OADSP Asked Kiley Some Questions About Her Recent Accomplishment

Kiley Rerko

Kiley Rerko was awarded the “DSP - Certified Advanced Credential” in February of 2015 from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals for her work through the OADSP Credentialing Program, DSPaths. In 2012, Kiley successfully completed the requirements to earn the DSPaths Certificate of Initial Proficiency and in 2013 she earned the DSPaths Certificate of Advanced Proficiency. It has taken Kiley three years of time and commitment to complete all the requirements for both the Ohio and National Credential.

Kiley has been working as a director of residential services at Welcome House in Westlake for the past 9 months and supervises four managers. She oversees 32 individuals and the staff that work in these homes. Kiley says…”My passion is to work with people and impact their lives for the better. I love that I am able to bring joy to their lives and put a smile on their faces”….

OADSP asked Kiley some questions about her recent accomplishment:

OADSP: Why did you choose to pursue both the Ohio and National credential? Rerko: I wanted to challenge myself and become the best DSP I could be. I wanted to make sure I was giving the clients I am working with the best life possible and I felt by educating myself more I could do that.

OADSP: Why is it important to earn these two credentials?

1 Rerko: By earning these two credentials I feel like I can be a great example to other DSP’s and people in the field. I have shown that hard work and dedication to continuing my education through OADSP has helped me become a better person and given me the knowledge to succeed in this field.

OADSP: How is the process of transferring what you do every day, into work samples been? Rerko: It was not that difficult. Because I am always trying to enhance the individual lives I had done most of the work samples already, I just had to write about them. Other times I liked how it challenged me to get to know a particular individual better so I could help them.

OADSP: Did you receive a Stipend/Bonus or pay raise as a result of earning your credential? Rerko: Yes

OADSP: Have you earned a promotion as a result of your work thought the DSPaths Credentialing Program? Rerko: After I was a DSP I became a QDDP. Then I took a promotion and moved to Welcome House as the Assistant Director of Residential Services. I then took a promotion to Director of Residential Services after a year and a half as the Assistant Director.

OADSP: What is your plan for the future? Rerko: I plan to continue challenging myself in the field and doing what I need to do in order to give the best care and support to those I work with.

OADSP: Tell us a little about a philosophy you live by? Rerko: Live well, Laugh often, Love Much. I love this philosophy because I feel like too often people take things too seriously and always look at the negative things in life. Life is too short to not enjoy what you do. We always need laugh and enjoy the little things in life. And always love others. The people we work with always have the biggest hearts and I absolutely love that about them. They always see good in everyone.

Kiley says…. “ A Good Life is…when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are.”

This quote goes along with the philosophy that I love. We all need to take a step back and realize how blessed we all are and that we can impact the lives of those around us and the people we serve.

Kiley Rerko Director of Residential Services Welcome House [email protected]