2025 SPADD Award Winners
Direct Support Champion
Jessica Edwards
The SPADD Direct Support Champion award is given by SPADD to a Direct Support Professional who has displayed the highest commitment in professional support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The award serves to acknowledge the importance and value of direct support personnel in the growth and achievements of the individuals SPADD members exist to serve.
The 2025 Direct Support Champion is Jessica Edwards of River Edge Behavioral Health. For over 17 years, Jessica has dedicated herself to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at River Edge Behavioral Health Community Integration Centers. Her unwavering commitment and passion have made a profound impact on the lives of countless people.
For the past three years, she has provided exceptional 1:1 and small group community integration services, empowering individuals to meet their highest potential. Her dedication extends beyond direct support; she also serves as a mentor, guiding an individual with IDD into a fulfilling role as a care extender at River Edge.
Jessica also actively encourages self-advocacy. This passion led to the creation of the See Me Hear Me Advocacy Group, a new non-profit organization founded by and for individuals with IDD. This group empowers its members to speak up for themselves and others.
Congratulations, Jessica, on becoming the 2025 SPADD Direct Support Champion!
Employer of the Year
Panel Built, Inc.
The SPADD Employer of the Year award is designed to recognize employers that have displayed outstanding achievements in improving employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Employer of the Year demonstrates commitment to innovative hiring practices, training and support programs, fostering employee growth and development, and the creation of an inclusive and welcoming company culture.
Panel Built, Inc. is SPADD’s 2025 Employer of the Year. Panel Built demonstrates a high commitment to inclusive employment practices, creating a supportive and thriving workplace for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Panel Built's approach to accommodating employees with disabilities is evident in their thoughtful strategies, including providing additional staff support for redirection and task completion.
This support has resulted in significant progress for employees like Ethrell, who has reduced his need for daily staff assistance from daily to just once a week. Ethrell's active participation in company events like cookouts, appreciation dinners, and holiday gatherings highlights the inclusive and welcoming culture fostered by Panel Built. The company’s contributions to their community and the lives of their employees make them a most deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations, Panel Built!