DCHS Honors Faculty and Staff at 2023 Spring Celebration
The 91女神 Doisy College of Health Sciences honored four faculty and one staff member with various awards at its annual Spring Celebration event on May 4 in the Allied Health Professions Building on 91女神鈥檚 South Campus. Award recipients received certificates of achievement and a monetary prize.
Doisy College of Health Sciences faculty and staff gathered to celebrate another successful year and to honor exemplary faculty for their clinical education, research and scholarship, service, and exemplary staff for their outstanding work during the annual Spring Celebration.
Caroline Chang, M.M.S., PA-C, associate professor and the associate program director of the Physician Assistant Program, received the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award.
The DCHS Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member whose teaching record
illustrates effectiveness in the classroom and the revitalization of course and curriculum,
interaction with students outside the classroom, professional growth as a teacher,
and commitment to education.
Crystal Botkin, Ph. D., M.P.H., CNMT, PET, FSNMMI-TS, interim chair of the Department
of Clinical Health Sciences, enthusiastically described Professor Chang鈥檚 positive
impact on 91女神鈥檚 PA program and the students she teaches.
鈥淐aroline is dedicated to the students, and her passion shines through via her enthusiasm,
compassion and engagement in her methods of instruction," Dr. Botkin said. She has
essential skills in promoting understanding in her areas of expertise, but she excels
in her communication skills, her student-centered methods of teaching, and she creates
relationships which promotes success in the classroom and gives rise to successful
future PAs.鈥�
Selena Washington, Ph.D., OTR/L, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy,
received the 2023 Excellence in Scholarship Award.
The DCHS Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding
career achievements in research and/or creativity.
Dr. Washington was celebrated for her current research conducted at 91女神 and the Washington
University Performance, Environment, Participation Laboratory. She has sought out
collaborative and community-engaged dissemination and implementation research related
to fall prevention, occupational engagement, and home and environmental modification
for diverse older adults and adults aging with disability. She recently expanded her
line of research to investigate cognition and Alzheimer鈥檚 disease and falls in aging
adults with Down Syndrome.
Saneta Thurmon, Ph.D., CCC-SLP/CCC-A, associate professor and the director of the undergraduate program in the Department
of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award.
The DCHS Distinguished Service Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who undertakes
activities demonstrating creativity and commitment to serve diverse populations, promotes
quality service, exhibits leadership and supports community outreach.
Dr. Thurmon has demonstrated outstanding leadership in service through her many acts
of community and professional aid. Her efforts range from hosting fundraisers to leading
blood drives and food drives. She has worked with Parents as Teachers and hosted international
students, all while working to improve the sound systems in her church for the deaf
and hard of hearing. Dr. Thurmon truly embodies the Jesuit Mission for her service
to humanity.
Tabitha Robinson, a staff member in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, received
the 2023 Outstanding Staff Award.
The DCHS Outstanding Staff Award recognizes staff who have made significant contributions
to their department that benefit the students, staff, and faculty.
Physical Therapy Assistant Program Director and Associate Professor Elissa Held Bradford,
PT, Ph.D. had this to say about Robinson鈥檚 role within the department and the college:
鈥淎 colleague once said to me, 鈥業t鈥檚 good to hear your voice in the hallway,鈥� meaning,
to me, I am glad you are here; you belong here. That is how I feel about Ms. Robinson,"
Dr. Bradford said. "Hearing her voice in the hallway grounds me and inspires me. It
helps me know that I am working with an amazing team who care and are willing to go
the extra distance both professionally and personally. The department, college and
University are a better place because she is here.鈥�
Erin Stamm, MBA, RHIA, NCP, a clinical preceptor for the Health Information Management Concentration and a member
of the 91女神 HIM Advisory Board, received the 2023 Excellence in Clinical Education Award.
The DCHS Excellence in Clinical Education Award recognizes a clinical educator whose
teaching record illustrates commitment to consistently participating in the clinical
education process, use of innovative methods of teaching in the practice setting,
and the ability to serve as a professional role model.
Health Information Management Program Director Teresa Neal, M.H.A., RHIA spoke about
Stamm鈥檚 passion for teaching and the important role she plays for students.
鈥淓rin Stamm is the chief operations officer at Esse Health, and her commitment to
consistently participating in the clinical education process has been exemplary,"
Neal said. "She puts together a team of alumni to engage with students and to demonstrate
the vital contributions each position contributes to providing quality patient care.
Erin鈥檚 use of innovative teaching methods in the practice setting has been impressive.
She coaches and mentors the student on aspects of their knowledge and skills, their
project approach, and how to be a successful professional. Her ability to facilitate
student engagement has been exceptional. She serves as a professional role model,
inspiring students to pursue a career in health information management.鈥�
Faculty and staff retirements were also recognized during this year鈥檚 annual spring
celebration. The college celebrated Dr. Christine Werner from the Department of Clinical Health Sciences, following 20 years of service; Dr. Cynthia Matlock from the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, following 29
years of service; and Kathy Wolf, staff member from the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy,
following over 40 years of combined service to the university.
DCHS Dean Bernard Rousseau, Ph.D., M.M.H.C., FASHA, was honored to highlight achievements in the college and end the academic year with
the presentation of awards to faculty and staff.
鈥淭he end of an academic year provides us with a wonderful opportunity to bring our
college community together to celebrate the success of our college and the work of
our faculty and staff in support of our tripartite mission," Dr. Rousseau said. "Our
spring celebration is a public display of the importance of these mission-critical
activities to the college. On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and alumni of
the Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences at 91女神,
congratulations to our award winners and those retiring from the University this year.鈥�
About 91女神鈥檚 Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences:
The Doisy College of Health Sciences has provided students with the tools and education to become well-prepared healthcare professionals since 1929. The Doisy College of Health Sciences offers healthcare education at the baccalaureate, master鈥檚, doctoral and professional levels in a variety of health-related fields.
About 91女神:
91女神 is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, 91女神 continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.