Congratulations to our winners!

2025 Direct Support Worker Awards Winners

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Everyday Hero Award

For going the extra mile to ensure the best care, for daily acts of kindness and encouragement that changes lives, and/or for displaying extraordinary compassion and empathy.

Everyday Hero – Agency

Shammi-Chand

Shammi Chand

Wichita, KS
Employer – Starkey Inc.
Nominated by Cindy Cantayre

Everyday Hero – Self-Directed

Taisha Grindstaff

Wichita, KS
FMS Provider OCCK
Nominated by Crystal Weishaupl

Empowerment Award

For helping an individual to gain independence, increase confidence, and/or achieve personal development goals.

Empowerment – Agency

Daniele Trent

Lenexa, KS
Employer – AbleLight
Nominated by Gloria Rosso

Empowerment – Self-Directed

Karen Lewis

Manhattan, KS
FMS Provider 3 Rivers
Nominated by Julia Erickson

Innovation Award

For showing creativity and “out-of-the-box” thinking to solve a challenge or improve the quality of life for the person they support. This could be anything from developing a new communication method to creating a unique activity schedule.

Innovation Award – Agency

Shae Jerome

Hays, KS
Employer – Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas
Nominated by Nolan Shuckman

Innovation Award – Self-Directed

Regina Modanado

Wichita, KS
FMS Provider – LINK Inc.
Nominated by Skylar

Champion Award

For going above and beyond to advocate for the rights and needs of the people they support. This could involve speaking out about a specific issue, helping someone gain access to a new opportunity, or working to change a policy.

Champion Award – Agency

LeNena Watson

Mission, KS
Employer – Eeroma Resources
Nominated by LaToya Ladd

Champion Award – Self-Directed

Elizabeth Boresow

Lenexa, KS
FMS Provider – Helpers, Inc.
Nominated by Gayle Boyes

Community Connector Award

For helping an individual build new relationships and participate more in their community.

Community Connector Award – Agency

Ashley Van Eaton

Norton, KS
Employer – Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas,
Nominated by Darryl Clark

Community Connector Award – Self-Directed

Nick Toniazzo

Shawnee, KS
FMS Provider – All Services Home Healthcare
Nominated by Mary MacBain

Leadership Award

For helping an individual build new relationships and participate more in their community.

Leadership Award – Agency

Pamela Neeley

Dodge City, KS
Employer – Arrowhead West
Nominated by Kathy Jantzen

Leadership Award – Self-Directed

Lois Emerson

Beloit, KS
FMS Provider – OCCK
Nominated by Lorrie Baxter