News

NEW LENOX, IL – The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability service providers, has announced that Michael “Mickey” Whitesell, a direct support professional (DSP) at Trinity Services, has been named the ANCOR 2025 National DSP of the Year.  ANCOR represents over 2,500 members who are community-based providers operating across the country.  

Whitesell joins 53 other honorees in national-level recognition for outstanding support to promote community inclusion for people with disabilities.  This year’s award garnered over 500 nominations, a new record.  Whitesell receives his award on Wednesday, April 9, at the ANCOR Connect 2025 Conference in San Diego, California.

Whitesell was a butcher and a cook before discovering his passion for helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health concerns.  “I had a knack for cooking,” explained Whitesell.  “I ran a pub for 15 years before looking for a change of careers.”

When asked how he feels about receiving the ANCOR 2025 National DSP of the Year award, Mickey said, “It’s overwhelming.  I feel so appreciated.  Winning this award makes me want to work harder to do more for the people we support here at Trinity Services.”

Since June 2020, Whitesell has worked at one of Trinity’s community day programs, Studio 22, a former warehouse converted into a recording studio and other activities including music, cooking, and making soda pop.  He loves his job, especially the people he supports.  “Each person is awesome in their way, and I treat them all the same, with care and compassion,” said Whitesell.  “Every day is different.  You never know what to expect.  If someone comes in feeling sad, I do my thing, and five minutes later, they’re laughing and happy.  It makes my heart feel great!”

Thane Dykstra, Ph. D., President and CEO of Trinity Services says Whitesell is very deserving of this prestigious award.  “It is truly an honor to have Mickey Whitesell as a colleague at Trinity,” said Dykstra.  “Mickey brings an authentic dedication and compassion to the people he supports and makes a positive difference in people’s lives every day.” 

Dykstra added, “I’ve been so impressed with Mickey’s working knowledge of positive psychology and how he has incorporated these tools into his work.  Mickey is an inspiration, to me, our staff, people receiving services at Trinity, and their family members.” 

Dykstra also expressed gratitude to the ANCOR leadership team for recognizing the outstanding work of DSPs.  “Too often the work of DSPs goes unnoticed and unrecognized, especially outside their organizations.  In this context, it is particularly gratifying to see Mickey’s work celebrated and shared with the public.  What could be more gratifying than seeing a terrific colleague as Mickey Whitesell recognized by an outstanding organization such as ANCOR?”

Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognized outstanding direct support professionals who deliver long-term services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The ANCOR awards celebrate DSPs and their essential role in ensuring people with disabilities have what they need to flourish and be included in the community. 

“Each year, we are seeing more nominations, and more compelling nominations, for ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Awards,” said Lori Kress, president of ANCOR’s Board of Directors.  “Mickey’s nomination was exceptional.  We cannot think of a more deserving professional to honor as the ANCOR National DSP of the Year.”

Barbara Merrill, chief executive officer for ANCOR, added, “DSPs really and truly do it all, and it’s no exaggeration to say this year’s class of honorees deliver transformative and sometimes life-saving supports to the people who accept their services.  Mickey Whitesell is one of those people.”

To learn more about Trinity Services and community day programs such as Studio 22, visit www.trinityservices.org or contact Sherry Ladislas, Director of Development, at (815) 717-3750.