Tanya Scherer – Michigan Direct Support Professional of the Year

Tanya Scherer is a direct support professional from Saginaw, Michigan, who’s often described as a go-getter and team player. She also understands the value of a people-focused environment.

For example, When Tanya learned she would oversee a program for deaf and hearing-impaired individuals, she dove into the project. Tanya signed up for sign language classes, studied the material and even met with individuals who were going to be in the program to better understand the communication. Now, individuals in the program love Tanya and all that she continues to do for them.

Tanya also works wonderfully with her team to come up with the best strategies to make everything as easy as possible for everyone. If she notices someone is struggling with a task, she will ask where they need help and what she can do to better their experience. Then she will take their considerations into action and improve the task for the individual, to her best ability.