Sr. DSP Christian Branch Finds Creative, Fun Ways to Bring People Together

People he supports with IDD feel safe, seen, and valued. 

Christian Branch’s natural ability to draw people in makes the people he supports with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at Penn-Mar feel safe, seen, and valued, according to his supervisor, Jessica Patchel. 

“Christian has an incredible way of connecting with each person as an individual,” she said. “He doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he tailors his interactions and supports based on each person’s interests, needs, and personality. That level of intentionality shows up in the relationships he builds and the trust he’s earned across the program.” 

A Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Penn-Mar North Day Program, Christian started working with Penn-Mar in February 2020. “Just as I was getting accustomed to my role with the residential team, the pandemic hit and flipped everything I learned upside down,” he said. He managed to successfully navigate the next three years working in a community home before moving to a one-on-one position and finally to his current role at Penn-Mar North. 

He credits his mother, who worked as an in-home supports provider, for encouraging him to look into a DSP career. “She felt it would be a good fit for me, and I decided to give it a shot.”  

He quickly fell in love with the work. 

Described as “magnetic” by his supervisor, Christian has managed to draw a large and enthusiastic group of people he supports into playing Dungeons & Dragons, a fantasy tabletop role-playing game where players create characters, embark on adventures, and collaboratively tell stories guided by a Dungeon Master. 

While people supported may initially be hesitant, their curiosity combined with Christian’s passion for the game draws them in. He spends time with each participant to create their characters’ personalities, looks, and unique attributes. Before long, the game became the highlight of their week. 

“The people I picked to play Dungeons & Dragons were not the most social people,” he said. “What surprised me the most was how they started talking more to each other while playing the game. Then, they continued conversing in the halls about not only the experience but also opening up about other things in their lives. It was so cool to see them interact outside of the game.” 

Christian’s supervisor credits him with going above-and-beyond to create engaging, inclusive experiences for everyone. He organizes events like the annual “Olympics,” thoughtfully adapting each activity so all individuals can participate and feel successful regardless of ability. “He brings so much energy to things like indoor “snowball” fights, volleyball, karaoke, and open mic events,” she says. “Each one brings people together, boosting confidence, and creating a real sense of cohesion within the program.” 

Christian’s commitment to personal and professional growth led him to volunteer as an adjunct trainer for Penn-Mar’s “Intro to Autism” course, participate and graduate from the Professional Development Program, and work to earn his Career Ladder’s DSP-III Certification. 

Earlier this year, he was recognized with Penn-Mar’s Leaders in Our Midst Award that honors team members who exceed the expectations of their jobs and are a positive influence on both the individuals they support and their peers. 

Penn-Mar is a family affair for Christian, husband to Becky and father of two. He encouraged Becky to apply at Penn-Mar and she now also works in the North Day Program.  

“No organization cares more about their staff than Penn-Mar,” he said. “I love the atmosphere here.” While he and Becky report to the same location each day, they don’t see much of each other as he is busy planning activities and covering groups, and she is taking her Day Program groups on excursions. 

“Christian is truly a blessing to everyone whose path he crosses,” Jessica said. “His passion, creativity, and genuine care set him apart, and his impact is felt every single day.”