Staff Recognition
The Munroe-Meyer Institute traditionally employs individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their work.
Our employees who have received UNMC and MMI top recognition awards in recent years are recognized below.
2025 MMI Phoenix Award Winners
Given annually across all categories of our institute's mission pillars, this award illustrates the phenomenal work being done at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. The individuals named below continually show commitment to MMI's mission and vision while exceeding the requirements of their assigned responsibilities.
Excellence in Access and Engagement
Catalina Rey, iCASD
Excellence in Clinical Services - Faculty
Christian Courson, iCASD
Excellence in Clinical Services - Staff
Amber Lawrence, Physical Therapy
Excellence in Community Engagement
Elizabeth Fortin, Physical Therapy
Excellence in Education - Faculty
Paige Hardy, Education and Child Development
Excellence in Education - Staff
Kelsey Gall, Specialized Behavior Intervention
Excellence in Research
Andrea Baraldi Cunha, Physical Therapy
Excellence in Spirit
Sherri Kallon, UCEDD
Excellence in Support Staff
Ryan Thomas, Research
Previous Phoenix Award Winners
- Brenda Bassingthwaite, Psychology (2023)
- Patricia Zemantic, iCASD (2022)
- Nancy Foster, Psychology (2021)
- Erin Brandenburg, Recreational Therapy (2023)
- Amy Volkman, Pediatric Feeding Disorders (2022)
- Carol Gaebler, Speech-Language Pathology (2021)
- Sherri Kallon, UCEDD (2023)
- Graciela Sharif, UCEDD Family Care Enhancement Program (2022)
- Liz Konopasek, Physical Therapy (2021)
- Laura Fritz, Education and Child Development (2023)
- Jacqueline Hankins-Berry, Community Engagement (2022)
- Amanda Barton, Speech-Language Pathology (2021)
- Kerry Miller, Education and Child Development (2023)
- Rachel Ray, UCEDD (2022)
- Brandy Clarke, Psychology (2021)
- Jeena Kouris, Speech-Language Pathology (2023)
- Regina Carroll, iCASD (2023)
- Javid Rahaman, Severe Behavior Disorders (2022)
- Jessica Gormley, Speech-Language Pathology (2021)
- Garrett Nathan, Speech-Language Pathology (2023)
- Kim Falk, UCEDD Family Care Enhancement Program (2022)
- Beth Hughes, Speech-Language Pathology (2021)
- Kathlene Egbers, Psychology (2023)
- Christi Ives, Psychology (2022)
- Latrice Bond, Speech-Language Pathology (2021)
Gold "U"
The Chancellor’s Commendation Gold “U” is awarded six times a year to employees who consistently deliver outstanding performance and service at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
- Paul Laikko, Speech-Language Pathology (March)
Silver "U"
The Silver “U” Award is given annually to approximately 72 employees at the University of Nebraska Medical Center whose overall performance is above and beyond the scope of their position.
- Sidni Trotter, Speech-Language Pathology (November)
- Hannah Jackman, Speech-Language Pathology (September)
- Hanna Steber, Genetic Medicine (August)
- Kristina "Tina" Meinecke, Speech-Language Pathology (June)
- Sierra Clark, Genetic Medicine (April)
- Sarah Garcia, Physical Therapy (March)
- Brianna Rezich, Genetic Medicine (January)
- Samantha Montemarano, Occupational Therapy (November)
- Kerry Miller, Education and Child Development (September)
- Michelle Kelly, UCEDD Family Care Enhancement Project (September)
- Alyssa Payton, Patient Information Office (July)
- Katelyn Kelley, Emotional Neuroscience Research Laboratory (May)
- Amanda Morris, Severe Behavior Disorders (January)
- Regina Carroll, iCASD (November)
- Marley Brown, Severe Behavior (September)
- Holly Schlautman, RiteCare Clinic Lincoln | MMI (September)
- Sydney Norton, RiteCare Clinic Hastings | MMI (July)
- Deb Brumley, Patient Information Office (May)
- Maggie Neujahr, Care Coordination (January)
- Christi Ives, Psychology (November)
- Hannah Jackman, Speech-Language Pathology (September)
- Brianne Walbrecht, Physical Therapy (July)
- Lynn Copoun, Physical Therapy (May)
- Andrew Sodawasser, Severe Behavior Disorders (January)