Senate Resolution No. 1863

BY: Senator BORRELLO

HONORING Robin Kestler upon the occasion of her
designation as the 2026 New York State Direct
Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose professional achievements and personal
dedication contribute significantly to the well-being of the citizens of
the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
longstanding traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robin Kestler upon the occasion of her designation as the 2026 New York
State Direct Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR; and

WHEREAS, ANCOR, a leading national association dedicated to
advancing the future of supports and services for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities, has selected 57 outstanding
professionals nationwide as members of its 2026 class of Direct Support
Professional of the Year Award recipients, recognizing excellence,
compassion, and commitment in the field; and

WHEREAS, Robin Kestler is most deserving of such recognition for her
extraordinary commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Robin Kestler devoted 30 years of exemplary service as a
Direct Support Professional at The Resource Center in Jamestown, New
York, where she also served in a leadership capacity as a Lead Direct
Support Professional, earning the admiration of colleagues who fondly
referred to her as "The Legend" for her compassion, leadership, and
unwavering dedication; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her distinguished career, Robin Kestler
developed innovative, person-centered approaches that empowered
individuals to explore their interests, build independence, and engage
meaningfully within their communities; and

WHEREAS, Her work extended far beyond her professional
responsibilities, exemplified by her tireless advocacy for those in her
care, including making daily hospital visits and modifying her own home
to ensure the well-being, comfort, and dignity of individuals she
supported; and

WHEREAS, Robin Kestler fostered strong connections between her
program and the broader community, contributing to initiatives such as
GROW Jamestown and organizing partnerships, community garden efforts,
and inclusive events that brought people together and promoted
understanding and belonging; and

WHEREAS, Her legacy of compassion and service also includes more
than 25 years of providing care to individuals in her own residence, as
well as creating cherished traditions such as "Willie-Fest," a joyful
annual celebration that brought happiness and connection to many; and


WHEREAS, In recognition of her outstanding advocacy, Robin Kestler
was previously honored with the Henry Wesley Advocate of the Year Award
in 2005 through The Resource Center's Ability Awareness Awards; and

WHEREAS, After three decades of dedicated service, Robin Kestler
retired, leaving behind an enduring legacy of kindness, innovation, and
profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, Her designation as New York State Direct Support
Professional of the Year by ANCOR stands as a testament to her decades
of dedication, her extraordinary compassion, and her immeasurable
contributions to the field of developmental disabilities services; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robin Kestler upon the occasion of her designation as the 2026 New
York State Direct Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robin Kestler.