Deinilsa Dos Santos

Case Coordinator

Let’s get to know Deinilsa, or “Nilsa,” as she is affectionately called by the individuals she works with. Deinilsa has been working at Charles River for six years. She started working at the Grugan Center, spent some time at Strathmore Road in Natick, and now serves as a Case Coordinator at one of our Day Program, which operates out of a residential home in Sharon, MA.

Moving between programs has had both its rewards and challenges, according to Deinilsa. “When you move from one program to another, the individuals do not know you, and you have to work hard to get them be comfortable with you…but once they are comfortable with you, it is great.” Clearly, Deinilsa has built wonderful relationships with the individuals she works with. One individual sits by the window each day, eagerly anticipating her arrival. Every morning, she asks, “Nilsa, today?” And then, there are the many individuals at Grugan Center, whom she worked with when she was pregnant, who ask about her three-year-old daughter (and demand to see photos!) whenever she visits. It is these relationships, she notes, that make her job so rewarding.

When she is not working at Charles River, she enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family, especially her young daughter. Thank you, Deinilsa, for your years of service and all you do for the individuals you work with. You have made such a difference in their lives.