Celebrating National DSP Week at DakotAbilities

DSPs are there for the everyday moments and the big milestones. They build relationships, encourage independence, support individual goals, create opportunities to explore the community, and help ensure each person has the support they need to live a life that reflects their interests, choices, and dreams.

Their work is not always easy, but it is always important.

From early mornings and busy afternoons to community adventures, appointments, celebrations, and quiet moments of connection, our DSPs bring patience, flexibility, compassion, and energy to their roles. They are advocates, encouragers, problem-solvers, supporters, and trusted members in the lives of the people they support.

This National DSP Week, we extend our gratitude to every DSP at DakotAbilities for the heart and effort they bring to their work. The impact of what they do reaches far beyond a single shift, creating relationships, opportunities, and experiences that make each day meaningful.

Celebrating Our 2026 Rising Star: Rebecca "Becca" Erickson

We are excited to recognize Rebecca "Becca" Erickson as our 2026 Rising Star!

In just her first few months as a DSP at Kennedy, Becca has already made an incredible impression. She has built phenomenal relationships with the people who live and work at Kennedy and brings a positive attitude to every shift.

Always ready for whatever adventure the day may bring, Becca's enthusiasm is contagious. Her energy and outlook extend beyond herself, positively impacting the people she supports and the team around her.

Becca has quickly shown what it means to bring your whole heart to the role of a DSP. We are excited to watch her continue to grow in her position and see all the great things she will accomplish in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Becca, on being named DakotAbilities' 2026 Rising Star!

Celebrating Our 2026 DSP of the Year: Sonia "Bunny" Moser

Our 2026 DSP of the Year, Sonia "Bunny" Moser, embodies the heart of what it means to be a Direct Support Professional.

Bunny's dedication to the people supported at Trinity Point is evident in everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each person feels valued, seen, and heard, while encouraging opportunities for people to remain active, engaged, and connected to their community.

Whether she is encouraging someone to participate in a local event, creating opportunities based on individual interests, or advocating for a person supported to spend meaningful time with family, Bunny is always looking for ways to bring more excitement, connection, and possibility into people's lives.

Her advocacy is matched by her deep understanding of the people she supports. With years of experience at DakotAbilities, Bunny knows the ins and outs of each person's needs, preferences, and goals. She is reliable, honest, and always willing to step in where she is needed.

Perhaps most importantly, Bunny is present.

She takes the time to connect with the people she supports and ensure they feel heard and understood. She is protective when situations call for advocacy, while always respecting each person's independence and individuality.

Her positivity is infectious, her relationships are meaningful, and her impact on Trinity Point is unmistakable. As one nomination put it, Bunny is basically Trinity's mascot!

Congratulations, Bunny, on being named DakotAbilities' 2026 DSP of the Year!

Congratulations to Our 2026 Nominees

Being nominated for either DSP of the Year or Rising Star is a reflection of the meaningful impact an individual has on the people around them. We are incredibly proud of every nominee and grateful for the dedication, compassion, and commitment they bring to DakotAbilities each day.

2026 DSP of the Year Nominees

  • Majama Moiyallah-Dagher
  • Katy Michaud
  • Julie Palmer (nominated twice)
  • Kayla Baumgartner
  • Michelle Snelling
  • Sonia "Bunny" Moser (nominated twice)
  • Edwin Mendoza
  • Samuel Fennel
  • Barbara Martinez
  • Mawutor Gbogar
  • Michael Vigants

2026 Rising Star Nominees

  • Eren "Josie" Petersen
  • Janiqua Paulson
  • Shelby Redwing
  • Rebecca Erickson
  • Heather Moody

Each nominee represents the many DSPs across our organization who work every day to build meaningful relationships, create opportunities, and support people in living full, connected, and self-directed lives.

Thank You, Direct Support Professionals

As we celebrate National DSP Week, we want every Direct Support Professional at DakotAbilities to know how much they are appreciated.

Thank you for showing up. Thank you for adapting to whatever the day brings. Thank you for celebrating accomplishments, encouraging new experiences, and supporting people through challenges. Thank you for the relationships you build, the opportunities you create, and the care you bring to every role. And thank you for helping make DakotAbilities a place where people are supported, valued, and empowered to live lives of their choosing.

To Becca, Bunny, our incredible nominees, and every Direct Support Professional at DakotAbilities — thank you for all that you do and the difference you make every day.

Happy National Direct Support Professional Week!