AUBURN — For Kristina Zelehowsky, caring for others runs in the family.
As a direct support assistant at Central New York DDSO, she has supported individuals with developmental disabilities for more than two decades with the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). She was recently honored as one of the agency’s DSP of the Year award recipients.
Zelehowsky’s career began in 2002 with what is now the Finger Lakes DDSO before transferring to Central New York DDSO in 2006. But her connection to the work goes back even further.
“My mom worked for Central New York DDSO in the 80s,” she said. “I followed suit. I enjoyed her stories about her job – it was important to her. I decided it was something I wanted to try out. At first, I didn’t think it was going to be something I would do as a career. It was a little overwhelming, but I grew to love it.”
That love has carried her through years of early mornings and meaningful relationships. Working out of an Individual Residential Alternative (IRA), Zelehowsky starts her day before sunrise, helping individuals prepare for their programs.
“I work 6 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday, so I have a very busy morning,” she said. “I get them up and ready for the day, do my notes and then head home.”
For Zelehowsky, the key to forming trust with the individuals she works with is simple: treat everyone with kindness and patience.
“I just try to treat them how I want to be treated,” she said. “Give them time to feel me out and know that I’m safe and there for them.”
Her co-workers describe her as upbeat and calm – a presence that steadies the room.
“People tell me I calm the room when I walk in,” she said, smiling. “I think my co-workers nominated me because I’m happy most of the time and don’t complain a lot. I enjoy my job and being there in the morning to get everyone up and ready puts us all in a good mood.”
Zelehowsky feels grateful for the recognition, but even more grateful for the life and family she has built along the way. She has raised three children while working full time and now part time, and she recently watched her daughter follow in her footsteps.
“When my daughter was 17, she started working with OPWDD through Mosaic (an OPWDD-contracted provider agency),” she said. “When she turned 18, she took the state test and got hired by Central New York DDSO. She’s almost a year in now and loves her job.”
Zelehowsky couldn’t be prouder to see the tradition continue.
“If you’re 18 and want a job that’s stable, secure, and has great benefits, why not?” she said. “It’s a great agency to work for.”
After more than 20 years, Zelehowsky still finds joy in every shift.
“I love the people I take care of,” she said. “Everyone is so different. I’ve just enjoyed being a part of their lives and being able to help them throughout their day, it’s been rewarding.”
— Nicholas Newcomb