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IAFN Awards

Each year we seek to identify and recognize those individuals who have contributed significantly to the advancement, growth, and success of forensic nursing and/or the Association through various awards.

2024 award winners with IAFN President, CEO and Awards Committee Chair
Previous award winners with 2024 recipients

2025 Nominations Are Closed!

Members serving on our 2025 Awards Task Force are reviewing all nominations and will contact recipients’ nominators in May. 

Only members can nominate someone for an award. 


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Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners!

  • Ann Burgess Forensic Nursing Research Award – Katherine Scafide
  • Distinguished Fellow Award- Alisha Blazevic
  • Frontline Forensic Nurse of the Year- Anna Candoleza Muglia
  • Virginia Lynch Pioneer Award in Forensic Nursing- Jessica Albers

Watch 2024 Local Award Presentations »

Learn more about our awards:

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This is the highest award the Association bestows to honor an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the field of Forensic Nursing.  These contributions may be made through clinical programs development, scientific achievement, legislation changes, or educational activities. No more than one award will be made each year.  Virginia Lynch Award recipient receives a 3-year membership to the Association.

Criteria

  • The nominee is an International Association of Forensic Nurses voting member (Registered Nurse or equivalent).
  • The nominee has demonstrated innovative and creative methods to promote and enhance Forensic Nursing to the nursing community as well as community at large.
  • The nominee must have made significant contributions to the development of Forensic Nursing through demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and  national/international levels.
  • The nominee has worked with other organizations/disciplines to set standards of practice for the care of victims and/or offenders of violence.
  • The nominee has increased the realm of possibilities for the organization and the practice of Forensic Nursing.

Past Virginia A. Lynch Pioneer Award Winners

  • 2024 – Jessica Albers
  • 2023 – Jennifer Sonsiadek
  • 2022 – Kathy Bell
  • 2021 – Pamela S. Holtzinger
  • 2020 – No Awards Given
  • 2019 – Zenaide Cavalcanti de Mederios Kernbeis
  • 2018 – Michelle Ortiz
  • 2017 – Jana French
  • 2016 – Diana Faugno
  • 2015 – Stacey Mitchell
  • 2014 – Bonnie Price
  • 2013 – Jennifer Pierce-Weeks
  • 2012 – Sheila Macdonald
  • 2011 – Susan Chasson
  • 2010 – Nancy Cabelus
  • 2009 – Denise Lyons
  • 2008 – Elise J. Turner
  • 2007 – Kathleen Sekula
  • 2006 – Dr. Barbara Moynihan
  • 2005 – Debra Holbrook
  • 2004 – Mary Sullivan
  • 2003 – Colleen O’Brien
  • 2002 – Daniel J. Sheridan
  • 2001 – Linda Saunders
  • 2000 – Linda Ledray
  • 1999 – Jamie Gilson
  • 1998 – Jamie Ferrell
  • 1997 – Arlene Kent-Wilkinson
  • 1996 – Georgia Pasqualone
  • 1995 – Faye Battiste-Otto
This award will recognize the impact of the significant contributions and accomplishments that the individual has achieved through their work in advancement of the profession of Forensic Nursing. No more than one award will be made each year. Recipient of this award will be designated as a Distinguished Fellow of the International Association of Forensic Nurses. Regular/Associate membership must be maintained in order to keep the designation. The award recipient may use the title of Distinguished Fellow as part of their professional title. Recipient of the Distinguished Fellow Award receives a complimentary one year membership in the Association.

Criteria

  • The nominee is an International Association of Forensic Nurses voting member.
  • The nominee has demonstrated a commitment to the development of the profession of Forensic Nursing.
  • The nominee, through research and/or theory development, advances knowledge of forensic concepts and their relation to nursing care.
  • The nominee will have made a significant contribution to opening and advancing opportunities in Forensic Nursing through outstanding achievements in public health, welfare and safety.

