INARF 2026 Annual Awards Nominees
The INARF Annual Awards offer a platform that provides INARF members the opportunity to publicly recognize their staff, individuals supported, and community partners who embrace individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. INARF believes all the nominees are truly deserving of this recognition and therefore we are proud to spotlight our INARF Annual Award Nominees. Each award category shares a list of nominees with a brief description as to why they were nominated. The INARF Annual Awards winners of each category were announced at the INARF Annual Awards Ceremony on September 22 as part of the INARF Annual Conference.
Award Categories
Justin Dart Jr. Personal Achievement Award
The Justin Dart Jr. Personal Achievement Award is named after Justin Whitlock Dart Jr., an American activist and advocate for people with disabilities. Justin helped to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), and is regarded as the "Godfather of the ADA". This award is presented to an individual participating in services through an INARF member organization and who, like Mr. Dart, has maximized their skills and abilities to achieve their chosen goals. Achievements may include volunteerism, advocacy for disability issues, and/or upward mobility and dedication to reaching their personal goals. Attributes of the Nominees for this award are:
The Justin Dart Jr. Personal Achievement Award is named after Justin Whitlock Dart Jr., an American activist and advocate for people with disabilities. Justin helped to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), and is regarded as the "Godfather of the ADA". This award is presented to an individual participating in services through an INARF member organization and who, like Mr. Dart, has maximized their skills and abilities to achieve their chosen goals. Achievements may include volunteerism, advocacy for disability issues, and/or upward mobility and dedication to reaching their personal goals. Attributes of the Nominees for this award are:
- Currently utilizing habilitation and/or rehabilitation services to enhance their independence and quality of life
- Have been involved in services for over two years
- Have a diagnosed disability
2026 Nominees
Veronica Go, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
Catherine (Kate) Lehman, Noble, Inc.
Linda Palmer, New Hope of Indiana
Tonya Pinkerton, Help at Home
Ryan Raab, Sycamore Services, Inc.
Carolyn Roth, Carey Services, Inc.
Meagan Toren, Opportunity Enterprises
2026 Winner: Meagan Toren, Opportunity Enterprises
Veronica Go, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
Catherine (Kate) Lehman, Noble, Inc.
Linda Palmer, New Hope of Indiana
Tonya Pinkerton, Help at Home
Ryan Raab, Sycamore Services, Inc.
Carolyn Roth, Carey Services, Inc.
Meagan Toren, Opportunity Enterprises
2026 Winner: Meagan Toren, Opportunity Enterprises
|
|
Keystone Award
The Keystone Award is presented to the most outstanding direct service staff member of an INARF member organization. Qualified candidates manifest, through personal attributes and dedication, the mission of the human service/habilitation industry. Candidates qualifying for this award must currently be employed in the role of front-line direct care, such as a Direct Support Professional, Employment Specialist, Behavioral Consultant, etc., and have a minimum of three (3) years of employment. Attributes of the Nominees for this award are:
The Keystone Award is presented to the most outstanding direct service staff member of an INARF member organization. Qualified candidates manifest, through personal attributes and dedication, the mission of the human service/habilitation industry. Candidates qualifying for this award must currently be employed in the role of front-line direct care, such as a Direct Support Professional, Employment Specialist, Behavioral Consultant, etc., and have a minimum of three (3) years of employment. Attributes of the Nominees for this award are:
- The first to employ innovative techniques, enriching the quality of services and thus the quality of life for those they support
- The first to uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities
- The first to accept change and insist that such changes have meaning and purpose
- The first in the hearts of those they support
2026 Nominees
Enass Alkhanafsa, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
Rebecca Crum, St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities
Melissa Hardesty, Easterseals Crossroads
Beatrice (Bessie) Henson, LEL Home Services, LLC
Brittney Lechenet, Cardinal Services, Inc.
Petrana Petkova, ADEC, Inc.
Leah Ronske, Dungarvin Indiana, LLC
Anita Warren, Noble, Inc.
Lisa Worthington, Carey Services, Inc.
Gina Zeabart, KCARC
2026 Winner: Lisa Worthington, Carey Services, Inc.
Enass Alkhanafsa, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
Rebecca Crum, St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities
Melissa Hardesty, Easterseals Crossroads
Beatrice (Bessie) Henson, LEL Home Services, LLC
Brittney Lechenet, Cardinal Services, Inc.
Petrana Petkova, ADEC, Inc.
Leah Ronske, Dungarvin Indiana, LLC
Anita Warren, Noble, Inc.
Lisa Worthington, Carey Services, Inc.
