As Monarch Healthcare celebrates Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, we’re recognizing the dedicated professionals who help individuals build confidence, develop new skills and live more independent lives. For Akiah Lyons, that work has been a calling since she first entered the field at 19 years old.
Today, Akiah serves as Site Manager at Health Drive in New Bern, where she supports individuals, leads staff and helps create an environment centered on inclusion and connection.
Finding Her Why
Akiah discovered her passion for healthcare and mental health services when she was 19 years old. While supporting a family member, she found herself drawn to the work in a way she hadn’t experienced before.
“This is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is my why.”
That sense of purpose has guided her ever since.
After working in a similar role with another organization, Akiah was encouraged by a former employee to consider Monarch Healthcare. She joined Monarch Healthcare in 2021 as a DSP and quickly embraced opportunities to learn and grow. When leadership opportunities became available, she was ready to take on a new challenge.
Today, she leads the Health Drive team while continuing to stay closely connected to the individuals and families Monarch Healthcare supports.
Creating a Place of Belonging
Each day begins with planning activities, coordinating with staff and welcoming participants as they arrive. Whether the schedule includes working on goals, community outings or group activities, Akiah strives to make sure individuals have opportunities to learn, connect and enjoy meaningful experiences.
She describes Health Drive as a community filled with unique personalities and talents. Some participants are singers, dancers, comedians, rappers or storytellers, and getting to know each person is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. Over time, those relationships become second nature. “I know them to the point of knowing what kind of mood they’re in based on how they say good morning.”
For Akiah, some of the most meaningful moments aren’t found in major milestones but in everyday interactions, from morning greetings to conversations throughout the day. Knowing participants trust her and feel comfortable coming to her for support is what she enjoys most.
Helping Individuals Grow
One experience stands out when Akiah reflects on why she loves this work. A participant who joined the program last year spent most of his time focused on his iPad at first and showed little interest in activities or goal work. Rather than pushing him to participate, Akiah took time to understand his interests and build a connection.
Through patience, conversation and small encouragements tied to the things he enjoyed, she gradually helped him become more comfortable engaging with others. The process took several months, but the results were worth it.
Today, he actively participates in activities, balances his personal interests with goal work and has become much more involved in the program.
“It’s been amazing to see how by paying attention to him and listening to him, I was able to help him become more comfortable being around the other individuals and getting involved in everything that was going on.”
Supporting Participants and Families
Helping people feel valued and included is at the heart of Akiah’s approach. She believes individuals should always have choices, opportunities to express themselves and chances to build confidence. At Health Drive, that includes activities focused on emotional wellness, discussions that help participants learn about one another and opportunities for everyone to share their perspectives.
The goal is to create an environment where participants feel respected, supported and part of a larger community. That support extends beyond the program itself. Akiah works closely with families and wants them to know Monarch Healthcare is there as a partner.
“We’re in their corner,” she said. “We’re not here to hold them back. We’re not here to cause any more stress. We’re here to take that stress away and alleviate it and help them navigate through life too.”
She hopes the community recognizes the important role inclusion plays in helping individuals discover their strengths, build relationships and develop a stronger sense of purpose.
Leading with Compassion
When challenges arise, Akiah returns to the reason she entered the field in the first place. She encourages anyone interested in becoming a DSP to lead with compassion, remain open to learning and remember that every day is an opportunity for growth.
No two days are exactly alike, but that’s part of what makes the work meaningful. From celebrating achievements to sharing conversations about sports, music and everyday life, Akiah finds joy in the relationships she has built with participants, staff and families alike.
For her, the reward is simple.
“Knowing that I’m making a difference every day.”
As Monarch Healthcare celebrates DSP Recognition Week, we thank Akiah and all DSPs for the compassion, dedication and encouragement they provide every day. Through meaningful relationships and person-centered support, they help individuals build confidence, achieve goals and thrive in their communities.
Inspired by stories like Akiah’s? A career as a Direct Support Professional offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, help individuals achieve their goals and make a difference every day. To learn more about becoming part of the Monarch team, visit our careers page and explore current opportunities.