MyWhy: Kristi D.

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.

I genuinely enjoy helping people maintain their independence and quality of life. Being part of a program that allows people to receive care from those that they know and trust means so much to me. Every day, I feel like my work gives me the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.  

That feeling comes from my own family’s experience. 

For more than 20 years, I’ve watched two of my family members rely on long-term care services. My niece, Lexi, was born with cerebral palsy. She is blind, deaf, and has used a wheelchair for her entire life. She’s beautiful inside and out, and our family absolutely adores her. 

For many years, Lexi lived in a state home. Then, despite going through breast cancer herself, my sister made the decision to bring her home and become her full-time caregiver. Seeing that transformation changed my perspective forever.  

I’ve seen the difference it makes when someone can receive care at home from the people who love them most. Instead of spending time worrying about understaffed facilities or limited visits, my sister has been able to give Lexi a life filled with love, stability, and family.  

One of my favorite memories happened last year when my son graduated from high school. My family was able to bring Lexi to the ceremony. She loves car rides and having her there made the day complete. It reminded me that these programs don’t just provide care—they make moments like that possible. 

Before joining PPL, I spent 12 years working as a private aide. When I heard about PPL’s mission, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of because I had already lived it. 

Today, I’m a Registration Specialist supporting Enrollment in New York, and every application I work on reminds me of my own family. Behind every enrollment is someone who simply wants to care for a loved one or continue living at home with dignity. 

Recently, I was helping a Spanish-speaking caregiver who initially called with a question about her payment method. With the help of our translation line, we realized she also needed to complete additional forms. Rather than asking her to call back another day, we worked through everything together so she could finish the process in one conversation. 

Moments like that remind me why I’m here. 

It’s easy to focus on paperwork, health assessments, and deadlines. But behind every form is a person. A family. And a story. 

At the end of the day, we aren’t just processing paperwork. We’re helping people stay in their homes, surrounded by the people who love them. That’s why I come to work every day, and that’s what my “why” will always be. 

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Continue reading: More MyWhy stories from PPL employees