DSP of the Year 2025
Andrew Brennan
Andrew is described by his coworkers as hard working, compassionate, patient, positive, kind, caring, respectful, and understanding. These are the qualities that strengthen his connections and ultimately inspired his coworkers to vote him the 2025 DSP of the Year!
Andrew has been at AIM for just over five years, joining as a DSP in the Without Walls Day Program (WOW) during the pandemic. During this time, Andrew has added immensely to the lives of the people he supports, bringing with him an enthusiasm and energy that helps people build connections and go after the goals they’d like to achieve. He is a humble and caring leader whose shared focus on relationships with his team and the people he supports is always at the forefront.
Below, we speak with Andrew about his journey with AIM and what inspires him as he supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
Q: What brought you to AIM and this line of work?
A: I came to AIM when the day program where I had worked was closed down due to the pandemic. I was there for four years and was so excited when I saw AIM was hiring direct support professionals in their Day Hab.
My mother has worked in this field for years and I have grown up being around people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am very grateful for this line of work. I have been doing this for over 10 years, and it is what I want to continue doing with my life.
Q: Tell us about being nominated and winning, how did you feel?
A: Winning DSP of the year is extremely humbling. It tells me that I am doing something right in the world. It is very rewarding to be a role model for other staff and the people I support.
Q: What continues to inspire you in this field of work?
A: I enjoy facing the new challenges that this type of work brings. I used to be nervous when I would go pick up someone new, but now I am just excited to build a trusting connection with each person I meet. I see how important Day Hab is for the people we serve. It builds a routine into people’s lives and helps them socialize with members of their community. People in this program are constantly building relationships and becoming a part of their community.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: So many things! I love the connections I am able to make. There is teamwork and camaraderie with the people we support. I love taking on whatever the day brings, as it is always something new. I love seeing people’s growth; watching people work towards their goals. No matter how small a step a person is taking, they’re moving forward, and it is amazing.
Q: Tell us about some favorite memories at AIM while supporting people
A: I am really inspired by WOW’s classes with SPAC’s School of the Arts. One person we support, Richard, is shy. The teachers at SPAC have helped him get engaged and up on stage—smiling and having fun. They help people connect with their classmates and feel pride in the work they are putting into their performances. We are so lucky to have that program and to perform on stage alongside the people we support. Access to the performing arts is so important for people to express themselves in ways they never knew they could.
Q: What do you want to say to someone just starting out or considering working in this field?
A: I hope you can be open and patient and willing to give it time. If you think a certain way of support could be challenging, stay open and give it time for your perspective to change. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We’re meant to learn. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do things right, but some things work for some, and others need to find a new way of connecting with people.
Thank you, Andrew, for all you do. You truly uphold AIM’s mission to enhance the lives of the incredible people we serve.
Andrew emul
ates compassion, understanding, patience, and advocacy by showing up each day being authentic to the mission of what is at AIM’s core. Belonging, community, and the people we serve in those everyday moments has been the example Andrew has set. Staying present and enjoying life- but also sharing that journey even during challenging times- is what makes life an even richer experience. Andrew takes these concepts and brings them to reality for everyone at AIM!
-Coworker of Andrew’s