Name and Position at Region Ten: Theresa “Terry” McIntosh, Direct Support Professional (DSP) for Developmental Disability group home
Where are you from? Orange County, Virginia
What drew you to the mental health field? I was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) before I came to work at Region Ten, and psychiatry and mental health were always my best subjects in nursing school. In high school I also studied special education because it’s always been a field that fascinated me.
What are some of the highlights in your professional career? I have been working at Region Ten for nearly 30 years and there are so many moments where I have been able to see progress in the people we serve. As an overnight DSP I have rotated through some of the different Developmental Disability residential sites, and it’s always wonderful to go back and visit some of the other sites I have worked in. I started out at a group home up on Locust Avenue, which was one of the first residential sites for Region Ten. There were eight residents there and I was able to serve my very first resident there for four years. This resident was moved to a different house when she had to receive cancer treatment – thankfully she recovered – and when she returned to Region Ten I was reunited with her at another home where I was working at the time. She was very happy to see me, and I was extremely happy to see her. I have also had the honor of working with people up until the time of their passing. I feel like I have been able to make a difference in their lives by providing dignity all the way until the very end.
What do you enjoy about your work at Region Ten? I enjoy the fact that over the years there have been moments of celebration with the people we serve that I have been able to be part of. The residents know all about my cats and will regularly ask how they are doing! The residents want to be part of your life in small ways, as well as you being part of theirs, and it is really meaningful.
What does Developmental Disability Month mean to you? Developmental Disabilities have come a long way. It was hidden for so long – I can remember when it was just special education in high school and was not really something that people talked about. The work we do at Region Ten has developed a lot over the years as well. We’ve really grown and come a long way. I will probably retire at some point, but I can see myself keeping a foot in the door for a long time. I love my job!