Celebrating Our Staff & Community Partners | 2026 MSS Awards
Each fall, we recognize several staff member and community partners who have made an exceptional impact on our organization. From direct support staff to case managers to volunteers, these individuals powerfully embody MSS’s mission while working to expand what is possible in our programs and beyond.
Below, learn more about each award winner in the words of their colleagues.
Partnership & Collaboration award
This award honors a staff member, organization, person served, or family who has fostered an exceptional partnership or collaboration with MSS. The recipient of this award has worked closely with MSS to create impactful initiatives, foster a supportive community, and enhance the lives of people with disabilities through strong, effective partnerships.
sam peskie, art facilitator, st. paul
“Since joining MSS, Sam has brought so much to the St. Paul Art Employment Studio. She creates meaningful community integration and volunteer opportunities that help people build skills, develop relationships, and discover new possibilities.
Sam is very passionate about partnerships through the arts. She has coordinated volunteer opportunities with the Minnesota Museum of American Art and the Highpoint Center for Printmaking. She also works at connecting artists with resources to showcase their talents.
Her commitment extends beyond the arts. She is also working to expand public transportation education and has built a partnership with the City of Saint Paul through its Metro Transit Outreach team. In addition, she offers her weekly “On the Go” class where she helps people build confidence and transportation skills, while expanding their community access.
Sam’s impact goes beyond programs and partnerships. Whether sharing her artistic skills or helping people navigate new experiences. She leads with kindness, patience, flexibility, and a person-first approach. She makes everyone feel welcome, valued, and capable.”
nina martine robsinson, artist-in-residence, st. paul
“Nina has been collaborating and supporting Fresh Eye artists for several years now. It began in 2022 when she partnered with Lynda Mullan in the Eye to Eye exhibition and they hit it off of course! The next year she partnered with Becca Seevers to create a textile piece. In 2024 she partnered with Isa on an Eye to Eye team and curated a wonderful show at Fresh Eye Gallery called PATHWAYS with Lynda Mullan, Lena Osman, and Kelly Pals.
She is a current artist-in-residence in the St. Paul studio, has served on Fresh Eye advisory panels, has offered tours at the textile studio where she works, and has volunteered for many MSS events including Celebrate and our St. Paul studio Open House.
Partnership and collaboration have been core components of our relationship with Nina from Day 1. Her peer-to-peer mentorship with artists and her presence in the studio has had a resounding impact on our program. Her generosity, kindness, and excitement for the work we do is felt in every interaction with her.”
Choice & Advocacy award
This award honors someone who has taken a position of advocacy, continuously finding ways to support and embolden people with disabilities to make meaningful choices in their lives. The recipient is committed to respecting the autonomy of individuals and highlights opportunities for self-advocacy and growth. This award celebrates those who ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Leah ross, service coordinator, oakdale
“Leah is a passionate and dedicated advocate who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every individual we support has a voice, feels heard, and is empowered to make meaningful choices about their own life.
Through her work in both Day Support Services and Individualized Home Supports, Leah demonstrates an unwavering commitment to person-centered services. She takes the time to truly listen, understand each individual's unique needs, preferences, and goals, and ensure they have the information, encouragement, and support needed to make informed decisions that promote independence and personal growth.
Leah recognizes that advocacy is not simply speaking on someone's behalf, but empowering individuals to speak up for themselves. She works collaboratively with individuals, families, and support teams to ensure that each person's rights, choices, and dignity remain at the forefront of the services and supports they receive.
Her compassion, patience, and dedication have made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those we support. Leah leads by example, reminding us all of the importance of respecting individual choices, encouraging self-advocacy, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live a life that is truly their own.”
diversity, individuality, & belonging Award
This award recognizes a person who embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and fosters a culture of belonging within the MSS community. They have created an inclusive environment where differences are honored and celebrated. They value individuals for who they are, recognizing everyone’s unique talents, experiences, and abilities.
S. Da’Vine, Art-Focused Direct Support Professional, Brooklyn Park
“Da'Vine understands that every person has a unique story, perspective, and set of strengths. Through her compassion, respect, and genuine commitment to the people she supports, she creates an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and included. Da'Vine’s ability to build meaningful connections helps promote a sense of belonging not only for the people we serve but also for their coworkers.
She goes above and beyond to celebrate each person's individuality, encouraging choice, independence, and self-expression. She embraces differences, advocates for inclusion, and helps to create opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive.
