Michelle Delozier: Reflections on a 25-Year Commitment to the Penn-Mar Mission

“Empathy is one of the most important qualities we bring to the job.”  

Recently, Michelle Delozier came across a Facebook post advertising job openings at Penn-Mar. When she shared the post, she wrote “We need good people! Twenty-five years ago, I walked into orientation thinking I’d be the one making the difference… I have made a difference, but their [the people we support] impact on my life has been extraordinary!”  

Michelle proved to be one of those “good people” when she joined Penn-Mar in 2001, despite having no previous experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

Raised on a small family farm, she worked on a dairy farm and a Thoroughbred farm until she stepped away in her mid-30s to reconsider what she wanted from the next chapter of her life.  

When a friend of Michelle’s lost her driver’s license, she offered to drive her friend to work, which just so happened to be at Penn-Mar’s Day Program.  

“I often went inside when I picked her up from work and was amazed by how quickly everyone welcomed me with open arms,” she said. “It was a fantastic place, and it didn’t take me long to realize there was something special about the Penn-Mar community.” 

The rest is history. 

Michelle’s first role at Penn-Mar was as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at a Maryland community home. She was promoted to Senior DSP in the same program, spent nearly nine years providing one-to-one support to an elderly resident, and eventually served as the Residential Supervisor of the home. 

In 2015, Michelle stepped into her current role as Penn-Mar Central Residential Program Manager, where she supports Residential Supervisors in five of Penn-Mar’s 33 Maryland residential homes. 

Michelle’s supervisor, Residential Administrator Tasha Miller, can’t say enough about the positive impact that Michelle has had on the organization.  

“It has been an absolute privilege to work with Michelle,” Tasha said. “While I have had the opportunity to lead her, she has taught me just as much along the way. Her compassion, resilience, and dedication consistently shine through in all that she does. I greatly value the professional relationship we have built over the years, and it has truly been an honor to lead and learn from her.” 

Twenty-five years in an organization is bound to bring change. One change that stands out to Michelle is Penn-Mar’s increased focus on team member training. These courses range from leadership development to a Career Ladders certification program that gives DSPs opportunities for advancement and higher compensation.

“Over the years team members have evolved from caregivers into more person-centered direct support professionals,” Michelle noted. “Empathy is one of the most important qualities we bring to the job.” 

When leadership training was introduced, Michelle remembers wondering, Why would I need that after so many years in the field? She now considers it invaluable because it exposes participants to different perspectives and encourages them to share experiences.  

“I love it when team members return from training energized and excited to share what they learned,” Michelle said. 

After 25 years, Michelle appreciates that Penn-Mar has given her room to grow while also valuing the experience and perspective she brings to her work.  

“I have always advocated for what I believe is right for our team members and the people Penn-Mar supports. I appreciate that Penn-Mar allows me to speak boldly and have always felt heard and respected. The organization’s commitment to always pushing forward and changing for the better is what has kept me here.” 

“Every day I walk into Penn-Mar, I know I am part of the foundation that supports people with disabilities. They know what they can expect from me. You look at life differently when you see through the eyes of the people we support. They are incredibly happy, honest, and genuine. Their perseverance is just stunning, and every kindness is returned. I am inspired by them and have learned you can never underestimate the IDD community!”