2026 Direct Support Professional Week

More Than a Job: Meet Orianna

At just 20 years old, Orianna has already learned that being a Direct Support Professional is about much more than helping someone through their day. It’s about building relationships, encouraging independence, and being there through both the good days and the difficult ones.



Orianna has been a Direct Support Professional at the ARC’s Church Street location for a little over a year. A graduate of CV-TEC, she originally gained experience through a work-study program before eventually finding her way to the ARC. She had previously worked as a mechanic for Della, and when her dad, who worked at the ARC, recommended the position, she decided to give it a try.

Her favorite part of being a DSP is simple: the relationships.

“I like the relationships that you build with the individuals and getting to hang out with them all day,” she said.

One of her favorite memories so far was attending the Applefest Parade last year. For Orianna, it was a great example of simply getting out and enjoying an experience together.

When friends or family ask what she does, she describes it as supporting people with the things they need a little extra help with, making sure they have good days, and being there for them on the bad ones.

The job has also helped Orianna grow personally. She says she used to struggle with social anxiety, but working as a DSP has helped bring her out of her shell.

She also hopes people understand that supporting someone doesn't mean doing everything for them. A big part of the job is helping people build independence, stay active and engaged, and enjoy their lives.

One of Orianna’s strengths is organization, particularly when it comes to keeping documentation in order. She also carries a simple reminder with her throughout the workday: “This is a workplace, but this is the home of the people we support.”

Orianna credits Michelle Hart, who works alongside her at the Church Street location, as an important mentor. She says Michelle has taught her everything since she started.

Outside of work, Orianna spends her time hobby farming, caring for chickens and ducks, tending to a flower and herb garden, and enjoying anything involving animals. When she was 12, she wanted to become a veterinarian, and that love for animals has stayed with her.

Looking back, her 12-year-old self probably wouldn’t have expected her to be doing what she does today. But Orianna has found something meaningful in the work and in the people she spends her days with.

“The fact that it’s everyone living life, and we’re all learning together.”