TORRINGTON – Diversified Services Inc. (DSI) has named, Kristine Martin, as their Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the year.

According to DSI, Martin has been working with the non-profit organization since December of 2022, as well as their Intensive Adult Day Services Department (IADS) in which she has recently be given the position as Manager.

Martin had previously worked with the Community Living Services (CLS) as a DSP, and was a CLS Manager Assistant going from November of 2016 to January of 2018.

According to CEO of DSI, Julene Cook, “She is the most positive person you will ever meet. She strives to be optimistic everyday no matter if it’s a good or bad day, or what life throws at her. She is a leader who is organized, flexible, optimistic, spontaneous, smart and has a loving, great sense of humor.”

According to her DSI colleagues, Martin supports all individuals by recognizing that each person has a choice in everything they do. She is widely known amongst her peers and participants as having extreme kindness along with a strong positive attitude and work ethic, added with “a bit of style.”

One of the things she enjoys most with her work at DSI is supporting, and assisting participants in always developing their own unique strengths and goals.

It should be noted firmly that Martin is strongly against any form of stereotypes or preconceived beliefs when it comes to DSI participants, and is fully committed to the organizations mission statement to “support individuals so that they may lead more successful and meaningful lives.”

“She believes that everyone is placed in this world and is given the opportunity to have a better life,” Cook added. 

Other nominees for 2023 were Bev Yeik (CLS), Tiffany Pyle (Adult Day Services) and Mary Vara-Garcia (CLS). 

Previous DSI DSP of the Years include Anna Aleman (2019), Zach Prado (2020), Chris Banister (2021) and Mistie Kimmel (2022).

If should be noted further that Wyoming Community Service Providers (WCSP) will be hosting, in Casper at Occasions by Cory, their statewide recognition banquet. The banquet will honor statewide nominees who have positively impacted the lives of people every day. The banquet will be held on September 11, 2023, at Occasions by Cory at 6 p.m. Kristine will be one of nine statewide nominees for DSP of the Year to be recognized at the ceremony.

September 11-16 will be nationally recognized as DSP recognition week.  DSP’s are considered to be lifeline indispensable workers who assist in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental difficulties, as well as acquired brain injury to live safe, happy, and productively in their communities.  

For more information or questions on DSI, feel free to call 307-532-5911, or visit www.dsiwy.org.