We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 MOHR Statewide Direct Support Professional (DSP) Awards, recognizing six exceptional professionals whose dedication, creativity, and commitment are helping people with disabilities lead fuller, more connected, and more self-directed lives.
The annual awards coincide with National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 13-19, 2026, a nationwide celebration honoring the vital contributions of Direct Support Professionals who provide essential supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). National DSP Recognition Week honors the critical role DSPs play in helping the people they support build independence, participate in their communities, pursue employment, develop skills, and maintain their health, safety, and quality of life.
Selected from nominations submitted by disability service providers across Minnesota, this year’s recipients demonstrate excellence in employment services, community engagement, person-centered support, innovation, leadership, and advocacy.
Amber Kram of PHASE-Industries in Mora, MN, has received the DSP Award for Employment Focus - Greater Minnesota for her work as a Credentialed Employment Support Professional. Kram specializes in E1-MN, assisting participants to engage, plan, find, and keep employment. Most placements are in customized positions, negotiated directly with employers, and tailored to each participant. These roles follow months of career exploration, skills training, and job readiness. “For years and years and years these individuals have been told they can’t work... That rubbed me the wrong way,” shared Kram on what attracted her to the field. “They have been waiting their whole lives for one person to say: yes, you can.”
Kram notes that securing the job is often not the main obstacle. “Most of the time, the [employer’s] needs are so strong… My fight is transportation. It is easier to get a customized position for an individual than it is to get them there.” When asked what motivates her, she said, “When you get that first yes, and you get to go tell [the individual] that their lives are about to change, it’s the most amazing feeling.” Kram will speak at Minnesota’s statewide APSE Conference next month and is actively educating local employers about the services PHASE-Industries participants can provide.
Dawn Moder of Rise, Inc. in Fridley, MN, has received the DSP Award for Employment Focus – Metro Area in recognition of her work as an Occupational Communication Specialist. She has worked with Rise's Minnesota Employment Center for nine years. Moder, who is Deaf, primarily supports Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. She helps ensure they have effective communication in the workplace, access to interpreters and assistive technology, and support in overcoming communication barriers.
Some challenges require creative solutions, such as using imagery and other tools to convey concepts to individuals who are Deaf and have intellectual disabilities. Drawing from her own experiences, Moder understands the barriers her participants face. “Growing up, I saw many, many barriers...I kept receiving ‘NO’ because people thought opportunities were only for hearing people. For example, phone calls or having a job or talking to people, I had no idea it was possible until I got to college...It wasn’t that we couldn’t do it; it was that they did not allow us. We can do it.
This lived experience motivates Moder in her work. “I want to help people to not depend on others, to empower other people…This is your decision. You can do what is best for you." Moder also teaches participants how to use resources and technology, develop effective communication and coping skills, and navigate workplace challenges. She works closely with employers to promote inclusivity and reduce communication barriers, helping create workplaces where Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing people can communicate effectively and succeed.
Shelly Prissel of Wabasha County DAC in Wabasha, MN, has received the DSP Award for Enrichment Focus - Greater Minnesota for her work as a DSP. For two years, Prissel has provided transportation and organized recreational activities, including music in the park, picnics, barrel races, and community knitting groups. “It's great to walk into the lunch area and have everyone greet you… It just lifts me no matter what kind of day I am having!”
She notes that finding affordable and accessible activities, as well as acceptance, can be challenging in a rural town. “You have to be very perceptive not to push when it is not a good fit… When it doesn’t work out, and there is pushback, it just breaks my heart,” shared Prissel.
When asked what inspires her, Prissel said, “to make them smile, to make their life better, to make them be able to do things that they are normally not able to do… it fills my heart to know they are having the best time ever.” Prissel often stays in contact after hours and includes participants in her daily life. “It’s very personal to me; I like to include them in my daily life as much as possible outside the program as well,” she said. “My family supports it too.” Her family sometimes joins community events, and her daughter volunteers at Wabasha County DAC. “It's a great gift that I can do, and that my program encourages.”
Joan Glynn of Cottonwood County DAC in Windom, MN, has received the DSP Award for Enrichment Focus - Greater Minnesota for her work as a Direct Service Provider. After an 11-year career at a group home, Glynn found retirement unfulfilling and joined Cottonwood County DAC as a DSP. Over the past five years, Glynn has made a significant impact at Cottonwood County DAC and on the people they serve.
Described as “incredibly person-centered,” Glynn helps participants discover their abilities and set goals for new challenges. “It's nice to see them advance, see what they can do,” shared Glynn. “Smaller steps make big differences… Be strong in patience. Be perceptive to what people can accomplish.” She focuses on community integration, seeking new opportunities for participants to engage in meaningful experiences, from local outings to the county fair. Glynn works one-on-one with participants to identify meaningful ways to engage with their community. “Get to know the people you are working with and helping. Then, expect the unpredictable and go with the flow.”
Elisabeth Geyen of ProAct, Inc. in Shakopee, MN, has received the DSP Award for Enrichment Focus - Metro for her work as a Trained Medication Administrator. For 21 years, Geyen has worked with ProAct, Inc., starting first as a DSP and transitioning into a Trained Medication Administrator and case coordinator role. She also organizes activities and outings for people who use wheelchairs, including her weekly Wednesday Wheelies class focused on exercise and wellness. Her passion began in grade school, inspired by a close friend who used a wheelchair.
She values her work: “Every day is a blessing....To see the participants have a great day, to get out of the house... For them, coming here is a great thing. Some don’t get the option to go out in the community.” Coordinating transportation and finding accessible venues can be challenging.
Geyen shared that the work can also be emotionally demanding. “You become very attached.... These guys are my family. A lot of them don’t have family. That’s hard... then they need us to be there for them.” Each day, she works to put a smile on their faces and help them have a good day. “It is a very challenging job, but it is also very rewarding. It takes a special person to have this job.”
Courtney Kummer, also of ProAct, Inc., received the DSP Award for Enrichment Focus - Metro for her work as a Direct Service Provider. After seven years, Kummer’s creativity and positive attitude have made a significant impact on ProAct, Inc. participants. She organizes lessons and leads a focus area called Fine Arts and Communication, which centers on fine arts, painting, acting, and drawing.
Kummer uses these creative activities to support participants in their daily lives and help them overcome challenges. “The people around me inspire me to be a better person... Seeing them reach their goals, seeing people grow and be valued is inspiring.” She continually seeks to enhance experiences for those she serves. “I wouldn’t be here without all of the participants.... They are the whole reason.” When discussing challenges, Kummer remains optimistic. “Everyone has their own set of issues,” she shared. She works to ensure everyone can participate in her programs and comes up with creative solutions tailored to individuals' abilities. “It's a good kind of challenge.” For those interested in a career in disability services, she offers this advice: “I would approach everything with a light heart, an open mind, and definitely a pocket of giggles. Enthusiasm and caring for others are going to get you far.”
“National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week gives us an important opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary professionals who support thousands of Minnesotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building inclusive, self-directed lives,” said Julie K. Zbaracki, President of MOHR. “Direct Support Professionals help people discover their strengths, pursue their goals, build relationships, develop skills, find meaningful employment, and participate fully in community life. Their work requires compassion, creativity, professionalism, resilience, and a deep belief in the potential of every person. We are honored to recognize these six outstanding award recipients who exemplify the very best of our profession.”
The 2026 recipients were selected for accomplishments that reflect the core values of direct support, including advancing meaningful employment opportunities, promoting community engagement, creating innovative enrichment experiences, expanding access and inclusion, developing strong community partnerships, and improving quality of life for the individuals they support.
