Every year, we shine a spotlight on local chapter employees who support Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live their best lives while advancing the mission of The Arc. This special honor goes to those Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who truly go above and beyond in their work. Congratulations to this year’s Gilbert John Zucchi Direct Support Professionals of the Year!
The 2026 awardees, whom you can read about below, are recognized for exemplifying the qualities of Gil Zucchi, including:
- Superior moral strength and integrity
- Devotion to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities beyond the call of duty
- Warm personal relationships
- Respect
- Thoughtfulness
- Fairness in relationships with persons with IDD
Sonya Jackson, The Arc Baltimore
Sonya embodies what it means to be an exceptional Direct Support Professional. For 15 years, she has demonstrated kindness, compassion, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to the four people she supports. She consistently puts their choices, goals, and needs at the center of her work and takes the initiative to ensure they receive the support they need. She also goes well beyond her direct responsibilities. She welcomes new staff, shares her knowledge and experience, and readily offers guidance to colleagues and management. Even though Family Living staff often work independently, Sonya understands the importance of being part of a team and is always willing to help others succeed. Her manager is continually amazed by how much she accomplishes in the limited time she has. For 15 years, Sonya has lived The Arc Baltimore’s mission, vision, and values through her everyday work. Her dedication, initiative, teamwork, and commitment make her an outstanding example of what a DSP should be.
Zoey Killen, The Arc Carroll County
Zoey has excelled for years as a Direct Support Professional. Zoey is always coming to work with a smile and positivity that are contagious, and she has a positive influence on the individuals she supports. Zoey is patient, person-centered, and creative. Zoey has planned numerous outings with the help of individuals she supports. Zoey is a key contributor to the success of Arc Carroll County’s events. Zoey has planned fun days such as National Tie Dye Day, where everyone got some fresh air and got to make their own shirt to wear to celebrate the national day. Zoey is knowledgeable and a great role model for new DSPs to shadow. It is clear that Zoey has found her passion and brings her caring and supportive nature to work with her every day. Zoey approaches her days with the individuals she supports in mind. She supports individuals to volunteer, meet their goals, and try new things. Zoey is a great advocate for those she supports, making sure they are getting their needs met and living fulfilled lives. Zoey is an essential part of our team and deserves this nomination for the time, care, compassion, and love she pours into her work.
Maxine Robinson, The Arc Howard County
Maxine is pleasant to work with and always a team player. She is reliable and knowledgeable about both the work and the people she supports. She is a “go-to” DSP and steps in whenever needed. She ensures the people she supports are healthy, fulfilled, and encouraged to exercise their rights to make their own decisions. She is easy to communicate with and maintains a positive attitude.
Describing Maxine’s work on a more granular level, we note that she consistently ensures that the food provided to the man she supports aligns with his prescribed diet and medical needs. Her attention to his dietary requirements has helped him maintain healthy bloodwork levels without the need for increased medication. She has established a good rapport with another person supported to familiarize herself with a game that is meaningful to him, and engages with him during times when he needs support to rest and relax. She is very respectful to the people she supports at all times and is mission-driven.
Ijeoma Maduafokwa, The Arc Maryland
IJ has consistently demonstrated that being a DSP is much more than fulfilling the responsibilities of a job. She works extremely well with Dominique, whom she has supported for the past couple of years. IJ treats Dominique with dignity, patience, kindness, and respect. Her interactions are grounded in genuine care and a belief that every person deserves to be heard, valued, and treated with dignity. One of IJ’s greatest strengths is the warm and trusting relationship she has with Dominique. She recognizes and celebrates Dominique’s abilities and consistently puts the well-being of Dominique at the center of work. Her support empowers Dominique rather than simply assisting her. IJ represents the very best of a direct support professional: she’s compassionate, respectful, person-centered, and extremely committed to helping all people with IDD live lives of dignity, inclusion, choice, and opportunity.
Rosalinda Cu, The Arc Montgomery County
Rosalinda exemplifies the dedication, compassion, and person-centered support that define an outstanding Direct Support Professional. Through her work, she has built a trusted relationship with the person she supports that has helped him gain confidence, strengthen his independence, and make meaningful progress toward his personal goals. Rosalinda is consistent, patient, and dependable. She takes the time to understand his interests, needs, and abilities and finds meaningful ways to build upon them. She has supported him in developing daily living skills, including meal preparation, while encouraging him to take a more active role in the things he can do for himself. Her support is not simply about completing daily tasks; it is about helping the person she supports to grow, succeed, and have greater confidence in himself. For her ability to turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth and independence, we believe Rosalinda represents the very best of the DSP profession and is highly deserving of the Gil Zucchi DSP Award.
Steven Webb, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
Steven makes a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the people he supports by helping them build confidence, exercise choice, and actively participate in their communities. He understands that true support goes beyond completing tasks or accompanying someone to an activity. His focus is on creating opportunities for people to pursue their interests, develop independence, and experience a sense of belonging. As a Personal Support Coach, Steven consistently finds ways to connect the people he supports with meaningful community experiences, even when obstacles arise. Whether supporting someone to enjoy local events, visit community resources, participate in recreational activities, or pursue personal goals, he approaches each opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. Steven’s patience, compassion, and leadership positively influence coworkers and strengthen the culture of The Arc NCR. He consistently goes above and beyond expectations, sharing knowledge, pursuing professional development, and modeling person-centered practices for others. Most importantly, the people he supports feel empowered to advocate for themselves, make meaningful choices, and live fuller, more independent lives because of Steven’s encouragement and support. His ability to build warm, respectful relationships while promoting dignity, fairness, and self-determination makes a profound difference every day.
Jennifer Arnsparger, The Arc Washington County
Jen has worked at The Arc Washington County for over 21 years. She demonstrates exceptional compassion and dedication in her work, consistently going above and beyond for every individual she supports. She truly embodies what it means to provide person-centered care and is a strong advocate for those she supports. Jen’s passion for this field is admirable, and she ensures that both medical and daily needs are met with the highest level of attention. Beyond her everyday responsibilities, she makes it her mission to create meaningful experiences, such as taking individuals to baseball games, shopping in the community, and visiting the horses at STAR. Her commitment greatly enhances the quality of life for those in her care.