Delinda (De) Smith has been a DSP with Rise for five years, her first four years at Rise Coon Rapids before moving to Spring Lake Park working with people who have brain injuries.

De’s team members say that she is always positive and kind. De manages the work flow and always ensures that people have the training, tools, and support they need to get the job done to customers’ quality and deadline requirements. They add:

“De always finds a positive approach to diffuse challenging situations and set people back in the right direction. She collaborates with Rise’s maintenance staff to build customized production fixtures which gives people the opportunity to work on jobs they might not otherwise be physically able to do. De’s positive attitude is infectious and she is the first to step up to help someone. She is the consummate cheerleader and inspires others to think creatively to enhance the lives of the people Rise serves.”

De worked in elementary special education for 13 years before coming to Rise. “I wanted a job working with adults with disabilities that made me happy. I love my co-workers and people served and really love to come to work. I enjoy hanging out with my family, cooking, taking walks with my dogs, and traveling.”