This week, we join organizations across the country in celebrating Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Appreciation Week. At Community Living Alternatives (CLA), DSPs are the heart of our mission. They provide the care, encouragement, and support that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full, meaningful lives.
We’re proud to highlight some of the incredible CLA CLASS DSPs who make CLA a stronger, more compassionate community every single day — including staff, host home providers, and family caregivers.
Recognized at the State Level
This year, Governor Jared Polis officially proclaimed September 7–13, 2025 as Direct Support Professionals Week in Colorado. The proclamation honors DSPs for building trusted relationships, fostering independence, and strengthening communities. We are proud to see our DSPs recognized not just at CLA, but across the state.
A Week of Gratitude
Each of these DSPs brings their own strengths — whether it’s music, caregiving, creativity, or leadership — but together they share a common thread: a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
To Gregg, David, Juni, Melanie, Angel and every DSP at CLA — including host home providers and family caregivers — thank you. Your dedication is the reason CLA can carry out its mission every day. We are grateful for the heart, skill, and compassion you bring to our community.
Please join us in celebrating DSP Appreciation Week by sharing a message of thanks for our DSPs in the comments below or on social media.
Meet CLA CLASS DSPs:
Gregg W. – CLASS Day Program Director
Gregg began his journey in this field because he truly wanted to help people. After starting his career in 2000, he joined CLA in 2001 and has spent more than two decades supporting individuals to build independence, integrate into their communities, and even secure employment. From 2001 to 2005, Gregg also served as an adviser for People First of Denver, a self-advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By 2013, he had become CLA’s Day Program Director and played a key role in developing and launching our C.L.A.S.S. program. When he’s not at CLA, Gregg shares his love of music as a blues band musician — bringing the same creativity and joy to the stage that he brings to his work.
Juni H. – CLASS Day Program Direct Support
For Juni, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities was her very first job after moving to the U.S. from Indonesia — and 23 years later, she’s still just as passionate about the work. Juni joined CLA in 2019 and has been an integral part of the CLASS program ever since. Her career includes serving as a Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP), Phlebotomist, and Licensed Psychiatric Technician, all of which showcase her expertise and dedication. Juni also brings creativity to her role, with a love for arts and crafts, gardening, and travel. Family is central to Juni’s life as well — she treasures time with her two granddaughters and maintains close ties with loved ones in Indonesia.
Dave Y. – CLASS Day Program Direct Support
Dave has been a part of CLA since 2016, but his commitment to caregiving goes back much further. With more than 30 years of experience caring for a disabled family member, Dave brings unmatched empathy and understanding to his role as a DSP. At CLASS, he enjoys taking people on outings, introducing them to new experiences, and encouraging lifelong learning. Outside of CLA, Dave continues his passion for service by supporting seniors and caring for his family, including his adult children and stepson.
Melanie C. – CLASS Day Program Direct Support
Melanie joined CLA in 2019 and has worn many hats since then, serving both as a Direct Support Professional and as a Program Manager. A graduate of Metropolitan State University in Denver, Melanie has always had a passion for helping others and takes great pride in being part of the CLA team. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially on outings, and looks forward to continuing her work supporting individuals with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and connection.
Angel H. – Direct Support Professional and Former Host Home Provider
Angel has dedicated more than 30 years to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — work she describes as both her passion and her calling. A mother of four and a student of Biblical Studies, Angel’s guiding mission is to serve God by serving others. She considers her role at Community Living Alternatives one of the greatest gifts of her life and is grateful every day for the chance to live out her purpose.