Donate
Member Login
Become A Member
Filling Big Shoes, Her Own Way: Heather Alge’s Journey From DSP to CEO

Keep Up With
All Things CPNRI

Two ballroom dancers perform a dramatic pose on a stage washed in pink, purple, and blue light. On the left, a dark-haired man in an open, flowing white satin shirt, gold necklaces, and tan trousers extends one arm wide with an intense expression. In front of him, a woman with blonde hair in a loose updo smiles with her eyes closed, one arm curved upward and the other bent near her waist. She wears a white satin crop top and skirt trimmed with rhinestones, plus several sparkling bracelets.

Paralympian Brings Disability Representation to Dancing With the Stars

At 21 years old, he is going from gold to the dance floor.
A navy blue graphic titled Filling Big Shoes, Her Own Way in white and green script, with smaller white and green text below reading From DSP to CEO and an arrow pointing right. On the left, two taped-in photos show a young woman outdoors in a black top and a group of five women in red aprons and beanies. On the right, a large portrait shows a smiling woman with wavy brown hair in a blue shirt against a light gradient background.

.

September 9, 2026

Filling Big Shoes, Her Own Way: Heather Alge’s Journey From DSP to CEO

What it's like replacing a legend and how she is creating her own path.
Read More
A YouTube thumbnail for a karting video. Large distressed white text across the top reads “KARTING.” In the center, a driver wearing a helmet races a red go-kart around an indoor track with motion blur and glowing sparks to emphasize speed. On the left, a circular inset photo shows two men leaning over a kart and working on it, suggesting maintenance or preparation. A white arrow connects the inset image to the main racing scene. Along the bottom is a black-and-white checkered pattern resembling a racing finish flag.

.

March 11, 2026

The Work Inside a Karting Track | Disability Employment

Read More
A graphic featuring Dr. Marissa Ruff centered in the image, smiling at the camera. She is a white woman with straight brown hair, wearing a dark top and a gold necklace. Behind her is a blurred group photo of staff and a virtual meeting screen, suggesting a professional community setting. Large green text reads “DSP to VP” across the top, highlighting her career progression from Direct Support Professional to Vice President. On the left is a small inset photo of Dr. Ruff and colleagues holding certificates at an awards event. On the right is another inset photo of her holding an award in front of a purple backdrop that reads “Innovation & Impact.” At the bottom left, text reads “Dr. Marissa Ruff,” and at the bottom right, green text reads “Exclusive Interview.”

.

February 6, 2026

Leading An Organization Supporting 1,000+ People with Disabilities | From DSP to VP

“I didn’t care about making millions of dollars. I just wanted to make a difference."
Read More
A Paralympic swimmer wearing a white sweater with an American flag holds up a gold medal and smiles in the foreground. Behind her, swimmers race in a pool with lane lines visible. In the top right corner, a circular graphic shows a chest X-ray with one lung highlighted in red, referencing a medical incident.

,

.

January 14, 2026

She Won Gold After a Collapsed Lung

In an exclusive story with CPNRI, Leanne shares how her greatest struggle became her greatest comeback.
Read More

,

.

December 23, 2025

Christmas in Sign Language

What began decades ago continues to be a reminder of what inclusion looks like when it’s done right. It's not an afterthought, its foundation.
Read More

,

.

December 10, 2025

Your Guide to Adult Disability Services in Rhode Island

This new, free resource breaks down many of the service options available and what each one does.
Read More

.

December 4, 2025

He Makes Something Used to Build Your Car

This part is small, but essential and must be produced with extraordinary accuracy.
Read More

.

October 16, 2025

The Hidden Café in the State House | Disability Employment

The woman serving Governors and state lawmakers.
Read More

,

.

October 8, 2025

HIGHLIGHTS: Rhode Island’s 2025 DSP Celebration

Your chance to experience the joy, energy and gratitude.
Read More

,

.

September 26, 2025

Rhode Island’s 2025 DSP Celebration

400+ people to celebrate DSPs...
Read More
Load More

Join Our
Community

Do you want impactful stories, ways you can help and updates on our work? Subscribe to our growing community.