Tahlequah Marla Holderbee Honored With an 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 Agency Companion Marla Holderbee with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Holderbee was nominated by Oklahoma DHS DDS’ Teena Neugin. Neugin supervises the unit that manages the companion home program in Tahlequah. She said Holderbee began her career as a habilitation training specialist approximately 20 years ago when she cared for three women with developmental disabilities. In 2003, it was time for one of the women to move into a companion home, and Holderbee didn’t hesitate to become her agency companion.

“Marla developed a close relationship with the family of the woman she cares for and they had complete trust that she would be an excellent companion for their daughter,” Neugin said. “Marla stays close to the family and she was supportive and gave special care to her individual when her mother passed away in 2009. She still remains close to the family.”

She said Holderbee’s advocacy has been evident in her desire to assist her client with behavioral issues, as well as medical issues.

“She also extends her advocacy on behalf of other people with intellectual disabilities through friendships and actively participating in special leisure activities, such as having cookouts, and by her participation in Special Olympics,” Neugin said. “Marla has also ensured that her client be included in community activities. They often enjoy going to Branson, Missouri, for vacations.” 

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.

###