09/16/2026
THANK YOU to our Direct Support Professionals (DSP) for bringing remarkable empathy, curiosity, problem-solving skills, and patience to their work while balancing professionalism with a warm, family-like atmosphere.
We asked staff members to share observations of what DSPs add to our studios; here’s what they had to say:
“I love our DSPs because they show up to work with compassion, love and enthusiasm every single day! They are the heart of Arts of Life and some of the most patient and passionate people I know, who truly inspire our artists and myself every day.” - Hana Kulović, Operations Manager
“Artists regularly extend invitations to dinner, coffee, and trips to record shops to our Direct Support staff because they are considered to be true friends and even members of their family. It’s easy to see why - our staff are warm, patient, funny, joyful, and inspiring.” - Lacey Whittaker, Community Engagement Manager
“Artists have so much FUN with our DSPs! Recently they took a trip to the Salt Shed and got to check out bands like the Jesus and Mary Chain, Tortoise, Smerz, and Courtney Barnett.” - Lacey Whittaker, Community Engagement Manager
“Working alongside the artists at Arts of Life transformed my perspective on the world, and our incredible team of DSPs has been equally as inspiring. Beginning my journey as an intern at the West Town Studio, I learned firsthand what meaningful support looks like from Anne, Ingrid, and Deanna. Through trust, empathy, and heartfelt care, they build deeply personal connections with the artists. Their ability to seamlessly balance professionalism with a warm, family-like atmosphere is a truly remarkable achievement!
Annie, Ashlea, Bojana, Travis, Melissa, and Maggie are endlessly thoughtful, constantly evolving and fine tuning the practices that best support our artists. Our team expanded even further with the addition of Dee, Eros, and Winston over the past few months, and it is now impossible to imagine our studios without them. Every single day, they bring remarkable empathy, curiosity, problem-solving skills, and patience to their work. I feel so lucky to work with such stars!”- Lydia McGowan, Volunteer Coordinator
