Meet Thor Whitworth

Thor Whitworth, Rise’s Champion of the Month for January 2026, has been a dedicated member of the team since 2018. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Lead supporting both the Coon Rapids and Anoka life enrichment programs, Thor brings steady leadership and an unwavering commitment to person‑centered care.

Before joining Rise, Thor worked with faith‑based youth camps and after‑school programs, in retail, and in the postal service. He later moved to an organization in Illinois that offered services similar to Rise. These roles strengthened his ability to guide, teach, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly. Thor was drawn to Rise because of its strong community focus, sharing, “I like how Rise supports people served throughout the community and in their daily lives.”

Thor’s Impact

In his current role, Thor finds value in being part of a larger system. He shares that his favorite part of the job is “knowing that I am a part of a vast system that every day supports others in pursuing their dreams and goals.” His colleagues consistently view him as someone who is always ready to step in and help. He is recognized as dependable, supportive, and a true team player.

Colleagues also note that Thor cares deeply about his work. He is always ready to support those around him, treats both team members and the people he serves with fairness and respect, and often goes above and beyond. He steps up to lead other DSPs with confidence and without hesitation.

Thor’s team admires how he respects everyone’s choices, routines, culture, and dignity, even during stressful or unpredictable situations. They observe that he remains steady during behaviors or crises, responds with empathy, and finds creative ways to support
independence and engagement. He models professionalism and consistency, helping create an environment where people served feel respected, and his team members feel supported and confident.

Thor shares that he is most proud of what he and the Coon Rapids and Anoka teams have accomplished together. He emphasizes how powerful collaboration has been in building a strong, supportive program culture.

Thor Outside of Rise

Outside of work, Thor enjoys comic books, movies, and music. He also spends much of his free time outdoors, creating art, and building models, all of which give him space to recharge and express his creativity.