DSP Advocate of the Year Siljander Urges Others to Join the Cause

Bridget Siljander

The DCA’s own Bridget Siljander was named DSP Advocate of the Year by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) in St. Paul, Minnesota.

A recent issue of MCIL’s newsletter (PDF) features an interview with Siljander, in which she talks about how the direct support field has evolved in the dozen years she has been in it, why her fellow direct support professionals should join her in advocating for better working conditions, and more.

“I would challenge everyone who wants better working conditions to do something about it,” she says. “It is very liberating to speak up and to share your experiences – good and bad. There are not enough DSPs doing that and it gives the impression that we are fine with the status quo.”

This entry was posted by Elise Nakhnikian on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 6:32 pm and is filed under Featured News, as leaders, awards and recognition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

7 Responses to “DSP Advocate of the Year Siljander Urges Others to Join the Cause”

1. Leonila Vega says:

   January 15, 2010 at 6:37 pm

   Bridget,

   I just read the interview! Congratulations, a well deserved honor! Keep up the great work!
2. Brenda Nachtway says:

   January 15, 2010 at 7:13 pm

   Congratulations Bridget..

   You do a great job. I know others will follow.
3. Kelly Nye says:

   January 19, 2010 at 4:15 pm

   Congrats Bridget. I can’t believe you didn’t mention that this weekend. What an honor to be recognized in this way. You have done so much for the field of direct support professionals. Keep up the good work. The DCA is lucky to have you on board!
4. Rita Andrews says:

   January 20, 2010 at 7:11 am

   Congratulations Bridget!! You are an inspiration to us all!!!
5. Bob Stevens says:

   January 20, 2010 at 5:40 pm

   Congratulations Bridget. Not surprising and well deserved. Your approach to our advocacy is motivating.
6. Renee Tillman says:

   January 23, 2010 at 9:56 am

   Congrads to you Bridget,
   Your tthe best.
   Renee
7. Timothy Doe says:

   January 23, 2010 at 11:03 am

   CONGRATULATIONS Bridget, you are a rock! You are a HERO not only for the DSP in Minnesota but all direct Care Workers in the United States. like Rita said: You are an inspiration to all the DSP. You deserved it. It will be great if we have Bridget in each state… Minnesota’s Direct Care Workers, you are so lucky and I am envious of you. Lol!
   May God bless you!