ANCOR Honors Two Mosaic Direct Support Professionals

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live independently and participate in their communities. They are passionate and committed to providing highly personalized services tailored to the individuals they serve, helping them achieve the goals and desires that matter to them.

This year, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability services providers, has bestowed its 2025 DSP of the Year Award on two Mosaic DSPs: Regina Gitongu with Mosaic in Delaware and Danielle Kirlin with Mosaic in Omaha. Regina and Danielle join 53 other recipients across the country who were chosen from a pool of more than 500 nominees—a record-breaking total.

Regina Gitongu (left) and Danielle Kirlin (right).

Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and support to people with IDD. Mosaic is honored to have two honorees this year, both of whom received accolades from their colleagues for the ways in which they care for the people they serve.

Katherine Thomas, Associate Director of Mosaic in Delaware, praised Regina’s resilience.

“She is an advocate, upholds the rights of those she supports and is always willing to help someone. Regina stands out because she looks out for others and cares about their well-being,” Katherine says.

Danielle’s nominator shared a similar sentiment. 

“Everything Danielle does is for the people we serve. This dedication and servant heart is evident in all she does each and every day at Mosaic, for both individuals served and her peers. She cares about Mosaic’s mission, vision, and values being reflected in her work and takes great pride in that,” she wrote.

“For more than 100 years, Mosaic has been at the forefront of delivering the highest-quality support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That would not be possible without the incredible work of direct support professionals such as Regina and Danielle,” said Barbara Merrill, ANCOR’s CEO. 

Regina and Danielle will join the country’s other 2025 DSP of the Year Award winners for an award ceremony in San Diego on April 9.