ST. ALBANS — Kerryn Morin, one of two SKILLS employees nominated for Direct Support Professional of the Year, was honored Dec. 9 by the Maine Association of Community Service Providers for her commitment to her profession.

Direct support professionals work with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, supporting them with daily living and helping them to be engaged in the community as they grow in independence and reach their full potential, according to a news release from SKILLS Inc.

Morin has worked as a direct support professional at SKILLS for 18 years. She is a staff member at one of SKILLS’ community support programs, the L.C. Dill Center in Skowhegan, but frequently helps at SKILLS’ residential programs when needed.

“Kerryn is loved by the people she supports and her colleagues alike for her positive attitude and patient, calm demeanor. She regularly goes above and beyond, jumping in wherever is needed and tackling any challenge, all with an eye toward helping people grow in independence and achieve their goals,” said Cindy Shaw, community service manager at SKILLS.

Two SKILLS employees were nominated by their respective program managers for the first annual Direct Support Professional of the Year Award presented by the association. Morin has been selected as one of 15 direct support professional honorees from across the state. She was selected from a field of 80. Morin was among those recognized at MACSP’s annual meeting.

“SKILLS is filled with tremendous employees dedicated to providing exceptional support, and we are proud to celebrate with Kerryn as Direct Support Professional of the Year,” said Kristin Overton, executive director.