2023 Recognizing Excellence

Thank You, Direct Support Professionals! A Letter from ANCOR’s Leadership

Dear Direct Support Workforce Advocates,

The last few years have been some of the most taxing and challenging for direct support professionals. But there’s no doubt that our field has proven how strong we are and how boldly we step up in the face of significant challenges. All of that is thanks to the incredible work carried out each day by direct support professionals, many of whom are highlighted in the pages of this publication.

Through this publication, we are delighted to share with you some of the incredible stories we’ve heard from across the country as we honor the direct support workforce through the 2023 Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. This year, our expanded judging panel had the impossible task of selecting the 54 professionals profiled here from among more than 350 outstanding nominations – our highest total ever!

From focusing on person-centered supports, to assisting with building relationships both familial and romantic, to leading in word and example, to increasing independence and cultivating the

pursuit of meaningful lives, this year’s class of honorees did it all.

More importantly, they, and their colleagues, are continuing to do it all, every single day.

We hope you’ll take the time to read through the following profiles in this year’s edition of Recognizing Excellence. As you do, keep in mind that these represent just a small portion of the drive, dedication and devotion delivered by direct support professionals. On behalf of the entire ANCOR community: THANK YOU, DSPs!

Sincerely,

Barbara Merrill Chief Executive Officer / ANCOR

Diane Beastrom President / ANCOR Board of Directors

2023 National DSP of the Year

Monique St. Clair

Community Access Unlimited / Elizabeth, NJ

Monique’s work begins with one simple yet effective element: listening. By focusing on listening, she gains trust and personalized insights into each person she supports. From there, Monique takes what she’s learned, plus the trust she’s earned, and gets to work on assisting people she supports in pursuing what’s important to them.

Monique is also humble and determined enough to know that listening and gaining trust is a two-way street, and that sometimes, it’s on her to learn and adapt. In order to best communicate with a person who is hearing impaired, for instance, Monique took sign language classes. For the areas where she wasn’t quite fluent, she researched and downloaded a sign language app on her phone to help fill gaps.

But Monique didn’t stop there.

Because Monique begins with listening, she has helped facilitate meaningful visits to restaurants, cafés, bowling alleys, museums, history tours, craft fairs and more. Whatever it is, if it’s important to a person Monique supports, it’s important to Monique.

She also researched inclusive events for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and accompanied a person she supports to an event. In doing so, Monique unknowingly allowed the person to reconnect with former classmates and teachers they hadn’t interacted with since they were a child!

Monique has also demonstrated her commitment to inclusion when supporting people with visual disabilities, one of whom expressed their eagerness to enjoy the experience of going to a movie for the first time. While it would have been simple enough to buy a ticket and cross it off the list, Monique instead found a theater that offered audio descriptions, ensuring the experience was inclusive and accessible.

On another occasion, one of the people Monique supports wanted to live more independently, but a major hurdle had always been ensuring proper medications were taken when needed a challenge amplified by the person’s low vision . Monique got to work researching solutions and came across a talking prescription reader that allowed the person to clear a hurdle that had inhibited their independence for too long.

2023 National DSP of the Year

Monique St. Clair

Community Access Unlimited / Elizabeth, NJ

This care was on display after someone she supports went through a breakup. Monique deployed her listening skills again, first as comfort to allow them to process their feelings, and then as action when the time was right and the person expressed interest in trying to meet someone new. Monique got them ready by helping schedule a haircut, looking for new clothes to make them feel confident again, and find singles events for them to attend.

While Monique’s methods and approach have yielded exceptional results across a variety of unique circumstances and support needs, she doesn’t view them as proprietary. She often trains new and seasoned employees in ways to offer better, more person-centered supports. She also creates opportunities for the people she supports to grow in selfdirection and self-advocacy. By fostering an environment of inclusion and vulnerability, Monique establishes a stronger connection between the agency’s DSPs and the people they support.

Congratulations on being named the 2023 DSP of the Year, Monique! We were in awe reading about you, and are grateful to have you as a stellar example of the important work direct support professionals do each and every day.

2023 Special Category Award: Innovation

Carla Streeter

Black Hills Works / Rapid City, SD

Carla has an important quality that made her an ideal recipient for the special category award for Innovation: a willingness to try anything. Although Carla has been working in the field of disability services since 1997, she never says “we’ve tried that before” or “that will never work.”

Instead, Carla leans on her knowledge and ability to identify new resources to help the people she supports live more independent and self-directed lives.

To help facilitate classes on relationships at her organization, Carla developed a learning module for people receiving services called Cupid’s Do’s and Don’ts.

Through this customized learning platform, Carla was able to develop a curriculum to provide answers and resources to questions about dating, and guidance on how to pursue and develop romantic relationships.

Carla’s work in this area has led to a useful tool that can be used by DSPs across her agency and will be a helpful guide for years to come. She has also worked to earn her DSP-III certification from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, and loves applying the skills she’s learned to improve the quality of the supports that she and her colleagues provide.

2023 Special Category Award: Person-Centeredness

Dianna Wooldridge

Emory Valley Center / Oak Ridge, TN

Whether it’s providing assistance in learning life skills, identifying and pursuing new hobbies or interests, fostering friendships, encouraging self-advocacy or exercising the right to vote, Dianna’s focus is on the unique desires of the people she supports. Dianna starts by finding out what the people she supports are interested in, then spreads the word to her colleagues so they can encourage and facilitate the pursuit of that interest.

Dianna discovered that a person she supports developed an interest in politics and voting after they noticed political signs in and around the community. She helped them understand the process of voting, helped them register to vote, and together, they researched candidates to find answers to issues that were important to this person.

