In every IEP she writes, Barber National Institute Behavior Specialist Diane Majczyk, ensures that the voice, strengths, and goals of each adult shine through with clarity and purpose. But it’s not just the paperwork where she excels- it's how she partners with DSPs to bring those plans to life, turning goals into real growth.  

“Diane’s approach to behavior support is nothing short of remarkable. She crafts detailed, individualized plans that are not only comprehensive but also deeply thoughtful and person-centered,” said Thad Jackman, senior director of Barber National Institute’s residential services. “Her ability to see the whole person—beyond the behaviors—is what sets her apart. Each plan she develops is a testament to her commitment to empowering clients to thrive in all areas of life.” 

She understands that success isn't confined to a therapy room. Diane actively supports her clients in navigating real-world environments, from community outings to medical appointments. She recognizes the importance of these experiences in building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Her well-written plans, whether it's helping a client manage anxiety in a crowded store or advocating for them during a doctor’s visit, demonstrate her unwavering support and advocacy. 

Her approach is never about taking over- it's about building confidence, sharing practical strategies, and reminding everyone that progress is possible. 

“She collaborates closely with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure that every plan is not only effective but sustainable. Her ability to communicate complex strategies in a clear and compassionate way makes her an invaluable resource to everyone around her,” said Jackman. 

For families whose loved ones receive direct support, true peace of mind is invaluable. Roselyn Spearman goes far beyond providing exceptional care: she delivers that peace every day. As an outstanding DSP, Roselyn's true distinction lies in her extraordinary ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with families, ensuring they feel connected, informed, and completely confident in the compassionate care their loved ones receive. 

Roselyn consistently goes above and beyond in her dedication to individuals and meaningful connections with families. Barber National Institute Residential Supervisor Camilla Smith highlights Roselyn's family relationships: “Everyone who meets her loves her. She takes the time to build trust and open communication with each family. And she sends families pictures of outings and communicates about concerns with medications and appointments, always keeping families in the loop." Her daily presence radiates positive energy, uplifting the individuals in her care and providing immense peace of mind to their families, who know their loved ones are in  compassionate and capable hands. 

Roselyn’s commitment shines particularly during community outings, where she consistently fosters a safe and fun environment that families are proud to see their loved ones thrive in. Barber National Institute Residential Supervisor Norman Crawford notes a special relationship between Roselyn and one the families: “One family specifically requested Roselyn be transferred to work with their son. They loved how engaging and hands-on she is and believed she would make their son’s life better.”  

Even in challenging circumstances, Roselyn's commitment to individuals and their families shines through. Crawford recalled when an entire area experienced a power outage, and Roselyn took it upon herself to personally ensure the individuals she supported were safe. She not only transported them to a hotel but also transformed a potentially stressful emergency into a fun experience, complete with swimming and dining out, while keeping families informed and reassured.  

Nohemy Smith, a lead DSP at Barber National Institute, proactively crafts a world of possibilities through communication and strong relationships with individuals and their families. Her dedication to fostering inclusion is paralleled only by her unwavering commitment to keeping family members involved and valued in the care of their loved ones. 

Nohemy's innovative approach shines in her tireless efforts to engage individuals and incorporate family members into enriching experiences. In her home, she supports individuals who are blind, deaf, and in a wheelchair. Despite these complexities, Nohemy consistently collaborates with families to find creative ways for them to enjoy life, always thinking outside the box and actively inviting families to be a part of these joyful moments. Residential supervisor Camilla Smith recalls, "She talked to the families, identified individuals’ interests, and found a sensory museum for her individuals to go to. They had a great time, and the families were very thankful to her. They really appreciate how much she goes out of her way to hear their input.” Nohemy fiercely advocates for her individuals, ensuring they are living fulfilling lives and that families are consistently involved in discussions and decisions. 

This past year, Nohemy faced the heartbreaking loss of one of the individuals in her care. Camilla notes Nohemy’s strength during this incredibly difficult time: “She became a pillar of strength for the entire home, offering emotional support to her team and the grieving family.” Her ability to maintain composure and provide empathetic guidance through such hardship further highlights her exceptional dedication to the well-being of both the individuals she supports and their families. Nohemy’s resilience, selflessness, and unwavering passion for building strong family connections make her an invaluable asset to our team.  

Leadership isn’t just about making schedules or checking tasks off a list – it's about showing up, setting the tone, and bringing out the best in others.  Edita Hukic, with over 20 years of dedicated service in residential programs, leads by example every day, rolling up her sleeves to guide staff through challenges while also investing in the growth of the team. 

Edita’s journey began as a DSP in a group home to her current role as a Program Specialist. Her career growth is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the individuals she supports. 

