MOUNT VERNON — Lighthouses represent resiliency and hope, beacons of light that illuminate a path to safety and security.
Sherrie Simmons, provider relations manager for Knox DD, likens the agency’s direct support professionals (DSPs) to a lighthouse, reflecting the love, comfort, and guidance that DSPs provide.
“A lighthouse stands tall. It’s steadfast and unwavering, and it guides people safely. In many ways, that is exactly what you guys do every day,” Simmons told the nearly 100 people gathered at the Ramser 4-H Center on Tuesday for DD’s DSP appreciation and award luncheon.
“You’re a steady light guided by purpose. You help individuals navigate their life. You encourage independence, and you show them what’s possible.”
Simmons said that despite the long, hard days, DSPs continue to show up with patience, creativity, and love.
“Today is all about gratitude,” Knox DD Superintendent Steve Oster told the group. “We want to thank you for what you do and say how much we appreciate what you do for us and the individuals that you serve.
“Without you, people would not get services, and we need providers who are really good.”
“Unconditional understanding. Dedicated and compassionate. Kindness. Integrity, compassion, strength.”
attributes of a Direct Support Professiona
Oster said he feels fortunate because everyone in Knox County supports and works well together.
“You’re on the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You have to work the holidays. You give up your time from your families to celebrate holidays with people. That’s important as well, so we appreciate that,” he said.
“Every nominee was worthy of recognition. … It’s a commitment to what you do. Thank you for your compassion for the individuals we serve.”
DSPs are unwavering and steadfast
Ann Weisent, DSP provider and support manager for the Ohio Department of Disabilities, said she appreciates what DSPs do.
More significantly, she gets to see it in action in her own community as a Knox County resident.
“As a conduit, a gatekeeper, you are not only helping people that you serve connect with their community, you are also helping the community every single day see how to treat people that live in our community with dignity, respect, and kindness,” she said.
“So your work goes well beyond personal care and passing meds and transporting people. Your work really is about building relationships; it really is about building community.”
Simmons read the phrases used to describe DSP award nominees:
•Heart full of purpose, uplifts others through example
•A huge heart, lights up the faces of people around them, goes above and beyond
•Kind tone and purpose, hard worker
“I could go on and on. I can go on, because that’s how wonderful all of you are,” Simmons said. “So while we could not give all of you an award, you’re absolutely deserving of it. All of you do a fantastic job, and we so appreciate everything that you do.”
Simmons encouraged everyone to tell coworkers, friends, and family what a great job they do throughout the year, not just at an annual awards luncheon.
“The work that you do is unbelievably difficult at times, and all of you know that,” she said.
“Sometimes I’m sure it’s hard for you to know how you’re going to get up and do it all over again tomorrow, and yet somehow you do. And that’s what makes you pretty spectacular.”
Administrator of the Year
Andrew Taylor, director of service and support, presented the Administrator of the Year award to Crystal Qualls.
This award recognizes an outstanding agency administrator who also demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication within the DD field.
Recipients make a significant impact on the quality of services for people with disabilities. They strive not only to improve the lives of those they support, but also foster a positive culture, work environment, and encourage personal growth among staff and provide positive leadership.
According to Qualls’ nomination, she has been a steadfast force in the field, dedicating herself entirely to ensuring that the people served are not only cared for, but truly loved and included.
“From day one, she’s been a relentless advocate, consistently working to make sure that every individual is seen, heard, and supported. Her role goes far beyond just being a manager. She’s a true inspiration to all who have the privilege of working alongside her,” Taylor said.
“Her passion for this work for these people is evident in everything that she does. Her love and commitment are woven into the very fabric of our team.”
Taylor said staff members stay because of Qualls’ inspiration, understanding, and the deep affection she shows to the individuals DD serves, as well as to each staff member.
Thoughtful, intentional, a problem solver, and a solution seeker are other qualities Taylor cited.
Other nominees include Misty Miller, Brittany Lyon, Angie Hedges, Julia Boggs, Shanell Adams, Amber Crabtree, and Alicia Bayoff.
“You show up on good days and bad days. … You make it happen,” Taylor told the DSPs.
“And you show up with smiles, you show up with creativity, a lot of resilience, and you’re the ones who are making the difference in this field.”
Independent Provider of the Year
The winner of the Independent Provider of the Year award provides support to people with disabilities in Knox County.
This person makes a real difference in the lives of those they support. They are reliable, creative, wholesome, well-balanced, and always looking to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
The award went to Edna O’Brien.
Other nominees include Debbie Smith Heisler, Wendy Wolf, Courtney Spencer, Rachael Clancy, Bob Roscoe, Colleen Frazee, Corey Higgins, Rachel Bell, and Donna Hochstetler.
