On Friday, September 26, over 400 people gathered at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence to honor the everyday heroes who provide care and compassion to Rhode Islanders with disabilities.
This year’s event marked a meaningful milestone. For the first time, the celebration included providers of children’s services, recognizing their roles in early intervention, behavioral support and daily care for children people with disabilities.
DSPs work incredibly hard every day to support the lives of thousands of people. Our 4th Annual DSP Thank You Video, presented by the John E. Fogarty Foundation, premiered at the event and is our thank you to DSPs:
The celebration included remarks from House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, Congressman Gabe Amo, Senator Jack Reed and attendance from many state legislators.
Celebrating the 2025 DSPs of the Year
The heart of the morning was the recognition of 42 DSPs of the Year, 25 supporting adults and 17 serving children. Each awardee was nominated by their agency for their excellence, professionalism and unwavering dedication.
These honorees include professionals with over two decades of service, as well as rising stars who are already making an impact. Together, they represent the strength and future of Rhode Island’s direct support workforce.
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
Recognizing Community Leadership
In addition to individual DSP honors, we presented four Special Awards recognizing outstanding contributions across the broader community:
- Employer of the Year: Shri Yoga
- Excellence in Service Award: Doreen McConaghy
- Team Unity Award: Mary Anne Maciel
The event also featured the presentation of the 2025 Governmental Service Award to Senator Todd Patalano, introduced by last year’s honoree, Senator Jack Reed. Their remarks underscored the importance of strong leadership and advocacy in sustaining and advancing disability services.
Building the Future We Want to See
As the event came to a close, CPNRI’s Executive Director Tina Spears offered final reflections:
“In a time when the world feels uncertain, the work you do brings stability, joy and hope,” said Spears. “You are building the future we all believe in.”
CPNRI extends its deepest gratitude to the presenting sponsor The John E. Fogarty Foundation, all additional sponsors, the DSP Week Planning Committee, volunteers, speakers, and — most of all — the DSPs who show up every day with heart, skill, and purpose.
Congratulations to the 2025 DSPs of the Year! 🎉