Celebrating Our DSP Employee of the Year Nominees
Let's recognize all our Direct Support Professionals who were nominated for Employee of the Year!
As we move further into the new year, we’re excited to look at our 2026 Employee of the Year nominations. In January, we recognized all of the staff who were nominated for the awards.
Being nominated is an achievement in itself and reflects the dedication, compassion, and impact each person brings to their work every day. Throughout January, we’ll be recognizing all the staff who were nominated for these awards– starting with our direct care staff. Here are all of the individuals who were nominated:
Ann Geraghty - Chaparral House & Drexel Court
"Ann has worked for Phoenix for over a year. She is a reserve staff. Ann always goes above and beyond her job description. She helps to do more cleaning in the house and washing more clothes. She does extra activities with the clients. Ann has helped the clients with the garden at the house and the indoor plants. She does crafts with them. She has just done a lot of holiday cards with them that we are going to give to the community. Like I said, Ann is always finding something that the client loves to do. If it making cards, playing games, or going for a walk outside, Ann is a real team player. She always thinks of others. She makes sure to not leave any extra work, and most times goes beyond what she needs to do. We are all [appreciative] for her and she always makes our day. The clients ask when is Ann going to be back and they really look forward to seeing her. I think…she could be a good leader, because someone who works well with others and is a great team player like her is great at leading. "
Ronique Taylor - Centerville & Ludden Houses
"Ronique exemplifies strong leadership. She is dependable, independent, outgoing, and takes great pride in her work. Ronique deserves this recognition because she consistently demonstrates leadership through her actions and attitude. She can be trusted to handle her responsibilities without supervision, and she always goes above and beyond what is expected. Her positive energy and strong work ethic uplift the team, and she takes pride in providing quality care and support. Ronique is such a valuable asset to the workplace. Ronique consistently delivers outstanding service by approaching every task with dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail. She stays focused, even during challenging situations, and ensures that each person she supports receives the highest quality of care."
Philomena Itoka - Lydia House
"She's very hard-working and she goes above and beyond her job duties. She picks up everybody’s slack. She takes time out to make sure the residents are heard and get the things they want and need. She is also very organized and very detailed when it comes to how the house is operating. She always trains new staff in very well. She makes every holiday or event special for the residents; she comes in, decorates, and cooks. She can work any shift with anyone, is very skilled in training and problem solving. She helps the organization by covering shifts at various houses and putting the clients as priority. We call her Marcus Jr. because of all she does."
A’Zirah Odell - Carver House
"A’Zirah Odell has been a dedicated and valued Direct Support Professional with our organization for a little over a year. In that time, she has consistently demonstrated compassion, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to the individuals she supports. A’Zirah is being nominated for DSP of the Year because she embodies strength, resilience, and exceptional dedication. Despite experiencing profound personal loss this past May—including the passing of her mother and the transition of Laurel to hospice—A’Zirah returned to work with grace, courage, and a positive spirit. Her ability to remain present, supportive, and uplifting during such a challenging time is a true testament to her character and professionalism. Every day, A’Zirah brings positivity and genuine engagement to the individuals she supports. She is interactive, attentive, and intentional in her work, ensuring each person feels valued and cared for. Her person-centered approach shines through in her patience, compassion, and consistency, creating a meaningful and supportive environment for those in her care. A’Zirah demonstrates initiative by stepping in wherever she is needed, often anticipating needs before being asked. She approaches challenges with a thoughtful mindset and uses her creativity to keep individuals engaged, supported, and encouraged. "