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CertificateOfCompletion_Being an Effective Team Member 2020

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My name is Winfred Wanjiru Mbuthi and I am from Kenya.

While i do not have formal experience in the field yet, I have relevant skills gained from co-founding a clothing business in Kenya, which honed my organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

I chose this field because i am passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives. In Kenya, my friends had a foundation called VESE foundation. Each month, we would give out donations and contribute some money to go help the disabled, needy, orphans and the aged. We would go and spend a whole day cooking, washing their clothes and cleaning their houses. That made me feel very happy.

My entrepreneurial background and ability to connect with people on a personal level will help me contribute innovative ideas and meaningful support to the developmental services field.

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Self_Care_Presentation[1]  -  Winfred Mbuthi

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My name is Winfred, and I am currently pursuing a career as a Developmental Services Worker. I am passionate about supporting individuals in ways that respect their independence, dignity, and unique strengths. Through my education and placement experiences, I have developed a deeper understanding of what it means to provide person centered support and advocate for inclusion.

Becoming a Developmental Services Worker is more than a career choice for me. It is a commitment to standing beside individuals as they discover their strengths, exercise their rights, and build meaningful lives. My philosophy is rooted in dignity, advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment. I believe that every person, regardless of ability, deserves respect, autonomy, and the opportunity to participate fully in their community. Individuals are not defined by their diagnoses or behaviours. They are defined by their personalities, goals, and potential.

During my placement in a school setting, I supported students with limited verbal communication. One experience in particular shaped my understanding of person centered practice. A student I worked with frequently disengaged during group activities. Rather than viewing this as defiance, I chose to observe more intentionally. I noticed subtle shifts in body language such as turning away, withdrawing, and appearing unsettled. I realized the activities were being selected without considering the student’s preferences. By introducing visual choices and simplifying communication, I created space for the student to express what they wanted. Their engagement improved immediately. That experience deepened my understanding of advocacy, not speaking for someone, but amplifying their voice and ensuring they are included in decisions that affect them.

One guiding principle that drives my work is respect for dignity and self determination. I believe individuals have the right to make choices about their lives, even when they require support to do so. Upholding dignity means protecting privacy, using respectful language, maintaining professional boundaries, and ensuring informed choice whenever possible. It also means challenging environments or practices that unintentionally limit independence. I am committed to creating spaces where individuals feel heard and empowered.

My second guiding principle is growth through empowerment and inclusion. I believe development happens when individuals are encouraged and supported at their own pace. Through facilitating growth and development, I focus on building skills gradually, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and celebrating small achievements. Independence is not about doing everything alone. It is about having the confidence and opportunity to participate meaningfully. I intentionally promote inclusive environments because I believe belonging strengthens confidence and skill development.

Building strong, collaborative relationships is central to my practice. I work intentionally to establish trust with individuals supported, families, and team members. Trust is built through consistency, patience, and follow through. When individuals feel safe, they are more willing to engage, learn, and express themselves.

In my daily practice, I demonstrate problem solving and decision making by carefully assessing situations, seeking additional information, and choosing responses that prioritize safety and dignity. I follow behaviour support plans while remaining flexible and responsive to individual needs.

Supporting individuals can be emotionally demanding, which is why resilience is essential to my philosophy. I maintain professionalism under pressure, reflect on challenges constructively, and continue providing consistent support even during difficult moments.

I also strive to value equity, diversity, and inclusion by respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Every individual deserves equitable access to opportunities, and I am committed to ongoing learning to better understand systemic barriers and promote fairness in practice.

Ultimately, my philosophy as a Developmental Services Worker is grounded in compassion, accountability, and empowerment. I aim to advocate intentionally, build meaningful relationships, and support individuals in achieving greater independence and confidence. My goal is to ensure that every individual I support feels respected, capable, and genuinely valued.

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These are some of the feedbacks i got from the professors on the assignments i did well this semester

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This is a one-page profile of the student i was supporting.

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This is the final placement activity that i did with all the students i was supporting.

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Advocacy & Problem-Solving and Decision Making

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Advocacy & Problem-Solving and Decision Making

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Building Relationships & Strategic Thinking

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Building Relationships & Strategic Thinking

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Facilitate Growth and Development & Valuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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Facilitate Growth and Development & Valuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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Championing Change and Innovation & Resilience

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Championing Change and Innovation & Resilience

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Resource Management & Inclusive Leadership

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Resource Management & Inclusive Leadership