NADD Awards

The NADD Annual Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of people with Intellectual/Developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs. Each year NADD recognizes those whose work advances our mission and reflects the values that have defined this field for more than four decades.

All Award winners at the NADD Awards Annual conference posing together on stage awards in hand

NADD Member of the Year Award

2025 Recipient: Kelli Bodie-Miner

Presented annually to a NADD member who, though not a member of the Board of Directors, has supported the mission of NADD through sustained and meaningful contributions. Recipients are recognized for their for their incredible dedication to the organization and the community it serves.

Nominees must be active NADD members who have contributed through three or more of the following:

  • Active participation on committee work
  • Contributions to NADD publications
  • Providing NADD training
  • Acting as a NADD surveyor/examiner
  • Events and conferences
  • Donating to NADD
  • Significant recruitment of new members
  • Leadership in special efforts sponsored by NADD
  • 2024 — Kelly Knarr
  • 2023 — Brandi Kelly, PhD
  • 2022 — Bradley Wyner, NADD-DDS
  • 2021 — Uzama Price, EdD
  • 2020 — Julia Pearce
  • 2019 — Ray Snyder, MBA
  • 2018 — B. Tim Barksdale, PsyD, NADD-CC
  • 2017 — Cecelia Kittell
  • 2016 — Brian Tallant, LPC
  • 2015 — Melissa Cheplic, MPH
  • 2014 — Eileen Elias, MEd
  • 2013 — Astrid Berry, NADD-DDS
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NADD Award for Innovation & Excellence

2025 Recipient: Brad Hagan

Introduced in 2024, this award recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations that have developed groundbreaking approaches, programs, or initiatives that significantly enhance the quality of life for people with Intellectual/Developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.

Recipients demonstrate a commitment to advancing best practices, fostering system change, and improving access to comprehensive and effective supports.

  • 2024 — Dr. Julie Gentile
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Earl L. Loschen Award for Clinical Practice

2025 Recipient: Shaina Knight

Presented annually to a professional whose contribution in the area of clinical practice has resulted in significant improvement in the quality of life for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.

Nominees are professionals whose dedication and work have resulted in the provision of excellent clinical services to individuals with IDD and co-occurring mental health needs.

  • 2024 — Thomas Scheidemantel, MD
  • 2023 — Michael May, Ed.D, BCBA, LPC, LBS, NADD-CC
  • 2022 — Steve Dahl, MSW, LGSW, MBA
  • 2021 — Brian Tallant, LPC, NADD-CC
  • 2020 — Beth I. Barol, PhD, LSW, BCB, NADD-CC
  • 2019 — Robin VanEerden, MS, LPC, NADD-CC
  • 2018 — Barbara Agnello, PhD
  • 2017 — Paul Federoff, MD
  • 2016 — Karyn Harvey, PhD
  • 2015 — Margaret Charlton, Ph.D.
  • 2014 — William Gardner, Ph.D.
  • 2013 — Susan Carpenter, M.D.
  • 2012 — Lauren Charlot, Ph.D.
  • 2011 — David Laman, Ph.D.
  • 2010 — Daniel Baker, Ph.D.
  • 2009 — Julie Gentile, M.D.
  • 2008 — Diane Cox Lindenbaum, A.C.S.W.
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Frank J. Menolascino Award for Excellence

2025 Recipient: Dr. Susan Haverkamp

Presented annually in memory of Dr. Frank J. Menolascino to honor excellence, extraordinary leadership and achievements in the field of IDD and co-occurring mental health needs. Candidates need not be NADD members to be nominated.

The award may recognize an individual whose efforts have:

  • Made significant advances in understanding and knowledge in the IDD/MH field
  • Called attention to the experience of individuals with IDD and co-occurring mental health needs
  • Demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the field
  • Resulted in improved quality of life for a significant number of people with IDD/MH
  • Made a distinctive contribution as a self-advocate or family member
  • 2024 — Tony Thomas, LISW-S, NADD-CC
  • 2023 — Angela Hassiotis, MD, PhD, FRCPsych
  • 2022 — E. Richard Blumberg, PhD
  • 2021 — Daniel Baker, PhD, NADD-CC
  • 2020 — Allison E. Cowan, MD
  • 2019 — Robert J. Fletcher, DSW, NADD-CC
  • 2018 — John McGonigle, PhD
  • 2017 — Donna McNelis, PhD, NADD-CC
  • 2016 — Mark Fleisher, MD, NADD-CC
  • 2015 — Dave Hingsburger, MEd
  • 2014 — Todd Stull, MD
  • 2013 — Julie P. Gentile, MD
  • 2012 — JoAnne Nugent, EdD
  • 2011 — Steven Ruedrich, MD
  • 2010 — Joan Beasley, PhD
  • 2009 — Robert Pary, MD
  • 2008 — L. Jarrett Barnhill, MD
  • 2007 — Earl Loschen, MD
  • 2006 — Chrissoula Stavrakaki, MD, PhD
  • 2005 — Ann R. Poindexter, MD
  • 2004 — John Jacobson, PhD
  • 2003 — Scott Stiefel, MD
  • 2002 — Anne Hurley, PhD
  • 2001 — Johnny Matson, PhD
  • 2000 — Dick Sobsey, EdD
  • 1999 — Jeffery Fahs, MD
  • 1998 — Terrence McNelis, MPA
  • 1997 — Dorothy Griffiths, PhD
  • 1994 — Ludwik Szymanski, MD
  • 1993 — Jack Stark, PhD
  • 1992 — Robert Sovner, MD
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Steven Reiss Research Award

2025 Recipient: Dr. Jonathan Weiss

Presented annually to recognize excellence in research that advances our understanding of co-occurring mental health needs in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nominees must demonstrate:

  • Inspiration of collaborative research efforts in the field
  • Significant scientific contributions toward understanding mental wellness for people with IDD/MH
  • A focused and productive body of applied research advancing best practice over the past five years
  • Research independence and ability to secure funding in this field
  • Efforts to communicate and disseminate research widely through traditional and nontraditional means
  • 2024 — Lucille Esralew, PhD
  • 2023 — Richard P. Hastings, PhD
  • 2022 — L. Eugene Arnold, MEd, MD
  • 2021 — John Keesler, PhD
  • 2020 — Angela Hassiotis, MD, PhD, FRCPsych
  • 2019 — Joanne VanDerNagel, MD, PhD
  • 2018 — Sally-Ann Cooper, OBE, BSc, MD, FRCPsych
  • 2017 — Yona Lunsky, PhD
  • 2016 — William R. Lindsay, PhD
  • 2015 — Johannes Rojahn, PhD
  • 2014 — Elisabeth Dykens, P
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A Note on Nominations

Nominations should be submitted by clicking the nominate button under each award and questions may be sent to Awards@nadd.org.