Certification has “literally changed the culture” of Penn-Mar Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller vividly recalls the industry conference where he first heard Joe Macbeth, President and CEO of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), describe the people who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities...
Amanda DeStefani Builds Programs Around People. Now She’s Being Recognized for It.  [caption id="attachment_15947" align="alignright" width="300"] From L to R: Ally Comerci, Amanda DeStefani, and Vanessa Whitman pose together while Amanda holds her award.[/caption]On April 23, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a leading national association dedicated...
- DSP Amanda DeStefani Wins ANCOR’s 2026 Award for Person-Centered Supports -April 17, 2025Baltimore - Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to share that the American Network of Community Options and Resources...
Crystal Rich brings her drive and heart to help people grow and live more independently. Crystal Rich assumed responsibility early in life for the daily care of her great-grandmother, who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the value of her experience, she began considering how others might benefit from her...
After 30 years in retail, Daniella Amos found renewed purpose supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.[caption id="attachment_15245" align="alignright" width="300"] Daniella Amos[/caption]After three decades working in the retail field, Daniella Amos started to feel like she was ready to take a leap and explore different careers that...
Jacey supports Frank continue meaningful activities after a devastating loss.Three years ago, Frank Mansfield was in the car with his sister, Isabell, who suffered a fatal car accident. Frank was hospitalized with multiple broken bones. While he continues to grieve the loss of his sister, the steady support of his Penn-Mar...
The community-based Senior DSP received a citation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore. [caption id="attachment_14618" align="alignright" width="300"] Betty poses at the award ceremony with her certificate.[/caption]In October, the Maryland Department of Health, along with partners from the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Maryland Department of Labor hosted a celebration of...
[caption id="attachment_14409" align="alignright" width="300"] Kimberly Palmer[/caption]She's making her mark in a unique way.Kimberly Palmer is accustomed to people commenting on her magenta-colored hair, vibrant clothing styles, and Converse All-Star high-top sneakers with rainbow flames. And when the Penn-Mar Residential Supervisor frequently visits the organization’s Day Program,...
“It energizes me and brings meaning to my life.”[caption id="attachment_14112" align="alignright" width="300"] Angie Shaffer[/caption]Angela “Angie” Shaffer first joined Penn-Mar in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). She spent two years working in a residential setting before moving over to the Day Program where she...
By Michele Jacobs, Penn-Mar Parent  Before moving from Baltimore City to Parkton, MD in 2012, our family prioritized finding a human services provider that could continue offering one-to-one support for our eldest son, Scott, now 35.Scott is non-verbal and sometimes experiences behavioral challenges related to communication difficulties....