John Seesholtz, Texas State Winner

(San Antonio, TX) You don’t just show up to this job. A Direct Support Professional needs dedication and personality traits similar to a friend, parent and nurse.

That’s what Rhonda Knox, executive director of EduCare Community Living of San Antonio, meant when she said Direct Support Professional John Seesholtz, “is one of those rare individuals who doesn’t just show up for the job; he invests all he has into it.”

Mr. Seesholtz didn’t begin his career in the human service industry. He came to ResCare after retiring from the Army, deciding to take a job working with persons with developmental disabilities. He’s worked with six adult males at a San Antonio Group Home for the past eight years.

“It brings me great joy to see the residents’ slow but steady progress,” Mr. Seesholtz said of his new niche. 

The job is a tough one; the individuals he supports frequently exhibit challenging behaviors requiring patience and diplomacy. Mr. Seesholtz is firm but fair and has become their mentor and friend. Even his shift notes are evidence of his hopes and expectations for the people he serves, not focusing on how they may have fallen short, but consistently reporting their successes and efforts to achieve.

Mr. Seesholtz makes life fun with picnics, hikes and nature walks out in the south Texas country, a visit to the Dallas Cowboys training camp and birthday celebrations individualized down to their favorite ice cream flavor.

Mr. Seesholtz watches for the health and well-being of the folks he supports. Patty Cooper, licensed vocational nurse, reports he frequently calls her to make sure she is aware of any health issues concerning the individuals at the home.         

“I can call John up at anytime, with any sort of request, and he will do all he can to the best of his ability to help me out,” Ms. Cooper said. 

“These guys are family and being with them brings me great happiness,” Mr. Seesholtz said.

In his free time, Mr. Seesholtz volunteers for Special Olympics Texas, coaching athletes in track and bowling.