ANNIE’S PAGE
Natalie Caliste
Natalie Caliste: Blessings from Her Work
By Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM
For more information on Annie Sullivan’s League—or to nominate a colleague for this award —click on: https://helenjournal.org/august-2024/helen-journals-newest-feature-annies-page
“She helped me to grow up and be more independent.” - Aisha Jackson
“They have more of a sister relationship than a staff/client one. Aisha learned how to laugh because of Natalie” -Virginia Jackson, Aisha’s mother
Natalie Caliste, who has been working in the direct support professional field for 40 years, began working with Aisha Jackson in Philadelphia 13 years ago. “At first, Aisha was very shy, but not anymore.” As Natalie gained Aisha’s trust, she began to feel safe and developed a relationship with her that extended well beyond a working one.
Natalie has mentored Aisha through many challenges and difficult moments, including some relationships where Aisha was being taken advantage of because of her disability. “Natalie taught her common sense,” says Aisha’s mother, Virginia. “She taught her how to be more open, to laugh, and fostered self-confidence and independence as well as how to look good,” she said. Natalie and Aisha take pride in dressing “to the nines” whenever they go out on the town.
Natalie and Aisha.
It was clear after talking with them that these three ladies have built more than a working relationship; they have built family ties that go beyond what many families have. Their love and support were evident in every word they said during the interview for this article.
Natalie has also benefited greatly from her work with Aisha. Aisha’s mom, Virginia, treats her as her own daughter, both in loving family ways and by providing advice and guidance when needed. While Natalie is there to support Aisha, Natalie receives support of her own. This speaks to the untold benefits of working in this field. Direct support professionals truly touch the lives of others and benefit from their work in intangible ways.
“HELEN Journal congratulates Natalie Caliste on her induction into the Annie Sullivan League. Thank you for your work and the positive effect you have had on so many people.”
Aisha shared a few thoughts about Natalie: “She helped me to grow up and to be independent. She taught me how to keep things clean and tidy and how to look nice, and she even helped me when I got an attitude, which I do sometimes. She means everything to me.”
As we closed our conversation, Natalie shared some words of wisdom for all of us to live by. “When you go to work, don’t make it all about money. You will get your blessings in the work that you do each day.”