2024 Award Nominees & Recipients
Click here to view MUIH’s 2024 student and faculty award nominees and recipients.
Past Award Nominees & Recipients
Student Awards
Excellence in Integrative Health
The Excellence in Integrative Health Award recognizes students who especially demonstrate academic, clinical, or research excellence; MUIH’s values; healing presence; a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership within their program; engagement in professional activities within MUIH; or service to their fellow students, program, or the University. The faculty nominate and select the students in their program who best exemplify these qualities.
2023 Awardees
- Madea Allen, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Thomas Austin-Braxton, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Jaime Brown, Yoga Therapy
- Lindy Burns, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Maria Valentina Fajardo Delgado, Nutrition
- Jo Hawkins, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Abbey Howell, Herbal Medicine
- Barbara Iachini, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Laura King, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Maya Lechowick, Nutrition
- Erin Lewis, Integrative Health Studies
- Lisa Loring, Integrative Health Studies
- Jessica Myers, Health Promotion
- Marie Najjar, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Claire Officer, Health Promotion
- Elaine Proulx, Integrative Health Studies
- Yukiko Riley, Ayurveda
- Laurie Stover, Integrative Health Studies
2022 Awardees
- Madea Allen, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Karen Andujar, Health Promotion
- Bethany Cherry, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Tanya Claggett, Integrative Health Studies
- Sheila Cohill, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Sean Emery, Herbal Medicine
- Elizabeth Garriott, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Tacey Gosling, Health Promotion
- Sunni Ingalls, Yoga Therapy
- Laura King, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Anica Lewis, Ayurvedic Wellness
- Holly Owens, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Tina Paul, Ayurvedic Wellness
- Reanetta Perkins, Nutrition
- Yukiko Riley, Yoga Therapy
- Maribeth Savoie, Health Promotion
- Elyce Shapiro, Nutrition
- Laurie Stover, Integrative Health Studies
- Felicia Taliaferro, Yoga Therapy
- Jennifer Tillman, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Christina Vollbrecht, Nutriton
- Xu Wu, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Research Poster Award
This award recognizes the student poster in MUIH’s Research Symposium that demonstrates high quality research that adds new knowledge or a new perspective and enhances the field of integrative health.
2023 Awardees
Lisa Danahy, Christine Aspen, Robin Forbes, and Kaetlyn Springer, M.S. Yoga Therapy program, Yoga Therapy as Complementary Care for Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Secondary Osteoporosis.
2022 Awardees
Kylee Curry, Lara McNeil, and Anna Flores, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program, Thyrotoxicosis Following High-Dose Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Supplementation: A Case Report.
2021 Awardee
Lorraine Hamilton, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program, Effects of a Low Glycemic, High Fat Diet on Female Fertility in Premenopausal Women: A Narrative Review.
2020 Awardee
Demetrice Morrison, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program, Personalized Nutrition and High Dose Vitamin D3 for HIV-infected Teen with Chronic Hypovitaminosis D: A Case Report.
Student Commencement Speaker
The Student Speaker is a graduating student that embodies MUIH’s values with an inspirational message that connects their personal experience to that of other students and to the impact that MUIH graduates and the field of integrative health can have in the world.
2023 Speaker
Noor Salem, M.S. Nutrition and Integrative Health
2022 Speaker
Mandee Walton – M.A. Health and Wellness Coaching
2021 Speaker
Jessica Titchenal, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
2020 Speaker
Michele Weston, M.A. Health and Wellness Coaching
Community Award
The Student Community Award honors graduating students who have provided extraordinary service to their class or to the University in one of more of the following ways: service to the learning of classmates or other students, service to the MUIH community, demonstration of leadership qualities, demonstration of commitment to being involved with furthering student life, and/or participation in activities on behalf of the school. The faculty in each program nominate and select the graduating students who best exemplify the qualities required to receive this award.
2021 Awardees
- Ashley Adams, Doctor of Oriental Medicine
- Kim Albuerne, M.S. Yoga Therapy
- Ericka Cauthon, M.S. Health Promotion
- David Feuz, M.S. Nutrition and Integrative Health
- Storie Garrity, M.A. Health and Wellness Coaching
- Rupinder Hundal, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Ayurvedic Wellness Practices
- Andrea Inscoe, M.S. Therapeutic Herbalism
- Katie Kecman, M.S. Health Promotion
- Linda Lichens, M.S. Yoga Therapy
- Emily Martin, M.A. Integrative Health Studies
- Bernice Mwangi, M.A. Health and Wellness Coaching
- Jennifer Silvia, M.S. Nutrition and Integrative Health
- Haneefa Willis-Johnson, Doctor of Acupuncture
- Karen Zhussanby, M.S. Therapeutic Herbalism
2020 Awardees
- Monthserrat Boston, M.S. Yoga Therapy
- Christine Cherpak-Castagna, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
- Kim Davis, M.S. Health Promotion
- Mark Greiner, Master of Acupuncture
- Etta Hornsteiner, M.A. Health and Wellness Coaching
- Megan Jones, M.A. Health and Wellness Coaching
- Joani Maher, M.S. Nutrition and Integrative Health
- Kathryn Nehil, M.S. Therapeutic Herbalism
- Joanna Starling, M.S. Health Promotion
- Leslie Tomlinson, M.S. Yoga Therapy
- Liza Wade, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Ayurvedic Wellness Practices
Faculty Awards
University Marshal
The University Marshal is a member of the MUIH community who has demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Their work enriches the student learning experience, enhances the curriculum, advances the field of integrative health, demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning, and exemplifies the values of MUIH. The University Marshal is selected annually by the provost in accordance with these attributes and accomplishments. The University Marshal carries the University Mace and leads the procession and recession during the Commencement ceremony.
