2025 Direct Care Worker Awards

Orange County Department on Aging and the Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP) honored individuals for their outstanding service in long-term care on Thursday, November 13th during a Direct Care Worker Award ceremony.

Caitlin Fenhagen, Orange County Deputy Manager, recognized all thirty-one nominees, including six individuals who received the following 2025 SHARP Direct Care Worker awards:

Longevity: Joanne Miller – Homewatch CareGivers of the Triangle
Rising Star: Asmaa Abouam – Acorn
Client Impact: Betty Richards – Premier Home Healthcare
Going the Extra Mile: Loubna Selouane – Acorn
Leadership: Touria Smie – Homewatch CareGivers of the Triangle
Direct Care Worker of the Year: Mona Simmons – Right at Home of the Triangle

About the Event


This event recognizes direct care workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who served clients in Orange County within the past year, making a difference in their clients’ lives on a daily basis and in the community.

2025 SHARP Awards winners on stage at the Seymour Center

Other Awards

Employers of the award winners were also honored at the ceremony. 2025 SHARP Direct Care Worker awardee employers are as follows:

  • Acorn Homecare Services
  • All Ways Best Care
  • CareYaya
  • Carol Woods Retirement Community
  • Charles House Association
  • Soltys Place
  • Homewatch Caregivers of the Triangle
  • Premier Home Healthcare
  • Right at Home of the Triangle
  • Transitions LifeCare
  • and individual family caregivers