Sampson Wolloh, ANCOR DSP of the Year for Kentucky
Dungarvin Direct Support Professional (DSP) Sampson Wolloh is known among his colleagues as a person with great compassion and empathy, as well as for his skill and creativity in supporting people with disabilities. It was these attributes that led the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) to select him as the DSP of the Year for the state of Kentucky.
Sampson accepted the award alongside five other Dungarvin DSP of the Year winners during the ANCOR Connect ’26 conference this week in Boston. ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers, received a record 544 nominations from around the country for this year’s awards and chose a total of 57 honorees.
“It felt wonderful to receive this award; it’s unbelievable and unexpected. It’s such a great feeling to be recognized for the work I do,” Sampson said.
Dungarvin flew Sampson and its other DSP of the Year winners, plus their guests, to Boston for a whirlwind tour of the city, culminating in the ANCOR awards ceremony.
ANCOR bases its selection on nominees’ strength in four areas: person-centered support, relationships, leadership and innovation. Sampson demonstrates all of these qualities in his daily work, especially person-centered support, said his supervisor Sylvia Vandroff, a Dungarvin Kentucky Area Director.
In the video above, Sylvia Vandroff, Dungarvin Kentucky Area Director, congratulates Sampson on his DSP of the Year Award.
“Sampson’s approach to direct support is grounded in patience, empathy and an unwavering belief that every individual deserves to be heard,” she said. One example is his work with a man who used to be terrified to go to medical visits. “The individual often became anxious and verbally aggressive to the point that some medical offices refused further visits.”
Sampson made it his mission to change this man’s experience by accompanying him to medical appointments and building rapport with medical staff so they could better understand his needs.
“The transformation was remarkable,” Sylvia said. “What once caused distress became a source of pride. The individual now looks forward to his appointments. Through his consistency and compassion, Sampson turned a painful routine into an opportunity for growth, trust and independence.”
Sampson said the relationships he’s developed with the individuals he supports, as well as his Dungarvin managers, make his work meaningful. “They make me feel like I’m part of the family.”
His ability to empathize with others and find ways to help them was no more evident than in his support of an individual whose brother was facing a potentially terminal illness. As his brother was his guardian, having lost their mother years ago, this individual’s world began to unravel and his behavior changed.
“He withdrew, became irritable and expressed deep sadness and fear about being left completely alone,” Sylvia said. “Sampson recognized the signs of grief and isolation and leaned in with compassion. He began spending extra
time with the individual, planning small outings to lift his spirits and give him something to look forward to.”
Sampson and the individual developed a strong bond, and through his consistent support, the man gradually developed a sense of belonging and stability.
“I enjoy building relationships that allow me to support individuals in their personal growth and to become more independent,” he said.
Congratulations to Sampson! Dungarvin is incredibly proud of your well-deserved honor!