Values Ambassador Spotlight: Deahvian Manning

Nominated by: Kristine Mason
Value: Leadership

It’s essential to stay calm and collected in tense situations, and no one knows that better than the Heartspring staff who help keep the children in our care safe from self-injurious or intense interfering behaviors.

“Deahvian’s our superhero in G1,” says his supervisor and nominator, Kristine Mason. “We really lean on him to help in tough situations, and he stays calm.”

Deahvian’s day-to-day work includes making sure students’ documentation and goals are completed, coordinating outings, attending IEP and organizational meetings, and keeping the house clean and organized. But beyond these essential tasks that keep G1 running smoothly, Deahvian’s focused on supporting and retaining his team.

He takes pride in helping staff build confidence, coaching them through challenges, showing them how to handle difficult situations, and giving them space to develop their own strengths.

“Deavian is able to de-escalate behaviors no one else can, build friendships with the most anti-social students, and inspires us all to be better.” — G1 Staff

Setting the tone for G1, Deahvian’s positive attitude creates a supportive environment that students and staff both benefit from. Staff can depend on him as a leader and as their teammate, and their belief that he has their back in both roles makes for a stronger team.

At Heartspring, there’s never an isolated impact story. Breakthroughs occur through a concentrated team effort, and they don’t just impact the child we’re caring for, but also the staff responsible for facilitating that growth.

“This job is very rewarding, and you have a chance to be a part of something special. You’ll come out a different person.” — Deahvian Manning

Deahvian himself is quick to point back to the students as his motivation. Small milestones add up to real independence, like a student learning to get dressed, going out into the community, or simply spending time with family in ways that weren’t possible before. He says taking a step back to gain perspective on a student’s progress makes difficult situations easier to get through.

“You have an impact on students and their families,” Deahvian says. “Residential placements are often a last resort, because if parents could manage their child at home, they would have.”

As a parent himself, Deahvian said he believes working at Heartspring makes him a better dad. He’s more equipped to handle difficult situations, approach people with patience, and help others believe in themselves.

Deahvian’s story is a clear example of the leadership that grows on our campus: hands-on, relationship-driven, and committed to long-term gains. After all, leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it’s about being the calm center, offering direction and confidence when it’s needed most.