Stephen Kibii, ANCOR DSP of the Year for Indiana
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Stephen Kibii has a gift for developing trusting relationships with the people he supports in a Dungarvin Indiana group home. By taking the time to understand each individual’s unique preferences, strengths and dreams, he lives out Dungarvin’s mission of “respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports.”
The ways in which Stephen demonstrates excellence and compassion in his work, prompted the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) to name him DSP of the Year for the state of Indiana. He will receive this prestigious award, along with five other Dungarvin winners, this week during the ANCOR Connect ’26 conference in Boston.
ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers, chose 57 DSPs out of a record-number 544 nominees from across the country for this year’s awards. Dungarvin flew all six of its honorees, plus their guests, to Boston for a whirlwind experience of the city and the ANCOR awards ceremony.
“Being named DSP of the Year feels meaningful, because it shows that the everyday effort I put in — often in small, quiet moments — truly matters,” Stephen said. “It reminds me to stay committed to giving consistent, respectful support and to keep improving in how I serve others.”
In the video above, Meredith Freeman, Dungarvin Indiana Senior Director, congratulates Stephen on his DSP of the Year Award.
Stephen works in a Dungarvin group home with men who have complex behavioral support needs, meaning they can sometimes express discomfort or frustration in an aggressive manner. About a year ago, a young man moved into the home after living with his parents. He became aggressive at times as he struggled to communicate his feelings about adjusting to a new environment. During the past year, Stephen helped the individual feel comfortable and safe in the home and learn how to express his opinions and feelings in more constructive ways.
Stephen with Kolton, an individual he supports in Indiana.
“He took the time to truly see this young man and where he was coming from when he moved in,” said Stephen’s supervisor and nominator, Greta Goins, a Dungarvin Area Director. “Whenever the individual struggled with expressing himself and would be on the verge of aggression, Stephen would remind him to slow down and breathe, giving him assurance that things would be OK.”
As a result, the young man has made tremendous progress and is now preparing to “graduate” from the group home setting.
Stephen finds supporting people who have exceptional support needs rewarding because he gets to witness their growth and increasing independence. “I enjoy building trust, supporting their daily goals and seeing their progress, even in small steps.”
In addition to his support skills, Stephen is a natural leader to less-experienced DSPs. “Stephen is not new to the DSP line of work … he has a wealth of knowledge to share with newer staff members and he guides them to make informed decisions, which helps them prosper in their roles,” Greta said.
Stephen said he’s learned a great deal during his DSP career, including that “patience and consistency can make a big difference in someone’s progress and well-being. I’ve also realized that truly listening and meeting individuals where they’re at builds trust and leads to better support.”
Congratulations, Stephen! Dungarvin Indiana is lucky to have you, and all of Dungarvin is proud of your leadership and accomplishments.