MyWhy: Chris-Ann L.

Our “MyWhy” series highlights stories from our PPL employees, sharing the personal motivations behind their commitment to helping others access in-home care through self-direction. Hear directly from the individuals who bring our mission to life, and be sure to check back regularly as new stories are released.

My “why” for working at PPL comes from my background working with vulnerable populations. I am originally from Jamaica, and moving to the United States gave me personal experience with many of the identity and employment verification processes people must go through. That direct experience gives me a unique perspective when helping personal assistants navigate I-9 verification and other employment documentation requirements. It allows me to approach the process with both professional knowledge and personal understanding. 

One of my first and longest jobs in the United States was working as a home health aide. I spent over five years caring for elderly and disabled individuals, sometimes working seven days a week or live-in cases. Many of the people I cared for were unable to get out of bed or complete daily tasks on their own. I truly enjoyed being the eyes, hands, feet, and ears for my patients and built strong relationships with their families. Even today, some of those families remain friends and feel like extended family to me. 

After several years in direct care, I wanted professional growth while still being connected to healthcare. While many of my roles have been people-facing, I realized my personality is better suited for supporting others behind the scenes. I enjoy being part of processes that help people, even when the impact is not always immediately visible. 

As the parent of a son on the autism spectrum who is non-verbal, I understand how important it is for families to care for their loved ones while maintaining financial stability. Programs supported by PPL help make that possible, and that mission is meaningful to me. My journey as a caregiver, immigrant, and parent has shown me the importance of programs like these, and it feels rewarding to help other families access that support. 

There have been many moments that made this work meaningful for me. One of the most rewarding parts of the job is hearing the excitement in the voices of personal assistants or consumers when they receive the green light to begin services. The process can sometimes feel long and detailed, but every department at PPL plays a role in making sure everything is completed correctly so services can begin. 

Knowing that our work helps connect personal assistants and consumers while supporting families makes the process worth it.