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AMERICAN CASE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Case Management Hero Award
As practicing professionals, we know there are unsung heroes among us. But while caring for patients in a heroic manner, some health care workers struggle with challenging circumstances in their personal lives. Sometimes even a hero needs help and support. The ACMA Case Management Hero Award was established to recognize case management professionals, who continually deliver exemplary service for our patients and families, but also face a major life challenge and could benefit from ACMA's support. Since the award’s inception, ACMA has financially supported recipients with medical, mortgage, utility, and childcare expenses, funded scholarships, and more. Do you know a case management or transitions of care professional who is deserving of personal support and recognition for their professional contribution?
We announced our 2025 recipients at the ACMA National Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Andrea Wallaker
RN, BSN
Nurse case manager at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL
Andrea lost most of her belongings and had to leave the home where she raised her three children as the aftermath of Hurricane Helene devastated Madeira Beach, Florida. Her house flooded with three feet of storm surge and sewage, forcing her, her three children, and her mother, who has severe dementia, to take refuge upstairs. Just two weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck, forcing another evacuation and leaving their home uninhabitable. With no other option, Andrea and her family sought shelter in a short-term rental. As a mother and full-time caregiver, she juggled salvaging what was left, managing demolition work, and serving as caretaker for her mother. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Andrea continued to show up for those she served with empathy and kindness.
Denise Hassel Goewey
ACM-SW
Social worker at Allina Health System in Minneapolis, MN
Denise has been a steadfast advocate for her patients, taking on the toughest cases for 31 years, with unwavering commitment and compassion. Described as the heart of her hospital’s care management team, Denise has been a constant source of hope and support for those in need. In 2023, despite being diagnosed with both ovarian and breast cancer, she continued to show up for those she served, never letting her personal struggles interfere with her dedication. In early 2025, after a recurrence of cancer, Denise faced yet another battle but once again refused to let it define her. Her strength and determination remain unshakable, even as she faces overwhelming health challenges.
Ava Scheffler
MSW
Case manager at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health System in Long Branch, NJ
Ava began her case management career as a student working in the hospital coffee shop to be close to the patients she hoped to one day serve. After earning her MSW, she was thrilled to start as a case manager at the same hospital, but just before her bridal shower, she was diagnosed with two types of breast cancer. Despite undergoing a double mastectomy and grueling chemotherapy just weeks after her wedding, Ava refused to step back. She returned to work, showing up even when she was sick, weak, and financially strained. Her personal battle has transformed into a source of empathy, allowing her to connect with and inspire patients facing similar challenges. Though she has been a case manager for just a year, her resilience, positivity, and compassion have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients.
Hero Award nominations will reopen in October 2025.
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Even a Hero Needs Help
ACMA Case Management Hero Award Past Recipients:
- At the 2024 National Conference, we honored Liane Sigl, BSN, an RN case manager at Mercy San Juan Medical Center with Dignity Health in Carmichael, California, and Kyle Galyean, LMSW, director of social services at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. ACMA also posthumously honored Robin Simpson, LMSW, CCM, a social worker at Harris Health who tragically lost her life.
- At the 2023 National Conference, we honored Patrick Gilbert, supervisor of clinical informatics and education with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Missouri. ACMA also posthumously honored Jacqueline Pokuaa, a social worker at Dallas Methodist Medical Center who tragically lost her life while serving patients.
- At the 2022 National Conference, we posthumously honored Monica "Tisha" Ouzts from Self Regional Healthcare.
- At the 2021 National Conference, we were delighted to honor two deserving individuals as our inaugural Case Management Heroes, Jamie Clardy from Lexington Medical Center and Linda Kuitert from Memorial Hermann.