Kathy Rosenberry, Virginia State Winner

(Front Royal, VA) Kathy Rosenberry has a job that, on average, 70 percent of people quit within the first six months. But she’s been caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for nearly four years. And Ms. Rosenberry was named the best at what she does in all of Virginia, earning the honor while recovering from a brain aneurysm.

A direct support professional (DSP) for Community Alternatives Virginia, Ms. Rosenberry received the award of most outstanding direct support professional in Virginia from ANCOR, a national association representing private providers who provide supports and services to people with disabilities. She is one of 39 state winners who was honored at an event in New Orleans, La., on April 15.

The trip to New Orleans was the first time Ms. Rosenberry and her husband have ever flown. But this isn’t her first trip as a direct support professional. On September 11, 2007 she traveled to Washington, DC, to rally for bill HR 1279, legislation to increase the amount the federal government will pay caregivers.

“I’m just a little country girl born and raised in Front Royal,” she said. “It was kind of scary to sit and talk to your congressman in his office, but once I met him, he made me feel at ease, that he appreciated what DSPs did for the disabled.”

As a direct support professional, Ms. Rosenberry primarily supports four guys, from 20 to 33 years old with a variety of developmental and intellectual disabilities, as they live active lives. She helps them bathe, cook dinner, go fishing and participate in Kool Kats, a monthly meeting of people with disabilities.

“I know my son and I would be lost without Kathy,” Barbara Train said. Ms. Rosenberry provides care for Ms. Train’s son, who has developmental disabilities. “When she was recovering from her aneurysm, I kept praying she’d be okay for her sake and because she’s such a stable influence on all the guys she cares for.”

Ms. Rosenberry said that the parents of the people she supports always tell her that she’s changed their children’s lives.

“But they’ve changed my life too,” she said. “These guys are like part of my family.”