The Direct Support Professional Association of Minnesota Recognized Seven Direct Support Professionals with Awards

 

 

 The Direct Support Professional Association of Minnesota Recognized Seven Direct Support Professionals with Awards

 

(September 20, 2012) – Every year, the Direct Support Professional Association of Minnesota (DSPAM) commemorates National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which recently took place September 9-15, 2012. It is a special week to honor direct support professionals that began with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). From ANCOR’s website (www.ancor.org): “The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) is pleased to announce that yesterday (09/12/2012), for the fifth consecutive year, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution designating the week beginning September 9 as ‘National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.’” DSPAM requested a proclamation from Governor Mark Dayton, which was granted, proclaiming “Direct Support Professionals Week” in Minnesota.

This year, at a recognition event at the Southdale Library in Edina on Saturday, September 15, 2012, DSPAM presented awards and certificates in two categories to seven direct support professionals: Direct Support Professional of the Year and Direct Support Professional Advocate of the Year.

 

Award Winners:

Direct Support Professional Advocate of the Year: Galen Smith of Opportunity Partners

Direct Support Professional of the Year: Lisa Evenson of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Direct Support Professional of the Year: Mike Maxson of Rural Living Environments

Direct Support Professional of the Year: Laurel Kaercher of Aspen Employment Partners

Certificate Recipients:

Direct Support Professional Advocate of the Year: Alicia Munson of Opportunity Partners

Direct Support Professional of the Year: Melanie Freiermuth of Opportunity Partners

Direct Support Professional of the Year: Shane Ausprey of Opportunity Partners

The DSPAM selection committee made its decisions based on criteria in three areas: compliance with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Code of Ethics, commitment (e.g. years of service), and quality of support services. Every candidate for an award was outstanding. Each of the seven extraordinary direct support professionals is a model of excellence in direct support and represents the highest level of professional competence. They all promote independence, quality of life, and equality for the people with disabilities they serve. And, they all deserve our respect and recognition.

For more information about the Direct Support Professional Association of Minnesota, visit our website at www.dspam.org, send an email to bridgetsiljander@yahoo.com, or call 612.272.0281.