Past Distinguished Fellow Winners

  • 2024 – Alisha Blazevic
  • 2023 – Nancy Harris
  • 2022 – Rebecca Navarro
  • 2020 – No Awards Given
  • 2019 – Janice Du Mont
  • 2018 – Kim Day
  • 2017 – Annie Lewis-O’Connor
  • 2016 – Dr. Karen Neill
  • 2015 – Pamela Tabor
  • 2014 – Rachell Ekroos
  • 2013 – Jamie Ferrell
  • 2012 – Joyce Williams
  • 2011 – Jacqueline Callari-Robinson
  • 2010 – Angela Frederick Amar
  • 2009 – Diana Faugno
  • 2008 – Cindy Peternelj-Taylor
  • 2007 – Patricia A. Crane
  • 2006 – Dr. Louanne Lawson
  • 2005 – Russell Rooms
  • 2004 – Jenifer Markowitz
  • 2003 – Dian L. Williams
  • 2002 – Paul T. Clements
  • 2001 – Patricia Speck
  • 2000 – Gwendolyn R. Costello
  • 1998 – Patricia Loftus
  • 1998 – Dawn Rice
  • 1996 – Virginia Lynch
  • 1996 – Janet Barber Duval
  • 1995 – Ann Burgess
  • 1995 – Dr. Z.G. Standing Bear
  • 1995 – Dr. Patrick Besant-Matthews
This award honors an individual who has made exceptional research contributions to the field of Forensic Nursing. These contributions may be made through clinical program development, scientific achievement, legislative changes, or educational activities. No more than one award will be made each year. Recipients of this award will receive a one year complimentary Association membership.

Criteria

  • The nominee must be an International Association of Forensic Nurses regular member.
  • The nominee has completed and published forensic nursing research within the past 5 years.
  • The nominee has made significant contributions to the application of forensic nursing research in the clinical environment, and with other disciplines that interface with forensic nursing.
  • The nominee has demonstrated innovative and creative methods to promote and enhance research in forensic nursing to the nursing community.
  • The nominee has encouraged and supported research concepts through theoretical and/or clinical practice.

Past Ann Burgess Research Award Winners

  • 2024 – Katherine Scafide
  • 2022 – Nancy Downing
  • 2021 – Kathleen Sekula
  • 2020 – No Awards Given
  • 2019 – Carolyn Porta
  • 2018 – Stacy Drake
  • 2017 – Jocelyn Anderson
  • 2016 – Julie Valentine
  • 2015 – Patricia Speck
  • 2014 – Kathryn Laughon
  • 2012 – Deborah Shelton
  • 2011 – Linda Rossman
  • 2010 – Rebecca Campbell
  • 2009 – Ann Burgess
This award will recognize one individual outside of nursing who has contributed significantly to the advancement of Forensic Nursing. The award recipient will have displayed knowledge of the benefits of the science of Forensic Nursing. No more than one award will be made each year. (This award has combined and replaced the Vision Award)

Criteria

  • The nominee does not have to be a member of the IAFN.
  • The nominee has demonstrated consistent leadership in support of the IAFN and the practice of Forensic Nursing.
  • The nominee has contributed significantly to the development and success of community or educational programs that teach or promote Forensic Nursing.

Past Patron Award Winners

  • 2023 – Barbara Sheaffer
  • 2022 – Heather DeVore
  • 2021 – Roger Canaff
  • 2020 – No Awards Given
  • 2019 – Leslie Hagen
  • 2018 – Sasha Rutizer
  • 2017 – Paula Broome
  • 2015 – David Bernard
  • 2014 – Katherine Melhorn
  • 2011 – Diane Daiber
  • 2010 – Debra Patterson
  • 2009 – Joe Henderson
  • 2007 – Donna Hathaway
  • 2005 – Dr. Jeff Jones
  • 2005 – Debbie & Robert Smith
  • 1999 – Patricia A. Peterson
In 2021 the Service Award was renamed to the Kim Day Service Award in recognition of Kim Day’s retirement from IAFN after 15 years of employment and decades of service in the field of Forensic Nursing. This award will recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of volunteerism for the betterment of the Association. No more than one award will be made each year. Recipients of this award will receive a one year honorary Association membership.  
 

Criteria

  • The nominee must be an association member.
  • The nominee has promoted and supported the efforts of the Association with more than 3 years of involvement.
  • The nominee has demonstrated a commitment to the Association and has assisted or led developments or practices that have advanced or impacted the organization.
  • The nominee can be a current Association committee member or a prior board member, but not a current board member.

Past Service Award Winners

  • 2023 – Polly Campbell
  • 2022 – Tammy Bimber
  • 2021 – Barbara Kern-Pieh
  • 2020 – No Awards Given
  • 2019 – Nicole Stahlmann
  • 2018 – Linda Walther
  • 2017 – Gina Carbino
  • 2016 – Erin Pollitt
  • 2015 – No Awardee
  • 2014 – Linda Walther
  • 2013 – Shalotta Sharp
  • 2011 – Lynda Tiefel
  • 2009 – Helen Kelly
  • 2008 – Pamela Turner
  • 2007 – Valerie Sievers
  • 2000 – Janet Barber Duval
This award will recognize individuals who provide exceptional direct patient/ client care in the forensic setting. The award is not limited to SANE’s. No more than one award will be awarded each year.
 

