On Friday, September 20, over 350 people came together to celebrate the remarkable individuals who empower those with disabilities.

This was CPNRI’s 36th annual tribute to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This year, 26 DSPs were honored for their exceptional dedication and compassion in our communities.

Back by popular demand, we celebrated DSPs in our 3rd Annual Thank You DSPs Video. Thank you to everyone who help this production come to life:

The celebration began with a moving address by CPNRI Board President Liz Wiedenhofer. Her words captured the essence of the DSPs’ roles as dedicated advocates:

“With empathy and compassion, you act as encouraging guides and steadfast companions. You challenge society to be more inclusive, accepting, and supportive, not just through your words but through the example you set every day.”

Celebrating DSPs

We proudly honored 26 DSPs of the Year for their dedication and exceptional work. See the full list below!

• Myrlene Georges – AccessPoint RI
• Marlin Rosario – Avatar Residential
• Sangay Knowiden – Cove Center
• Heather Hotaling – Gateways to Change
• Rebecca Harvey – James L. Maher Center
• Julie Buckley – LIFE
• Maria Mastrobuono – Opportunities Unlimited
• Kathleen Tidwell – The Arc of Bristol County proAbility
• Sonny Yon – ReFocus
• Leroy Moses – Spurwink RI
• Sean Devin – The Autism Project
• Christelle Auger – The Fogarty Center
• Alicia Plante – West Bay RI
• Luis Vazquez-Garcia – Action Based Enterprises
• Jennifer Hollis – Community Residences
• Jean Christopher Lubin – Frank Olean Center
• Amanda Nickerson – J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center
• John Mulbah – Justice Resource Institute
• Willie Culpepper – Looking Upwards
• Kyle Lemery – Perspectives Corporation 
• Norma Smith – Project FRIENDS
• Roberto Dorsant – Seven Hills RI
• Mary Lefort – The Arc of Blackstone Valley
• Kaitlin Traynor – The Corliss Institute
• Niove Ng – United Cerebral Palsy of RI
• Yolanda Alverio – Whitmarsh House

Special Awards

CPNRI also celebrated several special awards to people who have done incredible work within their communities. Congratulations to this year’s winners:

• Employer of the Year: Marshalls & HomeGoods 
• Excellence in Service Award: Judith Niedbala (Perspectives Corporation)
• Team Unity Award: Issac Adusu (Seven Hills RI)
• Governmental Service Award: Senator Jack Reed

Thank You

This incredible morning was made possible by our presenting sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. As well as all of our sponsors: Rockland Trust Bank, Therap, Bank Newport, Centreville Bank, Bally’s Lincoln and The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company.

Looking Ahead

CPNRI remains committed to celebrating the incredible work of DSPs throughout the year, sharing stories and achievements on social media and beyond.

As Residential Director Marionette Owens from Avatar Residential put it:

“The work we do as service providers to the people we support makes us part of a different kind of galaxy—one that calls us to shine our light on those we can, making their lives a bit brighter.”

We look forward to continuing to shine the light on the incredible work you do every day. Thank you for being a part of this community.