JM Murray Recognizes Own Direct Support Professional for 2026 Nomination of Direct Support Professional of the Year

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) at JM Murray has recently been named a nominee for the 2026 Direct Support Professional of the Year Award by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), the organization has announced. Mackenzie Rogers was nominated out of 550 nominations nationwide for the recognition. JM Murray says the nomination recognizes a meaningful achievement.

Mackenzie began her career as a DSP for JM Murray back in May of 2025. JM Murray says even though she was new to the field, she quickly established herself as a thoughtful and capable member of their team.

“She works to understand each person’s individual interests and goals, and looks for ways to connect those goals to meaningful opportunities in the community. When one individual expressed an interest in gardening, Makenzie helped them find a volunteer position tending a garden at a local church — an experience that gave that person a greater sense of purpose and belonging.” JM Murray said in a release.

Mackenzie works on trust and consistency. JM Murray says when an individual shared personal mental health struggles with her, she responded with patience, sought out coping strategies suited to their needs and worked alongside them to build a healthier response to stress.

“Her attention to these things helps ensure that each person is treated with dignity and respect by everyone involved.”

Additionally, Mackenzie has been credited for her abilities to quickly adapt to certain situations. One of those instances involved an individual feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty making decisions. She would change that day’s plan with the individual to create a calm environment, this JM Murray says, helped them navigate a stressful moment and redirected them toward a volunteer activity at a local humane society, helping the individual restore their confidence.

“We are proud of Makenzie and glad that her work has been recognized in this way,” said Karen Davis, Senior Vice President of Services at JM Murray. “She is already making a real difference for the people she supports, and this nomination reflects the care and commitment she brings to her role every day.”

JM Murrays say even though Makenzie was not selected as one of this year’s recipients, her being nominated from a pool of over 550 DSP’s throughout the country is genuinely meaningful and well deserved.

ANCOR is a national nonprofit membership organization representing more than 1,700 providers of community services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Direct Support Professional of the Year Award recognizes DSPs who demonstrate outstanding dedication, innovation, and person-centered care.