O’Brien’s nomination noted she embodies unwavering kindness, patience, and professionalism.
“She’s soft spoken, always gentle in her approach, yet never hesitant to be firm and assertive when it comes to advocating for her client’s needs,” Simmons said.
“Her calm demeanor brings comfort even during moments of uncertainty and distress. No matter the hour, she answers her phone calls from her client, sometimes just to offer reassurance during a thunderstorm or on a rainy night, and she always does so with a smile on her face.
“Under her guidance, her client has become more active and healthy thanks to carefully managed diabetic diet and a supportive, encouraging presence that never pressures but always inspires. Her impact on his well-being is not only physical but emotional and mental as well.”
‘You are my sunshine’
Pete Moore of the Ohio Provider Resource Association asked the group to sing “You Are My Sunshine.” As the last strains drifted away, he said the song reminds him of the best DSP he ever met: Regina Runyon.
“Regina was the sunshine for the people around her,” he said. “When she walked into the room, the room changed. The mood changed.”
“She was engaging, she was compassionate, and she was caring. Not just about people with developmental disabilities, but about everyone around her.”
Moore said that based on his experience with Regina, he believes the best professionals, including those in the room, have empty chairs.
Why?
“Because the best professionals are interacting. They’re out doing the work. They’re not sitting in the chair passing time,” he said.
“We’re here to celebrate the sunshine that you provide. We’re here to celebrate the fact that you leave your chair empty because you are engaged with the people that you support. You’re engaged, and you care deeply about the people that you work with. And that is awesome.”
Direct Support Professional of the Year
Aaron Kessler and Micah Grashel received the Direct Support Professional of the Year award.
This is someone employed by an agency in Knox County who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to their profession.
“They support, they show up with consistency and reliability, promote independence, and approach every day with creativity, kindness, and compassion, and I’ll add sunshine,” Moore said.
“They’re not only dedicated to helping individuals achieve their goals, but they also inspire their coworkers through their example. Their presence makes a real difference and the way they carry themselves in their work is nothing short of exception.”
Moore said Kessler’s commitment and compassion stand out. Rather than seeing his client’s challenges as obstacles, Kessler sees them as opportunities to connect, understand, and support.
“It’s never just about doing the job. It’s about doing what’s right for the individual he supports,” Moore said. “He is the sunshine.”
Grashel has been a DSP with Gantt Homes for 18 months.
“From day one, he jumped in with both feet and quickly became an indispensable part of the team. His confidence, professionalism, and natural connection with the individuals he supports show that his work isn’t just what he does, it’s who he is,” Moore said.
“Whether he’s at The Hive or out in the community or supporting residents in their group homes, his energy and consistency shine through. … What sets him apart is the way people light up when he’s around.”
Other nominees include Dorina Looney, Tina Davis, Carrie Keller, Jasmine Lewis, Patience Martin, Leah Freeman, Sabrina Hildreth, Sara Carver, Yawna Everhart, Mel Henson, Renee Brown, Trevor Monk, Sedona Ferenbaugh, Melony Jackson, Zoey Schoonover, Samantha Rudder, Lalanya Saunders, Shain Hickok, Courtney Spencer, Amy Allen, Miranda Hawkins, David Frost, Nikolai Grubaugh, Joshua Saunders, and Jasmine Baker.
Lasting Legacy award
The Lasting Legacy Award honors an individual who has dedicated their life and career to improving the world for people with developmental disabilities.
The winner of this award is someone who has been in the DD field for a long time, has retired, or has passed away. During their time, they inspired independence, embraced diversity, served as leaders and mentors, and made a monumental difference for people in the program.
The 2025 honor went to Linda Kerr and her late husband, Ron, who started the Special Olympics program in Knox County.
“What began in 2006 as a dream to create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities soon blossomed into something much greater, something that would leave a lasting legacy of joy, empowerment, and inclusion,” Oster said in presenting the award.
“Every Thursday evening for 16 years, practices were held without fail.
Week after week, athletes arrived not only to sharpen their skills, but to be embraced by encouragement, laughter, and unwavering support.”
Noting the endless hours of behind-the-scenes preparation, paperwork, Oster said their commitment extended far beyond practices and competitions.
It included a lovingly crafted picture book for each athlete as a keepsake, a reminder of memories and how far they have come.
“It’s about making sure every single athlete knew they were valued, celebrated, and loved,” Oster said. “Special Olympics was not just a program, it was family.
“The impact they have made will live on for generations to come. Together they built something truly extraordinary.”
Other nominees were Karen Fletcher, Bo Rambo, and Rebecca Stahle.
