Trudeau Center DSP (Direct Support Professional) Tom Moniz recently returned to work after a well-earned vacation and was excited to chat about his 16 years of working as a Trudeau DSP. An energetic man who loves sports, Tom inspirationally explained his love for the job with, “I wanted to make a difference in their lives, but they made the difference in mine.” During a visit I made to the Spring Grove group home where Tom helps support four men, it was obvious that he is a comfortable caretaker and that he and the men who live there have a wonderful relationship.
Tom thinks of the many adults he has supported throughout his career as “family.” He reminisces about playing sports, tending to flowers, and gaining an appreciation for art with the men and women he has helped care for. Tom describes a career highlight of walking with Trudeau’s Special Olympics’ athletes during competition and recalls a Trudeau athlete, who has since passed away, who won multiple medals and always showed them off by wearing them around his neck. “Those medals made me almost as proud as they made him,” Tom shares.
Before his career at Trudeau, Tom worked at Ann & Hope for 16 years as a retail manager. A self-confessed people person, Tom enjoyed his retail job, but explains, “This job is so much more rewarding. We’re touching people’s lives.”
Director of Adult Residential Programs’ Darlene James gives him a glowing review. “Tom is a very hard worker who takes initiative and solves problems. He is honest, fair and a strong advocate for those he supports.”
Tom shares that he has met so many nice people through his job and that “people have been great to me. I’ve been blessed.” When asked for a favorite part of his job, Tom responds, “To make them smile.”
Thanks for making us all smile, Tom, and congratulations on being a Trudeau DSP of the Day!
