Meet Shannon Lott

Shannon Lott is a direct support professional and has been at the Center of Hope for six years. We asked Shannon to share some of her thoughts about the time he has been at the Center.

Please describe your role at the Center. My role here as a DSP is to enhance the lives of the individuals I work with by assisting them anyway I can, whether it’s helping them learn something new or taking them on trips out in the community which put smiles on their faces.

Why did you choose this field? I was chosen by this field. I actually started as a special education certified teacher’s assistant and gradually started working with adults as an employment specialist/job coach. I moved to Rockford several years ago and my journey as a DSP in workshop began, and I can say it’s been an eye-opening experience.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in working at the Center? My advice to someone who wants to work here would be to have “Good Energy” and have lots of patience.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen? The biggest changes I’ve seen here over the years are reduction of both staff and class size. The new set up is great to me, because it allows you to get to know the participants better.

 What keeps you at the Center?  The individuals I serve keep me here. There is no better feeling to know that you’re appreciated by the people you work with, and my participants tell and show me daily that what I do matters.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? I’ve been in this field 30 plus years and I couldn’t Imagine myself doing anything else.