Welcome House's Alex Koncan is the 2014 Ohio Direct Support Professional of the Year!

Welcome House is thrilled to announce that Alexandra Koncan was chosen by ANCOR as the 2014 Ohio Direct Support Professional of the Year! Alex was presented with the award at the annual ANCOR conference in Washington, D.C.

According to ANCOR, Alex personifies two tenets of the National Association of Direct Support Professionals Code of Ethics: “Promoting Physical and Emotional Well Being” and “Advocacy”. Alex fought diligently for the well-being of a woman she supports, her efforts instrumental in saving her client’s life.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” said Alex. “Truly, I love what I do and advocating for those who cannot fight for themselves and ensuring physical and emotional well being for my amazing clients is so rewarding.”

Close to death, one of Alex’s clients appealed to Alex, desiring her advocacy to get the client off of heavy medications and heading to a normal life, filled with bowling, baseball games, dancing and spending time with her boyfriend. Doctors were adamant about heavy medication and stating that this was the end of the woman’s life, but Alex would not concede. She cancelled vacation plans, went to the woman’s bedside to relieve family members and pleaded with the doctors to let the client live her life fully, without heavy meds or constraints. After strong advocacy from Alex, the doctors conceded.

“Today, this client is back to normal weight and enjoying life with her roommates,” said Tony Thomas, executive director of Welcome House. “This is a clear example of going above and beyond normal good DSP practice and fully advocating for a client. We are so proud of Alex and her commitment. Alex truly epitomizes the ideal DSP.”

Alex was promoted to Residential Manager for Welcome House.

About Welcome House

Welcome House has served individuals with developmental disabilities in Northeast Ohio for over 40 years. Every day our staff of over 400 dedicated caregivers strives to create a supportive atmosphere in which clients develop independence and a sense of competence by experiencing success at home and in the community. Welcome House operates 45 locations throughout Cuyahoga County. For more information, check our website at www.welcomehouseinc.org.