When voting day came, they were prepared to cast their ballot and Dianna accompanied them to the polls and cheered them on as they cast their ballot.

In other instances, Dianna has been key to assisting several people she supports to utilize enabling technology to help them live more independently. Dianna identifies individual needs and researches various resources that provide specific supports.

Perhaps it is one of Dianna’s colleagues who said it best: “She develops friendships with other DSPs and helps educate them on the skills needed to provide person-centered services. It comes so naturally to her that she doesn’t even realize what a great leader she has become.”

2023 Special Category Award: Relationships

Keith Buchanan

Core Services of Northeast Tennessee / Johnson City, TN

Whether it’s relationships important to the people he supports or cohesion among colleagues, Keith excels at curating and supporting strong, healthy and productive relationships.

In addition to being a DSP, Keith also works in his agency’s mentorship program. He’s frequently working with new DSPs to help them acclimate to the agency and the role.

When it comes to the people he supports, Keith knows how important relationships can be. A person he supports is originally from Puerto Rico and dreamed of one day going home to visit their family. Last year, Keith was able to facilitate a trip to make this happen.

Keith is such a connector of people that you never know who will be drawn in. Another person he supports had a passion for watches, and Keith would take them to a watch kiosk in the mall where they developed a friendship with the manager.

Years later, that manager applied for a position with the agency and now calls Keith a colleague.

Whoever said “golf is a good walk spoiled” must have never met Keith. He coaches a golf team that competes in the Special Olympics, and frequently hosts group meet-ups at a local range and putting green. He, along with staff at the range, provides support and light coaching to ensure everyone has what they need to participate and have a great time.

2023 Special Category Award: Leadership

Kelley Shepherd

Mainstay Life Services / Pittsburgh, PA

Kelley leads by example and collaboration. She was one of the first to enroll in new classes offered by her organization, as well as to pursue additional training through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

It’s not enough for Kelley to learn something new or achieve a certification, though: she ensures she passes on the information to build the capacity of her colleagues as well.

She is also a fierce advocate for all DSPs. She’s been a vocal advocate for the creation of a DSP standard occupational code, and has grown in her advocacy into participating in panels and traveling to Washington, DC, to advocate for greater investment and improved DSP wages.

2023 Special Category Award: Leadership Kelley Shepherd

Mainstay Life Services / Pittsburgh, PA

Kelley refers to May 31, 2011, as her “call-iversary,” the day she received the call that she was hired at her organization the day she knew what she wanted to do with her life.

She believes everyone has a gift or special something that will lead them to thrive and become the best version of themselves. Kelley also believes it’s her role in life, for the people she supports as well as her colleagues, to help them find it.

By showing genuine interest and building trust, Kelley exemplifies the qualities of a selfless, yet strong, leader.

2023 International DSP of the Year

Jennifer Houle

BrightSpring Health Services / Niagara - on - the - Lake, Canada

During her 17 years with her organization, Jennifer has impacted the lives of countless residents at the home where she works. She works every day to learn the interests, aspirations, and abilities of each person. Whether that be gardening, cooking, photography, or baking, Jennifer is someone who always listens to each individual and centers the well-being of the people she supports.

Additionally, Jennifer demonstrates teamwork and leadership skills on a regular basis. She is an invaluable resource for others to come to when they may have questions and is always willing to help others when asked or to answer any questions staff or residents may have. Jennifer is creative and innovative, and often comes up with new ideas, frequently offering suggestions and opinions to the management team concerning community inclusion activities, as well as staff processes and procedures.

2023 Alabama DSP of the Year

Victoria Chaney

Victoria strives to support people to live the most independent lives possible. Victoria’s leadership is a huge asset to her team. She keeps people front and center when providing supports. Victoria is known for making sure everyone feels included in the community. She has helped people get involved in different activities such as bowling and exercising. You never know where you will run into Victoria as she is always out and about with people she supports at the park, craft store, or local Mexican restaurant.

Victoria is also known for being a “bridge” between organizational leaders and DSPs when onboarding new staff. She has successfully led onboarding initiatives and has mentored and trained many new staff throughout the region, making her impact on the organization just as tangible as the impact she’s had on the lives of countless people receiving services.

Sevita / Cullman, AL

2023 Alaska DSP of the Year

Masaneh Jatta

Hope Community Resources / Anchorage, AK

For over 11 years, Masaneh has provided direct support services with dedication, humility, creativity, and joy. He has provided quality teaching, coaching, and mentoring to incoming staff as well as providing mentoring to longstanding resident managers across the organization. He also participates as a DSP representative on the agency's workforce development committee. He skillfully articulates concerns and comes to the table ready to problem-solve and obtain resolutions.

Masaneh’s ability to listen closely to both the verbal and visual gestural communication of the people he supports helps him to advocate for the wishes of the people he supports. Masaneh worked with his team and helped someone who was not happy with his current living arrangement to successfully transition to somewhere he was comfortable with, while maintaining communication with all staff and the support team to assure continuity.

2023 Arizona DSP of the Year

Carrie Alexander

Mosaic / Phoenix, AZ

For over 11 years, Masaneh has provided direct support services with dedication, humility, creativity, and joy. He has provided quality teaching, coaching, and mentoring to incoming staff as well as providing mentoring to longstanding resident managers across the organization. He also participates as a DSP representative on the agency's workforce development committee. He skillfully articulates concerns and comes to the table ready to problem-solve and obtain resolutions.

Masaneh’s ability to listen closely to both the verbal and visual gestural communication of the people he supports helps him to advocate for the wishes of the people he supports. Masaneh worked with his team and helped someone who was not happy with his current living arrangement to successfully transition to somewhere he was comfortable with, while maintaining communication with all staff and the support team to assure continuity.

