Apex Social Awards of the Year 2026

Meet the remarkable Care Professionals and Host Families nominated for the 2026 Apex Social Awards. Whether providing outstanding support or opening their homes, each nominee represents dedication, compassion, and life-changing care in the USA.

Fynn Bickert

Physical Therapist from Germany

Health Institute of the St. Elisabeth Foundation

"He seems to welcome every day with fantastic energy and positivity."

Melissa Bohne

Social Work BA from Germany

Gera-Eisenach University of Cooperative Education

"She makes our children feel seen, capable, and empowered."

Bastian Schulz

Care professional from Germany

Goethe University Frankfurt

"He makes all of us into healthier and better people."

Adrian Claus

Physical Therapist from Germany

The Heinrich Braun Hospital

"His presence brings calm and steadiness even on difficult days."

Alina Klein

Occupational Therapist from Germany

St. Elisabeth Group - Catholic Clinics

"She brings openness, curiosity, and respect for differences."

Anna Trappen

Special Needs Care Provider from Germany

LVR Vocational College Düsseldorf

"Mornings and evenings have become a smoother routine."

Annika Bunz

Physical Therapist from Germany

Diaconal Institute - Weingarten

"She has set the bar high for what an Apex Care Professional can be."

Alste Cerny

Occupational Therapist from Germany

SRH Vocational School - Bad Bentheim

"She does all of this with humility, warmth, and genuine care."

Franzi Danzer

Physical Therapist from Germany

Döpfer Schools Regensburg

"She has the single most positive attitude I have encountered in my life."

Josephine Finlay

Occupational Therapist from Germany

Bernd Blindow Dr. Rohrbach Schools - Hanover

"Her positive attitude has also been enormously helpful to us."

Juliana Hollinden

Special Needs Care Provider from Germany

Quakenbrück Vocational School for Special Education

"She is meant to positively influence many individuals with special needs."

Leon Vielhaben

Physical Therapist from Germany

Ludwig Fresenius Schools - Marburg

"Leon brings his patience, courage, kindness, and sense of gratitude."

Lisa Barthold

Special Needs Teacher from Germany

Protestant University of Applied Sciences

"Her presence has brought comfort and stability to our home."

Luisa Huhn

Occupational Therapist from Germany

Döpfer Schools Regensburg

"She is someone who truly cares about the well-being of others."

Maria Sinner

Occupational Therapist from Germany

IB Medical Academy - Augsburg

"She has helped my kids develop and blossom in so many ways."

Miriam Janik

Physical Therapist from Germany

School of Physiotherapy - Quakenbrück

"She makes the lessons practical and always fun!"

Piotr Szczesny

Special Needs Care Provider from Germany

Rottweil Edith Stein Schools for Social Professions

"He will throw himself into any new challenge with all his heart and make things happen."

Sonia Pillibeit

Nursing Professional from Germany

Berlin Education Campus for Health Professions

"She is always thinking ahead, revising approaches, and collaborating with us."

Sophia Bernhardt

Physical Therapist from Germany

German Red Cross Academy Saxony

"She exemplifies the qualities of an Apex Care Professional."

Valeria Bechtold

Educator from Germany

AWO Vocational College

"She handled each stressful situation with calm, collected composure."

The Pringle Family

Alabama, USA

"I was able to experience the heart of Apex ́s mission and had a true meaningful human connection."

From Melinda Krietsch

The Cox Family

Texas, USA

"I never feel alone here. I have found a second family that truly feels like home."

From Jessica Sriskandarajah

The Baxtresser Family

Maryland, USA

"I learned how to truly love children with special needs, even though they are not my own."

From Adrian Claus

The Anderson Family

Tennessee, USA

"They created an environment of trust, respect, and kindness that allows everyone in the family to grow."

From Sabine Klemm

The August Family

New Jersey, USA

"They empower children of all abilities and uplift care professionals through respect, growth, and shared purpose."

From Melissa Bohne

The Eidelman Family

New York, USA

"They are active, energetic, and engaged, creating a lively household full of laughter, curiosity, and learning."

From Luisa Huhn

The Fischer Family

New York, USA

"I have experienced the United States not as a visitor, more as someone who truly belongs to it."

From Josephine Finlay

The Gallagher Family

Massachusetts, USA

"Their kindness and trust in me are the reason why their family is such a special place."

From Anna Trappen

The Hoffer Family

Massachusetts, USA

"They have given me far more than just a place to stay—they have given me a home, memories for a lifetime."

From Lara Bendl

The Ladnier Family

Washington, DC

"Even during more stressful or busy times, they never lose sight of me and my needs."

From Leon

The Larson Family

Tennessee, USA

"I can honestly say that I feel fully included in the familys daily activities, as well as in family events."

From Anne Melzer

The Menzel Family

California, USA

"For me, it usually doesn’t feel like work, but rather like living with a wonderful family."

From Lorena Mauerer

The Larson Family

New Jersey, USA

"This family has given me an authentic cultural experience far beyond what I expected."

From Maria Sinner

The Radcliff Family

New Jersey, USA

"They restored my passion in medicine and amplified my methods of how to help and support my patients more."

From Sonia

The Roman Family

Colorado, USA

"What makes this family truly exceptional is that they have created an environment where I can be myself."

From Alina

The Schmidt Family

New Jersey, USA

"They showed me that empowerment starts with believing in, loving, and trusting yourself and others."

From Sophia Bernhardt

The Smith Family

Pennsylvania, USA

"They allowed me to learn, grow, and experience what inclusive care truly means."

From Lisa

The Southerland Family

Georgia, USA

"They empower their child to grow, learn, and build confidence while also supporting the professionals."

From Lisa Barthold

The Sweeney Family

New York, USA

"Their openness, positivity, and flexibility make their home a wonderful place to live and work."

From Hailie Gebhardt