Weatherford resident honored with Award of Excellence and Best of the Best Award in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Michelle Buller was honored with two awards at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Buller works for Jones Health Care as a Workshop Program Manager and Job Coach at Life Circles in Weatherford. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division sponsors the awards to honor outstanding direct care professionals around the state.  Buller received not only an Award of Excellence but was one of five individuals who were given the Best of the Best Awards during the Conference.  

JoAnne Goin, Director, OKDHS Developmental Disabilities Services Division says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who help people with intellectual disabilities integrate into their communities.  

“They work long hours, often at low wages to provide services across many settings," says Goin. "The Direct Support Professionals we honored today have gone the extra mile to serve. They have provided empathic, loving care to meet our highest standards. We honor their commitment and service. They truly represent the Best of the Best in Oklahoma’s system of care for people with intellectual disabilities.”

Buller and has been instrumental in changing the way a sheltered workshop program runs according to Jennifer Bradshaw, Buller’s agency director. “Buller has successfully utilized community involvement to solve problems. She jumps at the opportunity for people to be successful at what they want to do by teaching and working closely with them to find their niche,” explained Bradshaw.

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Michelle Buller (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from JoAnne Goin, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.