Leadership

When Kisha was asked what motivated her to enter this field, like many of us, Kisha indicated that she had a family member who was diagnosed with a developmental disability who inspired her to begin working with the DD population. When she was 18, Kisha was employed as a DSP by a local provider agency. Even at that young age, a co-worker recognized that Kisha possessed the ability to relate to and interact positively with the individuals they were serving. The co-worker suggested that Kisha become an independent provider and in 2007, she knew she had found her calling. After working several years as an independent provider, Kisha realized she would be able to serve more individuals and have a greater impact on their lives, if she opened her own agency and in 2013, Bell Services became a reality.

I became involved with Kisha during my tenure as an Investigative Agent, both as an independent provider and later when she opened Bell Services. I immediately noted that Kisha really seemed to care for the people that she served and they obviously felt the same way about her. Kisha was always quick to respond to all requests for information and would go out of her way to make sure any follow-up was completed in a timely manner, especially when it involved keeping the people she served safe and healthy.

I nominated Kisha Bell for the leadership award because her actions as a provider, both independent and as the owner of her own agency are indicative of what it means to be a leader in this field. Her compassionate approach to service and ability to connect with her individuals, sets her apart from others in this field. Her commitment to excellence and determined approach to ensuring that those under her care are happy, healthy and living their best lives should serve as an example to anyone else who aspires to the role of provider.