Natalie’s Journey from Retirement to a New Calling as a DSP

Natalie’s Journey from Retirement to a New Calling as a DSP

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When Natalie Gernert retired from her career in the school system, she wasn’t quite ready to slow down. After years of working as a preschool teacher and coordinator for early childhood transportation, Natalie decided to take on a new challenge in August 2020—and Cedar Lake became the perfect fit. Inspired by her daughter Rebecca, who had worked at Cedar Lake for years, Natalie joined the team as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), a role that has quickly become one of the most fulfilling parts of her life.

“I’ve known about Cedar Lake forever,” Natalie shares. “My daughter works here, so I got to hear about all the amazing things that go on. So when it was time to think about a new chapter for myself, I decided to give it a try—and I absolutely love it.”

Providing Support as a DSP

Natalie works full-time at Cedar Lake, supporting four individuals at Washburn, a Cedar Lake residence. Her days are a mix of homemaking tasks, medical appointments, exercise sessions, and outings to explore the community. She takes great joy in helping those she supports not only maintain their independence but also discover new experiences.

“One of the things I love most about this job is getting people out and about, helping them experience life beyond what they already know,” Natalie explains. Whether it’s a trip to the gym, a walk to the nearby park, or a fun outing to a pumpkin patch, Natalie is constantly encouraging the individuals she supports to try new things. “Some people may hesitate at first, but they’re often open to new experiences once they get started,” she says with a smile.

From grocery shopping to preparing meals, Natalie’s role goes beyond simple assistance—she empowers individuals to stay engaged in their daily lives. She helps them pick out healthy foods at the store, looks up recipes with them, and teaches them how to prepare meals in advance. “We talk about what they like to eat and find ways to incorporate healthier options, especially fruits and vegetables,” Natalie says. “It’s all about supporting them in ways that help them maintain their skills and independence.”

Natalie’s caring nature shines through in every aspect of her work. Natalie is a helper and a friend; someone who is there when needed but always encourages individuals to do as much as they can on their own. “It’s not always easy, but it’s rewarding. I don’t think of this as a job—it’s just fun,” she says. “Every day, I look forward to working with everyone and helping them grow.”

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Making Fond Memories

One of Natalie’s fondest memories at Cedar Lake was a group trip to the pumpkin patch. “We had a big crowd that day, and everyone really enjoyed each other’s company,” she recalls. “It was fun to see everyone come together and have a good time.”

Beyond the outings and daily tasks, Natalie values the camaraderie and sense of community that comes with being a DSP at Cedar Lake. “I love the socialization and working with other DSPs,” she says. “We often team up to make sure the individuals we support can do things in a larger group, which makes it even more fun.”

Training as a DSP

Natalie also speaks highly of the training and support Cedar Lake provides. “The training is important because it gives structure, but it also makes me think about what I could do better,” she explains. “I’ve had the best supervisors—they’re always willing to listen and take into consideration what’s going on in my life. The flexibility of this job is amazing.”

For Natalie, the key to being a great DSP is empathy, a willingness to learn, and knowing how to match your abilities with the needs of the individuals you support. “All types of personalities can make great DSPs,” she says. “It’s just about finding the right match. A good DSP learns from others and understands their own abilities.”

As someone who finds joy in every aspect of her work, Natalie is quick to emphasize how much she appreciates the culture at Cedar Lake. “This job doesn’t feel like work for me,” she says. “It’s fun, and I couldn’t ask for a better fit. Cedar Lake is a great place to work, and it’s a great place for the people who need the services we provide.”

For Natalie Gernert, what began as a retirement job has become a new and rewarding chapter, one that brings purpose, joy, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those she supports at Cedar Lake.

Interested in joining Cedar Lake as a DSP? Apply online today!