Dennis was born and raised in Palapala, Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines which is about an hour south of Manila.  In 2011, his parents petitioned for him to come to the United States, so he came and made Ketchikan his home-away-from-home.

In 2013, seeing the joy that working for Community Connections brought to his brother, Manny, inspired Dennis to apply for a Support Specialist position, he got the job and has been here ever since. (Almost 12 years!!)

According to Dennis, a part of his job that he really enjoys is cooking dinner with the residents at DMA. “I get to interact, teach, and share my knowledge and experience with my customers. It gives me happiness working with and assisting them.”

One challenge that Dennis had faced while at work was one of his customers having a seizure while he was on shift, but because of his regular trainings he was able to remain calm, respond appropriately to the situation and everything turned out well.

Family is very important to Dennis so in his spare time, he loves spending time with his family including his grandchildren. They enjoy playing all kinds of games and watching movies together. Dennis is lucky to have a large family here in Ketchikan. He is here with his loving wife, Julieta, his kind and very supportive son, Denmark, and his family, as well as his parents, siblings, aunt, uncle, cousins, nephews and nieces! They’re all here!

According to Dennis’s supervisor, Danielle, “He is someone that you want other staff to emulate. He always comes in with a smile on his face, greeting both staff and residents alike with kindness right from the beginning of his shift. He has remained consistent in the quality of supports he provides for those living at DMA for over 10 years now as well as with other staff members.”

The other DMA supervisor, Sasha, says, “His interactions with the residents are always from the heart, supportive and he is always looking for ways to help other staff as well as the customers. He is very dedicated and fills in whenever he can, even at the last minute. He is the type of employee where you don’t realize how much he does because of how quietly he just does it until he is on a trip and not there to do it.”

Dennis, we are so lucky to have long-term, dedicated, hardworking employees like you! Thank you for all you do!