DSP of the Month: Cheryl Lytell's Journey

From New Haven Volunteer to Maryland Champion: Cheryl Lytell's 20-Year Mission to Transform Lives

Some career paths begin with a single moment of clarity that changes everything. For Cheryl Lytell, our September DSP of the Month, that moment came in the early 1990s at Yale University during the Special Olympics World Games. What started as a volunteer opportunity in Connecticut became a two-decade journey dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live their fullest, most independent lives.

"Just to see all those participants in the Special Olympics doing what they did, I said to my dad who went with me, 'This is what I want to do,' and I kind of went for it after that," Cheryl recalls. That decision would shape not only her professional life but touch the lives of countless individuals across two states, from Connecticut's United Cerebral Palsy Independent Living services to her current role with Holy Trinity Care Incorporation in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Building Independence Through Community Connection

Cheryl's approach to direct support goes far beyond basic care coordination. Her philosophy centers on active community engagement and practical life skills development. "I'm a community person, so I like being out and about," she explains. Whether she's taking groups to Washington Mystics basketball games, organizing community painting sessions, or simply exploring local attractions, Cheryl ensures the individuals she supports experience life to its fullest.

This commitment to community integration reflects a deeper understanding of what true support means. Rather than keeping individuals in residential settings, Cheryl actively creates opportunities for meaningful participation in community life. Her former supervisor's directive still guides her work today: "These participants better not be in the house on the weekend. Y'all better be out somewhere doing something, so let them enjoy their life."

From Connecticut Pioneer to Maryland Mentor

Cheryl's experience spans impressive breadth and depth. At United Cerebral Palsy Independent Living in Connecticut, she supported over 30 residents across multiple apartments, coordinating everything from shopping trips to banking assistance. Her expertise led to a program director role, where she supervised ten staff members while supporting Connecticut's first advocate for independent living for people with disabilities—someone who became well-known throughout the state's Department of Developmental Services.

This transition from direct support to leadership demonstrates Cheryl's comprehensive understanding of the field. Her experience managing both individuals and staff provides her with unique insights into systemic challenges and effective solutions within disability services.

The Heart of Exceptional Support

When asked what makes a great Direct Support Professional, Cheryl's answer reveals the foundation of her success: "You got to be compassionate. Compassionate about your job and your goals for them and for yourself. Being a friend. Someone they could talk to. Someone they could trust." This philosophy extends beyond professional boundaries—Cheryl's personal experience caring for her husband with disabilities deepens her understanding and commitment to the field.

Her approach to relationship building centers on active listening and genuine communication. "I listen to her all the time," Cheryl says about working with CC. This emphasis on understanding individual goals and desires, rather than imposing predetermined outcomes, allows the people she supports to maintain agency in their own lives while receiving the assistance they need.

"Make sure you love it. Make sure that's something you want to do. If you don't have any compassion in your heart, it might not be the field for you. You know, because they require a lot and you have to be open to give them what they need."

Navigating Challenges with Grace

Perhaps most remarkably, when asked about the biggest challenges in her current role, Cheryl responds with characteristic optimism: "Right now I have no challenges. She's pretty open to ideas. Sometimes she gives me opposition, but we talk through it." This perspective illustrates her approach to conflict resolution—viewing disagreements as opportunities for communication rather than obstacles to overcome.

Her method involves patience and re-engagement: "I have to say it to her again, like, 'OK, this is what should happen. Or maybe you might want to think about this again.'" This respectful approach to disagreement preserves individual dignity while working toward mutually acceptable solutions.

A Legacy of Continuous Growth

After twenty years in the field, Cheryl continues to view her work as an opportunity for personal development. "It's helping me to grow more as a person," she reflects. This commitment to continuous learning extends to professional development—she remains eager to pursue additional training opportunities that enhance her ability to support others effectively.

Her advice for newcomers to the field reflects hard-earned wisdom: thorough self-examination is essential before committing to this work. The demands are real, but for those with genuine compassion and commitment, the rewards—both personal and professional—are transformative.

Celebrating Excellence in Direct Support

Cheryl Lytell's story exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated Direct Support Professionals have on individuals, families, and communities. Her two decades of service demonstrate that exceptional support work requires more than training or protocols. It demands genuine care, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to human dignity and independence.

From volunteering at the Special Olympics in Connecticut to empowering independence in Maryland, Cheryl's journey illustrates how individual passion can create ripple effects that transform entire communities. Her approach to support work emphasizes community integration, practical skill development, and respectful communication. This provides a model for excellence that benefits everyone involved.