HAP Volunteer Recognition Awards
Earlier this year, we had the honor of coming together to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary contributions of our volunteer community at the HAP Dance & Volunteer Recognition Night during the 2024 HAP Conference. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication and compassion of our volunteers, whose efforts continue to create a profound impact across the globe. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to those who have gone above and beyond in supporting trauma recovery and healing through their selfless service. It was a moment to highlight their exceptional work and share in the joy of their well-deserved accomplishments.
Please join us in extending our congratulations to the recipients of the 2023-2022 Volunteer Awards!
Robbie Dunton
Founder’s Award
This award is reserved for individuals whose leadership, tireless dedication and exceptional contributions have profoundly shaped Trauma Recovery/HAP and the EMDR community. This award reflects a passion for excellence and dedication in the advancement of EMDR training and research, as well as the development of EMDR therapy around the world. Robbie Dunton was selected by the Board of Directors as the very first Founder’s Award recipient.
Marilyn Luber
2023 International World Changer
“Francine Shapiro asked me to be the liaison between the international community (at first, mainly Europe) and the EMDR Institute. First, I was a founding board member of EMDRIA charged with engaging our international membership. Then, I continued connecting with my EMDR colleagues through training for the Institute, volunteering for Trauma/Recovery HAP through training overseas, facilitator training and donating the proceeds from selling my “Handbook for EMDR Clients,” editing books with authors from all over the world, writing the “Around the World” and “In the Spotlight” columns featuring members of the worldwide community in newsletters for EMDRIA, then Germany and the EMDR Global Alliance. Currently, I am a co-facilitator of the Board Secretariat for the EMDR Global Alliance and continue working in other international endeavors. It touches me deeply to be honored for a role I have given my heart to and sincerely thank the Trauma Recovery/HAP Board members for the 2023 International World Changer Award.”
Howard Lorber
2023 Snyker Award
Recognizing outstanding dedication and enthusiasm for EMDR therapy and Trauma Recovery/HAP. An example of service and a model volunteer, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Snyker.
Marcia Holland
2023 Trainer of the Year
“Trauma Recovery/HAP is where I was initially trained in EMDR therapy, and then later was trained to teach others. I love that HAP’s mission worldwide is to reach out to those who are caring for underserved communities. As an EMDR therapist, I’m so fortunate to participate in my client’s recovery; as a trainer, helping therapists in their own clinical practice is most rewarding. Trauma Recovery/HAP EMDR Training is a team effort; countless individuals work before, during, and after each training weekend to ensure that the best learning experience occurs. Office staff interface with participants throughout their 50-hour training; facilitators help participants learn through practice during training; consultants teach and mentor in the months following training weekends. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of a “dream team” that is helping fulfill Dr. Shapiro’s dream of healing trauma and lessening suffering throughout the world.”
George Abbott, PhD
2022 Trainer of the Year
Celebrating excellence in training and mentorship.
Charlene Spears
2023 Facilitator of the Year
Acknowledging exceptional leadership and facilitation skills.
Scott Mentzer
2023 Facilitator of the Year
“Being recognized is an honor. I appreciate the opportunity to give back and hopefully have a positive effect on people’s lives.”
Linda Ouellette
2022 Facilitator of the Year
“I began facilitating for HAP in 2017. Volunteering my time in this way enhances my basic training knowledge, keeps me on track and updated with changes, and allows me to guide others, especially in the importance of maintaining fidelity to the standard protocol. I am honored and humbled to be a part of keeping Francine’s vision alive in such a changing and sometimes tumultuous world.”
Kelly Stevenson
2022 Facilitator of the Year
“I was so honored to receive a Facilitator of the Year award. It has been such a privilege to be involved with this organization. Sitting in on the morning lectures and hearing our talented Trainers share the material from their unique perspectives has helped me grow as a therapist and consultant. Observing newly-trained EMDR therapists guide each other through their reprocessing during the practicum each training fills me with confidence in the standard protocol and hope for the future of our profession. I appreciate the support and encouragement from the leadership team that gave me the confidence to mentor Facilitators-in-Training and to become a Trainer Candidate. I believe in HAP’s mission and I feel fortunate to get to volunteer with you all.”
Orange County TRN, presented to Dr. Mary Eason, Coordinator
2023 TRN of the Year
“I didn’t always want to volunteer. I was overworked and tired. The idea of getting involved in the TRN seemed daunting. Yet, despite feeling exhausted, I felt a pull to do something meaningful to help people in my community. I felt that being EMDR trained was a gift that I gave myself and my clients and I had witnessed such amazing healing. It took some convincing from a lovely colleague that we should start a TRN in Orange County, CA. I had no idea how to even get started. I just took a leap of faith.”
Western New York TRN, presented to Denise Fuller, Coordinator
2022 TRN of the Year
Highlighting exemplary contributions within the Trauma Recovery Network.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Trauma Recovery/HAP. Their dedication, passion, and countless hours of service make a profound impact in healing trauma and helping those in need. THANK YOU to each and every one of our volunteers!