Criteria

  • The nominee must be a Regular member of the IAFN and have been a member for the last three years.
  • Provides(d) direct care that met and exceeded the standards of forensic nursing care.
  • Exhibited compassion and personal sacrifice on behalf of the patient/ client.
  • Provides(d) extraordinary care that created significant benefit to the patient/client.

Past Front Line Forensic Nurse of the Year Award Winners

  • 2024 – Anna Candoleza Muglia
  • 2023 – Evangeline Barefoot
  • 2022 – Iris Potter
  • 2021 – Meghan Richardson
  • 2021 – Gail Hansen
  • 2020 – No awards given
  • 2019 – Janet Carroll
  • 2018 – Jennifer Breads
  • 2017 – Christy Alexander
  • 2016 – Anne Galloway
    • Edit

2015:

Vision Award: Carey Goryl
Vision Award: Winston Sayson

2014:

Vision Award: J.B. Van Hollen

2013:

Achievement Award: Jessica Draughon
Achievement Award: Susan Loeb
Vision Award: Janice Dumont

2012:

Achievement Award: Janean Fossum
Achievement Award: Linda Reimer
Vision Award: Lisa Madigan

2011:

Achievement Award: Deidre Bainbridge
Achievement Award: Kristine Karcher
Vision Award: Barbara Covey

2010:

Achievement Award: Sheila Early
Achievement Award: Dr.William Smock
2010 – Sally Laskey

2009:

Achievement Award: Carla Corwith
Achievement Award: Donna Riemer
Vision Award: Dr. Gordon Reed

2008:

Achievement Award: Allyson Cordoni
Achievement Award: Alina Kiljanski
Vision Award: Tseko Clement Makhosane

2007:

Achievement Award: Rachel Boersma
Achievement Award: Dianne Fuller
Achievement Award: Cathy Carter-Snell
Achievement Award: Joyce Williams
Vision Award: Dr. Rakesh K. Gorea

2006:

Achievement Award: Linda McCracken
Achievement Award: Sheila Macdonald
Achievement Award: Rebecca Campbell
Achievement Award: Marie Mugavin
Vision Award: Giancarlo Di Vella
Vision Award: Katherine TePas

2005:

Achievement Award: Brenda Garison
Achievement Award: Anita Symonds
Achievement Award: Carmen Henesy
Vision Award: Lawrence M. Sullivan, Esq.
Vision Award: Dr. Michael Weaver

2004:

Achievement Award: Karen Coleman
Achievement Award: Mary-Helen Scales
Achievement Award: Dr. Deborah Shelton
Vision Award: Bruce T. Sackman
Vision Award: Dr. Randall Brown

2003:

Achievement Award: Tascha Spears
Achievement Award: Barbara Spence O’Donnell
Achievement Award: Tara Henry
Vision Award: David Woodford

2002:

Achievement Award: Beth Ariss
Achievement Award: Lynda Benak

2000:

Achievement Award: Dave Mercer
Achievement Award: Nanako Yoneyama
Achievement Award: Barbara Goll-McGee
Achievement Award: Anita Huft
Vision Award: John C. Butt
Vision Award: Dr. Nizam Peerwani

1999:

Achievement Award: Dr. Colleen Carney Love
Achievement Award: Dr. Tom Mason
Vision Award: Michael Eyring
Vision Award: Dr. Lavenda Orr

1998:

Presidents Award: Patty Senski
Achievement Award: Cindy Peternelj-Taylor
Vision Award: Lisa Scheimeier

1997:

Vision Award: Dr. Mary Dudley

1996:

Achievement Award: Patricia Speck
Achievement Award: Diana Faugno
Achievement Award: John McPhail
Vision Award: Dr. Joseph Davis
Vision Award: Dr. Irving Stone

1995:

Achievement Award: Connie Hoyt
Achievement Award: Steve Woods
Achievement Award: Marion Cummings
Recognition Award: Helen Marie Zachritiz
Recognition Award: Dwayne Briscoe
Recognition Award: Debie Maines
Vision Award: Dr. George Nichols II
Vision Award: Dr. William Smock