The Munroe-Meyer Institute’s annual Celebration of Excellence was held Feb. 20.
The event, held 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 award winners.
Awardees recognized for their 2025 contributions included:
Staff Clinical Services Phoenix Award: Amber Lawrence, DPT, MMI Department of Physical Therapy
Nominators said Dr. Lawrence’s expertise, dedication, collaborative spirit and leadership make her an indispensable part of the team.
As a mentor and collaborator, she is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help. She’s known for her ability to listen, provide insight and help colleagues find solutions.
Through her work with Omaha Public Schools, Dr. Lawrence collaborates with nurses, social workers and teachers to best aid students and families.
“Whether mentoring new staff, advocating for students or collaborating with families, Amber consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care,” a nominator wrote.
Faculty Clinical Services Phoenix Award: Christian Courson, PhD, MMI integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Courson displays steady commitment to exceptional patient care, clinical innovation and training future clinicians, nominators said.
He consistently receives heartfelt feedback from families. Those comments reflect what colleagues see daily from Dr. Courson.
He also has helped transform the training program for doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows, and played a vital role in MMI’s participation in an FDA clinical trial using eye-tracking technology to help diagnose children with autism spectrum disorder.
Support Staff Phoenix Award: Ryan Thomas, MMI Department of Research
Thomas’ expertise, creativity and dedication have advanced multiple projects at both MMI and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, nominators wrote.
He’s been essential in a street-crossing simulator project, as well as the HABIT virtual reality camps and GoBabyGo! Nebraska.
Thomas has created numerous custom solutions, including adaptive doorstops and modified gaming controls.
“He is our go-to resource for all technical issues at MMI and continually provides invaluable insights that benefit both providers and the patients we serve,” a nominator wrote.
Community Engagement Phoenix Award: Elizabeth Fortin, DPT, MMI Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Fortin has made profound and lasting impacts within the UNMC community, as well as Bellevue Public Schools and the broader Nebraska community, nominators said. She actively recruits and encourages colleagues to participate in community events. Dr, Fortin also plays a key role in HABIT virtual reality camp, and she’s active in the GoBabyGo! Nebraska program.
“She honors the individuality of every child, family, educator and colleague, building trust through shared goals and mutual appreciation,” a nominator wrote.
Access and Engagement Phoenix Award: Catalina Rey, PhD, MMI integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Nominators applauded Dr. Rey for leading with compassion, humility and a deep respect for the population served at MMI. She’s helped create mentoring and professional development pathways that expand access for trainees, including removing cost barriers for students to attend national conferences. Dr. Rey invests in students with one-on-one meetings and adapted instruction based on their needs.
“Dr. Rey advances access and belonging in visible, meaningful ways,” nominators said. “She represents MMI with distinction and brings resources, opportunities and frameworks back to the institute that strengthen us all.”
Research Phoenix Award: Andrea Baraldi Cunha, PhD, MMI Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Cunha is an innovative researcher whose work directly improves the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, nominators said. She has produced at least five peer-reviewed publications in the last year. She actively collaborates with local, national and international colleagues.
Dr. Cunha also serves as a mentor to staff, residents and students within the physical therapy department.
“By grounding her work in lived experiences of those we serve, she consistently develops projects that enhance the well-being of children with developmental disabilities,” a nominator wrote.
Spirit Phoenix Award: Sherri Kallon, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Nominators said Kallon has become an ambassador for MMI’s mission across Nebraska. She actively promotes programs across the institute and ensures that families, trainees and partners understand available services.
A natural leader, she brings teams together across departments. Community partners have remarked on her professionalism and sincerity.
“Sherri is widely regarded as the ‘go-to’ person at MMI,” a nominator wrote. “She is a mentor to staff, a trusted guide to students, and a steady, supportive presence to families.”
Faculty Education Phoenix Award: Paige Hardy, DNP, MMI Department of Education and Child Development
Nominators called Dr. Hardy a “natural educator whose passion for teaching is evident in every interaction.” She brings up-to-date evidence to her work as both practitioner and educator.
Dr. Hardy collaborated with the UNMC College of Medicine to develop a structured learning experience for third-year medical students. She elevates voices and expertise of every discipline within the NICU follow-up clinic. Dr. Hardy tailors her teaching to each learner’s level and style.
Staff Education Phoenix Award: Kelsey Gall, MMI Department of Specialized Behavior Intervention
Gall has made valuable contributions to MMI’s clinical education, workforce development and interdisciplinary training, nominators wrote. She has shaped training and education infrastructure through development of comprehensive onboarding systems and standardized training material.
In addition to helping train staff, she also co-leads the development and implementation of structured weekly role-play simulations to prepare staff for real-time clinical challenges.
“Kelsey is a consistent and passionate educator who leads through service, initiative and example,” a nominator wrote.
Community Champion
Jan and Don Leuenberger received the Community Champion Award. It’s designed to honor longstanding service, passion and commitment to MMI and the broader community.
Applied Behavior Analysis Doctoral Award for Excellence in Research: Jasmeen Kaur
This award recognizes an ABA PhD student who has demonstrated outstanding research achievement during their doctoral training. It honors excellence in productivity, scientific rigor, innovation and impact on the field, including contributions to research, clinical practice and collaborative scholarship.
Applied Behavior Analysis Doctoral Award for Excellence in Clinical Services: Carson Whitford
This award recognizes an ABA PhD student who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in clinical service delivery during their doctoral training. It honors excellence in client-centered care, innovation in clinical practice, measurable impact on families and communities, and contributions to mentorship and the clinical culture of the program.
Phil and Nancy Wolf Professional Development Fund Recipients
This fund reflects a commitment to investing in the growth, leadership and continued professional development of students. This year’s recipients are: Alex Cicero, Amaya Rocheleau, Annie Liu, Becky Barall, Braden Calvin, Carson Whitford, Cassidy Johnson, Drew Piersma, Ellie Eastlund, Guangyi Lin, Hannuja Vijayan, Ilissa Frye, Jasmeen Kaur, Lina Frohberg, Marisol Sydney Burlison and Whitney Trapp.