The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences held its Annual Celebration on Tuesday, January 27, to reflect on the outstanding work accomplished in 2025. Attendees came together in person and online to recognize the teaching, research and clinical care achievements of their colleagues across the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Health System.  

Department Chair William Gabrielli, M.D., Ph.D., highlighted the department’s rich history of research and innovation during his opening remarks. The department, first formed in 1946, celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026. 

The festive event included a catered lunch and raffle prizes. Several faculty and staff members received recognition for their years of service to the department and their meaningful contributions to our work. Please join us in extending congratulations to the following honorees: 

Years of Service Awards 

1 year  

Ashu Agarwal, M.D., clinical assistant professor 

Kristen Baird, LPN, ambulatory clinic 

Caitlin Charbonneau, resource and referral coordinator 

Adam Everson, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor 

Eriana Flanagan, patient service representative 

Muhammed Imran, MBBS, clinical assistant professor 

Falon Jenkins, RN, ambulatory clinic 

Sara Lewis, RN, ambulatory clinic 

Courtney Main, intensive outpatient program manager 

Daniel Ortiz, M.D., clinical associate professor 

Carlie Seifert, MSW, ambulatory social work case manager 

Megan Solberg, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor 

Dustin Vann, communications and marketing specialist 

Shelby Weber, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor 

Maggie Yonker, administrative assistant 

5 years 

Emily Clements, M.D., assistant professor 

Laura Heckert, M.D., assistant professor 

Hannah Katz, Psy.D., clinical assistant professor 

Olivia Veatch, Ph.D., M.S., assistant professor 

Ashleigh Harrington, LPN, ambulatory clinic 

10 years 

Marcus Alt, Ph.D., associate professor 

Mitchell Douglass, M.D., associate professor 

Heather Kruse, Ph.D., associate professor 

15 years 

Johnny Graves, substance abuse counselor 

20 years 

Monica Kurylo, Ph.D., ABPP, professor 

Susan Sharp, D.O., clinical associate professor 

Department Awards 

Research and Scholarship Award 

This award recognizes the accomplishments of department faculty members in the areas of research and scholarship.  

2026 recipient: Roopa Sethi, MBBS, M.D., associate professor 

Impact and Engagement Award 

This award recognizes a faculty member who promotes an impactful, engaged learning environment.  

2026 recipient: Shilpa Sachdeva, M.D., associate professor 

Psychiatry Staff Service Award  

This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate professional excellence in the individual’s career in the areas of service, sharing and collegiality. Eligible candidates include staff counselors, masters level providers, nonfaculty research staff, support staff and nursing staff.  

• Strawberry Hill recipient: Lasheena Grimmett, behavioral health technician 

• Marillac recipient: Jess VanDyke, administrative assistant 

• Main campus: Stacy Buckley, residency/fellowship coordinator 

Collegiality Award 

This award recognizes one physician and one psychologist/doctoral researcher faculty who demonstrates collegiality as described as “the cooperative relationship of colleagues and sharing of authority.” Eligible candidates include faculty at any level of their career and in any track.  

Psychiatry recipient: Tyler Kjorvestad, M.D., assistant professor 

Psychology recipient: Lindsey Jenkins, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor 

Service Achievement Award 

This award recognizes and promotes the accomplishments of faculty who demonstrate professional excellence in their careers as shown by research, teaching or clinical service and/or clinical contributions that are above and beyond. Eligible candidates include faculty at any level of their career and in any track.  

2026 recipient: Angela Mayorga, M.D., professor 

Congratulations to this year’s honorees! Follow the department on LinkedIn to view more photos from the celebration.