“Edita’s impact is deeply felt, especially in the life of a young man who faced significant challenges with emotional regulation and behavioral struggles. Through her patience, consistency, and compassionate guidance, Edita helped him build the skills and confidence he needed to thrive,” said Thad Jackman, Barber National Institute’s senior director of residential services. “Today, he regularly participates in community outings, manages his emotions with greater independence, and even takes pride in doing his own laundry—milestones that once seemed out of reach.” 

Edita’s work goes far beyond her job description. She brings heart, insight, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does. Her ability to see potential where others might see obstacles has transformed lives and inspired those around her. 

“She is not only a leader but a mentor, a problem-solver, and a true advocate for the individuals she serves.  Barber National Institute is stronger because of her, and her legacy of care and empowerment continues to grow every day,” said Jackman.  

It’s this commitment to people – both the individuals we serve and the teams who care for them –that makes Edita an outstanding frontline manager. 

Some leaders manage teams; Dagrie Phillips empowers an entire organization. As an outstanding Frontline Manager, Dagrie drives meaningful change by recognizing that true success stems from uplifting every individual and supporting all staff. Her innovative leadership creates a powerful ripple effect, significantly impacting the lives of those served by Barber National Institute. 

As a true change agent, Dagrie ensures her expertise isn't isolated. She truly understands that a well-equipped team provides the highest quality service. Residential Supervisor Norman Crawford, newer to Barber, recalls countless times when Dagrie supported him: “I look up to her a lot and rely on her guidance. I mean, I can go on and on about Dagrie and her continuous support. She goes far beyond her own duties to make sure others are well situated”. Crawford told of a specific instance when the individuals he supports had an upcoming airline trip. “Dagrie took it upon herself to drive to the airport to make sure [the individuals] were safely sent off with their necessary medications.” This proactive approach highlights her "people-first" mindset and willingness to go the extra mile for any and everyone. 

Dagrie's commitment to supporting her colleagues and the broader organization is particularly evident in her approach to new initiatives, such as the implementation of Dayforce, emphasized by Residential Supervisor Camilla Smith. "When Dayforce came out, she caught on fast and was quick to help others. Dagrie has helped the company understand new policies. She has also taken it upon on the role of teaching us supervisors about polices. She makes sure we are being the best supervisors we can be.” Her actions are a testament to her dedication to empowering the entire team with the necessary tools and understanding to excel.  

"In every way," Associate Director V’Lynncia Riggins said, "Dagrie embodies the qualities of an exceptional supervisor: someone who inspires, supports, and leads with integrity. Her commitment to excellence and her people-first mindset make her an invaluable member of our team and a role model for others." 

For over 15 years, Charlene Gaines-Jackson has not just provided support; she has woven herself into the fabric of Barber National Institute, embodying extraordinary dedication that has truly transformed lives. As a DSP, her profound impact extends across years of service, consistently ensuring individuals live meaningful and inclusive lives. Her unwavering commitment makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Direct Support Professional Length of Service Award. 

Kizzy Solomon-Harris, Residential Supervisor, has had the privilege of witnessing Charlene’s exceptional character firsthand for seven years. "There are some things orientation training does not teach you," notes Solomon-Harris. "Things that I have learned by watching Charlene. I’ve seen how she looks after individuals like her own and exercises compassion." Charlene goes above and beyond, offering a level of care that can only come from genuine empathy and extensive experience. 

Charlene's remarkable qualities truly shone during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Charlene helped out tremendously with the individuals due to the shortage of sick staff," recalls Solomon-Harris. "Charlene and I did multiple double shifts throughout the week to ensure that the individuals were well cared for." During this critical time, Charlene's devotion and meticulous attention to cleanliness were exceptional. She ensured the home was always disinfected and engaged individuals in various activities to maintain their well-being. "With Charlene’s professionalism, commitment and wisdom, the individuals and us were able to get through the pandemic crisis without getting sick," affirms Solomon-Harris, a testament to Charlene's pivotal role in safeguarding their health and happiness. 

Charlene consistently demonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills, building meaningful relationships with ease. Her innate ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, coupled with her genuine empathy and excellent communication, makes her an invaluable team member and a joy to work with. Highly dependable, trustworthy, and possessing a strong work ethic, Charlene's positive attitude serves as an inspiration to everyone around her. Her more than a decade and a half of unwavering service stands as a powerful testament to her enduring impact and commitment to excellence at Barber National Institute. 

Frances Kehl’s length of service at Barber National Institute spans six decades. This job is her life’s work and she has done it masterfully. From her early beginnings at Barber working in the “daily living room” to instructing adults in the field of food service at the Lakefront Restaurant, to her current role as Lead Direct Support Professional, there is no one more deserving of this recognition than Fran. Her interactions have touched the lives of thousands throughout the years. 

Until recently, DSPs were among the lowest paid caregivers in the field.  Historically, if you stayed in the role, you did so because you love what you do every day. Fran is among that group; you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who cares for the adults in our program more than Fran. Through her daily preparation and planning, Fran has always made certain our program is at its best and that it remains successful.