2025 Recipients
2025 Recipients
Fall 2025
Congratulations to the following recipients of our Fall 2025 CARE Awards, who were recognized during the college's annual Points of Pride event in October.
Classified
Cathy Senkfor, Administrative Services Associate, Cleveland
Cathy is highly valued at the Cleveland Campus for her warm presence, flexibility, and willingness to take on any task. She consistently demonstrates creativity and organization, offering ideas that improve efficiency and support both staff and students. Her contributions to CTAC are especially notableāshe streamlines lab day operations, creates helpful resources for Standardized Patients, and ensures smooth administrative processes. Always dependable, proactive, and supportive, Cathy embodies teamwork and plays a vital role in keeping the campus running successfully.
Cassie Tritipo, Administrative Specialist, Athens
Cassie is celebrated as the backbone of the Department of Social Medicine and a vital contributor to HCOM as a whole. She supports multiple chairs, campuses, and faculty with professionalism and efficiency, while maintaining a positive and humorous spirit that uplifts those around her. Cassie streamlines processes, assists with promotion and tenure, organizes major events, maintains technology platforms, and even supports global health programs. Her dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment make her indispensable to her department and the college.
Administrative
Marie Barone, Senior Director of Student Affairs, Athens
Marie has excelled in one of the schoolās most challenging roles: facilitating the Committee on Student Progress. She supports students through the difficulties of medical education with empathy, kindness, and guidance, especially those who struggle along the way. Beyond her direct support, she actively and tirelessly advocates for quality improvements to ensure that our systems work in the best interest of students.
Sandra Lesesky, CTAC Coordinator, Cleveland
Sandy is recognized as an essential member of the Cleveland HCOM community, ensuring CTAC sessions run smoothly, efficiently and on time. Beyond her organizational skills, she provides invaluable support to students, offering calm reassurance before encounters and guidance afterward. Her strong clinical knowledge enriches studentsā learning by connecting concepts to real-world applications. Always positive, dedicated and student-focused, Sandy goes above and beyond to support learners.
Faculty
Sarah Adkins, Associate Clinical Professor, Diabetes Institute, Athens
Sarah is an outstanding faculty member, not only deeply knowledgeable but also approachable and compassionate, which makes her a favorite among students. Her work restructuring the cardiovascular pharmacology activities in the Acute Block of our curriculum has improved the learning experience for our first-year students. Another of her significant achievements is the creation of Rising Suns Pharmacy, which is dedicated to providing accessible pharmacy services to residents in the rural, underserved area of southeastern Ohio. She is also a dedicated mentor and advisor to our students, always ready to explain a challenging concept, provide career advice, or simply offer encouragement. Through her efforts, Sarah has made a significant contribution to the culture at HCOM.
Jodie Foster, Professor of Instruction, Biomedical Sciences, Dublin
Jodie is praised as an exceptional professor who embodies compassion, support, and excellence in education. Students appreciate her ability to make complex material engaging and accessible, while fostering confidence and professional growth. Her dedication goes beyond teaching; she consistently invests in studentsā success, offering them encouragement, guidance, and genuine care both inside and outside the classroom. By setting high standards and modeling integrity, Dr. Foster has a profound and lasting impact on the development of future physicians.
Spring 2025
Congratulations to the following recipients of our Spring 2025 CARE Awards!
Classified
Jill Montle, Administrative Specialist, Athens
Jill Montle is a dedicated and proactive Administrative Specialist for the Office of Research and Grants at the Heritage College. She goes above and beyond in her duties, managing complex tasks and ensuring smooth operations during transitions. Jill's exceptional problem-solving skills, reliability, and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to the team. Her contributions to the Diabetes Institute and her willingness to support colleagues exemplify her commitment to the college's mission and vision.
Becky Vinson, Administrative Specialist, Athens
Becky Vinson has provided exceptional support to the Cleveland campus staff, particularly during a period of staff vacancy. She is known for her professionalism, prompt responses, and efficiency, ensuring seamless financial and administrative support. Becky's willingness to take on additional responsibilities, such as assisting with budgetary and Concur support for the Office of Inclusion, showcases her dedication and team spirit. Her colleagues greatly appreciate her invaluable guidance and consistent availability.
Administrative
Terry Porter, MA, Associate Director, Admissions & Outreach, Dublin
Terry is an exemplary leader who significantly contributes to the community at OU-HCOM Dublin. He is involved in various initiatives, including Pre-DOc and BeCOMe U, and often dedicates his weekends to encouraging prospective students from central Ohio. Terry's unwavering support and mentorship have positively impacted many students, helping them overcome challenges and realize their potential. Terryās commitment and dedication make him a deserving recipient of the CARE Award.āÆ
Dawn Mollica, BA, ORUP Administrative Director, Athens
Dawn is a dedicated team member who contributes greatly to the huge task of interviewing prospective students every year. Recently, when another interviewer had to call off sick on the day they were scheduled to conduct interviews, Dawn rearranged her schedule at the last minute to step in, taking on a role she had never done before. A reviewer praised her cheerfulness as well as her fearless, can-do attitude. Congratulations, Dawn!
Faculty
Leanne Chrisman-Khawam, MD, MEd, Assistant Professor, Cleveland
Leanne Chrisman-Khawam is an empathetic educator and leader who directs the Transformative Care Continuum (TCC) program. She has created impactful initiatives such as the DOTS program to aid homeless populations. Known for integrating clinical experience with medical education, Dr. Chrisman-Khawam inspires her students through her commitment to holistic medicine and community service, making her a deserving nominee for recognition.
Fabian Benencia, PhD, Associate Professor, Athens
Fabian Benencia is a dedicated and tireless team member who balances his student-facing and faculty-facing roles with remarkable efficiency. Known for his mentorship, Fabian provides invaluable guidance to colleagues, helping them overcome professional challenges. His commitment and leadership have made a significant impact on the academic community, and despite stepping down from his role as pre-clinical curriculum director, he remains a trusted source of support.