Robin Kestler named New York State’s DSP of the Year

Robin Kestler recently was honored as New York State’s Direct Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers.

Robin, who retired last fall after a 30-year career at The Resource Center, was honored April 23 in Boston during ANCOR’s annual conference.

Robin is part of ANCOR’s largest-ever class of DSP of the Year honorees, with 57 outstanding professionals being chosen from a record-breaking 544 nominations from around the country. One honoree was chosen as each state’s DSP of the Year, and ANCOR selected several other people for special awards.

TRC officials are excited that Robin was chosen for the award.

“We are absolutely thrilled that ANCOR selected Robin as its DSP of the Year in New York State. To be chosen as the Empire State’s honoree among many other worthy nominees speaks volumes to Robin’s commitment, dedication and devotion to the people we support,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer.

“Robin’s a real trailblazer, and her career exemplifies the transformative power of community-based, person-centered supports and services. Her efforts have resulted in true community inclusion for the people we support.”

ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers, began its annual DSP awards in 2007. The awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ANCOR officials said the awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive and be included in the community.

“Celebrating the nation’s most outstanding direct support professionals is one of the great joys I have as a leader within the national provider community, and Robin Kestler is a perfect reminder why,” said Lori Kress, the President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors. “Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies what it means to deliver supports that are truly person-centered, and each one demonstrates what it means to be a bridge between people and their communities.”

ANCOR said the awards also seek to raise awareness about a direct support workforce in crisis, maintaining that inadequate investments in this workforce have led to a decades-long shortage of DSPs. ANCOR officials believe these challenges are on the brink of getting worse in light of cuts to Medicaid — which funds the majority of services DSPs deliver — at the federal level and in many states.

“Being recognized with a DSP of the Year Award is a tremendous honor every year,” said Barbara Merrill, ANCOR’s CEO. “And the timing couldn’t be better, as funding cuts at the federal level and in many states mean that our nation’s direct support professionals need recognition now more than ever.”

Robin Kestler holds her DSP of the Year Award while posing with Lori Kress, the President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors, at the awards ceremony in Boston.

This marks the second time Robin has received ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Award. She also earned the honor in 2007. Two other TRC employees also have received ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Award: Jennifer Herron was ANCOR’s DSP of the Year for New York State in 2022, while Stephanie Giorgenti was the honoree in 2016.

About ANCOR

For more than 55 years, ANCOR has sought to advance the future of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the trusted conduit of resources for providers, policymakers and the public, ANCOR enhances providers’ ability to support people with I/DD to be fully included and empowered in their communities.