2025 "We Are Worth It." Direct Support Professional Award Winners

Every fall at PAR's Solutions Conference, we celebrate the "We Are Worth It." award winners. These awards honor outstanding individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary and innovative support and action that lead people with intellectual disability and/or autism to live meaningful and inclusive lives. These winners are honored for transforming lives by supporting people to achieve their personal outcomes while actively engaging in their communities.

Denise Lessner
Emerging Direct Support Professional of the Year
Penn-Mar Human Services

We are proud to honor Denise Lessner, a Direct Support Professional whose compassion, creativity, and commitment have made an incredible impact in just six short months at Penn-Mar Human Services. After a successful career in real estate, Denise chose to pursue something more meaningful—supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite being new to the field, she has fully embraced Penn-Mar’s mission of person-centered care, bringing warmth, empathy, and enthusiasm to everything she does.

At the Day Program, Denise supports five individuals each week, approaching each day with positivity and purpose. She takes the time to truly understand the people she supports—their goals, interests, and unique personalities—and uses that knowledge to create experiences that inspire growth and joy. Whether she’s planning creative projects, discovering community outings, or organizing visits to local museums and nature centers, Denise ensures every day is full of opportunity and connection.

One of her most remarkable successes involves an individual who had previously struggled with aggression and was often excluded from community activities. Through patience, collaboration, and belief in his potential, Denise helped him build trust and confidence. Today, he volunteers weekly, enjoys daily outings, and has even been discharged from behavioral support services—a transformation once thought impossible. Denise Lessner exemplifies what it means to be a Direct Support Professional—compassionate, resilient, and deeply dedicated to empowering others. We are honored to celebrate her tonight for the extraordinary difference she makes every single day.

Hannah Brooks
Direct Support Professional Advocate of the Year
Erie Homes for Children & Adults (EHCA)

EHCA is honored to have Hannah Brooks not only as an employee and a dedicated DSP but a loyal advocate to the individuals she works with every single day. Hannah has been a DSP at EHCA since 2020. It wasn’t long into Hannah’s journey at EHCA, that you could see and feel her genuine compassion and caring with everything she did for everyone she worked with. Along with providing great personal care, Hannah always ensures that love and emotional support was being given too. Hannah’s support stretches far beyond the everyday needs. She always ensures everyone feels included and special. Her willingness to always jump in and advocate for someone’s needs and wants occurs not only in the group home but on medical appointments, volunteer sites and while in the community as they are enjoying and experiencing life around them. Nothing warms your heart more than to see and watch Hannah as she is caring and speaking with one of the individuals, just a vison of pure joy. We have witnessed firsthand as Hannah displays her passion and creativity to always finding a way for the people, she is caring for to feel a real purpose.   

We are so thankful for Hannah’s dedication to the individuals and keeping the EHCA mission at the center of her focus. EHCA and EHCA individuals are experiencing life to the fullest because of DSP’s like Hannah who give 100% every day and all day in making people live rich and fulfilling lives. Hannah is our advocate the year.

Arthur Guistwite
Direct Support Professional Length of Service Award
ProBerco

For 38 years, Artie has been a cornerstone of ProBerco — a steady, compassionate presence in the lives of so many individuals and families. Through his work in both day programs and community living, he has touched countless hearts, forming bonds that have stood the test of time. What makes Artie truly remarkable is the way he shows up — fully, authentically, and wholeheartedly. When you’re with Artie, you feel seen, safe, and valued. He doesn’t just support people; he loves them, includes them, and welcomes them into his life as family. For him, this work has never been just a job — it’s part of who he is.

This past year, Artie lost his dear friend Larry — someone he supported for many years through some of life’s hardest challenges. When Larry faced serious illness and time in the ICU, with difficult end-of-life decisions being made around him, Artie never left his side. While many might have stepped away, Artie leaned in — standing fiercely in love and advocacy for the man he knew Larry to be. Because of Artie’s strength and faithfulness, Larry was able to wake, find peace, and make his own decision — to let go, on his own terms, surrounded by the care and dignity he deserved. That moment — that quiet, profound act of love — captures exactly who Artie is. He doesn’t seek recognition or reward. He doesn’t do it for praise. He does it because his heart leads him there, every single day. Artie reminds us all of what it truly means to serve, to care, and to love without limits.

Matt Barry
Direct Support Professional Family Relationship
Keystone Human Services

It is an honor to celebrate the achievements of Matt Barry, this year’s recipient of the Direct Support Professional Family Relationship Award. This award recognizes not only professional excellence, but also the compassion, dedication, and genuine connection that define the very best in our field. Matt exemplifies what it means to be a Direct Support Professional. Every day, Matt works with two individuals who are completely different from one another, each with their own unique personalities, needs, and aspirations. Yet, Matt approaches each relationship with patience, respect, and a deep commitment to helping them thrive. It’s not just about providing support—it’s about building trust, fostering independence, and celebrating every achievement, big or small.

Matt’s impact doesn’t stop with the individuals served. Matt works closely with their families, understanding that true support means engaging the entire circle of care. Families know they can count on Matt for honest communication, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering encouragement. Matt’s good work ethic is matched by a sense of humor that brightens every room and a caring spirit that lifts up everyone he’s around. In a profession that demands both skill and heart, Matt stands out as someone who brings both in abundance. Today, we honor not just the work, but the person—the laughter, the kindness, and the dedication that make Matt truly deserving of this award.

2025 Award Winners