Sapulpa resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Kassey Gregory was honored at the annual Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25 and 26 in Norman. Gregory cares for two brothers with developmental disabilities at Brighter Day, Inc. in Tulsa.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) sponsors the awards to honor outstanding direct care professionals around the state.

Division Director Jim Nicholson says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who support people with developmental disabilities as they strive to become as independent as possible.

"Oklahoma is committed to assisting people with developmental disabilities find competitive jobs and become working taxpayers," said Nicholson. "In fact, we are one of the top two states in integrated employment in the country." Nicholson explained that success for people with developmental disabilities is directly related to care, skills and attention provided by these professionals.

Gregory was nominated for the award by her supervisor at Brighter Day, Doni Lillard. "Because of Kassey's calm, quiet demeanor, she has given the men who have lived in the same house in Broken Arrow for at least 20 years, the stability and security they need," said Lillard. "She makes sure they have access to activities within the community and insists that they communicate with everyone they encounter. Kassey is a role model for the staff and the residents."

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Kassey Gregory (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from Jim Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD), Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS)