The Munroe-Meyer Institute held its inaugural Celebration of Excellence on Jan. 6 to mark outstanding work by MMI faculty, clinicians and staff in 2017.
Stand-Out Award recipients included:
- Nichole Rodriguez, Ph.D., outstanding educator: Dr. Rodriguez was honored for creative course development and instructional excellence; consistently positive feedback from graduate students and interns supervised; collaborating with colleagues at the University of Nebraska-Omaha to create opportunities for graduate students; and for overwhelmingly positive feedback from invited presentations, both regionally and nationally.
- Amanda Zangrillo, Ph.D., outstanding faculty clinician: Dr. Zangrillo was honored for collaborating with members of the MMI Autism Diagnostic team to improve intake and screening processes to significantly reduce wait times for families requesting diagnostic evaluations; being a key player in the development and successful implementation of a new initial ASD screening clinic; demonstrating exceptional clinical skills and outstanding clinical productivity in efforts to meet client needs; and for ongoing dedication to supporting the clients and families and building the capacity of colleagues and graduate students.
- Korey Stading, outstanding staff clinician: Stading was honored for collaborating with colleagues and clients to expand MMI Speech-Language Pathology services; contributing to the professional growth of MMI and community based colleagues; earning the respect of MMI clients, colleagues and families by consistently delivering family-centered and person-centered care.
- Anna Meador, outstanding support staff: Meador was honored for exceptional customer service while supporting multiple MMI departments; willingness to go “above and beyond” to meet needs of customers and clinicians; handling difficult situations and assignments with ease and a positive manner; promoting a sense of community; amd respecting diversity and striving for inclusivity.
- Marne Iwand, outstanding community engagement: Iwand was honored for dedication to advancing participation and community access for all individuals with developmental disabilities and movement disorders in both a professional and volunteer capacity; partnerships with Nebraska Special Olympics and the Muscular Dystrophy Association; creating and maintaining the non-profit organization Mobility Equipment Restoration; supporting community-based activities for individuals with developmental disabilities; and tireless advocacy on disability-related issues within MMI and the community.
- Max Kurz, Ph.D., outstanding researcher: Dr. Kurz was honored for his clinically focused, translational research and record of publications focused on improving understanding about how children and young adults with cerebral palsy plan and execute motor tasks; successfully obtaining extramural funding; supporting graduate students across all disciplines: and consistently providing clients and families with a quality, meaningful research experience.
- Christy Williams, outstanding spirit: Williams was honored for personifying the UNMC/MMI Values of innovation, teamwork, excellence, accountability, courage, and healing; being consistently helpful and welcoming to colleagues and clients; enhancing the culture at MMI; promoting teamwork and encouraging participation in community-based activities that support the MMI mission.