Da'Vine’s positive attitude, respect for others, and dedication to ensuring everyone feels accepted reflect the very spirit of this award. They remind us that belonging is not just about being present; it is about feeling welcomed, respected, and appreciated for who you are.”
caroline wulf, case manager
“Caroline is a case manager with Ramsey County and supports a number of people who receive services at MSS. Over the years, I've seen her go far beyond what's expected of a case manager. Caroline is there for people, day in and day out: driving people to appointments, helping families navigate complicated systems, finding resources, and responding to difficult situations. She's available at all hours, and when people need her, she shows up.
Earlier this year, when immigration enforcement activities left many families afraid to leave their homes, Caroline was there—providing support, reassurance, and helping people stay connected to the resources they needed. Caroline, I think about the level of support you provide to the people we know at MSS, and I can only imagine the difference you're making for individuals and families throughout Ramsey County. You are an extraordinary advocate. Your commitment to people, especially during difficult and uncertain times, is what belonging looks like in action.”
Innovation award
This award is presented to a person who exemplifies innovation. The recipient has introduced groundbreaking ideas, practices, programs, or technologies that have impacted the persons supported by MSS. They are always looking forward, challenging conventional approaches to provide a more meaningful and engaging experience for the people we support.
Uchenna Chidozie, Individualized Home Supports & Programming Specialist
“This year's recipient was nominated by three different people and for other awards. We first connected with Uchenna when Upstream Arts was closing. He reached out with a vision for bringing his teaching and musical talents to MSS. And when I say musical talents, I mean just about every instrument you can imagine!
We spent time exploring what a role might look like. And I don't think either of us imagined we'd end up here. Individualized Home Supports, Remote Programming, Technology Training and Support—somehow, we went from talking about music lessons and Upstream programming to SharePoint, spreadsheets, automation, and technology!
Today, Uchenna is transforming how we use technology across MSS. He's redesigned attendance and outcome tracking, automated processes, and created tools that save staff hours of work—allowing them to be more present with the people we support. And just as important, he's teaching and coaching coworkers, helping us feel more confident using technology and finding better ways to work.
Uchenna, you see opportunities where the rest of us see complicated systems. We had no idea this is where we'd be today, but I'm so glad we figured it out together.”
President’s award
matt sheetz, Programming & community coordinator, shoreview
“For more than 16 years, Matt has brought creativity, compassion, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the people we support. He has been described as a pillar of the Shoreview culture, and I think that statement captures the spirit of who Matt is.
What stands out about Matt is that he is always asking, ‘How can we make this possible?’ Whether helping create an adaptive beehive, developing accessible equipment, finding new community experiences, or helping someone participate in advocacy at the Capitol, Matt continually looks for ways to remove barriers and create opportunities.
But Matt’s impact is just as evident in the everyday moments. He changes his schedule to ensure someone doesn't miss an experience, fills in where he is needed supporting his coworkers, and, most importantly, listens to the people we support and helps turn their interests and choices into meaningful experiences.
Matt has been nominated for recognition many times over the years for innovation, advocacy, and exceptional service. That consistency says a lot about who he is. Matt, thank you for continually challenging us to rethink what is possible and for making sure the people we support feel heard, valued, included, and empowered.”
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
camille reiser, accounts receivable specialist
For 12 years, our Employee of the Year has been one of those people whose work mostly happens behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt throughout MSS. Camille’s dedication, reliability, and commitment help make it possible for our teams to focus on what matters most: providing high-quality opportunities and supports to the people we serve.
This past year has been especially challenging. She has helped MSS navigate an increasingly complex billing environment, working through confusing guidance, changing priorities, and difficult issues that don't always have simple answers. What stands out is that she doesn't shy away from those challenges. She takes ownership, digs in, and works to find solutions. Her efforts have directly supported the financial stability and long-term sustainability of MSS and our services.
And when our accounting team experienced staff vacancies, She simply stepped up to take on additional responsibilities, helped ensure essential work continued, and played an important role in our year-end financial close and audit, all while continuing to bring positivity, energy, professionalism, and her own unique sense of fun to work every day.
Camille, there are many people whose lives are touched by MSS who may never know everything you do behind the scenes. But we know, we appreciate you, and we recognize how important your work is to making our mission possible.”
Thank you to all of our award winners and nominees for your ongoing dedication to the MSS community!