Recognizing excellence across the START Network is more than a moment of applause; it is a reflection of our shared mission and values in action. Each award highlights individuals who model the principles of START through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to improving the wellbeing of people with IDD-MH. By elevating exemplary practice, SNTI Award winners reinforce what meaningful impact looks like in real time and encourages others to carry this work forward in their own communities.
Awards are presented during NCSS’ annual START National Training Institute.
For past winners, see each yearly event page.
SNTI Award Descriptions
William I. Gardner Award
The William I. Gardner Award is NCSS’s highest honor, instituted in 2015 in memory of Dr. William "Bill" Gardner. Dr. Gardner was a leader in promoting person-centered, evidence-based clinical support and treatment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health service needs.
START Team Member Awards
START Team Member Awards recognize START professionals who demonstrate a thorough understanding of the START model and have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. These recipients exemplify the START philosophy of positive engagement with individuals, families, and the service system. At least one award will be given for each of the following team members:
START Team Member Award – Leadership
This START Team Member Award recognizes a START leader (clinical director, program director, or medical director) who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with persons, families, and the service system. (Please note that clinical directors and program directors must be certified).
START Team Member Award – Team Leader/Certified START Coordinator
This START Team Member Award recognizes certified START coordinators and team leaders who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. These recipients exemplify the START philosophy of positive engagement with persons, families, and the service system. START coordinators and team leaders should be with a program for at least 1 year and must be certified.
Therapeutic Coaching Award
This START Team Member Award recognizes a START therapeutic coach and/or therapeutic coaching team lead who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with persons, families, and the service system.
The Janel Burroughs Award (START Resource Center Counselors and Resource Center Directors)
This START Team Member Award recognizes a START resource center counselor and/or resource center director who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with persons, families, and the service system.
NEW! START Team Member Award – Rising Star
Nominees may serve in any role on a START team, and certification is not required. This new award recognizes a START team member who has been part of their START program for one year or less and has demonstrated exceptional promise, commitment, and early impact within the START model. The recipient exemplifies START values through a strengths-based, collaborative approach; meaningful engagement with persons, families, and the service system; and a clear dedication to learning, growth, and improving the quality of support for people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
START Network Partner Awards
START Network Partner Awards recognize two network partners for their significant contribution, in collaboration with a START team, to improving the system of support for adults and children who experience IDD-MH.
START Network Partner Award – Adult Services
This award recognizes a network partner for their significant contribution, in collaboration with a START team, to improving the system of support for adults who experience IDD and mental health needs. The recipient (individual or organization) embodies the core START concept of enhancing the capacity of the system.
START Network Partner Award – Children's Services
This award recognizes a network partner for their significant contribution, in collaboration with a START team, to improving the system of support for children who experience IDD and mental health needs. The recipient (individual or organization) embodies the core START concept of enhancing the capacity of the system.
Case Management/Service Coordination/Care Coordination Award
This award recognizes a case manager, service coordinator, or care coordinator who has worked closely and positively with a START team to improve the system of support for people who experience IDD-MH. The recipient recognizes the importance of collaborative, systemic work between START teams, and case management/service coordination in the system.