2023 California DSP of the Year

Joelene Walker-Stephens

Exceptional Children’s Foundation / Culver City, CA

Joelene is the primary direct service provider for students at her organization’s nonpublic K-12 school for students with developmental and learning disabilities. Whatever students want to explore whether that’s TV and news production, campus beautification, tours of local community locations such as SONY studios, SoFi stadium, and local universities Joelene finds a way to make it happen.

There are countless students and alumni who attribute their success to Joelene’s encouragement and support to develop their self-determination and self-advocacy skills. Recently, a former student excitedly reached out to tell her that his clothing line, which started with t-shirts he created and sold as a student, is being picked up by Walmart! Joelene not only cheered his amazing accomplishment, but also arranged for him to present and teach a “Master Class” to inspire current students.

2023 Colorado DSP of the Year

Jeff McNitt

Dungarvin / Denver, CO

For over 30 years, Jeff has supported people to live the lives they want to lead. Perhaps the most significant area in which Jeff has changed lives is through his passion for community inclusion and accessibility. With each person he supports, Jeff listens to their preferences and pain points in accessing a community that often wasn’t built with people with disabilities in mind. Jeff listens and works with each person to find out what’s important to them, and how they wish to participate in their community.

For example, one person Jeff supports loves swimming and listening to audiobooks, but in the past, he had felt excluded and unwelcome in many community spaces. With Jeff’s support, this person now regularly attends group swim at the local recreation center and looks forward to journeys to the library to find and select audiobooks. In doing so, this person has built his confidence to explore and engage in his neighborhood.

2023 Connecticut DSP of the Year

Fenton Lewis

Dungarvin / Windsor, CT

Fenton’s high energy and creativity have served as motivation to the people he supports to meet people outside of the home. Fenton always ensures that the individuals he supports are able, if they want, to attend community events or activities happening so they can build a strong social network.

Not only does Fenton constantly seek out ways to support those he works with to advocate for themselves, but he also consistently looks out for the well-being of his fellow staff members. He seeks out additional training and uses his newfound knowledge to improve the quality of life for everyone around him. One of the trainings, Trauma-Informed Care, opened his eyes to understanding how trauma impacts not only the people he supports but also staff as well. He learned what it takes to create a trauma-informed environment, and shared what he learned with his other staff, facilitating critical conversations during staff meetings.

2023 Delaware DSP of the Year

Willie Newson

Mosaic / Newark, DE

Innovative, caring, and genuine are a few words that people use to describe Willie. He helped advocate for people with disabilities by attending events with the legislature, which eventually led to fully funded services for adults with disabilities. Willie wants people to have the tools they need to achieve their dreams and puts plans into action to help them be successful.

He helps the people he supports to achieve their goals. For example, he helped someone plan and get to a sporting event that he has been wanting to attend. After he supported him to reach that dream, he helped him to get his driver’s license, increase his work hours, and eventually live on his own. When Willie met someone who was experiencing homelessness, he was able to connect him with services to move from a shelter to a home with supports. Willie has also traveled around the state to bring other DSPs little treats and other tokens to remind them of the important work they do.

2023 District of Columbia DSP of the Year

Victor Mbah

Victor truly embraces the life-changing power of direct support. Victor supported a person who was a returning citizen and had very complex needs. Creating a trusting relationship with this person was one key factor in having a successful transition. Victor learned how to create safe places for those he supports. Victor wholeheartedly cares about this person’s future and his well-being, which are totally different than how this person has been treated by those in his past.

Through Victor’s patient and empathetic approach, he was asked to teach others what he learned. Victor’s interactions have changed the trajectory of how people are supported. With no one blueprint for individualized supports, Victor created his own approach to providing personcentered supports that have helped others succeed in meeting their goals. In an example of a ripple effect, Victor’s excellent work has also helped the organization in its capacity to support returning citizens.

RCM of Washington / Washington, DC

2023 Florida DSP of the Year

Ana Ramirez

BrightSpring Health Services / Clearwater, FL

Ana is a powerhouse advocate who takes to heart every single decision that impacts those she supports. Listening with never-ending patience and persistent dedication, Ana ensures that each person’s unique needs are met, and their voice is heard in all decisions that impact them. Ana coordinates group walks, bicycle rides, and backyard activities for communitybuilding. She goes out of her way to ensure that those whom she supports feel included and accepted in all social situations.

Ana also serves as a cultural connector with both staff and those leveraging services. She takes time to reduce language barriers and includes the people she supports in opportunities to learn different words and phrases in Spanish. Ana has also consistently offered teachings on different cultural observances, cuisines, and holidays and serves as a role model to other staff.

2023 Georgia DSP of the Year

Vernon Nelson

BrightSpring Health Services / Atlanta, GA

Vernon’s top priority is helping people achieve their own goals. He has provided direct supports for over 13 years. If you asked the people he has supported over the years, they would say he was outstanding and excellent. He enjoys taking people shopping, out on the weekends, and making holiday meals.

When help is needed, he is only a phone call away to help transport, pick up a shift when someone is sick, or help train new staff. When a new person moved into the home where Vernon works, the person needed help putting together his furniture. Vernon volunteered to support the person to put together his own furniture. It was a great sense of accomplishment for the person. In addition to providing excellent supports every day, Vernon has also been recognized with a DSP award within his organization for his outstanding contributions.