2023 Marshal
Oscar Coetzee, Nutrition
Nominees:
- Atiera Abetamarco, Health Promotion
- Liz Ahmann, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Oscar Coetzee, Nutrition
- John Courie, Herbal Medicine
- Fushena Cruikshank, Health Promotion
- Eleonora Gafton, Nutrition
- Sherry Leikin, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Liz Lipski, Nutrition
- Kathy McNeely, Nutrition
- Daryl Nault, Research
- Elizabeth Owens, Nutrition and Integrative Health Management
- Marilyn Peppers-Citizen, Yoga Therapy
- Tracy Soltesz, Integrative Health Management
2022 Marshal
John Courie, Herbal Medicine
Nominees:
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- Atiera Abatemarco, Health Promotion, Research
- Liz Ahmann, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Bevin Clare, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition
- Amanda Courie, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- John Courie, Herbal Medicine
- Fushena Cruickshank, Health Promotion
- Camille Freeman, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine
- Eleonora Gafton, Nutrition
- Dana Halkowski, Yoga Therapy
- Ryan Kneessi, Nutrition
- Sherry Leiken, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Liz Lipski, Nutrition
- Tracey Meyers, Yoga Therapy
- Betsy Miller, Herbal Medicine
- Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
- Heidi Most, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Elizabeth Owens, Nutrition, Integrative Health Management
- Marilyn Peppers-Citizen, Yoga Therapy
- Denyse Peterson, Yoga Therapy
- Rebecca Pille, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Sarajean Rudman, Integrative Health Studies, Ayurveda, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Katherine Smith, Health Promotion, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Hunter Thompson, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Kerri Westhauser, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Alex York, Integrative Health Studies
2021 Marshal
Atiera Abatemarco, Health Promotion and Research
Nominees:
- Atiera Abatemarco, Health Promotion and Research
- Jillian Bar-av, Herbal Medicine
- Ron DeMartin, Integrative Health Management
- Laurie Ellington, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Betty Kipphut, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Sophia Kuziel, Health Promotion
- Julia Mandes, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Tracey Meyers, Yoga Therapy
- Sarajean Rudman, Ayurveda and Integrative Health Studies
- Daniel Schrier, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Sherryl Van Lare, Nutrition
2020 Marshal
Heidi Most
Teaching Award
This award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and associated activities within the past academic year. These individuals embody the mission and values of MUIH in their teaching, mentorship, and interactions with students. Their teaching evaluations reflect their commitment to quality, innovation, and adaptability in a progressive environment.
2023 Awardees
Angie Dabbs, Health and Wellness Coaching
Nominees:
- Liz Ahmann, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Victoria Yunez-Behm, Nutrition
- Kelli Bethel, Yoga Therapy
- Oscar Coetzee, Nutrition
- John Courie, Herbal Medicine
- Angela Dabbs, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Rachelle Dixon, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Keren Dolan, Nutrition
- Camille Freeman, Nutrition
- Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
- Daryl Nault, Research
- Frank Neely, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Patty Owen, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Marilyn Peppers-Citizen, Yoga Therapy
- David Riley, Nutrition and Research
- Daniel Schrier, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Susan Testa, Nutrition
- Sherryl Van Lare, Nutrition
- Kerri Westhauser, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
2022 Awardees
Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
Renee LeClair, Nutrition
Nominees:
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- Kelli Bethel, Yoga Therapy
- Rachel Brumberger, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Oscar Coetzee, Nutrition
- Camille Freeman, Nutrition
- Eleonora Gafton, Nutrition
- Tamara Gondre, Nutrition
- Renee LeClair. Nutrition
- Sherry Leikin, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Julia Mandes, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
- Heidi Most, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Linda Simons, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Marlysa Sullivan, Yoga Therapy
- Hunter Thompson, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Sheryl Van Lare, Nutrition
- Heming Zhu, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
2021 Awardees
Eleonora Gafton, Nutrition
Yevgeniya Libkhen, Nutrition
Nominees:
- Liz Ahmann, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Jillian Bar-Av, Herbal Medicine
- Rachel Brumberger, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Janice Campbell, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Oscar Coetzee, Nutrition
- John Courie, Herbal Medicine
- Camille Freeman, Nutrition and Herbal Medicine
- Mary Fry, Nutrition
- Eleonora Gafton, Nutrition
- Randy Gastwirt, Nutrition
- Celeste Homan, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Sherry Leikin, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Yevgeniya Libkhen, Nutrition
- Liz Lipski, Nutrition
- Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
- Daryl Nault, Research
- Sarajean Rudman, Ayurveda and Integrative Health Studies
- Linda Simons, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Marlysa Sullivan, Yoga Therapy
- Jennifer Swetz, Nutrition
- Hunter Thompson, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Tamara Gondre, Nutrition
- Kathy Warner, Nutrition
- Heming Zhu, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
2020 Awardee
Sherry Leikin, Health and Wellness Coaching
Excellence & Innovation in Service Award
This award acknowledges a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence and innovation in service to MUIH. The individual selected to receive this award exemplifies MUIH’s values with special distinction and has shown innovation in their approach to meet a need within the MUIH or external community.
