AAPPN is accepting award nominations through August 15.
Who do you see as AAPPN’s Volunteer of Year? Who do you know whose contributions to the field exemplifies Nursing Excellence? Do you know or work with a New Practitioner who is destined to become a leader in the profession? Students and recent grads, celebrate your outstanding Preceptor!
Award Categories
Volunteer of the Year: Honor an AAPPN member who makes a difference to the organization. Examples include helping members, promoting AAPPN and the profession, recruiting new members, working on a committee, or cultivating chapters.
Nursing Excellence: Honor an AAPPN member who makes a difference to advanced practice psychiatric nursing, the mental health profession, and/or the clients we serve. Their contribution, which goes beyond the confines of the organization, may be in the areas of client care, education, leadership, advocacy, public policy, research, etc.
New Practitioner of the Year: Honor an AAPPN member whose accomplishments in the profession within five years of graduating from a PMHNP program distinguish them as future leaders in the profession.
Preceptor of the Year: Honor an AAPPN member who is an exemplary and outstanding PMHNP student preceptor. They demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and management skills and stimulate active independent and guided learning with constructive feedback. They are excellent communicators and positive role models with well-developed interpersonal skills.
Congratulations to our 2021 AAPPN award recipients!
Amy Renee, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Student Member of the Year
The Student Member of the Year Award honors a current student member who demonstrates academic and clinical excellence while offering unique contributions to their learning community.
Amy graduated from the University of Washington Doctoral of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program with high honors in March 2021. She was recognized for her incredible interpersonal skills that translated to positive influence and steady force for her peers during the rigorous DNP study.
Nikki Behner, DNP, MPH, ARNP
Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year Award honors an AAPPN member who makes a difference to the organization.
Nikki’s extraordinary contributions to the AAPPN Legislative Committee were essential to the committee’s success. She is a vital member of AAPPN and is being honored for her humble service to the association.
MaryAnne Murray, DNP, EdD, PMHNP-BC
Nursing Excellence
The Nursing Excellence Award honors an AAPPN member who makes a difference to advanced practice psychiatric nursing, the mental health profession, and/or the clients we serve.
MaryAnne is a skilled psychiatric provider and nursing preceptor who advocates for her patients and her colleagues. Her contribution to continuing education and collaboration with organizations such as Autism COE and ECHO Autism are widely recognized.
April Gerlock, PhD, PMHNP-BC, ARNP
Gretchen Schodde Lifetime Achievement Award
The Gretchen Schodde Lifetime Achievement Award honors those who further the profession of advanced practice psychiatric nursing and promote the mental health and well-being of those served.
April is a distinguished clinician and internationally renowned scientist. Her work in PTSD, violence, and trauma-informed care has made a significant impact on patient care. Her work has also informed national policy and practice guidelines. Over the years, she has mentored countless PMHNPs and inspired those who crossed paths with her.