2023 Idaho DSP of the Year

Mickey De Kruyf

Mickey is an amazing mentor, friend, advisor, caregiver, coach, and guide for the people she supports. Mickey is constantly thinking of new ways for those she supports to get involved in their community and stops at nothing to support them in pursuing the life they want to live.

One of the people Mickey supports is passionate about massage therapy and has always wanted a career but has had a hard time finding the right balance of job coaching. Mickey has supported this individual in maintaining a parttime job at a local spa. Together, they have worked on client and employee relations, technique, and time management. The person Mickey supports looks forward to going to work and helping others feel better. Mickey’s work is an example of how DSPs impact not only the lives of those they support but also the many lives impacted by those they support, as well.

Consumer Direct Care Network / Buhl, ID

2023 Illinois DSP of the Year

Charlene Vece

Trinity Services / New Lenox, IL

Charlene strives to assist in any way that she can to ensure that people are living a life that is meaningful to them, in the way that they want to live it. She is a true servant leader and makes it a priority to assist the people she supports in achieving personal results that they have identified as important to them.

Charlene has worked with her organization for over ten years and has held several different roles, including serving as a job coach and working in residential locations. No matter her role, Charlene continually looks for innovative ways to help people grow and accomplish their own goals. Over her many years of dedicated work, Charlene has not only continued to grow her own skillset but has developed strong leadership skills along the way. She also has gone out of her way to be a mentor to new staff as they were hired to learn the best, most person-centered ways to support the people they serve.

2023 Indiana DSP of the Year

Barbara Sykes

BrightSpring Health Services / Indianapolis, IN

Barbara always goes the extra mile for the people she supports. She takes it upon herself to build trust in the location where she works and ensures that every person feels welcome and included. When a person she supports had to transfer to another day program location, Barbara worked to ensure a smooth transition by working side-byside with each staff member and thoroughly training them on the person’s support needs.

One person Barbara supported wanted to take a public transportation service to her day program but was apprehensive and unsure at first if she could do it. Barbara consistently was there for her and rode the bus with her repeatedly until she showed signs that she was comfortable riding the bus. After a few trips, this person was ready to try riding the bus without staff support. That first trip was a success, and she has been riding the bus to her day program ever since.

2023 Iowa DSP of the Year

Daryl Leffler

Mosaic / Urbandale, IA

Daryl is a civic-minded community member and volunteer. He is an informed and active advocate for disability issues. He routinely contacts legislators, shares his story, visits the state capital, and has even opened his home to share his experience with others who want to learn more about disability issues. Daryl role models leadership and community stewardship through his involvement with several community groups and comes alongside the people he supports when they voice their interest in leadership and service opportunities.

When a person Daryl supports was interested in participating in a local community leadership organization, Daryl made sure this person had what they needed to be included and successfully participate. Not only did this person participate in this service organization, but he also became the Treasurer of the local organization and deepened his social network!

2023 Kansas DSP of the Year

Angela Austin

Johnson

County Developmental Supports / Lenexa, KS

Angela is always seeking to work alongside those she supports to identify events, activities, and volunteer projects that they are interested in participating in or learning more about. She knows that person-centeredness is when every person has what they need to be able to advocate for what is important to them. She has supported multiple people to make new connections and friendships in the different community locations where they volunteer together.

A strong ally to those she supports and regarded as a great resource to her fellow DSPs. She never hesitates to brainstorm ideas to improve services and strengthens the culture of her team by providing a listening ear and mentorship to newer staff members. During DSP Recognition Week, Angela even led an effort for the people she supports who wanted to decorate thank you bags to show appreciation for DSPs at the organization.

2023 Kentucky DSP of the Year

Abdul Alhadad

Dungarvin / Dexter, KY

Abdul is a dedicated advocate who supports those he works with to accomplish daily living skills to further independence and he strives to be an active ally in support team meetings. Abdul goes above and beyond to assist with training new staff as part of the shadowing stage. This ensures that new staff are engaged and learn how to best understand each person and their unique needs.

In addition to providing daily supports and services and mentoring new staff, Abdul also takes it upon himself to participate in additional trainings and workshops to expand his knowledge. Abdul actively seeks out information and tangible items that will increase his capacity to provide personcentered supports. He always seeks to learn more and do more, so that he can provide the best services possible to the many people whose lives he has impacted.

2023 Louisiana DSP of the Year

Denise Lee

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana / New Orleans, LA

Throughout her more than 25-year career, Denise has supported many people through job placements, romantic and interpersonal relationships, and travels to countries around the world! Denise has helped them achieve selfdirection and learn to advocate for themselves and others with disabilities. One person Denise supported over the years became a relentless advocate for herself and others, even traveling on several occasions to Baton Rouge to speak on behalf of herself and others in special legislative sessions when funding for services was in jeopardy.

Denise has been an excellent leader in the direct support professional field. When a pilot program was initiated at the local community college for a Certification in Direct Support

Professional Competency, Denise was the first to enroll and get her certificate. She has since assumed many roles including training other team members in effective care and advocacy.

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2023 Maine DSP of the Year

Stella Cain

OHI / B angor, ME

Stella identifies and works with people to find out more about them and establishes a plan with them to create a “next level” approach to personcentered supports. She knows how important self-confidence is, and how hard it sometimes can be to build it up. But Stella works hard to help build up self-confidence of those she supports. Stella supported a person to find employment by exploring job sites and setting up opportunities for mock interviews. Eventually, they were hired at a local restaurant and this person was thrilled to find new meaning in their day!

When another person Stella supports was struggling with building new relationships, Stella paired this person’s love for bowling and helped her sign up for a league night in the community. Those new relationships developed into meeting others and connecting with other people who shared her same passion for playing the guitar.

2023 Maryland DSP of the Year

Vanessa Cooke

Penn - Mar Human Services / Westminster, MD

While Vanessa has only had one year of experience, she has demonstrated that she is an outstanding DSP. She has implemented approaches and strategies that have helped people explore and expand their horizons by offering first-hand experiences. One person Vanessa supports has a love for baseball cards, but after several trips to a local baseball card shop, it was closed when they arrived. Vanessa worked with this person to connect with the shop owner by using email. That connection, which started by exchanging phone numbers, developed into a friendship with the business owner and many trips to the card shop after that.

Vanessa has had difficult conversations with parents to support them to recognize that their child is an adult with adult interests and goals. She has also been a huge support in onboarding incoming DSPs and works to make organization-wide improvements.

2023 Massachusetts DSP of the Year

Isaac Mukwaya

The Guild for Human Services / Concord, MA

To Isaac, one of the most important aspects of his job is to provide the people he supports with the tools they need to become their best selfadvocates in a world that so often denies them their voice. As Isaac and those he supports navigate a world that is largely designed for non-disabled people, Isaac knows that he must be adaptable to make on-the-fly adaptations or adjustments to prior-scheduled plans.

He meets the people he supports where they are at, including where they are at in their disability progression. In 2020, along with all of the collective trauma we as a society were going through, one of the people in Isaac’s residence began to lose his vision. This was a traumatic time for this person and his family as he learned to navigate the world with new disabilities. Isaac was right there through it all, ensuring that this person was supported in the way he needed and wanted to be, both emotionally and physically.

2023 Minnesota DSP of the Year

Christina Kurschner

Mount Olivet Rolling Acres / Victoria, MN

Christina is caring, compassionate, and dedicated to disability services. The passion she has for her work shines through in all things that she does and is evident in the positive impact she has on the lives of everyone she encounters both people leveraging services and her fellow staff. She prioritizes listening and getting to know each person she supports and works with them to create a life that they want to live.

Over the past year, Christina has been a champion for grassroots advocacy. Not only did she participate in multiple meetings with legislators hosted by one of the state associations, but Christina also testified multiple times before the state legislature and spoke at a press conference alongside self-advocates. In doing so, Christina has shown her dedication to not only the people she supports, but also to the advancement of the field and bringing the role of DSPs into the open.

2023 Mississippi DSP of the Year

Katrina Watkins

An innovator and a problem-solver, Katrina is consistent and determined in ensuring that each person she supports is included in their community and has what they need to thrive. She makes it her mission to increase selfadvocacy and independence, and in doing so, the people she supports do more for themselves, participate in activities they once would not, strengthened friendships, and are successful in community settings. The people she supports are participating in their community more than they ever have before, which has led to a richer quality of life!

Katrina also serves as a leader and mentor to new employees and never hesitates to show them the ropes. She assists with navigating technology, processes, and routines used in daily work tasks. Katrina is respectful of her coworkers giving them pointers and encouragement to do their best work in service of those they support.

Sevita / Flowood, MS

2023 Missouri DSP of the Year

Anna Carroll

Anna approaches each person’s support in a new way. Working in Employment Services, she knows that everyone has different personal and professional goals and that we all need unique supports to be able to succeed at work. Anna has built strong partnerships with community businesses to deepen the support networks of people accepting services.

She has developed empowering content through facilitated interactive skills courses such as Professionalism at Work, Time Management, and Connecting with Coworkers. Anna is also focused on ensuring the people she supports have what they need to succeed. One person she works with was concerned about losing her Social Security benefits if she became employed. Anna connected her to a Benefits Counselor to keep her informed of her options. By exploring every need, interest, skill, barrier, and preference, Anna makes it a point to know every person and their specific goals.

St. Louis Arc / St. Louis, MO

2023 Nebraska DSP of the Year

Susan Foltz

BrightSpring Health Services / Lincoln, NE

Susan always goes the extra mile to make sure people have the optimal supports. She is seen by her organization as a “go-to” person who has a deep understanding of supporting people who have too often been misunderstood or discounted. She understands the complexities that can arise when working with people with disabilities, for example, accessible transportation and consistency, and knows that these are factors when helping people achieve their goals. Susan has supported people to try new experiences which have included gardening, cooking, baking, dancing, and exercise.

Her infectious personality and “let’s get it done the right way” approach is Susan’s trademark among her co-workers. Susan has also been nominated for the DSP of the month within her organization and is a representative on the organization’s Recruitment and Retention Committee.

2023 Nevada DSP of the Year

Richard Burton

To Richard, no person is “too much.” Not their support needs, not the amount of prompting or modifications that need to be made, not their communication styles. He deeply believes in the dignity of each person and does what it takes to work alongside and support every person receiving services. One person whom Richard supports was previously deemed as “too much” and was not provided with the supports necessary to enable him to participate in the community. After five years of consistent partnership with Richard, this person is now employed and earns a paycheck every two weeks!

In addition to his relentless patience and advocacy alongside each person he supports, Richard also displays his leadership by being vocal and advocating for other DSPs. During the organization’s quarterly provider meetings, Richard often gives input on various policies and procedures, as well as advocates for DSP wages.

Dungarvin / Las Vegas, NV

2023 Michigan DSP of the Year

Terrell Presnall

BrightSpring Health Services / Lapeer, MI

Terrell strives to show everyone the good in the world. No matter what the situation, Terrell shows up with a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He is patient and kind. He embraces his support role, whether it is playing a game or supporting someone to find the perfect razor, he is always there to support.

