Six staff members earned national certification as direct support professionals, including five DSP-I certifications and one advancement to DSP-II, representing 47 years of combined service
Manchester, NH, April 20, 2026– Easterseals NH recognized six staff members at a graduation ceremony last week, with five earning DSP-I certification and one advancing to DSP-II. Together, the group represents 47 years of service to the organization.
Direct support professionals (DSPs) are essential to the individuals and families Easterseals NH serves every day. These frontline care workers provide hands-on support that promotes independence, dignity, and community connection for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This latest group of graduates reflects the growth of Easterseals NH’s partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), which provides staff with access to nationally recognized, competency-based training and certification. A ceremony in October 2025 marked the program’s inaugural graduating class, with additional cohorts now completing training on a recurring basis.
Each DSP-I graduate successfully completed 50 hours of accredited training and passed a rigorous competency evaluation. Brianna Pratt became the organization’s first DSP-II graduate, completing 100 hours.
“I started my career as a direct support professional, so I know firsthand how meaningful and how challenging this work is,” said Susan Silsby, Executive Vice President of Programs for Easterseals NH. “What this group has accomplished reflects not just their commitment to professional growth, but also the way they show up every day for the people we serve. Their work may not make headlines, but it changes lives in meaningful ways by helping people build independence, find their voice, and live with dignity. That’s what makes this so important.”
The NADSP certification process helps ensure staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to provide consistent, high-quality, person-centered care. The curriculum covered a broad range of topics, including supporting individuals with clinical needs, managing high-risk behaviors, and promoting social connection.
Participants also demonstrated their skills through real-world application, showcasing their ability to provide effective, person-centered support in a variety of settings.
Easterseals NH is seeking motivated and compassionate team members to join its direct support workforce. Staff who achieve NADSP certification are eligible for hourly pay differentials. For more information about DSP training opportunities, visit eastersealsnh.org/training-center-of-excellence.
About Easterseals New Hampshire
Since 1936, Easterseals New Hampshire has provided exceptional services to ensure that all people with varied abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. A leader in social services for individuals with disabilities and those underserved by traditional programs, Easterseals NH provides essential services and supports to approximately 17,000 children, adults, seniors, and Veterans annually. Their programs cover areas like early intervention, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, adult day and in-home care, behavioral health, housing, and substance use disorders. Easterseals NH is a community of care for all ages, for all abilities, for life.
For more information, visit eastersealsnh.org or follow them @EastersealsNH on Facebook.
# # #