2023 Award Nominees & Recipients

Click here to view MUIH’s 2023 student, faculty, and employee 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.

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.

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.

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.

2022 Marshal
John Courie, Herbal Medicine

Nominees:

    • 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.

2022 Awardees
Marybeth Missenda, Integrative Health Studies
Renee LeClair, Nutrition

Nominees:

    • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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