Student spotlight – Andi Willensky

Education is one of the four pillars of UNMC’s mission and our students are the lifeblood of that aspect of campus life.

In UNMC Today’s Student Spotlight, we get to know some of these students, who will become tomorrow’s health care professionals.

Andi Willensky

Today we meet Andi Willensky, a 2012 LEND Trainee in social work at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.

• Name: Andi Willensky
  
• Hometown: Los Angeles
  
• Year/Program: 2012 LEND Trainee in social work at the Munroe-Meyer Institute

What is your best memory from you time at UNMC?

My entire experience has been enhanced by the rich opportunity to learn from a broad range of professional mentors at MMI, who have inspired my commitment to work on a rehab team. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work on a research project with the PEERS outpatient program, which teaches social skills to teens on the autism spectrum, as well as clinical work with young children with behavioral problems at the Ridge clinic. Additionally, it’s been a privilege to get to know other LEND staff and fellow trainees, many of whom will remain friends long after I finish my program.

Our four brand values are leadership, commitment to excellence, working together, and being a trusted resource. Pick one and tell us a time you witnessed it embodied at UNMC.

The faculty, staff, fellows and interns at UNMC are highly committed to excellence. One important way to achieve this is through education. As part of my LEND experience, I had the opportunity to help coordinate a meeting for state legislators at the capitol building to increase awareness of autism. This was an energizing and meaningful opportunity to inform those who are responsible for important legislation that affects services to individual with autism and their families.

List three things people may not know about you:

• I am bursting with joy since I became a grandmother for the first time three weeks ago! I will be rapidly increasing my frequent flyer miles, since baby Maya and her parents live in Palo Alto, Calif.
  
• Count me in as a lifelong L.A. Lakers fan! I used to attend many games and now never miss a televised Laker game.
  
• I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the Omaha community, actively serving on boards, and chairing a number of fundraising projects, most recently celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Jewish Family Service in Omaha.