Trang Conrad: 2020's Iowa DSP of the Year
posted
on Monday, April 20, 2020
We are pleased to announce our very own, Trang Conrad has been awarded with Iowa Direct Support Professional of the Year by American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).
ANCOR diligently chooses each winner by the Direct Supports Professional's ability to advocate for persons served, effectively showcase leadership skills to their peers, bridge social relationships for persons served, and support persons served with thinking outside of the box.
Trang, better known to many as Chu, has only called in sick to work one day out of her 25 years with the EPI family. With this in mind, a word-count regulated nomination form was very hard to write in all of her accomplishments in her time here.
Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognize outstanding professionals who deliver long-term supports and services to people with I/DD. The awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring individuals with I/DD are included and empowered in the community, and raise awareness about a direct support workforce in crisis.
Chu is a fierce advocate for everyone she works with—whether it's to get a medical referral or medication change. She constantly looks for ways people can get out into and enjoy the community. It’s important to her that new staff learn person-centered supports. Chu leads by example and encourages staff to listen, follow through and genuinely show they care.
"We appreciate so much Chu’s commitment and long service to persons served by EPI. We have always known she is a star and we are thrilled that she is being recognized by ANCOR as the Iowa DSP of the year. We could not be more proud of her and her 25 yearlong dedication and commitment to true community inclusion for the individuals we support,” said EPI's Executive Director, Chris Sparks.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trang will be honored online during ANCOR's Virtual Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards Ceremony on May 6. You may register here for information on how to join this virtual celebration.