Mariah Nalls – Nominee, MITC 2021 Hero Award
Mariah is a lead direct support professional (DSP) at the Manning St. residence in Massachusetts. She is a true team player, stepping up to fill many open shifts at the Manning program during day program hours. Mariah has a calming presence with the individuals that she supports, and it shows in the reduction of behavioral incidents at her program. Mariah displays an ability to lead by example when it comes to helping people get out into the community and creating opportunities that people truly enjoy. Thanks to her hard work and perseverance it is now an expectation that everyone goes out on a regular and consistent basis. Successfully accessing the community has led to significant growth for in the individuals in the program and a new perspective for the staff who did not think it was possible.