She’s a natural! Dungarvin’s Maria Francisco Named DSP of the Year for Oregon

Of the seven Dungarvin Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to win ANCOR DSP of the Year awards, Maria Francisco is the youngest and least experienced. Yet, in her early 20s, this Portland, Oregon DSP was recognized by ANCOR (American Network of Community Options & Resources) for her extraordinary ability to advocate for and build trusting relationships with the people she supports.

Maria traveled to San Diego in April to accept the award alongside her Dungarvin collegues from around the country during the ANCOR Connect ’25 conference. The Dungarvin Communications team caught up with Maria there to find out how she felt about winning the award.

“Honestly, when I was first nominated, I felt honored because I often feel like DSPs don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Maria said. “Winning the award made me feel good about all the work I’ve put in, because I’d be lying if I said there aren’t bad days. But now, I know I’m doing something right.”

Maria is known among her team members as a “quiet, steady presence who has a powerful ability to set others at ease and provide meaningful supports to individuals with disabilities,” said her nominator and supervisor Stacy Buckley.

Maria works in Dungarvin Oregon’s Supported Living Services, meaning she aids people with disabilities who live independently in their own homes. Maria helped one of these individuals, Justin, to have a more meaningful experience attending college classes. Thanks to her steadfast encouragement and positive reinforcement, he is now a better advocate for himself and knows how to study effectively, Stacey said. There are many examples like this of how Maria has gently supported individuals served to reach their goals and improve their lives.

Maria says working with people who have disabilities is second nature to her because she understands their feelings. “They just want some moral support, and to have someone there, like a companion,” she said. “Honestly, I can relate to that. In fact, sometimes I think to myself ‘Am I supporting them or are they supporting me?’”

That sentiment of mutual caring is common among Dungarvin DSPs who build strong bonds with individuals served.

Dungarvin is so proud of you, Maria, and we know your star will continue to rise. Congratulations on this incredible achievement!