Tulsa resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Junina Wallace was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Wallace is from Tulsa and works for SQ Residential Services in Broken Arrow. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division sponsors the awards to honor outstanding direct care professionals around the state.   

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.”

Wallace is a House Manager and a Habilitation Training Specialist. She was nominated by OKDHS case manager, Bettina Larsen, who says Wallace has worked as the primary caregiver for the same woman for over five years, through good times and times of crisis. “Despite challenging behaviors, Junina has skillfully and respectfully helped the woman meet her behavioral, medical or personal needs. Every day, Junina helps her overcome obstacles and encourages other staff to do the same,” explained Larsen.

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