For some, it’s a calling. For some, a lifeline.
For thousands of Rhode Islanders with disabilities, it’s the person who empowers them to thrive.
Out of thousands of Direct Support Professionals working across Rhode Island, just 42 have been named as a 2025 DSPs of the Year. These professionals were nominated by their organizations for going above and beyond in a field built on compassion, commitment and excellence. SHARE THE NEWS HERE.
Being named a DSP of the Year is more than an award. It is a mark of excellence and a standard for disability services. These honorees represent the highest level of dedication in their work and the deepest impact in the lives they touch.
Rhode Island’s 2025 DSPs of the Year:
- Antoinette Wotorson, AccessPoint RI
- Angela Allard, Action Based Enterprises
- Kacey Oliveira, Arc of Blackstone Valley
- Patricio Garcia, Avatar Residential
- Kayla Osorio, The Corliss Institute
- Mike Westfield, Cove Center
- Ryan Tourgee, Community Residences Inc.
- Emma Carlson, The Fogarty Center
- Argie Stokes, Gateways to Change
- Ian Campopiano, J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center
- Lori Rinkel, James L. Maher Center
- Janes King, Justice Resource Institute
- Luisa Luis, LIFE
- Laura Anderson, Looking Upwards
- Jennifer Walden, Olean Center
- Toni Fuoco, Opportunities Unlimited
- Watna Depina Duarte, Perspectives Corporation
- Kevin Kelly, The Arc of Bristol County proAbility
- Justina Northup, Project FRIENDS
- Kanya Ashley, ReFocus
- Casey Bienkowski, Seven Hills RI
- Abimbola Taiwo, Spurwink RI
- Kaleigh Caruso, United Cerebral Palsy of RI
- Amy Barada, West Bay RI
- Nikki Nance-Almeida, Whitmarsh House
- Nicole Silva, AccessPoint RI
- Mariah Lobello, The Autism Project
- Jennifer Vargas, Family Behavior Solutions
- Jessica Vargas, Family Behavior Solutions
- Sharon MacBeth, Family Service of RI
- Georgia Zarafonitis, The Fogarty Center
- Freya Badger, Groden Network
- Nicholas Ragosta, J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center
- Shannon Duggan, Looking Upwards
- Aaron Guzman, Momentum, Inc.
- Kayla Shalloo, Northeast Family Services
- Joenya Baez, Ocean State Behavioral
- Gail Broccolo, Olean Center
- Michaele Ramos, Perspectives Corporation
- Paula Surprenant, The Arc of Bristol County proAbility
- Nethania Jiminian, Seven Hills RI
- Julia Fontalvo, United Cerebral Palsy of RI
This recognition will take place at our 37th Annual DSP Appreciation Event, where we’ll gather to celebrate the powerful work DSPs do every single day.
“Each year, I’m honored to have the opportunity to recognize these extraordinary workers,” said CPNRI Executive Director, Tina Spears. “I’m amazed by the dedication you all bring to our entire community. We are all stronger because of you.”
To every DSP across the state, thank you. And to this year’s honorees, congratulations! You represent the best of what this profession stands for. 💚