TLC’s own Jasmine Nunery has been recognized by the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed with the 2025 DSP Award for Excellence—celebrating her nine years of extraordinary compassion, advocacy, and service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DSP Spotlight: Celebrating the Heroes Behind the Scenes
By Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC 

At TLC, I am privileged to work alongside some of the most dedicated professionals I have ever known. Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart of our mission. Every day, they show up with patience, compassion, and skill to ensure that children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can live their fullest lives. 

This year, I am especially proud to celebrate one of our own: Jasmine Nunery. Jasmine has been part of the TLC family for nine years, and her extraordinary commitment was recently recognized on a national stage. In September, she was named the recipient of the 2025 DSP Award for Excellence from the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD). 

This award is given to a DSP whose compassion, advocacy, and person-centered approach improve the quality of life for individuals with I/DD. In other words—it perfectly describes Jasmine. 

Jasmine began her journey with us when she was just 25 years old with no DSP experience. From the beginning, she brought humility, determination, and a heart for service. Over the years, she has become known for going far beyond the call of duty: planning birthday celebrations, buying holiday gifts with her own money, and even redecorating residents’ rooms so they feel like true homes. She uplifts her colleagues, inspires the families she supports, and advocates passionately for the people in her care. 

Her commitment to growth is just as inspiring. This year, Jasmine started TLC’s Career Pathways program, which is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to strengthen the DSP workforce in North Carolina. Built on the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals curriculum, Career Pathways provides advanced training, professional development, and national certification through the College of Direct Support. For Jasmine, the program is not about credentials—it is about deepening her ability to make a difference every day and provide our residents with the best care possible. 

This investment in our DSPs is essential. North Carolina faces a growing shortage of professionals to serve individuals with I/DD, even as the need for long-term support is increasing. Programs like Career Pathways are one way TLC is stepping into that gap, ensuring that DSPs are equipped, recognized, and prepared to lead in this critical field. 

I am deeply inspired by Jasmine’s dedication and well-deserved recognition and profoundly grateful for the entire TLC DSP team. Their compassion and expertise fuel everything we do. 

I invite you to join me in celebrating Jasmine and all DSPs. Together, we can continue building a future where every individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities is not only cared for, but truly seen, heard, and valued.