DSP of the Month: Maura Columna - When Caring Becomes a Calling

DSP of the Month: Maura Columna - When Caring Becomes a Calling

When Maura Columna walked into her first shift as a Direct Support Professional in January 2020, she had no idea she was embarking on a journey that would fundamentally reshape her understanding of family, purpose, and human connection. Five years later, she stands as living proof that the most extraordinary DSPs often begin as ordinary people who simply refuse to remain ordinary.

Her entry into the field came through a family connection, but what kept her there—and what makes her this month's standout DSP—goes far deeper than circumstance. "I always felt like I was a natural caretaker anyway," Maura reflects, but even she couldn't have predicted the profound transformation that awaited her. What started as a job became a calling that would challenge her to learn an entirely new language, literally and figuratively.

Learning to Communicate Beyond Words

Perhaps nothing illustrates Maura's dedication more powerfully than her decision to master American Sign Language. Starting with zero experience in both DSP work and ASL, she took on the challenge of learning to communicate with individuals who depend on sign language for their daily interactions. This wasn't just about job requirements—it was about genuine connection and refusing to let communication barriers limit the quality of care she could provide.

"I learned a whole new language in the midst of it all," she explains, as if discussing something as simple as learning a new recipe. But anyone who has attempted to master ASL while simultaneously learning the complexities of providing quality disability support knows this represents an extraordinary commitment to excellence. Her supervisor notes that Maura's adaptability sets her apart in a field where flexibility can mean the difference between good care and exceptional care.

The Art of Individual Connection

What truly distinguishes Maura from her peers is her approach to individualization. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all methodology, she has developed the rare ability to adapt her support style to each person's unique personality and needs. "You build relationships with each person individually that's unique," she explains, describing what many seasoned professionals struggle to achieve throughout their entire careers.

Her work spans multiple residential settings, supporting individuals with activities ranging from transportation to medical appointments to recreational outings like go-karting, swimming at the YMCA, or zoo visits. She assists with activities of daily living, helps with household tasks, and provides the kind of comprehensive support that enables people with disabilities to live full, engaged lives. But it's her ability to read each situation and respond appropriately that makes her indispensable.

Beyond the Paycheck: Understanding True Motivation

When asked what makes a great DSP, Maura's response cuts straight to the heart of what separates career-focused professionals from those simply passing through. "Having a heart and caring and showing up every day, even if you don't show up for yourself, you show up for them," she states with the quiet conviction of someone who has lived these words through challenging days and rewarding ones alike.

Her supervisor's observation provides additional context: "A lot of people come for the paycheck only, and they don't really stay very long. And you can tell. Maura is not one of those people." This distinction becomes crucial when considering the trust placed in DSPs by the individuals they support. As Maura puts it, "They trust you with their lives and with everything. We are their family and we're all they know."

The Unexpected Path Forward

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Maura's journey is how it has opened doors she never anticipated. Her mastery of ASL, developed through her commitment to providing quality support, has positioned her for a potential transition into professional interpreting. "I am accepting, hopefully, in an interpreting position from this job when I never thought I'd see myself here five years ago," she reveals.

This evolution from inexperienced newcomer to skilled professional qualified for specialized roles demonstrates something powerful about both Maura's character and the potential of DSP work to transform lives—not just for those receiving support, but for those providing it. Her journey challenges the common misconception that DSP work is merely a stepping stone to something better, revealing instead how it can be a foundation for unexpected professional growth.

Managing the Emotional Reality

Maura speaks candidly about aspects of DSP work that training manuals rarely address adequately. "How close you can get with these consumers relationship-wise. We've had some that have unfortunately passed and that's obviously really hard," she explains. "You don't realize how much of a relationship you have and connection until that happens." This honest acknowledgment of the grief that comes with genuine care reflects the emotional maturity that exceptional DSPs must develop.

She has also found practical solutions to prevent burnout, noting that her role supporting multiple individuals across different residential settings keeps her engaged and energized. "I move around, I see different faces. I get a lot of different interactions every day," she explains, describing how variety in her assignments helps maintain her enthusiasm and prevents the staleness that can affect DSPs in more routine positions.

The Ripple Effect of Excellence

What makes Maura's story particularly compelling is how her growth has expanded her perspective on life itself. "It's expanded my mind in ways that I don't think I'd ever understand before. I have met a lot of different kind of people and how they live and how they've lived in the past," she reflects. This expanded worldview has made her grateful for her own experiences while better preparing her to provide meaningful support to others.

Her impact extends beyond the individuals she directly supports. When she describes being called in as the person who can de-escalate difficult situations or provide comfort when others cannot, it becomes clear that her presence strengthens the entire support network. "That makes me feel like I mean something and I matter and that I'm needed and that they trust me," she says, capturing the reciprocal nature of meaningful DSP work.

"It doesn't feel like work because it's just enjoyable and I enjoy it. These are people and you get to do their daily activities with them."

A Model for the Field

Maura Columna represents everything the disability support field hopes to cultivate in its workforce. She demonstrates that exceptional DSPs combine technical competence with emotional intelligence, professional boundaries with genuine care, and personal growth with service to others. Her willingness to learn ASL, adapt to individual needs, and maintain relationships across multiple settings while preventing her own burnout provides a roadmap for sustainable excellence in DSP work.

Her story also illustrates how the right person in the right role can transform what appears to be routine work into something approaching artistry. The individuals she supports receive more than task completion—they receive recognition of their humanity, respect for their individuality, and the security that comes from knowing someone genuinely cares about their wellbeing.

As Maura continues her journey, potentially transitioning into interpreting while maintaining her commitment to disability support, she leaves behind more than just satisfied supervisors and well-cared-for individuals. She leaves an example of what becomes possible when natural caring instincts meet professional dedication and the willingness to grow beyond one's original comfort zone.

In a field where turnover remains high and finding dedicated professionals continues to challenge providers, Maura Columna stands as proof that exceptional DSPs don't just happen—they develop through commitment, adaptation, and the recognition that caring for others is among the most meaningful work anyone can choose to do.