PCA Program Awards
Paul Kahn Awards for PCA Service
Starting in 2010, the PCA Workforce Council and 1199 SEIU recognize five PCA's from different regions of the Commonwealth with an award for their dedication to their work and their employers. The PCAs are nominated by their consumer/employers or human services agency staff.

2013 Awards
More photos from the Awards Ceremony at the Statehouse are in our Photo Gallery

Kilra Hylton – Greater Boston
Kilra is proud of her ability to relate to her consumer employer, Florence Dunston. “She has been dedicated to me from day one”, said Florence. Kilra has also experienced frustration in her PCA work. She shared, “During one of the winter storms my employer needed to be rushed to the hospital and I got a $35 ticket for taking her. I was told I should have called an ambulance. Our jobs should be valued more than they are.” In addition to working as a PCA, Kilra has a diagnosis of lupus and as a result, she knows first hand the challenges of living with a disability. Kilra is also a strong advocate for expansion and funding for the Medicaid program and for ensuring continued funding of the PCA program.
Angela Bost – Western MA
Angela has worked as a PCA for 20 years. For the past 4 years, she has assisted Rosemary Burns who nominated Angela. When Rosemary was told she needed a wheel chair, Angela worked with her to strengthen her legs to the point where she can get around using a walker. Angela has also shown Rosemary how to use an Iphone and a computer. “Doing the work is really rewarding.” Angela said. “It’s a good feeling to help others. It’s a good feeling when you know that people appreciate your coming to their house and that it helps them to remain in their own home.”
Page King – Southeastern MA
Since 1995, Page, with some breaks to start and raise her own family, has assisted Cheryl and Timothy who are now in their forties and have developmental disabilities. Both individuals are prone to tantrums and when they have these issues, Russell Severs, their surrogate and adoptive father feels that the way Page intervenes and gets matters back under control is amazing. He states that “she does a much better job than I can do. Her method of dealing with tantrums is beautiful.” A Johnson & Wales graduate, Page previously worked in the food service industry, but she says that being a PCA is fulfilling and one of the best jobs she’s ever had. She states: “Being a PCA has taught me compassion and helped me to be a better mother.”
Barbara Constantino – Central MA
Barbara provides assistance to Priscilla, who is 96 and lives in Munson, over an hour and a half from her daughter, Jill. Jill nominated Barbara stating that “Barbara’s constant empathetic care has been as vital to my mother’s health and well-being as Barbara’s devoted attention to mothers more physical needs.” In addition to the care she provides, Barbara recruits and trains new PCAs for the family and has provided extraordinary care. When a tornado threatened Priscilla’s house, Barbara drove behind an emergency vehicle in order to reach Priscilla’s home. Barbara called Jill to assure her that things were okay and that she would stay with her mother and schedule other PCAs for as long as needed. Barbara even offered to take Priscilla back to her house, but Priscilla insisted on staying in her own home without electricity. So, they lived out of the cooler and used battery-operated lanterns for several days.
Ron B. Fillmore – Northeastern MA
Ron was the store manager of Pepperidge Farm in Wakefield for many years until he was laid off. Pat DeVito, the person who nominated Ron, worked in a state senator’s office. Pat knew Ron had taken care of other people on his days off and asked him if he would take care of her father, Lou. When Ron suspected that Lou was suffering from dementia and had began “wandering” around, he put Lou to bed one evening and went and sat in his car outside the house. After seeing Lou get up and wander, Ron went back in the house and stayed with Lou until he got sleepy. Ron repeated this for several days until Lou could be evaluated and housing decisions could be made. Regarding the transition from a store manager to a PCA, Ron said, its “not the income, it’s the outcome. Working with seniors and with persons with disabilities is more rewarding than working in the corporate world.”
2011 Awards - September 15
More photos from the Awards Ceremony at the Statehouse are in our Photo Gallery


Luci Johnson of Lowell

Johanna Montalvo of Worcester

Terri Morris of Middleborough

Patricia Peles of Springfield

Noah Zizinga of Watertown

Award Winners from Prior Years
2010 Awards can be found on our Awards Archive page.