We are happy to announce our 2026 DSP of the year, Stephanie Knopsnyder! #DSPRW2026

For 22 years, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals through VCS. She started in providing quality care before advancing into management.

Thanks #SupportingPeople, Stephanie!

Across #ILA, we’ve been celebrating our DSPs! As #DSPRecognitionWeek comes to a close, we express our continuous gratitude for the amazing care they provide to our Individuals. #ThankYou to all! #DSPRW2026

Our penultimate Direct Support Professional of the year is Ronda Carnwath! #DSPRW2026

Only being with VCS for a few short months, Ronda has already made a lasting impact.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we recognize our overall DSP of the year! #SupportingPeople

Trust also applies to consistency too. Turnover makes people rebuild relationships and teach new staff what effective support looks like, while vacancies strain DSPs. A stable, skilled workforce is a quality-of-life issue. #DSPRW2026 #InvestInDSPs

“You can’t force somebody to trust you just because your job title says you’re their DSP.” As Jordan explains, trust is earned through consistency, patience, and showing someone over time that you are listening. #DSPRW2026

Our Intermediate Care Direct Support Professional of the year is Milagro Maldonado! #dsprw2026

With nearly 20 years in the medical field, Milagro has dedicated her career to caring for others.

Thanks for your laser focus on #SupportingPeople, Milagro!

“My job is to be there for them, to offer support and stability, but to be able to do my job, I have to take care of myself.” Rosa says DSPs need real access to time off and space to talk openly. “We are people too, and our well-being matters.” #DSPRW2026 #DSPWellbeing

“The role of a DSP is not just to keep ppl safe; it’s about teaching skills that carry into other parts of life.” Rosa helps college students build advocacy, budgeting, conflict resolution, social,& employment skills, supporting them as they make decisions& prepare for life after college. #DSPRW2026

“Respect also has to show up in paychecks, policy, training, career opportunities, and giving DSPs a seat at the table,” says Jordan..” Respecting people’s choices and supporting the professionals who work alongside them go hand in hand. #DSPRW2026 #InvestInDSPs @therealancor.bsky.social

“It’s their life, not mine.” Jordan says person-centered support means offering information, opportunities, accommodations, and encouragement while respecting each person’s authority over their own life. #DSPRW2026 #SelfDetermination @therealancor.bsky.social

If somebody can’t tell you what they want, they can still show you in other ways.” After 12 years in direct support, Sabrina knows good communication takes patience and attention to words, body language, behavior, and the many ways people express what matters. #DSPRW2026 @therealancor.bsky.social

It’s DSP Recognition Week! Meet Sabrina, Jordan, Rosa, and Bethany: Four DSPs sharing their perspectives on communication, self-determination, trust, and the workforce issues shaping direct support. #DSPRW2026 @therealancor.bsky.social

During #DSPRecognitionWeek, we’re giving a heartfelt shout-out to Willie Mae, who worked as a DSP at #ILA for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2024. Willie Mae was assigned to many of our residences & was beloved everywhere she worked! #DSPRW2026 #ThrowbackThursday

April Brooks is our South West DSP of the year! #DSPRW2026

For the past three and a half years, April has been a dedicated member of the VCS team. April's dedication goes beyond the workplace, as she even encourages friends to join the VCS family.
#SupportingPeople

Respect also has to show up in paychecks, policy, training, career opportunities, and giving DSPs a seat at the table.” Respecting people’s choices and supporting the professionals who work alongside them go hand in hand. #DSPRW2026 #InvestInDSPs

“It’s their life, not mine.” Jordan says person-centered support means offering information, opportunities, accommodations, and encouragement while respecting each person’s authority over their own life. #DSPRW2026 #SelfDetermination

If somebody can’t tell you what they want, they can still show you in other ways.” After 12 years in direct support, Sabrina knows good communication takes patience & attention,not only to words, but also to body language, behavior, &the other ways each person shows what matters to them. #DSPRW2026

Our North Western region DSP of the year is Desserea Zeigler! #DSPRW2026

She frequently check in on those she supports, even on on her days off. Thank you for your around-the-clock dedication!
#SupportingPeople

Our Central region DSP of the year! It's the first day of #DSPRW2026!

Alyssa has made an incredible impact as a DSP and Program Lead in only a little over one year. One of her greatest strengths is helping to advocate internally for her individuals.

#SupportingPeople

During #DSPRW2026 (Sept 13-19), we proudly celebrate the dedicated, compassionate, & innovative professionals who support people with #IDD in living the lives they choose. #DSPs, thank you for everything you do for people with I/DD & their families.

👉 https://bit.ly/4gVzNiE