inspire: celebrating women’s leadership S15
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 The Grand Island Independent www.theindependent.com
Sponsored by: Excellence in Healthcare
Finalists
Amanda Brunken has been the Health and Wellness Director at Bickford Senior Living in Grand Island, NE, since October 2022. With 15 years of experience in healthcare, Amanda’s journey began as a CNA, eventually earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Doane College. Raised in Ohio, she was the first in her family to graduate from college, inspired by her late grandmother, who ran a long-term care facility. Amanda has focused on age-related specialties throughout her career, including long-term care, hospice, and assisted living. Her personal mission is to “empower people to learn so that they live a life without regret,” a principle she incorporates into her care for patients, offering not just education and physical support, but emotional care as well. Amanda’s exceptional compassion has been recognized by those she serves. She frequently takes a grieving patient out to eat, helping him cope with his loss. She’s also known for going above and beyond,
Tami Smith
Amanda Brunken Health & Wellness Director Bickford Senior Living
Chief Executive Officer Heartland Health Center
staying late or working overnight to provide comfort and support. Her loving, attentive, and dedicated approach has earned Amanda praise from colleagues and patients alike. Her commitment to her patients and her compassionate service make her an exemplary candidate for the Excellence in Healthcare Award, embodying the heart of healthcare through her unwavering dedication to those in her care.
Tami Smith serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Health Center (HHC), a role she has held since January 2018. With over two decades of experience in the long-term care industry, Tami brought with her a wealth of knowledge, a strong commitment to values-based leadership, and a dedication to cultivating future leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and an Associate of Science in Health Information Management. These credentials, paired with her experience, have equipped her to guide HHC through both growth and challenge with steady leadership. Under Tami’s direction, Heartland Health Center has seen major expansion. She led the opening of three new clinic locations—an acute care clinic in Grand Island in 2019, a satellite clinic in Ravenna in 2020, and a long- anticipated clinic in Hastings in 2024. The Hastings site marks a milestone for HHC, offering medical, behavioral health, and soon, dental services. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, HHC was the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Nebraska to experience growth, a testament to Tami’s resilience and vision. Her leadership is marked by accessibility, strategic thinking, and empathy. Her open-door policy and ability to navigate complex situations have fostered trust and collaboration. She offers not just guidance, but heartfelt support to team members in difficult times. Tami received the Excellence in Healthcare award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities. Her strategic vision led to significant clinic expansion, and her unwavering dedication ensured that HHC continued to grow even during times of crisis. Through servant leadership and community- centered care, Tami has made a lasting impact on the lives of patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Libby Theoharis is a seasoned Occupational Therapist and Professor at Grand Island Central Community College (GICCC), with over 25 years of service to children and students. She holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Creighton University and teaches in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at GICCC. Libby has published work on mental health for children and has presented nationally at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) National Conference six times. In 2020, Libby led the creation of Ryder Park, the largest all-inclusive playground in Nebraska. This $2.4 million park, designed for children of all abilities, was awarded the National All-Inclusive Park of the Year Award in 2024. The ribbon-cutting ceremony in May 2024 marked a career milestone for Libby, who witnessed the direct impact of her efforts on children and families across Nebraska.
Libby Theoharis Occupational Therapist GO Physical Therapy
For over 10 years, Libby has directed the “Getting It Write” camp through GICCC, offering free therapy to children with fine motor, handwriting, and sensory needs. The camp has provided over 180 hours of therapy each summer. Libby has received recognition for her teaching and advocacy, including the Top 30 Under 30 award and the League of Excellence Award in 2020. She is known for her passionate dedication to children and occupational therapy and is highly regarded for her mentorship. Libby lives in Grand Island with her husband, Pete, and their five children, while continuing to teach and provide school-based therapy through GO Physical Therapy.
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