2025 G.R.I.T. Awards
The G.R.I.T. Awards are extended by the National School-Based Health Alliance in Washington D.C. Awardees are nominated by their peers in each state. Nominees demonstrate the qualities: Genuine, Resilient, Innovative, and Tenacious in their daily work to promote school-based health. These awards celebrate leaders in four areas: providers, administrators, advocates, and champions. Our G.R.I.T. awardees are leaders who work at the local and state level and make a real, measurable difference in the lives of students and families.
2025 Provider Awards
Linda Dick-Olson, LICSW
Linda leads and supervises the School-Based Clinic Therapist team at Health Start. She is the consummate professional, highly skilled with her clients and exceptional in her leadership. Under her guidance, students build meaningful skills and resilience, and her team thrives in a culture of collaboration and growth. Linda embodies the core values of the School-Based Clinic model, fostering teamwork as both a philosophy and a standard of care. She serves as an anchor and a rock for her colleagues, providing steady leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support to both the young people she serves and the professionals who work alongside her.
Kathryn 'Katy' Schulz, NP-F
Katy has served students at Bloomington Central High Resource Center for many years, consistently going above and beyond to ensure her patients receive the best care possible. She is the first Park Nicollet Medical Director who is a Nurse Practitioner, breaking new ground for advanced practice nurses in school-based health leadership. Katy has shown unwavering persistence in delivering exceptional patient care especially during challenging circumstances. Some of her more challenging situations include providing care for students who are new to the country, experiencing homelessness, or experiencing severe mental health issues. The health mentor from Teen Annex, therapists, and the insurance navigator along with other partners frequently collaborate with Katy to help their clients get their medical needs met. The collaboration between partners has been exponentially helpful for students
2025 Administrator Awards
Abena Odam
Odam Medical Group
Odam Medical Group brings a holistic, community-centered approach to school-based health, offering culturally responsive healthcare that breaks down barriers for families. Their dedication to school-based collaboration has strengthened family engagement and improved student outcomes. The group's ability to approach families with cultural sensitivity and respect has built trust and strengthened family engagement with the health system and the schools. They understand that students have a stronger chance at success when schools and healthcare providers work together. Their efforts to provide preventive care, health education, and timely medical support have improved student attendance and learning readiness. For families, having trusted medical professionals who coordinate with school staff has made it easier to navigate complex systems and focus on their children's well-being. Odam Medical Group embodies leadership and service, strengthening schools, communities, and the state.
Madeline Speltz, RN
Maddie has been instrumental in the development of the School-Based Health Clinics (SBHCs) in Winona, Minnesota, from their inception. Over the past year, she played a key role in opening two new clinic sites and expanding access to mental health services for the coming school year. She goes above and beyond in her leadership managing three SBHC board meetings (students, parents, and administrators) and frequently representing the program at community events, often outside of her regular hours. Maddie brings a meticulous attention to detail to every school site, ensuring that each space is both student-friendly and secure. Her tireless outreach and community engagement have directly contributed to the steady increase in appointment rates across our SBHCs. Maddie’s heart and dedication are fully centered on caring for children and youth in need of healthcare and support.
2025 Advocate Awards
Amy Martinez Svendsen, RN, PHN
Amy ensures Rise Up Health Clinics operate with excellence every day and is unwavering in her belief that no patient should ever be turned away. Her work expanding mobile SBHCs to underserved neighborhoods has put the Bear Care Clinic on track to implement 15 mobile clinics this school year. Amy plays a critical role in public outreach, often serving as the first volunteer for community events. She educates families about SBHCs, distributes resources, and builds trust connecting more families to care while reducing stigma and uncertainty around school-based services. Amy exemplifies what it means to be an advocate for healthcare access, equity, and innovation. Her leadership has had a transformative impact on Rise Up Health Clinics, the students and families served, and the future of school-based health in Minnesota.
Atasha Hayden, MA
Atasha Hayden has been a certified Medical Assistant with the Minneapolis School-Based Clinics for over 15 years and has served as Supervisor of the MA team for the past five. She leads a team of seven MAs who support eight clinics, six medical providers, nine health educators, and nine mental health providers daily, all while co-covering two clinics herself. In her dual role as supervisor and MA, Atasha manages schedules, rooms students, performs lab work, and attends critical meetings, always ensuring smooth clinic operations. Atasha is a respected voice across multiple committees. She is known for her insight, dedication, and quiet but powerful leadership, when she speaks, people listen. This year, she took on the extra challenge of obtaining her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to drive the Medical Mobile Unit, expanding the reach of the SBCs. She was instrumental in launching a new SBC advocating tirelessly for students’ needs and consistently prioritizes students even stepping away from meetings to address urgent care. Atasha’s passion, commitment, and leadership make her an invaluable member of the SBC team and the Health Department, and a true advocate for the health and well-being of students.
2025 Champion Awards
Heather Bacon, Senior Analyst
Heather Bacon is nominated for the Champion Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, foresight, and dedication as Quality Improvement and Systems Coordinator at Rise Up Health Clinics. Since joining in 2022, Heather has been instrumental in building the infrastructure needed to sustain and expand access to care for underserved youth. Heather led the design and implementation of Rise Up’s first-ever billing system, balancing financial sustainability with a commitment that no child would be turned away due to their ability to pay. She negotiated contracts, integrated the clearinghouse with the EHR, developed electronic payment systems, and trained staff across all sites ensuring efficient, ethical, and transparent operations aligned with SBHC Core Competencies. In 2025, Heather proactively addressed the potential loss of Medicaid coverage, updating internal systems, preparing eligibility tools, and supporting families impacted by insurance changes. Her strategic thinking, technical expertise, and deep compassion have strengthened the clinic’s sustainability and directly improved the lives of hundreds of children. Heather Bacon exemplifies mission-driven leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to equitable care.
Beth Reilly, RN, PHN
Beth Reilly is a recognized champion of school-based health centers in Dakota County, Minnesota, due to her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and hands-on coordination of health services that directly support students, families, and schools. As the School Health Specialist for Dakota County Public Health, Beth leads initiatives connecting schools with vital public health resources, including immunization clinics, infectious disease prevention, and wellness advocate for the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) model, ensuring students have access to affordable, youth-friendly care directly within or near their schools, improving academic outcomes, reducing absenteeism, and addressing health disparities. Beth strongly advocates for public health initiatives through engagement with the community that facilitate positive outcomes for school-age children in Dakota County. Through her work with the Disease Prevention and Control program she helped to establish school located vaccine clinics, greatly improving student access. She creates monthly opportunities for school nurse networking and facilitates a Dakota County School Safety Coalition. Her work reflects a profound commitment to equity, exemplified by her instrumental role in establishing a long-term SBHC at Two Rivers Senior High in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Beth Reilly’s dedication transforms school environments into healthier, more supportive spaces for learning and growth, making her a vital advocate for student wellness in Dakota County.