More than 50 years ago, Summer House began with one young teacher from Greengate School. His name was Tom Monley. Tom became the very first Summer House Direct Support Professional, the first person to step into a role that would grow into a vital part of the Summer House community. Soon, a small group of volunteers joined him. Tom’s wife, Peg Monley, Pat and Beth Monley, and Betsy Pruitt, a college student from Davis, became part of those early days. There were only a few of them. But what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in dedication, compassion, and a belief that every person deserves support, encouragement, and the opportunity to live a meaningful life.

One DSP became many. And many became hundreds. Today, more than 50 years later, 67 DSPs make up our current team, joining the hundreds of Direct Support Professionals who have served Summer House throughout our history. Different faces. Different generations. Different stories. But one shared commitment:

To support.
To care.
To encourage.
To make a difference every day.

Direct Support Professionals are at the heart of what we do. They celebrate accomplishments, provide encouragement during difficult moments, build relationships, create opportunities, and help the people we support live their lives with greater independence, connection, and purpose. Their work may not always make headlines. Often, the most meaningful moments happen in the everyday, a helping hand, a listening ear, a shared laugh, an encouraging word, or simply being there when someone needs support. Those everyday moments matter. And they are the legacy that began with one. From Tom Monley, our very first DSP, to every DSP who has followed in his footsteps, we are grateful for the countless ways our Direct Support Professionals have shaped the Summer House story.

Thank you. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for showing up, day after day, year after year. And thank you for being an essential part of the Summer House family. During National DSP Recognition Week, we celebrate you and the incredible difference you make.

Happy National DSP Recognition Week to our DSP team, past and present! Your work matters.
Your commitment matters. You matter.

Summer House, Inc.