2026 Roman Direct Service Award Goes to Zebulun Brown

2026 Roman Direct Service Award Goes to Zebulun Brown

September 16th, 2026

By Autism Society of North Carolina Communications

Congratulations to Zebulun Brown, this year’s recipient of the Roman Direct Service Award.

Each year during the national Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) recognizes and honors an ASNC direct service professional who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to individuals with autism and their families with the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award. This annual award was endowed by Lori and Gregg Ireland to honor Christine Roman, the direct service professional who worked with their son, Vinnie. It was named for her parents, John and Claudia Roman.

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide critical support for individuals with autism. Every day they work one-on-one with individuals with autism, teaching skill acquisition and supporting them in reaching their personal life goals. In addition to their staff role, many become trusted friends, natural supports, and honorary members of families.

About Zeb

Zebulun, better known as “Zeb,” exemplifies the many ways DSPs make a difference in their communities and in the lives of those they serve. A member of the ASNC Asheville team, Zeb has been with ASNC since 2007, bringing with him his experience working with autistic individuals in a western NC group home. He found the work there challenging but very rewarding and so was happy to expand his experience working in the autism field as he has done at ASNC. He began his tenure at ASNC’s Marlowe House, a supported living home for autistic men, and recently became part of the team at ASNC’s Ascend adult day program, a structured learning environment where autistic adults receive the necessary support to develop greater self-sufficiency and more involvement with their community.

One of Zeb’s favorite parts of his work at Ascend is job coaching. “This can encompass teaching clients how to clock in for work, teaching them some self-advocacy skills, becoming more independent with gathering supplies needed for their job,” says Zeb. “Community and safety skills are also very important when navigating the world around their workplace and home. Teaching how to stop and wait at crosswalks, how to approach individuals or get their attention, buying personal items, ordering from a menu, and how to celebrate their achievements in life.”

The work is important

Whatever the context, being a direct support professional is important and rewarding for Zeb: “Seeing the growth in the individuals that I work with; the excitement that comes with participating in new activities… The work we do provides individuals with autism and their families with meaningful support, resources, and encouragement. It helps create a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, and gives families access to tools that can improve daily life. This work is important because it promotes understanding, acceptance, and opportunities for individuals with autism to thrive.”

Going above and beyond

Zeb has the reputation of being an “incredible team player” and someone who “consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does at the Ascend program.” From using his master’s degree in outdoor recreation to devise outdoor activities to handling transportation and vehicle maintenance, Zeb is “always willing to lend a helping hand with anything that needs doing. He is always the first staff person willing to step in to help wherever necessary,” says colleague Leigh Ann Harris.

Nominated by several of his colleagues for the Roman Award, it is clear Zeb is a valuable and respected member of the Asheville team. Here’s what his team members have to say about Zeb:

• “He goes all in, takes initiative and works incredibly hard. He is always seeking ways to improve outcomes, support participants and emphasize strengths-based approaches with each participant. He has added so much value to the Ascend team. He leads by example and is always willing to jump in and support his coworkers. He uses his vast knowledge and skill set to creatively implement new and exciting activities, with participant interests at front of mind. He has dedicated so much of his time to the ASNC mission and deserves recognition for his devotion.”
• “Zeb consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does at the Ascend program. He approaches each day and each individual with a positive attitude, genuine compassion, and unwavering commitment. He always is willing to step in wherever needed, whether to assist in a transportation need or to clean a toilet. Zeb supports his coworkers without hesitation. Zeb takes initiative every day to ensure every participant feels valued, safe, and included. His dedication, reliability, and exceptional work ethic make a meaningful difference in our program every day. Zeb truly deserves all the recognition and more!”
• “He always goes above and beyond for our clients and is always looking for creative ways to engage with them. Even on some of the toughest days, Zeb never gives up and holds a high standard of care. He keeps the team morale high as well; he’s a great team player. Additionally, he is always looking for ways to do more, whether it is administrative tasks or services directed. He has great ideas for team building and client engagement. He thinks outside of the box on ways to improve the lives of the individuals we serve and help them grow to their highest potential.”

Like family

And Zeb’s colleagues are not the only people who appreciate his dedication. In nominating Zeb for the Roman Award, parent Patrick Lee shared “My son Willy was about 12 when Zeb started to work for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Willy was his first assignment. My son is 36 now and Zeb has been as important a part of his life as anyone. Zeb’s understanding of Willy’s nature, his needs and his strengths, has been remarkable; much like a family member. He has always stayed a part of Willy’s life and when our family had a medical emergency, Zeb was able to step in and take extra efforts to manage a difficult situation, always thinking of what Willy would need to handle sudden changes.

Many of the Autism Society staff have made profound and lasting contributions in Willy’s life. None have been as important as Zeb’s. Willy’s mom, his sister, and I are indebted to those who can understand and enable a specially-challenged individual like Willy. Zeb has always brought the best out of him.”

Congratulations

With gratitude for his remarkable service, his generous spirit, and the many ways he brightens the lives of those he serves and works alongside; we are proud to celebrate Zebulun Brown as the 2026 Roman Award recipient.

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