Jamey (JJ) Jondle doesn’t rush through talking about what she does. She pauses, grapples, laughs, and then finds the most genuine version of the truth. That’s just her style: steady and fully grounded in people.
“I found my place,” she says. “And the universe made pretty sure I didn’t miss the signs.”
Over ten years ago, she stepped into her first job supporting adults with developmental disabilities. She didn't come from a long line of care professionals, nor did she grow up dreaming of this field. But what she did have was the curiosity, the willingness to begin again, and a feeling she couldn’t seem to shake: that she wanted to do something meaningful with her life, something she could feel.
One interview, one Independent Supported Living (ISL) shift, and a couple terrifying “first day” moments here and gone, she knew she had landed something special. Something that fit.
Cooking, Courage, and the Unexpected
During JJ’s early years in ISL, she learned two things rather quickly:
- Cooking was her secret fascination, and
- People often surprise you in unprecedented ways.
“One of the guys I supported hated music. Hated animals. Wanted nothing to do with either,” she says with a shrug. “And by the time I left? He was listening to Elvis, Christmas music, and begging to go to the zoo.”
And how did it happen? Not with some perfect plan or specific program, but through patience and giving someone enough safety to try something new with her.
“It makes a difference when you say, ‘What if we do this together?’ That’s when people surprise themselves.”
Connection first and everything else second is a motto that’s followed her through every role she’s had.
A New Chapter at Easterseals
Two years ago, JJ moved from St. Joseph to Kansas City and stepped into her current role as a Community Services Specialist in Easterseals Midwest's Community Connections program. Sure, the schedule is awesome, but what she loves the most is the way it allows her to be present in every interaction.
“Work can be work, and home can be home,” she says. “That makes me better for the people I support.”
And the people she supports are the reason she’s here.
Take CJ, for instance. He’s a gentle giant who asks to help before anyone even offers a task. “What can I do? Who can I buckle in? How can I help?” are questions he asks on every ride home. When she speaks about him, JJ smiles: “He’s exactly who he looks like. Just a big heart walking around.”
Another individual, Miss Rachel, used to stand silently in the back during outings. Now? She’s out front talking to people, pushing the trolley, and claiming her territory. “A month ago she wouldn’t have done that,” JJ says. “But now she knows she can.”
Why This Work is For Everyone
JJ is a strong proponent of community integration. Not as a checkmark, but as a human responsibility.
“It’s about building confidence for our individuals,” she says, “and building comfort for the community. People need to see our individuals out in the world. That’s how stigma ends.”
She seems ultra protective of her close-knit group, but she’s also full of massive pride. Pride in their growth, their courage, their quirkiness, and the days where something tiny becomes something more.
“Every day there’s a moment where I think, ‘Yep. That’s why I’m here.’”
What Makes Easterseals Different?
With experience in other organizations, JJ doesn’t hesitate when explaining what sets Easterseals Midwest apart.
“They care about individuals, of course they do,” she says. “But they also care about us. We’re supported. We’re heard. We’re validated. That’s rare.”
This is a field where emotional energy is currency. Where that kind of support matters.
JJ’s Advice for New DSPs
Her voice comes down to a simmer when she shares the things she wishes every new staff member could hear:
“Meet people where they are. Every day. Every minute. Just because they could do something yesterday doesn’t mean today works the same, and just because they couldn’t yesterday doesn’t mean they won’t surprise you today.”
She gives herself a similar compassion. The same sort of flexibility she gives the people she supports... and the wisdom she carries into every shift.
“There’s Nothing Like Taking Care of Our People”
Through every challenge, every emotional day, every extra-long shift (and the unpredictable ones), JJ can’t imagine doing anything but this.
“I’ve thought about other careers,” she says. “But nothing compares to this. Nothing compares to them.”
Heart, patience, and a genuine human connection define this line of work and JJ knows that’s exactly right for her. Exactly who her individuals need.
