Thriving Together: DSP Insights on Well-Being, Support, and Success

Arlene Bridges is a Senior Product Manager at Relias. She has over 20 years of experience in many areas of IDD service provision, including clinical coordination, oversight, and administration. She has experience in managing contracts and billable services with MCOs and other payers, overseeing quality improvement processes, and working with CQL accreditation requirements. Bridges served on the board of the NC Provider Association and currently serves on a human rights committee for an IDD organization in NC.

Carly Neumuth graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh with a degree in Fine Arts. After graduation, she completed two terms of national service with AmeriCorps, which sparked her interest in working alongside others in community-based settings. She later moved to Alaska, where she began coordinating projects with at-risk youth before joining Cindy and Vic’s in 2012 as weekend residential relief staff. In 2013, she moved into a full-time management role, where she continues to support individuals in a shared living environment. In 2023, Neumuth participated in a pilot program in Alaska and completed the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) DSP3 certification.  Her work focuses on supporting people to be connected in their communities and to pursue the things that are meaningful to them — whether that’s attending local events, building relationships, or trying something new. 

Misty Smith is a DSP Ambassador through ANCOR’s Ambassador Program. She is passionate about advocating for the direct support workforce and the people they serve. For the past eight years, Smith has worked as a Direct Support Professional with Trivium Life Services. In this role, she supports individuals in the Day Habilitation program where they share their talents and bring joy to others through music.

Chrystal Wheat is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Able Services in York, Pennsylvania, where she also serves as the Greenhouse Coordinator. In this role, she cares for plants, maintains the greenhouse, and creates engaging, hands-on activities that connect participants to nature and plant care. Known for her creativity, energy, and sense of fun, Wheat enjoys helping people explore their communities, try new experiences, and participate in meaningful activities. Wheat is passionate about the DSP profession and the impact it has on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a recipient of PAR’s 2024 Emerging DSP of the Year Award and has earned the DSP-III credential, the through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Human Services at Southern New Hampshire University and is expected to graduate in Spring 2027.