Karen Celebrates 20 Years of Leading by Selfless Example

October 22, 2026

Karen Cannon began working as a Direct Support Professional for another company in 1993. After years of dedicated service, she was informed that her employer would be closing. Refusing to leave the people she supported, Karen and many of her coworkers continued to provide care for two months without pay. Karen says, “Continuing our commitment to the people we supported took a lot of integrity and earned my respect for my coworkers. We were not certain where our future would end up.” 

When RHA Health Services acquired the company Karen previously worked for, she was relieved and grateful to continue her work. Her supervisor Sherry, who Karen has worked with since the late ‘90s, also stayed on staff through the acquisition. They still work together and Karen jokes, “We’ve been together longer than most marriages!” 

Karen is a truly selfless caregiver at heart. She shares, “I had a brother with special needs. I have always been drawn to work in this field because l like a challenge and it is never boring! Recently, my husband passed away, and I was his full-time caregiver. My husband and I did not have any children, so I feel like the people I support are my family.” 

Camaraderie and support have inspired Karen to dedicate 20 years of her career to RHA. On her third shift team, she feels her coworkers are unified in helping people served become more independent and feel like they belong in their community. When she needed to dedicate more time to her husband, her coworkers supported her in adjusting her schedule and taking time off to meet his needs. Karen values the open line of communication with her supervisor and genuinely feels appreciated at RHA. To celebrate her 20-year work anniversary, she was excited to accept her commemorative trophy, or as she calls it, her “daytime Emmy”! 

Karen, your heart shines through your work every day! We are grateful to have you leading by example on RHA’s Direct Support team. 

Are you interested in a career with RHA? To find jobs near you, visit rhajobs.com.