Teamwork Celebrated at Inaugural YSM Staff ARC Awards

On June 11, 2025, leaders and staff gathered for a formal ceremony to recognize 38 Yale School of Medicine (YSM) colleagues who had been selected to receive the inaugural YSM Staff Appreciation & Recognition Champions (ARC) Awards. Recognizing that impactful achievements are often achieved through collaboration, this new program celebrates teams who help build a vibrant and inclusive community in support of our core values.

Four teams were selected from among an impressive slate of two dozen teams, for exemplifying the aspirational qualities of: Collaboration, Community Service, Inspiration, and Initiative.

They were selected by members of the ARC Awards Committee, a subset of the YSM Staff Culture Committee, which was formed in 2023 as an outcome of the previous year's Staff Diversity/Development Strategic Plan with a mission of identifying meaningful opportunities to foster a culture of personal and professional growth, connection, appreciation, recognition, and high performance.

Dean Nancy J. Brown, MD, opened the ceremony by saying, “It lifts my spirits, not only seeing the awardees, but everyone here to support them. The reasons why I get up every morning are our mission and our people.”

Arnim Dontes, MBA, YSM deputy dean of finance & administration, added, “Your work is integral to the success of the entire university. You are an example every day, whether you realize it or not,” and he thanked the planning committee for contributing to a culture of appreciation.

Darin Latimore, deputy dean for collaborative excellence, remarked, “I want to say unequivocally: Without the work you do day in and day out, we could not fulfill the school's mission. Thank you. Your work allows me to say proudly, every day, ‘I work at Yale School of Medicine.’” He added, “Can we make this a tradition — not once a year, but daily — to remember to pause and say thank you. Each of us has a role in shaping the culture. Let's make appreciation the norm.”

“This event marked a new tradition at YSM—one that places our staff at the heart of our institution's identity and celebrates their vital role. None of this is possible without our exceptional staff,” Lauren Slater, senior director of employee relations and one of the sponsors of the award, later reflected. “As we honored our first year's recipients, we reaffirm our commitment to a culture where recognition is not the exception but the norm. Where every staff member is empowered, appreciated, and engaged in fulfilling our mission.”

Award: Community Service

Carol Amico, Tahirah Armstrong, Lauren Astorino, Ralph Brooks, Richard Colon, Stacey Cannon, Mark DiLeone, Jr., Angela DiPaola, Sarah Esteves, Tracy Ghantous, Heather Goodwin, Linda Lopez, Elda Martinez, Luis Ojeda, Rene Ortiz, Esther Schlossberg, Alysse Schultheis, Anne Stevens, Stazja Stuccio, Adati Tarfa, Barbara Valdes, Ronald Valenzuela, and Marinelly Ventura

The InSTRIDE team works on the ground, breaking down barriers to deliver clinical care directly into the communities where it is needed. Their fleet of mobile health vehicles, including the first legalized mobile pharmacy and clinic in the United States, has provided almost 700 patients with nearly 2,000 prescriptions since its launch in December 2023. The team — clinicians, nurses, a pharmacist, community health workers, researchers, project coordinators, and drivers — coordinate travel to housed and unhoused communities in an expanding list of cities. They build trusting partnerships with local agencies and are united by a mission to reach the most vulnerable.

Award: Collaboration

Shymar Avery and Nakia Woods

As a Facilities team, Shymar and Woods are the quiet force behind many of YSM’s successful operations and events. Their reliability, attentiveness, and solution-focused mindset reflect a deep pride in their work and genuine care for the YSM community. Whether it’s cultivating a positive and welcoming first impression during high-profile recruitment events, or preventing disruptions during weather-related emergencies, their dependability allows faculty and staff to focus fully on academic and engagement efforts. They lead by example, inspire and empower individuals at every level, and cultivate a sense of belonging and shared success.

Award: Inspiration

Sandra Sapp and Manmeet Virdee

The creators of the Yale Pediatrics Diversity Council have demonstrated initiative and unwavering dedication to fostering collaboration, inspiring others, and engaging in meaningful community service. Their impact has transformed the department’s culture to one that embraces dialogue and compassion. They inspire others to adopt new perspectives and work together toward common goals, and bring together staff across roles to engage in honest conversations around workplace climate and contribute ideas for change. They have formed initiatives that are strategic, well-executed, and sustainable, and they model grassroots leadership that is humble, authentic, and deeply community-oriented.

Award: Initiative

Richard Ahern, Teresa Carty, Michelle Colaccio, Marianito Cenabre, William Cook, Shawn Hill, Anthony Iannucci, Beth Lynch, Brad Serrecchia, Andrew Sidera, and Katherine Woods

The Department of Orthopaedics Medications Committee proposed a bold change in the department’s prescription management, which resulted in significant cost savings and improved efficiency in dispensing. They found success by anticipating obstacles, developing a comprehensive implementation plan, providing staff training, and monitoring the program's progress. Though it represented significant changes to workflow, they guided a seamless transition with minimal disruption to clinical operations. The committee was able to identify critical problems through in-depth data analysis, develop innovative solutions, advocate for their vision, collaborate across departments, and effectively implement change.

The ARC Award is co-sponsored by YSM’s Offices of Collaborative Excellence, and Finance & Administration, and the Culture Committee. It was made possible by the members of the YSM Staff ARC Awards Committee who have brought the program to fruition:

• Ryan Curran – Associate Director, Leadership and Staff Development, YMTD
• Michele Carpenter – Senior Program Manager
• Sarah Hagans – Associate Director, Administration, Internal Medicine
• Chelsea Gomez – Program Manager
• Paula Maguina – Senior Research Finance Manager, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Franny Puglisi – Lead Administrator, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis