2024 Award Winners

Please help us celebrate our 2024 Award winners!

Consumer of the Year
Joseph Mack

Given to an individual with a disability who has successfully overcome their limitations to improve their independence. This award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond to make a difference and has a commitment to excellence.

President Award
Laurie Gaterman

Recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in service to individuals with disabilities, ensuring excellent service in achieving individual goals. An individual who promotes to create and support an inclusive, welcoming and equitable workplace for all served. To be given at the President’s discretion.

Community Service
Tricia O’Brien

Recognizes an individual or group outside of the rehabilitation community who chooses to walk this path in service to help better the lives of individuals with disabilities. Their work creates more diverse and inclusive communities for people with disabilities and their families. This may be through leadership, advocacy, research, policy, and practice.

Support Staff
Rick Maclin

Recognizes an employee who has shown exemplary service by supporting staff and or candidates reach their employment goals.

Employer of the Year
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

Recognizes an employer in the community who has made a significant difference in advancing the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities. Examples: allowing for job shadows, informational interviews, assisting with mock interviews, and training internal staff on disability inclusion.

Megan Piontek Award
Dina Brockman

Recognizes a graduate student or a recent graduate in the field of Rehabilitation who has demonstrated exemplary initiative, service in the field, and leadership potential.

Impact Award
Dana Brodeur
Kim Pudlowski

Recognizes individuals who had a lasting and profound impact on the greater St. Louis rehabilitation community by creating inclusive employment communities.