Name and Position at Region Ten: Tonya Harmon, Senior Direct Support Professional.

Where are you from? Charlottesville, VA.

What drew you to the mental health field? I wanted to offer compassion, inspire hope, and teach the skills needed to live a more productive and independent life.

What are some of the highlights in your professional career? Some of my highlights include organizing field trips, helping to organize volunteer jobs, helping with learning curriculum, helping the people we serve with every day living, and providing assistance when we are out in the community.

What do you enjoy about your work at Region Ten? Everyone working together and seeing everyone get treated with dignity and respect. I love looking at the the people I serve daily with big and bright smiles on their faces, no matter their disabilities.

What does Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month mean to you? It’s important to remember to treat all people as equals, and refrain from making assumptions about anyone’s abilities or feelings.