Gina Zeabart, KCARC
2026 Winner: Lisa Worthington, Carey Services, Inc.
|
|
Pinnacle Award
The Pinnacle Award is presented to an outstanding professional level staff member in a leadership / management role employed by an INARF member organization. The nominees represent outstanding individual dedication to advocacy, innovation, education, and inspiration, and are recognized for their leadership among others within their organization. Attributes of the Nominees for this award:
The Pinnacle Award is presented to an outstanding professional level staff member in a leadership / management role employed by an INARF member organization. The nominees represent outstanding individual dedication to advocacy, innovation, education, and inspiration, and are recognized for their leadership among others within their organization. Attributes of the Nominees for this award:
- Are committed to the Mission and Vision of their organization
- Excel at motivating others to make a difference
- Seek opportunities to be creative in approaches to supporting individuals with a disability
2026 Nominees
Krystal Coleman, Southern Indiana Resource Solutions, Inc.
Olivia Kaplan, Carey Services, Inc.
Ann Johnson, New Hope of Indiana
Delaina Lipsey, Noble, Inc.
Michelle McGuin, ADEC, Inc.
Jen Meils, LEL Home Services, LLC
Jacki Pawski, Cardinal Services, Inc.
Kara Pierce, Sertoma Star Services
Barbara Stanford, Dungarvin Indiana, LLC
Cassie Stanley, Opportunity Enterprises
2026 Winner: Cassie Stanley, Opportunity Enterprises
Krystal Coleman, Southern Indiana Resource Solutions, Inc.
Olivia Kaplan, Carey Services, Inc.
Ann Johnson, New Hope of Indiana
Delaina Lipsey, Noble, Inc.
Michelle McGuin, ADEC, Inc.
Jen Meils, LEL Home Services, LLC
Jacki Pawski, Cardinal Services, Inc.
Kara Pierce, Sertoma Star Services
Barbara Stanford, Dungarvin Indiana, LLC
Cassie Stanley, Opportunity Enterprises
2026 Winner: Cassie Stanley, Opportunity Enterprises
|
|
James M. Hammond, III Executive Leadership Award
The James M. Hammond, III Executive Leadership Award is named in honor of longtime INARF executive and retired CEO, James M. Hammond III, who devoted over three decades of his life to expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities. Mr. Hammond began his career with INARF in the early days of the organization, working closely with INARF's founder, Costa N. Miller. Mr. Hammond became INARF's second CEO after Mr. Miller's passing, leading INARF until his retirement in 2012. This award is presented to an outstanding executive/administrator within the INARF membership. The nominees present outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, political acumen (awareness of others/what is going on around you), ethical demeanor and professional posture to further the interests of their organization and those of their colleagues across the state.
The James M. Hammond, III Executive Leadership Award is named in honor of longtime INARF executive and retired CEO, James M. Hammond III, who devoted over three decades of his life to expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities. Mr. Hammond began his career with INARF in the early days of the organization, working closely with INARF's founder, Costa N. Miller. Mr. Hammond became INARF's second CEO after Mr. Miller's passing, leading INARF until his retirement in 2012. This award is presented to an outstanding executive/administrator within the INARF membership. The nominees present outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, political acumen (awareness of others/what is going on around you), ethical demeanor and professional posture to further the interests of their organization and those of their colleagues across the state.
2026 Nominees
Doug Beebe, Benchmark Human Services
Carmela Toler, LEL Home Services, LLC
Don Wierenga, Corvilla, Inc.
Wade Wingler, Noble, Inc.
2026 Winner: Doug Beebe, Benchmark Human Services
Doug Beebe, Benchmark Human Services
Carmela Toler, LEL Home Services, LLC
Don Wierenga, Corvilla, Inc.
Wade Wingler, Noble, Inc.
2026 Winner: Doug Beebe, Benchmark Human Services
|
|
Partnership Award
The Partnership Award is presented to a community partner (i.e. individual, business, club, educational institution or corporation) making significant contributions to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and the organizations serving them. Partners may also display dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities through innovative approaches to service delivery and by helping form positive public images of people with disabilities.
The Partnership Award is presented to a community partner (i.e. individual, business, club, educational institution or corporation) making significant contributions to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and the organizations serving them. Partners may also display dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities through innovative approaches to service delivery and by helping form positive public images of people with disabilities.
2026 Nominees:
Affordable Housing Corporation / Carey Services, Inc.
Erik and Lana Brenner / LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
DGP Intelsius / Sycamore Services, Inc.
FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic / Noble, Inc.
Frozen Garden / Opportunity Enterprises
Lippert / ADEC, Inc.
Uniquely You Magazine / Tangram, Inc.
2026 Winner: Erik and Lana Brenner / LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
Affordable Housing Corporation / Carey Services, Inc.
Erik and Lana Brenner / LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
DGP Intelsius / Sycamore Services, Inc.
FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic / Noble, Inc.
Frozen Garden / Opportunity Enterprises
Lippert / ADEC, Inc.
Uniquely You Magazine / Tangram, Inc.
2026 Winner: Erik and Lana Brenner / LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
|
|
|
© Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc. (INARF)
615 North Alabama Street, Suite 410, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (t) 317-634-4957 / We'd like to hear from you! |
 |