DSP of the Month: Michael Lord - From Hard Labor to Heart Work

Sometimes the most profound career changes happen not through elaborate planning, but through simple conversations with people who care. For Michael Lord, our August 2025 DSP of the Month, that conversation with his colleague Amber became the catalyst for discovering his true calling in direct support services. What started as a practical decision to escape the physical demands of outdoor work has blossomed into something far more meaningful—a career built on genuine care, shared experiences, and the simple joy of helping others thrive.

Michael's transition from outdoor labor to direct support work wasn't driven by a lifelong dream or extensive career planning. Instead, it emerged from an honest assessment of what he needed and a willingness to try something new. "I was working outside in the heat and the cold and everything, and I wanted to get an inside job," Michael explains. But what he found was so much more than shelter from the elements—he discovered a profession that would challenge him emotionally, reward him personally, and allow him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others every single day.

Building Relationships Through Breaking Bread and Casting Lines

Michael's approach to direct support is refreshingly straightforward yet profoundly effective. His day begins with a simple but powerful gesture: "I buy all three guys breakfast in the morning. So I make sure they eat and it gets them off on the right foot and then we decide what we're going to do for the day." This morning ritual does more than ensure proper nutrition—it establishes care, creates routine, and sets a positive tone that ripples through everything that follows.

But it's Michael's commitment to shared activities that truly illuminates his understanding of what quality support looks like. When he talks about taking the individuals he supports fishing "every other time," his enthusiasm is unmistakable. These aren't just recreational activities—they're opportunities for connection, skill-building, and creating memories that matter. "The best time we've had so far we've gone fishing about 10 times and we've caught about 70 fish," Michael shares, and you can hear the genuine pride and joy in his voice. These fishing expeditions represent something fundamental about effective direct support: the importance of community integration and meaningful participation in typical life activities.

The Philosophy Behind the Practice

What makes Michael exceptional isn't just what he does, but how he thinks about his role. When asked what makes a great DSP, his answer is elegantly simple: "Just somebody that cares a lot." This isn't mere sentiment—it's a professional philosophy that recognizes caring as both the foundation and the framework for everything else that follows in direct support work. Research consistently shows that the quality of relationships between direct support professionals and the individuals they serve is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes.

Michael's understanding of boundaries and engagement reflects a sophisticated grasp of professional direct support. "Everything I they do or I have them do, I do myself too," he explains. This participatory approach demonstrates respect for the individuals he supports while modeling engagement and enthusiasm. It's the difference between supervising activities and sharing experiences—a distinction that transforms routine tasks into opportunities for connection and growth.

Meeting People Where They Are: The Art of Individualized Support

Perhaps the most telling insight into Michael's professional maturity comes when he discusses the challenges of his role. Rather than focusing on logistics or administrative burdens, he immediately identifies the core challenge that defines quality direct support: "Each client is different and you have to meet each client where they're at emotionally and go from that point and try to establish a relationship with them." This understanding places Michael firmly in alignment with person-centered planning principles that emphasize individual choice, dignity, and self-determination.

The sophistication of this approach cannot be overstated. Michael recognizes that effective support isn't about applying a standard set of techniques or following a universal script—it's about developing the emotional intelligence and professional flexibility to adapt his approach to each individual's unique needs, preferences, and communication style. His goal isn't mere compliance, but engagement: "So not only will they listen to you, but they'll be eager to participate." This reflects a deep understanding that the most effective support happens when individuals are active partners in their own lives rather than passive recipients of services.

"It's very, very rewarding. Being able to help the guys has really helped me out a lot." - Michael Lord, reflecting on the mutual benefits of his work in direct support

The Ripple Effect of Genuine Care

Michael's reflection on how his work has shaped him personally reveals the reciprocal nature of quality direct support relationships. "It's given me the opportunity to be one-on-one with the guys and that's the most rewarding part of the job," he shares. This mutual benefit isn't accidental—it's the natural result of authentic relationships built on respect, shared experiences, and genuine care. When direct support professionals approach their work as Michael does, everyone involved grows and benefits.

His motivation is equally telling: "Just the opportunity to help people out that maybe are less fortunate than I am." This perspective demonstrates both humility and understanding of the broader social context in which direct support work takes place. Michael recognizes that his role extends beyond individual relationships to addressing systemic inequities and ensuring that all people have access to the support they need to live fulfilling lives.

A Model for the Profession

Michael Lord represents what's possible when direct support work is approached with authenticity, dedication, and genuine care for others. His journey from outdoor labor to direct support illustrates that this profession welcomes people from all backgrounds who are willing to invest themselves in the lives of others. His daily practices—from morning breakfasts to afternoon fishing trips—demonstrate that effective support often happens in the small moments and shared experiences that make up everyday life.

Most importantly, Michael's understanding of individualized support and relationship-building reflects the professional sophistication that characterizes the best direct support professionals. Quality support requires both technical competence and ethical commitment—qualities that Michael demonstrates consistently through his approach to his work.

As we celebrate Michael as our DSP of the Month, we're not just recognizing one person's excellent work—we're highlighting the values and approaches that make direct support work both meaningful and effective. Michael's story reminds us that this profession, at its best, transforms not just the lives of those who receive support, but the lives of those who provide it as well. In a field that faces ongoing challenges around workforce recruitment and retention, professionals like Michael demonstrate why this work matters and what's possible when it's done with skill, dedication, and heart.

Congratulations to Michael Lord on this well-deserved recognition. His commitment to building authentic relationships, creating meaningful experiences, and meeting each individual where they are sets a standard that inspires us all. Whether he's sharing breakfast to start the day right or casting lines to create lasting memories, Michael embodies the best of what direct support can be—professional, personal, and profoundly impactful.