Northwest Oklahoma Kathy Phillips Honored With Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) held its 28th Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities recently in Norman. During the awards ceremony, DHS recognized Independent Opportunities’ Adult Companion Kathy Phillips with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Phillips was nominated by her supervisor Kaylie Mullins at Independent Opportunities in Woodward, Oklahoma, because Phillips is helping her brother who has developmental disabilities and other health challenges to live out his dream of living in the country, riding horses and taking care of their ranch.

“Kathy ensures that her brother makes it to every appointment and his health has improved dramatically under her care and close supervision,” Mullins said. “Everyone in Arnett, Oklahoma, and Woodward knows and loves her brother. She takes him to participate in the town parades, they help neighbors with problems on the land and he gets to go to rodeos and dances to hang out with the people in the community.”

A direct support service professional is someone who works as a direct care worker for individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. These workers can include habilitation training specialists, job coaches and group home staff, as well as habilitation aides, workshop staff, and agency companions or as specialized foster parents.

The criteria for winning an Award of Excellence focuses on a nominee’s tenure, experience, relationship to the individual(s) and the families they support, leadership, advocacy and their success in supporting people to be included in the community.

“Our award winners say they absolutely cherish the people they serve,” said JoAnne Goin, director, DDS. “They’re practical, determined and compassionate folk who treat their individuals like dear friends and family, all the while encouraging and teaching them how to become more independent members in the communities where they work and live."

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Kathy Phillips, left, accepts an “Award of Excellence” in direct support service from DHS Director Ed Lake.