?

During my senior year of high school, I did my senior project with the Trudeau Tigers traditional soccer team and Unified Volleyball team. After these two seasons, there wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be. I played Unified Soccer and right before graduation, we had practice on my birthday. My mentor walked into practice and made a comment that now that I turned 18, I could work there too. Everyone on the soccer team was like “yeah! Work here!!” Before the end of practice, I filled out an application to work in the Adult Recreation Program. It was the best decision that I have ever made and I never looked back.

2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Building and maintaining relationships over the years and watching the people that I have supported continue to grow and achieve their goals while living the life that they choose.

3. Can you describe a memorable moment or success story from your time working at Trudeau?

I worked with a young lady about 8 years ago who changed the DSP I am for the better. She pushed me out of my comfort zone more than anyone ever has. Even though uncomfortable at first, as anything is when you are first pushed out of your comfort zone, I had to learn how to adjust on the fly and to think outside the box. She taught me to continue to try new things even if they don’t work the first time. During the time we worked together, I witnessed her personality flourishing. She learned to do things that she struggled with when we first started working together. The best experience of working together, besides learning so much from her, was watching her build real friendships that meant so much to her and who she became friends with. Watching her grow and her recognizing the new things that she could accomplish was the most rewarding part. She was so excited whenever she accomplished something new and had her new friends always cheering her on.

4. What’s something about people with differing abilities (or working with them) that you wish other people knew or better understood?

I wish people knew more and understood that the people I support are just that, people. Supporting someone while promoting independence and providing choice is the most important thing to remember.

5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

My favorite way to spend a weekend is out on a lake in my kayak, in NH hiking and camping with my best friend or spending a relaxing weekend with my cats. Also being with my nieces/nephews and going to my assistant coach’s band gigs with the Trudeau Tigers.

6. Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show.

I have a lot of favorite books, movies/tv shows. Books by Colleen Hoover are my favorite to read right now.

7. Do you have any pets?

I have four cats – Archie, Binx, Olyver and Remy

8. What’s your favorite food?

I don’t have a favorite food; it all depends on the day.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Kauai, I have been before and being there, brought me a feeling of peace that I have never experienced and ever since, I have wanted to go back.

10. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

That I am really outgoing but shy if you don’t know me.