Mar 30, 2026
College of Health Professions honors excellence, leadership, and service at inaugural awards ceremony
VCU’s College of Health Professions turned the spotlight on its people Friday, March 27, hosting a celebratory awards ceremony at the Hippodrome Theater in downtown Richmond to recognize those demonstrating excellence in leadership, education, research, innovation, and service.
The evening marked the inaugural CHP Awards Celebration, bringing together faculty and staff, to celebrate a year of incredible contributions and accomplishments. Faculty and staff achievements across the college were highlighted via an impressive slideshow and award recipients were recognized for their sustained impact on students, colleagues and the broader communities served by the college. The atmosphere was exciting, supportive, and definitely celebratory!
“Tonight is truly a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating your exceptional contributions,” Dean Amy R. Darragh, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, said. “The successes of our students and the strength of our CHP community are a direct reflection of your dedication and hard work.”
Outstanding Service and Community Engagement Award
Gigi Amateau, Ph.D., M.S., assistant professor and director of the Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care Lab in the Department of Gerontology, received the Outstanding Service and Community Engagement Award, which honors faculty members whose leadership and service have made a measurable impact beyond the university.
Amateau’s work focuses on advancing person-centered, trauma-informed care across nursing homes, community-based services and aging networks throughout Virginia. Her projects – ranging from caregiver empowerment initiatives to oral housing histories with centenarians – reflect a career grounded in collaboration with older adults, caregivers and service providers.
“There is a strong commitment to service and community across the College of Health Professions and the Department of Gerontology, so receiving this award feels both humbling and encouraging,” Amateau said. “This recognition really reflects the colleagues, community partners, older adults and caregivers I have the privilege of working alongside.”
In addition to her research and teaching, Amateau has authored seven books for children and teens and engages with community organizations such as Yoga Alliance and YWCA Richmond.
Outstanding Service and Community Impact Award
Jasmine Slattery, Ph.D., an academic advisor, received the Outstanding Service and Community Impact Award, recognizing exceptional service that advances an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Slattery advises undergraduate students across CHP programs, helping them navigate academic planning, career exploration and personal challenges. Her approach emphasizes relationship-building and connection to campus resources.
“When I heard that I was selected for this award, I was excited and shocked that I was recognized for what I love to do – which is to help students achieve their goals,” she said.
A National Certified Counselor and active member of professional advising and counseling associations, Slattery reflects the college’s commitment to student-centered service and holistic support.
Senior Investigator Research Excellence Award
An internationally recognized health services researcher and health economist, Adam Atherly, Ph.D., received the Senior Investigator Research Excellence Award for his sustained record of high-impact, policy-relevant scholarship.
Atherly has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters examining health care spending, value-based care, insurance design and patient outcomes. His work frequently informs decision-making related to cost-effectiveness and access to care, particularly for aging and vulnerable populations.
“This recognition is especially meaningful at this stage because it reflects not just individual projects, but a sustained body of work built over time,” he said. “It’s a moment to reflect on that trajectory, but also a reminder of the responsibility to continue producing work that is both rigorous and directly relevant to making good decisions on how to improve healthcare delivery.”
In addition to his research, Atherly teaches across undergraduate and doctoral programs and has maintained a long-standing international teaching appointment at the American University of Armenia.
New Investigator Research Excellence Award
The New Investigator Research Excellence award went to Kelsey B. White, Ph.D., BCC, honoring her early-career research demonstrating innovation, impact and promise.
A health services and chaplaincy researcher, White’s work focuses on integrating spiritual care into healthcare systems and evaluating its role in access, quality and whole-person care. She serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy and has contributed extensively to evidence-based scholarship in the field.
“Receiving this award is an honor personally and professionally; it is an affirmation of the importance of integrating spiritual care into whole-person healthcare,” White said. “There is real momentum toward recognizing spiritual care as essential, and I’m eager to contribute to research that helps translate that recognition into standard practice.”
Excellence in Innovation Award
Michael Forder, Ed.D., director of Learning Experience and Architecture for the Bachelor of Science in Health Services program, received the Excellence in Innovation Award for his leadership in designing learner-centered online and hybrid programs.