2023 Awardee
Sherry Leikin, Health and Wellness Coaching
Heidi Most, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Nominees:
- John Courie, Herbal Medicine
- Sherry Leikin, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
- Heidi Most, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Daryl Nault, Research
- Janet Padgett, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
2022 Awardee
Janice Campbell, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Nominees:
- Janice Campbell, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- John Courie, Herbal Medicine
- Sherry Leikin, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Janet Padgett, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
2021 Awardee
Michael (Bhodi) Tims, Herbal Medicine
Nominees:
- Janice Campbell, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- John Courie, Herbal Medicine
- Sherry Leiken, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
- Janet Padgett, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Marlysa Sullivan, Yoga Therapy
- Hunter Thompson, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Michael (Bhodi) Tims, Herbal Medicine
2020 Awardee
Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
Excellence in Research and Scholarship Award
This award recognizes faculty members who are actively supporting MUIH’s institutional commitment to enhancing the fields of integrative health and higher education through scholarship and evidence-based research.
2023 Awardee
Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
Nominees:
- Suzie Carmack, Yoga Therapy
- Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
2022 Awardee
Heidi Most, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Nominees:
- Christine Cherpak, Nutrition
- Liz Lipski, Nutrition
- Heidi Most, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
2021 Awardee
Katherine Smith, Health Promotion, Health and Wellness Coaching
2020 Awardee
Liz Lipski, Nutrition
Research Poster Award
This award recognizes the faculty poster in MUIH’s Research Symposium that demonstrates high quality research that adds new knowledge or a new perspective and enhances the field of integrative health.
2023 Awardees
Marybeth Missenda, John Courie, Elizabeth Ahmann, Micha Saviet, Daryl Nault, Nancy Morell, Amy Talcott, Ajowa Ifateyo, and Rachel Keeney, Facilitators and Barriers of Adhering to the CONSORT Herbal Intervention Guidelines: Study Design.
2022 Awardees
Steffany Moonaz and Tanisha Luthria, Development of a Flexible Yoga Therapy Protocol for Pairing with Acupuncture Therapy to Help Manage Chronic Pain
2021 Awardees
Daryl Nault, Marybeth Missenda, Atiera Abatemarco, Christine Cherpak-Castagna, Steffany Moonaz, Study Design to Validate an Evidence-Based Medicine Skills Assessment for Integrative Health.
2020 Awardees
Daryl Nault and Steffany Moonaz, Development of international yoga reporting guidelines -CLARIFY.
Great Esteem Award
The Great Esteem Award was based on nominations by MUIH students. This award was given to faculty members in recognition of their outstanding commitment to students’ excellence throughout their program of study. It reflected the important qualities and virtues of an instructor who demonstrated exceptional dedication to learning, promoted professional growth and transformation, and demonstrated the values of the University to an extraordinary degree, among other criteria.
2020 Awardees
- Liz Ahmann, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Tracey Meyers, Yoga Therapy
- Betsy Miller, Herbal Medicine
- Sarajean Rudman, Ayurveda and Integrative Health Studies
- Katherine Smith, Health Promotion, Health and Wellness Coaching
- Linda Simons, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Susan Testa, Nutrition
Employee Awards
T. James Truby Community Service Award
The T. James Truby Community Service Award recognizes an MUIH employee who is providing outstanding service to the local, regional, or national community. The awardee embodies the values of MUIH and Jim Truby by making a difference and volunteering their time, actions, talents, and passion in service to others. The award is named in honor of James (Jim) Truby a long time MUIH Board member and supporter of MUIH. He was fiercely committed to community service as evidenced by his active involvement, leadership position roles, and support of many non-profit organizations.
2023 Awardee
Daryl Nault, Assistant Professor, Research
2022 Awardee
Eleonora Gafton, Program Director Whole Foods Cooking Labs and Associate Professor, Nutrition
2021 Awardee – Inaugural Award
Lawrence McGill, Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness