MOHR is proud to announce the 2025 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Award recipients. Bestowed on exemplary workers in the field, the MOHR DSP Awards recognize direct support professionals’ lifetime achievements, extraordinary skills, and depth of character. “It gives me great pleasure to recognize these outstanding DSP award winners. They represent the best of the best among employees who spend each day working directly to help people have a fulfilled life at the highest level of chosen achievement. They are patient, kind, instructive, and have keen sensitivity to human needs,” said MOHR President Robin Harkonen, “At MOHR, we do not take for granted the inspiring work of our DSP workforce. They deserve praise and recognition, every day." This year, five awards have been given in three categories: Employment - Metro, Enrichment - Greater MN, Enrichment - Metro.
Derek O. of TSE, Inc. in Roseville, MN has been awarded a DSP Award for Employment - Metro for his work as employment specialist. Working up from a substitute position from a staffing agency, Derek O. has dedicated 20 years to TSE, Inc’s clients. Known for his excellent relationship skills and conflict management, Derek O. is the first person his clients come to when they need help. From late night calls to giving rides when transportation falls through to difficult housing decisions, he takes on every challenge with confidence. “Doesn’t matter how big the conflict is, Derek has a calm and cool demeanor,” said Jim Freeman, TSE, Inc. chief business development officer, “the people he supports look up to him. He keeps it real with them and treats them like adults. If they have done something wrong, he lets them know and helps them know how to go about it in the right way.” When asked what has inspired him throughout the challenges, Derek O. points to the success of the people he serves, “If I had even a small part in that, it feels great."
Jennifer Janowski of Partnership Resources, Inc. in Minneapolis, MN has been awarded a DSP Award for Employment - Metro for her work as vocational specialist. An advocate and mentor, Janowski is dedicated to her team of 18 years. “Jenny is very passionate about what she does. She is always willing to step in and go above and beyond,” said Chelsey Fugleberg, director of employment services at Partnership Resources Inc. As vocational specialist, she works with her team at Cub Foods tending to their daily tasks and advises additional independent placement individuals throughout the metro area. Even more than that, Janowski is part of her team’s personal support system helping them and their families with personal challenges such as eviction and grief. “The more I work with people, they become family,” she said, “ they inspire me everyday.”
Molly Talle of Wabasha County DAC in Wabasha, MN has been awarded a DSP Award for Enrichment - Greater MN for her work as community life engagement coordinator. A relatively recent hire, Talle has already made a tremendous impact in her four years of service. Within the last year alone, she has been instrumental developing a new program where service recipients could get out into the community in non-work settings and develop natural supports with community members. “From the first day she was here, she has wanted to jump in and help out wherever she can do so,” remarked Ty Gaedtke, Wabasha County DAC executive director, “Molly has done a phenomenal job at listening to individuals and helping them get into areas of the community that they wanted.” Through her dedication and passion for change, within six months the new program has already surpassed their first year goal, currently serving nearly 30% of their total service. When asked about her inspiration, Talle said that she wanted their service recipients to “not just being in the community, be part of the community…helping [the Wabasha community] experience the disability community is really important.”
Susanne ‘Lotta’ Facente of ProAct, Inc. in Eagan, MN has been awarded a DSP Award for Enrichment - Metro for her work as DSP-3. Leading a career of service, Facente has been with ProAct Inc. for 20 years. “Lotta’s impact has been great!” shared Ali Brown, ProAct Inc day support services manager, “when participants come in they are looking for Lotta. She really wants to make the day the best…top the day before.” Every day, Facente leads a variety of classes for participants, including a book club for non-verbal participants, a monthly community Coffee Club, a World Travel class, and the ever popular Paint with Lotta. Every day ends with karaoke and dancing the chacha slide. She also sits on a committee for new programming ideas to expand their classes and make each class better than the last. “When I first started, we didn’t have classes like we have now. It is fun for the participants and staff,” said Facente, “If I had a really good day today, I want to have a better day tomorrow.”
Ryan Stoa of Achieve Services, Inc. in Blaine, MN has been awarded a DSP Award for Enrichment - Metro for his work as activity and life enrichment coordinator. Having been with them for over a decade, Stoa was prepared to step up to create the Activities and Life Enrichment Program in spring of 2024 however no one could have predicted its impact. “Ryan has made a huge difference. He had the ideas and ran with them, far exceeding the expectations, especially in a year,” said Cassie Derner, Achieve Services Inc assistant program director, “this [impact] is why we are in the field.” In this short time, the program has become an essential part of the Achieve Services experience, gathering members of their community for various activities including Food Group, Exercise Group, and Choir Group. Stoa has also been instrumental in receiving grant funding for outdoor spaces such as sports equipment, ADA-compliant picnic tables, and garden beds. His recent focus has been expanding their community presence, establishing volunteer partnerships with Feed My Starving Children, Meals on Wheels, and Northtown Library. “Being able to see their growth and their ideas and going outside of their box, is rewarding,” Stoa said, “for them to have social connections across different programs, [it’s] really nice to see relationships bloom there.”
These individuals truly represent the best of the field. We applaud their years of dedication, unwavering commitment, and careers of service. Their impact reaches far beyond their daily responsibilities: shaping colleagues, strengthening organizations, and uplifting the communities they serve. It is through their example that we are reminded of the values at the heart of this work: compassion, integrity, and perseverance. As we celebrate their contributions, we also look forward with gratitude and inspiration, knowing their legacy will continue to guide and encourage others for years to come.
