09/13/2025
As Direct Support Professional Recognition Week 2025 comes to a close, we would like to share the story of just one of the nearly 1,400 Advocates Mentors who go above and beyond every single day! We thank all of you!
๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐๐น๐น ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
Before our interview with Tora Ryder even began, her face was lit up with joy โ not because of the spotlight, but because she had just finished working with someone receiving services from Advocates. โIt was a wonderful day, and he (the man she supports) just puts me in the best mood,โ she beamed. This moment perfectly captured her passion for the work she does every day, and is indicative of the deep fulfillment she finds in making a meaningful difference in othersโ lives.
Tora has worked for Advocates for just over 11 years. Her lengthy tenure with the agency comes after having worked for nearly a decade as a paramedic โ a clear reflection of her commitment to serving those around her. When it came time to transition from the stress and demands of being a paramedic, she thought back to a role sheโd once had many years ago that left an indelible mark on her. Working as a bus monitor for the APW school district is something Tora never forgot, due to how rewarding it was. โThe students with disabilities needed someone to be their advocate, a voice to tell them everything was going to be okay,โ she said. โThe connections I formed at that job were beyond important to me.โ A friend of Toraโs who had worked in the IDD field suggested she give it a try, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tora has primarily supported the same gentleman, Chris, for the duration of her time with Advocates โ a sign not only of her reliability, but also of her ability to help someone navigate the complexities of different stages of life. โFrom where I started with people to where they are now is unreal,โ she said. Toraโs reflection on the many positives sheโs seen and been a part of did not come without also recalling the challenges. She touched on how everyoneโs challenges are different, that some are more significant than others, and that while one approach may work well for one person, it may not work at all for another. Tora was clear when saying the families of those sheโs supported have always been just as supportive in return, but that naturally, family dynamics play a role in everything.
When asked what direct support staff can do to help eliminate conflict and work collaboratively with oneโs circle of support, Tora did not hesitate. โYou must constantly and openly communicate with the families you support,โ she said. โItโs important to factor in what the family wants while always keeping the person (receiving services) in the center of your mind. Itโs about checking in with the family often to ensure that goals are being met and that everyone is happy.โ
Tora also had advice for those who are new to the field, or those simply new to working with a particular person. โYou have to give it time,โ she said emphatically. โNot everyone is a match, but you never know unless you give it an honest chance.โ You can find no better example of this than Tora and Chris. โThe very first week of working together,โ she recalled, โChris locked himself in his room and didnโt want to do anything at all. But if I didnโt give up on him then, I never will.โ Had Tora immediately opted to look for a different person to support, both she and Chris likely would have missed out on a relationship that today means the world to them both. โI care so much about him, and he must feel the same about me, because he calls me his second mom.โ
Their journey together is a testament to persistence and patience. What started with closed doors and silence has grown into a bond built on trust, mutual respect, and deep emotional connection. Tora traces some of her success with Chris and her success overall to her mother. โThe patience Iโve been gifted with definitely comes from her,โ she said. โHer drive, how sheโd never say a bad word about anyone, just everything about herโฆit made me want to emulate her.โ With years of dedicated, compassionate service behind her โ and a deep commitment to following her motherโs example โ itโs clear that Tora has become the kind of role model anyone in the helping professions would be proud to follow.
Outside of work, Tora enjoys doing anything outdoors, particularly kayaking, bike riding, and camping. Advocates is proud of the work that Tora does, and is privileged to call her a member of our dedicated team.