Forder has played a key role in advancing instructional design, academic assessment and educational equity at the college, helping ensure that curricula remain responsive to changing workforce demands and student needs.
“While drawing upon past experiences is immensely valuable, it is critical to not skip the step of identifying, understanding and valuing the needs and perspectives of the group of learners at the center of a new experience being developed,” Forder said. “Innovation without understanding is a dangerous approach to learning science.”
Distinguished Teaching Award
Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, assistant professor and director of fieldwork in the Department of Occupational Therapy, received the Distinguished Teaching Award for her commitment to student learning and mentorship. Her teaching emphasizes experiential learning and reflective practice, preparing students to become adaptable, evidence-based clinicians.
“Long after they leave my classroom, I hope students remember that lifelong learning is essential to being an evidence-based and client-centered clinician,” Andelin said. “Continue to ask questions, challenge your assumptions and take initiative to find the answers.”
Her contributions extend beyond the classroom through scholarship, professional leadership and curriculum development in sensory integration and assistive technology.
Adjunct Excellence Award
Occupational therapy instructor Jaime Smiley, M.S., OTR/L, CAPS, CDP, received the Adjunct Excellence Award in recognition of her impact as an educator who brings real-world experience into the classroom.
A 24-year veteran in occupational therapy and senior services, Smiley connects theory to practice for students preparing to enter a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. She currently works with Benchmark Senior Solutions, which guides seniors in central and eastern Virginia toward the right care.
“Teaching the next generation of occupational therapists is deeply rewarding because it means helping shape compassionate, skilled professionals who will make a lasting difference in people’s everyday lives,” Smiley said.
Dean’s Leadership Awards
Two faculty and staff members received Dean’s Leadership Awards, recognizing sustained leadership that shapes culture, performance and success across the college.
Amanda H. Alley, M.S., graduate student services administrator in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, was honored for her student-centered leadership across admissions, advising and engagement.
“Student success is a journey that begins before the first day of class,” Alley said. “In my admissions role, my primary focus is identifying and welcoming a diverse, resilient group of students who are well-prepared for the challenges of the Nurse Anesthesia program. Once they arrive, my focus shifts to providing structural support and advocacy to help them navigate their education.”
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Program Director Lauretta “Laurie” Cathers, Ph.D., was recognized for more than two decades of leadership grounded in mentorship — both received and given.
“I’ve spent the last 20-plus years mentored by three strong, amazing women who lead by character, strength and service,” Cathers said. “Receiving this award means that I’ve taken their valuable insights, honored them in my work and passed those insights on to others who are growing their careers.”
Distinguished Staff Award
The ceremony also honored the life and legacy of Michael Kammerman, B.S., CHSE, CHSOS, EMT-P (Ret.), recipient of the Distinguished Staff Award. He passed away in February.
Kammerman joined the Department of Nurse Anesthesia in 2009 and became a cornerstone of simulation education at the college, helping develop innovative training tools and high-fidelity learning experiences that impacted students across Virginia. Colleagues remember him as a generous mentor whose technical expertise was matched by kindness, enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to patient safety and education.
The Francine L. Coleman Award for Exemplary Commitment to the CHP Community
The inaugural awards include one named after the person who received it: Francine L. Coleman. A security officer at the college since 2019, Coleman was honored for her welcoming presence and impact on the daily experience of those entering the CHP building.
“I care a lot about the students and everyone else,” Coleman said. “I just love being here. They ask me, ‘Do you live here?’ because I spend more time at this building than I spend at home. But I love it. It’s fine with me.”
The impetus for the award came from alumni and students, who described the breadth and depth of Coleman’s support, care, and service as a key component of CHP culture and their sense of support and belonging while learning in the many CHP programs. Coleman welcomes all visitors to the building, is often surrounded by students chatting about their day, and reaches out to anyone who needs extra help or support. You can always count on her warm greeting when entering the building, and her friendly face to help guide you through your day. This is just how her warmth and care have made her a defining part of the CHP community.