Direct support professionals (DSPs) change lives every day. They’re not just providing care—they’re mentors, advocates, and champions of independence, helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) build lives that align with their goals and passions. Nina Raymond is a shining example of what it means to go above and beyond. That’s why we’re thrilled to share that she’s been named the 2025 New Hampshire Direct Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR!
ANCOR is the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability service providers. Since 2007, they’ve been recognizing outstanding DSPs with their annual DSP of the Year awards—shining a spotlight on the people who make inclusion, independence, and quality of life possible for those they support. This year, a record-breaking 500 nominations poured in. Nina joins 53 other honorees in the 2025 edition of ANCOR’s annual Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards program—a testament to the extraordinary dedication of DSPs across the country.
Nina’s impact is undeniable. She doesn’t just support individuals—she lifts up everyone around her. She reminds people that progress isn’t always a straight line, encouraging them to see setbacks as a chance to regroup and keep going. Her compassionate approach empowers the people she supports to stay motivated and push toward their goals, no matter the challenges.
One person Nina supports struggled to speak up when temporary staff disrupted their routine. Working together, they created social stories to help prepare for these interactions. Over time, they gained the confidence to advocate for themselves, and their communication has improved significantly. For their birthday, Nina surprised them with a memory book filled with pictures of their friends, celebrating their growth and progress in building connections with others.
Barbara Merrill, ANCOR’s chief executive officer, put it best: “It is truly a pleasure to hear stories day in and day out about the magic that DSPs make possible as they deliver services that are nothing short of transformative for people with I/DD. It’s the very reason ANCOR began the DSP of the Year Awards program nearly two decades ago, and it’s why we are very much looking forward to celebrating the outstanding professionals like Nina in San Diego next week.”
Nina and the other honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in San Diego, California, on Wednesday, April 9, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. PDT during ANCOR Connect ’25, the association’s annual conference.