Sapulpa resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Kourtney Queen of Sapulpa was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25th and 26 in Norman. Queen is a Habilitation Training Specialist who has worked in two different homes with individuals who have physical and developmental disabilities. 

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

Division Director James Nicholson says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who support people with developmental disabilities by becoming as independent as possible,” said Nicholson.

“Oklahoma is committed to assisting people with developmental disabilities find competitive jobs and become working taxpayers. 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 the care, skills and attention provided by these professionals.

Queen was nominated for the award by her supervisor at Brighter Day, Inc., Doni Lillard. in Tulsa. “Kourtney makes sure they have access to activities within the community and are given every opportunity to make their own decisions. Her calm nature allows her to adapt to any individual to which she is assigned. Kourtney is a role model for the staff and the residents,” said Lillard.

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Kourtney Queen (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from James Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.