Looking Upwards Awards for Excellence Fall 2025
We are proud to honor these inspirational individuals and businesses. Each in their own way has shown outstanding commitment towards fostering a life full of possibilities for everyone -- supporting children, youth and families to thrive and adults living with disabilities to live vibrant, satisfying lives. We extend special thanks to The Atlantic Resort, Golden Gate Florist and Nicki Eppley of Eppley Photography for making this an event fitting the occasion.
Excellence Awards
Monique Rocha
Exceptional Professional Award
Anna Reagle
Linda Brandao Award
Christina Sousa
Karen Beistek Award
Celeste Whitehouse
Team Leader Award
Heather Sullivan
Hidden Star Award
Denise Lussier
Hidden Star Award
David Vaughan
Personal Growth Award
Jessica Welsh
Shining Star Award
CPNRI Statewide Recognition
Shannon Duggan, MA
Congratulations to
Sheila McDonnell
Team Leader Award
Special Recognition Award
Downtown Designs
Represented by: Peggy Ludwig, Victor Aguirre Williams, Elena Schweizer, Melissa Seitz, William Buckley
Special Recognition Award
Out of the Box
Represented by: Casey Weibust, Katherine Thompson
Above & Beyond Award
Maintenance Team
C.J. Amorin, Mike Melo, Eileen Echevarria, Shawn Irwin
Team Accomplishment Award
Dexter Team
Represented by: Kristin Meunier, Alicia Calhoun, Sharon Dupre
Community Partner Award
Joe Oliveira of Green Valley Country Club with Looking Upwards’ Executive Director Carrie Miranda
Volunteer of the Year
Virginia Schweizer with Looking Upwards’ Executive Director Carrie Miranda
Direct Support & Educational Professional Awards
First Row, L-R
Virginia McMullen
Leonna Perry
Marie Pleitez-Palencia
Heidi Kramers
Laura Anderson
Alicia Calhoun
Gabrielle Galhardo
Stephanie Roderiques
Lily Jenkins
2nd Row, L-R
Leah Oliver
Renae Medeiros
Hailey Mendes
Clara Brouillard
Samantha Gillespie
Beck Crawford
Meredith DeAngelis
3rd Row, L-R
Jamey Ellis
Annette Desrosiers
Christian Oullette
Claribel Majia
Robert Johnson
Jere Smith
Aidan Dozois
CPNRI Direct Support Professional of the Year
Laura Anderson
Additional Direct Support Award Recipients
- no photo available –
Ryan Connor
Koreena Allen
Ben Baxter
Alysia Luther
Saleena Semiao
Quentin Hunter-Colvin
Marcus Plummer
Fern Solis
Anthony Eniola
Babatunde Oyedele
Samantha Nhem