Many unexpected things can happen in this role, but Terrell always comes to the rescue. He teaches others to know that what starts off as a bad day can always be turned around. Terrell pushes forward, reminding others that no one person is better than the other; everyone is human. He demonstrates and models respect. Terrell thinks outside the box by putting himself in the shoes of the people he supports. He is also an advocate when it comes to ensuring that no one ever feels inferior or is mistreated.

2023 New Hampshire DSP of the Year

Matthew Ennist

Aspire Living & Learning / Nashua, NH

Matthew approaches his role with creativity, persistence, and unwavering commitment to each person he supports. He leads through actions and sets an example for other DSPs by always treating all people with dignity and respect. Many of the people Matthew supports have been underestimated and undervalued for most of their lives. Matthew never gives up on anyone and believes in each person while working alongside them to achieve their goals at their own pace.

Matthew has never shied away from trying new strategies to help create more inclusive communities. One of the people he supports does not use words to communicate, and people (wrongly) underestimated him. Through Matthew’s work with community members on communication strategies, this person now volunteers three days a week carrying boxes of food donations, giving him the opportunity to meet new people and take on new roles!

2023 New Jersey DSP of the Year

Tawanna Ward

Dungarvin / Princeton, NJ

Tawanna’s love for supporting people is evident in the quality and individualized approaches she embraces. Tawanna supported several people to learn advocacy skills to join a self-advocacy group. This led to people being more confident in advocating for their needs and wants. Tawanna worked with someone who was struggling with being able to communicate due to the pictures being too small on the picture board. She worked on updating the board so that this person could more successfully communicate and maintain relationships.

During the summer, Tawanna was a leader when it came to coordinating a barbeque. She created task lists for each person, and worked with each person to make sure they understood their roles for the day. It was a huge success. Tawanna is the master of organization. When it comes to making sure items are ready for an upcoming trip or planning a beach day, Tawanna is the go-to person.

2023 New Mexico DSP of the Year

Rynell Balchunas

Dungarvin / Grants, NM

For over seven years, Rynell has worn many hats as a DSP working as a job coach, supporting her day program team, and assisting with administrative work. She even came up with a new, innovative plan to improve bus routes! Above all, Rynell centers the experience of the people she supports in their collective pursuit of creating more inclusive communities. Rynell takes people supported to new community spaces to meet people in areas that aren’t on the beaten path. Whether that’s coordinating visits to the local Wolf Sanctuary or coming up with creative ways to include all people in a group at the New Mexico State Fair, Rynell makes it a priority that each person she supports is able to be included in both the group activity and the community at-large.

In addition to all the many hats that she wears, Rynell is a great mentor to new staff and as a job coach, will go with new job coaches to teach at the job site.

2023 New York DSP of the Year

Samantha Anthony

Liberty ARC / Amsterdam, NY

Samantha always takes the time to understand the goals, hopes, and aspirations of the people she supports. For example, Samantha supports a woman who told her that she would like some more independence and confidence in managing her own medical appointments and medications. After learning this, Samantha worked with her to build the skills needed to contact the pharmacy utilizing available technology and to put a system in place to ensure she is on top of her medications.

Samantha also infuses her love of volunteering and civic engagement with her passion for supporting people with developmental disabilities. She’s bridged these interests by creating a connection to the local community for the people she supports to volunteer and give back. This connection brought a sense of belonging and purpose, self-esteem, and respect to the people she supports.

2023 North Carolina DSP of the Year

Kelli Vega

Dungarvin / Graham, NC

Kelli exemplifies dedication, compassion, integrity, advocacy, a professional attitude, and consistency. “Whatever it takes” has been her approach to service delivery and she has delivered that service therapeutically, professionally, and compassionately for more than 10 years. Kelli is the biggest advocate for the people she works with. She always ensures their needs are met and their rights are protected. She will stop at nothing to seek out help or resources to meet their needs.

Kelli is creative and innovative in her advocacy and support. Whatever goals or interests the people she supports have, she is up to the task of making sure they have what they need to participate. Whether it is making art, exploring local museums, grooming horses, or watching planes land and take off, Kelli centers the interests and goals of those she supports in every activity they do together.

2023 North Dakota DSP of the Year

Massalan Bility

Sevita / Grand Forks, ND

Massalan makes it a priority to center the voices of the people she supports in all that she does. She knows that a huge part of her role as a DSP is to make community inclusion a reality for those she supports and she has done that throughout the seven years she has worked as a DSP.

One of the people Massalan supports would often find herself stressed or anxious while in certain community spaces. She had an entire sensory box of items and fidgets at home; however, this person didn’t have a wellorganized and consistent plan for how to bring these items with her when in the community. Massalan noticed this and helped this person develop a system of strategically picking specific sensory items to take with her so that her sensory item box at home was available on a smaller scale. This has helped the person feel more at ease when in high-stress situations and has strengthened trust between them as well.

2023 Ohio DSP of the Year

Hope Johnson

I Am Boundless / Worthington, OH

Community means something deep to Hope that life is not lived behind closed doors. She was instrumental in the creation of her organization’s Without Walls (“WOW”) program which is a new adult community day program.

Hope is always out in the community bringing new experiences to those she supports. Some of the places they have visited include the Ohio State Fair, the downtown library, Columbus Zoo, Franklin Park Conservatory, the Fire House Museum, and the Motorcycle Museum. If someone she supports wants to go somewhere, Hope does whatever it takes to figure out how to help them get there. Whether the people she supports want to volunteer, try a new hobby, or just have a special place they want to visit, Hope makes it happen by seeking opportunities that are a good match for each unique person’s interests and desires.

