The Munroe-Meyer Institute’s annual Celebration of Excellence was held on Feb. 24.
The event, held this year at the Scott Conference Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus, honors outstanding achievement during the past year at the institute.
See a photo slideshow of the event.
Awardees at the event, recognized for contributions during 2022, included:
Staff Clinical Services Phoenix Award: Amy Volkman, MMI Department of Pediatric Feeding
Nominators recognized Volkman for a variety of efforts, including her work creating nutrition-dense recipes for families, developing strong relationships with patients and families, sparking initiatives for new programs and planning for future nutritional program growth at MMI.
“Finally, it is important to highlight how Amy connects with families in individualized ways,” a nominator wrote. “She takes whatever time is necessary to truly understand a family’s thoughts, feelings, and circumstances to ensure the highest quality care.”
Clinical Faculty Services Phoenix Award: Patricia Zemantic, PhD, integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Zemantic, nominators said, has improved the service provision of the Autism Diagnostic Clinic by streamlining assessment processes, increasing client capacity while maintaining high standards of practice and fostering the development and retention of trainees. She also was praised for working with the LEND program, spearheading development of the BLINK program and working to keep the iCASD compliant with all regulations.
“These services have not only impacted the families served by MMI but have also increased the quality of education and service provision provided by these trainees, colleagues and interdisciplinary team members,” a nominator said.
Support Staff Phoenix Award: Christi Ives, MMI Department of Psychology
Nominators noted Ives’ innovation in identifying more efficient procedures that minimize the administrative burden on providers, create improved collaboration between the psychology department and the patient information office and to improve the patient experience, while also calling her a “true advocate for our training program and our trainees.”
“She consistently exceeds expectations in her daily work of keeping a department of 25 providers, three staff, 20 interns and four fellows running smoothly,” the nominator wrote.
Community Engagement Phoenix Award: Graciela Sharif, MMI LEND program
Nominators called Sharif “a tireless advocate who is widely recognized by families and community partners across the state for her work in making systems more inclusive and accessible,” pointing to efforts such increasing awareness of MMI to members of all communities, showing respect for all groups as she advocates for their care and inclusion and her tireless work representing MMI at public-facing events.
“Graciela’s engagement with multiple diverse communities throughout Omaha enhances the reputation of MMI and facilitates our ability to connect, collaborate and serve those who are marginalized, underserved, and/or under-resourced,” a nominator wrote.
Diversity and Inclusion Phoenix Award: Jacqueline Hankins-Berry, MMI Community Engagement
Nominators lauded Hankins-Berry’s tireless work to promote diversity, equity and inclusion at MMI, pointing to efforts such as co-chairing the inaugural MMI DEI Committee, working to promote DEI initiatives at MMI, offering an important lens in the recruitment and retention of staff and faculty and other initiatives.
“Jackie is a quiet force who is determined to make MMI the best place to work and the best place to receive services for individuals of diverse backgrounds,” a nominator wrote. “Her talents have been recognized at the UNMC and national levels as well.”
Research Phoenix Award: Javid Rahaman, PhD, MMI Department of Severe Behavior
Every research project Dr. Rahaman has initiated at MMI has been through the lens of enhancing the autonomy of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Rahaman also was praised for his passion for collaboration and compassion, with nominators noting that he has initiated several projects that cut across disciplines, MMI departments and all levels and backgrounds of fellow researchers.
Dr. Rahaman “is regularly sought for mentorship by junior researchers, and he has successfully led clinical teams in the collection of pilot data to support future research grant applications,” nominators wrote. “His long-term vision for transformative research will undoubtedly affect the research impact of the (Severe Behavior Department) for many years to come.”
Spirit Phoenix Award: Kim Falk, MMI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service
Nominators called out Falk’s positivity and ability to maximize collaboration and partnerships, pointing to her work on events such as HETRA and Hispanic Little Angels. Nominators also noted Falk’s long history advocating for inclusivity within areas schools.
“Not only does Kim do great work, but she brings an enthusiasm to it that gets others excited to be involved,” a nominator wrote, adding “Kim has always been aware that all that she does personally and professionally is helping to pave a path for others who aren’t always included – a tenet of MMI’s mission; to build an inclusive community for all people with disabilities.”
Education Phoenix Award: Rachel Ray, MMI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service
Ray’s nominators called out her many transition program efforts, including Opportunity Brew, the MMI-University of Nebraska at Omaha Trailblazer program, the College and Career Exploration Program, her publication of “Seeds of Sustainability – Partnerships for Successful Transition Programs” and other efforts.
“Rachel is one of the most motivated, dedicated and reliable employees at MMI, working long hours to get the job done when there are not enough hands available,” a nominator wrote. “And when her students and interns have extra time, she is quick to offer their support to other MMI projects and she stays on board to assist with their supervision and mentorship during the tasks.”