Wie in jedem Jahr, verleihen wir auch in diesem Jahr wieder den Apex Social Care Professional of the Year Award.
Wir bedanken uns ganz herzlich bei dem Care Professional Award 2022 Finalisten Marvin Theel für sein besonderes Engagement und seine Expertise als Heilerziehungspfleger im Apex Social Programm.
Der Heilerziehungspfleger Marvin von der BB1 in Leer wurde von seiner Gastfamilie, der Donnelly Familie, aus Boston, USA nominiert.
Entdecke was die Donnelly Familie, über Marvin sagen:
"There is a vulnerability in opening up your home and heart to an outsider. They bear witness to your family dynamics, quirks, and secrets, and there is the very real chance that their presence is not a good fit and can even be disruptive. It is perhaps even more difficult for families of children with special needs, as they are often dealing with a higher level of stress and fatigue. It takes significant trust to let someone into our world with its complicated medical story, unpredictable behaviors, and deepest fears regarding our child’s well being. In 15 years of hosting au pairs, we are proud to say that we have made lasting connections with 10 young woman we consider our daughters to this day. Our biggest surprise is that the first male au pair we invited into our home ended up being the one that makes our family feel complete. In 5 quick months, Marvin Theel has become an essential part of how we get from day to day and has worked his way into the hearts of every family member. We firmly believe he is deserving of the Care Professional of the Year distinction. It is not an easy task trying to explain our relationship through words, but here are a few that may help you understand...
Respectful, Understanding, Accepting, Encouraging, Determined
As early as our first interview with Marvin we knew he had a deep-seeded respect for individuals with special needs that helped determine his career path. Marvin cares for our son, Carter, whose diagnoses of a rare genetic syndrome, refractory epilepsy, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are challenging even to the medical specialists treating him. But after he asked us questions and did his research, Marvin didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge. He treats Carter with the respect human beings of all abilities deserve. Despite his intellectual impairment, global developmental delay, and apraxia of speech, Marvin gets on Carter’s level and addresses Carter directly about all aspects of his care and daily schedule, while giving him choices when appropriate. He encourages Carter to be an active participant in his day, while also understanding the limitations his disorders place on him.
Reliable, Hardworking, Team Player, Curious, Enthusiastic
Marvin has an innate desire to help others. Due to COVID restrictions on visas, we had 5 months from the time of Marvin’s first interview until the time he arrived at our home. During that time, he asked for and we had regular Skype calls so he could spend time with us virtually in order to observe Carter and get to know our family better. His strong work ethic was evident to us within the first week of his arrival in our home as he dove into his responsibilities from day one. He is eager to learn new skills, helps with any task asked of him, and makes sure our son is safe at all times. He works well with Carter’s whole care team – from his older siblings and part-time caregivers to therapists and school staff. He has attended nearly all of Carter’s medical appointments and therapy sessions since he arrived, with an eye on learning all he can and continually improving his skill set in order to better his work with our son. He has become proficient in dosing and administering medication, giving feeds via G-tube, monitoring seizures, and overseeing use of Carter’s knee immobilizers, spinal brace, orthotics, adaptive bicycle, and stander. He also has become adept at communicating with Carter which involves interpreting his verbal utterances, modified signs, and gestures, as well as utilizing his AAC device.
Open, Honest, Communicator, Trustworthy, Empathetic
But beyond his engagement and diligence in his work, Marvin has proven someone worthy of our trust. Early on in our relationship we established how important two-way communication would be to making this arrangement work. Marvin has shared a good deal about his personal life with us, and keeps us informed about situations he has faced while living in our home. He puts his faith in us to help guide him when needed. At the same time, he shows an incredible aptitude for understanding the difficulty of some decisions we have to make. He sees how important his role is in lending greater support when the situation warrants. As such we have been able to include him in making decisions about Carter’s care... from choosing durable medical equipment to establishing a plan for helping Carter regain the ability to walk.
Brave, Adaptable, Resilient, Self-Disciplined, Passionate
Through our talks we have learned of adversity Marvin faced in his own life, and are impressed with how he was able to overcome hardship to be the fine young man we see today. In his childhood he had to persevere though difficult circumstances, undoubtedly aided by a powerful inner drive and an attitude of hope. He has impressed us with his optimism, and a commitment to helping others live their best lives. He carries himself with this same strength when dealing with the COVID pandemic and its effect on everyone’s lives. He counsels family members and friends back home, while at the same time graciously accepting our family’s need to impose social restrictions on him during the recent uptick in COVID cases in order to keep Carter and his compromised immune system protected. Through it all, his passion and ability to visualize his goal keeps him focused and persistent in his convictions.
Invested, Dedicated, Patient, Firm, Proud
Marvin’s first 2 months here were a bit chaotic as we purchased a new home, prepared for and then sold our family home of 18 years, and navigated a move of 6 people (and a lot of possessions!). Change is hard for our son, and can bring about some undesirable aggressive and self-injurious behaviors. Marvin fully devoted himself to helping us through the move – he comforted Carter when needed, followed our behavior plan to control Carter’s outbursts, and prepared him for the transition by using social stories, photos and videos, visits, and other proven techniques. His commitment to the family is not just to working the job, but to embracing the whole immersive experience. He has joined us in our holiday traditions like preparing deviled eggs at Thanksgiving, decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, and making Rudolph Nose treats. He proudly joined us in our charitable endeavors for Christmas in the City by wrapping and delivering gifts and bags full of necessities for children at a homeless shelter in Boston.
Caring, Kind, Friendly, Full of Laughter, Genuine, Loving
While he carries himself with a professionalism beyond his years, Marvin knows how to balance the seriousness needed for the job with a playfulness that immediately endeared himself to our son. He readily shares his love, and has shown Carter incredible kindness through numerous illnesses and hospital visits. Carter lights up when Marvin enters the room, and constantly asks for him when he is not present. Marvin possesses a good-natured spirit and is quick to laugh, and he brings much joy to our family. We also know him to be sensitive to the needs of others in his life. He looks out for his friends, and is in constant contact with his loved ones back home. He consistently reaches out to all au pairs new to the area to welcome them and help them feel connected. We heard from both our Apex area director and regional director that they thought Marvin would be a good candidate for this award given how impressed they both are with his character. He gave us the greatest Christmas gift ever when he told us he would extend for a 2nd year with us!
We thank Apex Social Group for bringing Marvin Theel into our lives and for considering him for Care Professional of the Year."
Vielen Dank an Marvin und die Donnelly Familie!
Wir danken ebenfalls unserer 2022 Gewinnerin für den Apex Social Care Professional of the Year Award Hanna Kuhlmann, so wie unserer Finalistin Melina Koch.
Du möchtest auch die Möglichkeit bekommen ein Apex Social Care Professional of the Year zu werden und einer Familie wie Marvin's Gastfamilie helfen ihr volles Potential zu erreichen? Entdecke noch heute unsere Gastfamilien in den USA und starte den ersten Schritt in dein neues Abenteuer: