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2025 IACP DSP Award Winner: Jackie Peterson

posted on Thursday, October 16, 2025

<p>At Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI), Jackie Peterson is often described as &ldquo;human sunshine.&rdquo; And when you meet her, it&rsquo;s easy to see why. Jackie brings a warm, person-centered approach to every interaction. She looks beyond behavior to truly understand each person, supporting them to regain independence, rebuild relationships, and achieve their goals.</p> <p></p> <p>Whether it&rsquo;s helping someone maintain housing, navigate benefits, or transform a long-cluttered home, Jackie pairs compassion with action. She doesn&rsquo;t just offer encouragement &mdash; she actively walks alongside people as they work toward success.</p> <p></p> <p>Jackie&rsquo;s path to becoming a direct support professional wasn&rsquo;t a straight line. After years in the corporate world and serving as the primary caretaker for both parents until their passing, Jackie realized that direct support work was her true calling. Her natural caregiving instincts and positive, warm-hearted spirit shine in this role.</p> <p></p> <p>Every day, Jackie writes down her goals at the top of her work schedule and carries it with her &mdash; a small practice that reflects her intentional, purpose-driven approach. She starts each new day with a smile, spreading encouragement and kindness wherever she goes.</p> <p></p> <p>Jackie is deeply admired by peers and supervisors alike. She is beloved by the people she serves and their families, who know they can trust her with the ones who mean the most to them. Jackie believes in the goodness of all people. As she says, &ldquo;It just takes one person believing in them. I will be that one.&rdquo;</p> <p></p> <p>Her steadfast belief, combined with her compassion, makes her an extraordinary support to others and a well-deserving recipient of the <strong>2025 IACP DSP Award.</strong></p> <p></p> <p>Congratulations, Jackie &mdash; and thank you for being the sunshine in so many lives.</p>