ARRM Cares

ARRM Cares 2026

An Opportunity to Recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

The ARRM Cares Award was established to recognize professionals from ARRM members who provide direct care and demonstrate a commitment to quality services. ARRM supports and encourages our members to acknowledge their employees’ dedication and service through this award process. All nominees are recognized by ARRM and their employers as the top our field has to offer, while six winners are selected each year who represent outstanding and extraordinary dedication, innovation and skill. Winners receive a $1,000 award and are celebrated in a special ceremony. The Rising Star Award is given to DSPs who have less than three years of service, and the ARRM Cares Award is given to DSPs who have three or more years of service.

2026 Award Finalists 

The Rising Star Award

  • Kathryn Dalton - CCRI, Inc.
  • Kayla Olson-Surface - REM
  • Niki Lacktorin - SMB Disability Solutions
  • Sonja Pirmantgen - Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC

The ARRM Cares Award

  • George Gongera - Living Well Disability Services
  • Heidi Casey - Living Well Disability Services
  • James Snell - Trillium Services
  • Juni Lessard - Trillium Services
  • Karen Knutson - CCRI, Inc.
  • Mabel Massaquoi - Dungarvin Minnesota LLC
  • Nadia Gatiglo - Living Well Disability Services
  • Pamela Larson - Life By Design Inc.
  • Reed Smith - The Lutheran Home Association: Hope Residence
  • Sharen Kesti - DRCC

Important Dates - 2026 Nomination Cycle

April 16th, 2026 Nomination Window Closes

June 9, 2026 Finalists Announced

July 15, 2026 Finalists Recognized at Annual Conference

September 14, 2026 Winners Announced (DSP Week)

2025 ARRM Cares & Rising Star Awards

ARRM Cares Award Winnners

Zockinna Bell, The Phoenix Residence, Inc.

Marielle Clark, CCRI, Inc.

Allison Eider, Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC.

Julie Hanson, CCRI, Inc.

Kim Sirek, Mount Olivet Rolling Acres

Alana Storch, The Lutheran Home: Hope Residence

Rising Star Award Winners

Alejandro Castro, Living Well Disability Services

Jeannie Hicks, TLC of Duluth

2025 Rising Star and ARRM Cares Award Finalists 

The Rising Star Award

  • Alejandro Castro - Living Well Disability Services
  • Bonnie Jenson - CCRI, Inc.
  • Jeannie Hicks - TLC of Duluth
  • Thomas Kelley - Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC

The ARRM Cares Award

  • Alana Storch - The Lutheran Home: Hope Residence
  • Allison Eider - Dungarvin
  • Daniel Hymer - Companion Linc
  • Dominic Haugen - DRCC
  • Julie Hanson - CCRI, Inc.
  • Kim Sirek - Mount Olivet Rolling Acres
  • Marielle Clark - CCRI, Inc.
  • Talasia Riley - Living Well Disability Services
  • Tyler Michelizzi - Trillium Services
  • Zockinna Bell - The Phoenix Residence, Inc.

Access our 2025 ARRM Cares Award Press Release Here.

Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week in Duluth - WDIO-TV

Direct Support Professionals honored for service and dedication - KTTC-TV

Award Winning Direct Support Professionals - North Dakota Today

Duluth woman honored for work with Tender Loving Care - Duluth News Tribune

Local disability support workers recognized for excellence - Hutchinson Leader

Hope Residence Team Member Nominated for ARRM Cares Award - Belle Plaine Herald

Destiny's work: Bemidji social worker nominated for state care provider award - Bemidji Pioneer

Range Center employee nominated for statewide award - CBS3-TV