Heather Coit
Brian Richter, winner of the state's Direct Care Employee of the Year award, loads up soda Thursday with Shirley Kasner, left, and Anna Taylor at Developmental Services Center in Champaign for Friday's Ninth Annual Employee Appreciation luncheon.
CHAMPAIGN – Brian Richter found his calling on a spring break visit to his sister's classroom.
She taught special education at a Lake County high school, and Richter was inspired by her work with students who had behavior challenges. A restaurant manager at the time, Richter knew it was time to get a job where he could make a difference.
The full story is available in our paid story archive.