2023 Oklahoma DSP of the Year

Bill Koscher

Dungarvin / Oklahoma City, OK

Bill is a strong advocate, reliable supporter and trusted companion to those he supports, and is patient, caring, and kind to everyone he works alongside.

Bill is determined to include the people he supports in community activities in which they are interested. Whether that’s going shopping, watching football, attending church events, or outdoor activities, Bill’s priority is that the people he supports are included and active members of their community.

When someone he supports wanted to participate in local recreation, Bill researched adaptive recreation options and found a bicycle that would adapt to the person’s wheelchair. He continuously thinks creatively and finds innovative solutions to include those he supports in activities that are important to them. Bill stops at nothing to ensure that each person he supports can participate in community life.

2023 Oregon DSP of the Year

Kaleen Hawk

Community Support Services / Salem, OR

A naturally genuine and caring person, Kaleen demonstrates dedication to her profession and to the people she supports every day. In both good and hard times, Kaleen looks for ways to provide empowering support that people need to continue living healthy, happy lives. One of the people Kaleen supports recently wanted to attend a camp but didn’t know if it was a realistic goal due to finances. Kaleen advocated and supported this person in the tedious process of applying for a grant. The person ended up receiving that grant, was able to attend camp, and has continued to talk about the friends she made and how much fun she had!

Kaleen is proactive in any situation she faces even high-stress ones. During a major winter storm, Kaleen quickly made arrangements for people whose power went out to be transported safely from their homes to a hotel where they could be warm and comfortable.

2023 Pennsylvania DSP of the Year

Deseret Traupman

Peaceful Living / Harleysville, PA

Deseret’s unwavering commitment to, and relentless belief in, the people she supports makes her a standout DSP. Deseret takes initiative to help others, mentor coworkers, share resources, and develop high-quality programming.

She routinely takes it upon herself to set aside time and mentor new DSPs, sharing what she’s learned and her experience as a relatively new DSP herself. Beyond her initiative to mentor incoming staff, she works for the good of the program as a whole. Deseret worked steadfastly to build a true community for everyone in the program. As a testament to her efforts, everyone, at the end of their day, now communicates goodbye to their peers in a way that they are able to do so! Deseret’s determination and resourcefulness positively impacts the lives of both her fellow staff members and every person she supports.

2023 Rhode Island DSP of the Year

William Menihan

West Bay Rhode Island / Warwick, RI

William helps people discover their own gifts and talents and teaches them how to share them with others. He has been creative in his approaches to supporting people to navigate barriers and making sure people make choices based on their preferences. A person that William supports had a job delivering newspapers and his route was in jeopardy due to staff turnover. William worked together with the person to make sure that he continued to exceed with accuracy and timeliness and deliver exceptional customer service.

Six Flags was on the bucket list of someone he supports, but due to significant anxiety, trips to the theme park were more stress-inducing than fun. William helped to put inclusive supports in place which included packing lunches and researching low-sensory zones to make the trip more successful. William’s goal is to support people to take ownership in shaping their lives, and does an amazing job at doing so each day!

2023 South Carolina DSP of the Year

Sheila Whitehurst

Sevita / Piedmont, SC

The group home where Sheila works hasn’t been immune to the DSP workforce crisis that has been impacting our field for years. However, Sheila’s leadership and positive attitude have played an integral role in ensuring that the people supported in the home continue to have what they need to thrive. Sheila is constantly seeking out ways that she can improve the services she herself provides, and organizational processes as a whole.

Sheila’s creativity and persistence in advocating for the needs of those she supports have made her a great asset to her team. When the organization was in the throes of a staffing shortage, she worked with the Program Director to find creative ways to recruit amazing employees to the team. In doing so, Sheila played a critical role in being able to bring down overtime, while ensuring that those supported remained the top priority.

2023 South Dakota DSP of the Year

Rebecca Lange

LifeScape / Sioux Falls, SD

In the 8 years Rebecca has worked for her organization, not a day has gone by that she has not had a positive impact on the people she supports. In her role as Lead DSP, Rebecca is a role model for other staff and is always able to provide guidance. Rebecca comes in to work every day choosing to work hard and help people. She helps people develop social skills, and role plays situations so people can feel confident and expand their networks. Rebecca is an open and honest leader and will make sure that the person supported is always the center of what she does.

One of Rebecca’s greatest strengths is finding solutions to barriers. If it is important for a person, it is important to Rebecca. She seeks to connect people with their community through volunteer opportunities, employment, and new social experiences. For these and many other reasons, Rebecca was recently awarded her organization’s Excellence in Service Award.

2023 Tennessee DSP of the Year

Elijah Aluoch

Community Options, Inc. / Chattanooga, TN

For over 10 years, Elijah has consistently adapted and found solutions to any obstacles facing him and those he supports. Recently, when the area where he works was hit hard by a tornado, the home where Elijah works lost electricity, trees were down blocking the roads, and everyone’s stress levels were at an all-time high. Elijah handled this unforeseen situation calmly and smoothly. He single-handedly was able to get the people he supported out safely and taken to a hotel. For the next week, he assisted them in the hotel and constantly traveled to the store and their home for needed items.

In addition to creatively solving any problem in his path, Elijah takes on leadership roles and goes the extra mile by offering to support the training of new staff. In doing so, he has helped to ensure that his colleagues are equipped to handle any situation thrown at them, and he shares tips and tricks he has picked up on throughout his years with the organization.

2023 Texas DSP of the Year

Cynthia Longoria

BrightSpring Health Services / Harlingen, TX

For more than 30 years, Cynthia has been impacting the lives of the people she supports and mentoring countless direct support staff, helping to hold them to the same high standards to which she holds herself. When asked how she feels about her impact on lives of the people she supports each day, Cynthia's response was, “It's not how I've changed their lives; it's how they've changed mine.” Her longevity, attitude, and influence speak to her incredible work ethic and the quality of service she delivers to the people she supports.

