We are thrilled to announce the winners of Venture Together’s 2023 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) of the Year Awards!
Numerous outstanding nominations were submitted making it a challenge to pick just one Direct Support Professional. As a result, the committee decided to choose one DSP of the Year for the Day Program and one DSP of the Year for Residential. Additionally, there were two nominations for extraordinary DSPs who deserve an honorable mention.
Read on to meet the winners below and congratulations to all! And a big thank you to all of our DSP’s and all of Venture’s staff for everything you do for the people we support.
DSP of the Year for Residential
Mona Galette, DSP at Tanglewood House
Employed at Venture since 1986, Mona has worked in residential spending most of her career as a DSP at Venture Inn. Currently she works as a DSP at Tanglewood House.
“Mona is [an] all-around staff, which means no task is ever too big or small for Mona and she’s not bound by any kind of work. Mona is an outstanding team player. Mona works hard daily to bring unity to a challenging work and being around Mona motivates you to work. Her collaboration at work unifies the team and strengthens the spirit of the team” – Emerson Theagene, Direct Support Professional, Rodgers House
DSP of the Year for Day Programs
Margarette Louissaint, Senior DSP at Creative Venture
Employed at Venture Together since 1989, Margarette has dedicated her career to working in Day Programs as a Senior DSP at Venture Center and most recently at Creative Venture.
“I watch her every day in admiration – she has created an atmosphere of love and respect that comes from within. Margarette has done a million simple things that have made all of us at Venture more fulfilled and better people.” – Sue Blanchard, Day Program Director, Creative Venture
Honorable Mention for Day Program
Lorenzo Rivera, DSP at Main Street
Hired in 2006, Lorenzo has dedicated his DSP career to working in Day Programs and often picking up shifts in residential when available.
“[Lorenzo} is respectful of the individuals and is willing to out of his way to care, help, counsel individuals in need. The true characteristic I see in Lorenzo is his genuine concern and compassion for our individuals and [he] is an asset to the Venture Family.” – Loretta Beneduce, Asst. Day Program
Honorable Mention for Residential
Marie Valescot, DSP at Rodgers House
Hired in 2010, Marie has spent most of her career at Venture Together working as a DSP in our Community Habilitation program. Marie recently transferred to residential and is working as a DSP at Rodgers House.
“In the short time I have been here, I have not seen such care, professionalism and love from any one person. I consider her the mother of Rodgers, the caretaker, the wise one who clearly put her all into her job. We are blessed to have her.” – Noelle, Lisa, Asst. Residential Director, Rodgers House
