Tricia Clay of Life Connections Recognized as New Hampshire’s 2026 Direct Support Professional of the Year

HAMPTON FALLS, NH, April 7, 2026 — Life Connections is proud to announce that Tricia Clay, a Direct Support Professional (DSP), has been named the 2026 New Hampshire DSP of the Year by ANCOR, a national association representing community-based providers of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tricia is among 57 professionals selected nationwide from a record number of nearly 550 nominations. Honorees were chosen by a panel of more than 70 judges from across the ANCOR community, recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in delivering person-centered supports.

“Tricia brings a level of care, consistency, and compassion to her work that truly makes a difference in people’s daily lives,” said Jennifer Cordaro, Executive Director. “She has a way of building trust and connection that helps the individuals she supports feel confident, valued, and part of their community. We’re incredibly proud to see her recognized on a national level.”

ANCOR has presented the DSP of the Year Awards annually since 2007 to recognize the essential role Direct Support Professionals play in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs provide critical, day-to-day support that helps individuals live more independently and stay connected to their communities.

“Celebrating the nation’s most outstanding direct support professionals is one of the great joys I have as a leader within the national provider community, and Tricia Clay is a perfect reminder why,” said Lori Kress, president of ANCOR’s Board of Directors and chief executive officer for Dungarvin, a provider of I/DD services based in Mendota Heights, Minn. “Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies what it means to deliver supports that are truly person-centered, and each one demonstrates what it means to be a bridge between people and their communities.”

Barbara Merrill, ANCOR’s chief executive officer, added: “Being recognized with a DSP of the Year Award is a tremendous honor every year. But this year it’s particularly significant given the enormous pool of talented professionals from which our judges had to choose. And the timing couldn’t be better, as funding cuts at the federal level and in many states mean that our nation’s direct support professionals need recognition now more than ever.”

Tricia and the other 2026 honorees will be recognized during an awards ceremony in Boston, Mass., on Thursday, April 23, from 8:45-10:15 am EDT during ANCOR Connect ’26, the association’s annual conference. Members of the press interested in attending the awards presentation should contact Sean Luechtefeld, ANCOR’s vice president for membership and communications, at sluechtefeld@ancor.org or 571.207.9108.

About Life Connections Specialized Support Services

Life Connections Specialized Support Services delivers compassionate, individualized supports to people of all ages and abilities, with a focus on community inclusion, stability, and long-term success. Serving individuals with complex behavioral health and medical needs, Life Connections partners with families, staff, and communities to create meaningful, person-centered outcomes.

For more information, visit www.lifeconnectionsusa.org.

About ANCOR

For more than 55 years, ANCOR has sought to advance the future of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As the trusted conduit of resources for providers, policymakers and the public, ANCOR enhances providers’ ability to support people with I/DD to be fully included and empowered in their communities.