In a recent conversation, Cynthia said “We often take for granted what we have, but I put myself in the shoes [of the people I support], ask them what they want to do, where they want to go.” Not only does this approach demonstrate empathy and respect, but it also promotes selfdetermination and independence two principles that Cynthia has placed at the heart of her work for over 32 years.

2023 Utah DSP of the Year

Jackie Wright

Chrysalis / Murray, UT

Jackie approaches her job with humility, patience, and determination, and is always willing to step up whether that’s tackling a communication barrier, trying new ways to utilize technology, or mentoring new staff coming into the organization. She trains staff to help them see how they could be a part of each individual’s success stories not the center of the story themselves.

She works diligently to uphold and center the dignity of each person she supports. That’s led her to support someone in rediscovering their own culture or heritage by supporting them with budgeting their finances to save for a trip to visit the place they grew up. She’s also made sure that someone she supported, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness, had all their favorite things ready when he was to return home for hospice care. Jackie embodies dedication, persistence, advocacy, and kindness in all she does.

2023 Vermont DSP of the Year

Julie Maskell

Green

Mountain Support Services / Morrisville, VT

Julie is a strong advocate and leader in her organization. She is always willing to help her fellow DSPs and teammates, and she is honest and forthcoming with her supervisors. Julie is not afraid to advocate for the changing needs of those she supports, or the needs of herself and her fellow DSPs. She is always willing to help mentor new staff and allow them to shadow her and learn from her experience.

Community inclusion and involvement are something Julie sees as essential aspects of her role. She has been instrumental in people being able to get out into the community doing the things they love and building meaningful connections and relationships. Julie has supported people in going out to dinner with others and building community, and she is always willing to do what it takes to support people in meeting their wants, needs, and goals.

2023 Virginia DSP of the Year

Wanda Alleyne

Consumer Direct Care Network / Virginia Beach, VA

Wanda’s motto is “Don’t leave anybody behind!” and she demonstrates that motto with her actions daily. Many of the people Wanda supports have felt left behind, excluded, or undervalued at one point in their lives, and Wanda recognizes that. But she also makes sure to work hard so that every person she supports knows that they’re not getting left behind this time, or ever again.

Wanda ensures that she takes the time to learn how to communicate most effectively with each person she supports in the way that is best for them. She also knows that every person has different priorities and goals they want to accomplish in their life, and she actively works alongside them to make those goals a reality. Whether it’s earning a high school diploma, getting a pet or volunteering at local organizations, Wanda helps every person she supports pursue opportunities important to them.

2023 Washington DSP of the Year

Mustapha Suwa

Dungarvin / Everett, WA

Mustapha is the first to offer a solution when a problem is identified. He is quick to learn new skills and always willing to help co-workers who need extra support to develop confidence and competence. He works tirelessly to provide empowering support to everyone he works with, and finds creative ways to build trust with each person he supports. When beginning to support someone new, Mustapha learned that this person felt like everyone will eventually leave him, resulting in them pushing everyone away.

What Mustapha did was different from previous staff; he sat down with this person and together, they wrote a letter to each other, and they would refer to it as they got to know one another. Mustapha has shown incredible leadership in his role as Lead DSP and has established his role as a reliable resource for all employees.

2023 West Virginia DSP of the Year

Alyssa Malcolm

BrightSpring Health Services / Martinsburg, WV

Alyssa is the total package when it comes to direct service. Every day, she seeks to set the right example for her fellow staff, and her supervisors also rely on her knowledge and input when developing new processes or when challenges arise. She believes in the power of natural supports: the support and assistance that naturally flows from the relationships developed in community, work, family, or school environments.

Alyssa makes it a priority to develop fantastic rapport and strong relationships with those she serves. She knows that person-centered care changes from person to person, and helps to make a difference in the lives of those she supports. In addition, she always takes new hires under her wing, and she makes it a point to identify training needs that will further develop their skills and ensure her fellow DSPs are fully supported.

2023 Wisconsin DSP of the Year

Betty Day

Dungarvin / Milwaukee, WI

As she has demonstrated time and time again in her twenty-plus years in this profession, Betty is someone that anyone would be lucky to have in their corner. Betty makes it a priority to do a task alongside the people whom she supports, not doing something “for” them. She knows that independence means something different to everyone, but that what is most important is self-determination and autonomy.

In addition to her responsibilities as a Medical Support staff ensuring that people served are taken to medical appointments, and documentation is submitted, she goes out of her way to be a leader for staff. She leads by example, showing respect and dignity not only to the people she cares for but to everyone she encounters. When Betty’s supervisor has checked in with new staff on how training is progressing, new staff will recognize that “Betty really knows her stuff and the people in the program.”

2023 Wyoming DSP of the Year

Michael Davidson

Whenever Michael is asked what he likes most about his job, he will tell you it is helping people achieve their goals and dreams. Michael actively participates in Overture's VOICE program, which is designed for helping people gain advocacy skills for themselves or others in their community. Michael's participation and support of this group shows the people he supports that he is invested in their ability to speak up and advocate for what is important to them.

Michael also maintains a close relationship with the local Meals On Wheels organization. He coordinates groups of people receiving services to volunteer in the community to deliver meals to others in need. Many of these community members receive meals daily, so the people whom Michael supports often see the same community members and have built relationships with them. On each visit, everyone is eager to say hello and check in about any new news happening in their lives.

Overture / Cheyenne, WY