Employee Testimonials

Every Bittersweet employee has a story to tell.

Their stories convey the magic of our mission and the privilege of working with the participants at Bittersweet. As you read their stories below, can you see yourself here? If so, consider applying to join our team.

Quality of Life Specialist, Bittersweet Farms - Tammy Bolley Chambers

I decided to work at Bittersweet because I was coaxed by a friend who was working here at the time and knew I would love this job.  I was hesitant to apply because I was unfamiliar with autism.  My friend told me I didn’t have to worry because they would teach me.  I applied in the summer of ‘83, was offered a position, and as they say, the rest is history!

In my more than three decades at Bittersweet, I have worked in several programs and positions, including Direct Support Professional, Animal Care and Therapeutic Horsemanship, Day Program Coordinator, Recruiting Specialist, Admissions Coordinator, and Quality of Life Specialist. Long story short, there is plenty of room for advancement within our organization!

A typical day at Bittersweet can be summed up with a few words:  partnership, comradery, teamwork, fun, education, reciprocal, rewarding, challenging, comforting, and powerful. My role as Direct Support Professional was the foundation of my career at Bittersweet. As a DSP, I counseled, supported, positively impacted, taught, and acted as a role model in all facets of life!

What I love most about Bittersweet is the relationships I have formed with the residents, participants, and their families.  My life takes on meaning because I know that I provide a positive influence in their lives—this is what makes Bittersweet so special. When the participants specifically seek me out for questions or reassurance, I know I am trusted.

I have a pretty large extended family since I have spent over half my life sharing the privilege of growing up alongside the participants at Bittersweet. Working here is an experience like no other, and it has provided a sense of purpose to my life. As much as you believe you are supporting and positively influencing our participants, in reality these individuals are also supporting and teaching you in ways you never could have imagined. I am grateful for the honor of growing up in this extended family.

Program Leader, Bittersweet Farms- Erika Perszon 

While vacationing in Ohio, I decided that I wanted to work at Bittersweet. Bittersweet piqued my interest because of a personal attachment to autism.

There is no typical day at the Farm. We encourage participants to create and follow a schedule, as structure is extremely important to people who have autism. Yet, every day is a new adventure.

As a Program Leader in one of our residential homes, I work with the Direct Support Professionals in the home to provide daily, holistic support for the residents. We ensure health and safety and encourage individuals to strive to reach their maximum potential to the best of their ability. In all that we do, we model respect and dignity. Together as a team, we provide consistency and continuity according to each individual’s support plan.

The things I love most about working at Bittersweet are the participants, the tranquil setting, the philosophy, the common courtesy among staff, and the unexpected experiences each day. Even the small interactions can be special gifts. For example, when I returned from an overseas vacation, a resident approached me, asked how my vacation was, and told me that he had missed me. This was unusual for this particular resident and it meant so much.

My years at Bittersweet have made me a better person. My time at the Farm is an anchor in my life and has taught me to live in the present. This, I believe, has helped me provide even better support to our residents. I hope that I have provided as much happiness and stability in their lives as they have in mine. Working at Bittersweet has also taught me that the smallest activity can be a huge achievement. This lesson has overflowed into my personal and family life.

This really is fun place to work. You learn so much about all aspects of autism and how it affects the daily lives of the individuals we serve. You get to build relationships and share fun experiences with the residents. And of course, the farmstead setting is beautiful in every season.

Invest in these life-transforming connections between staff and participants.