NAU’s College of Health and Human Services honors its clinical partners with appreciation event
The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) relies on its clinical partners to train the next generation of healthcare providers. To recognize their contributions, Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services hosted its first Clinical Partners Appreciation Event at the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC) Innovation Center near NAU’s Downtown Phoenix campus on May 14, 2026. CHHS honored outstanding clinical educators, supervisors, instructors, mentors, and community partners who have supported student learning and their professional development this past year.
This year’s award recipients represent a diverse group of healthcare disciplines that have demonstrated excellence in their teaching performance.
Dr. Ellie Bensted and Dr. Crystal Conyers, both pediatric physical therapists at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, were recognized as Clinical Instructors of the Year in Physical Therapy for their commitment to both students and the families they work with.
Sara Chatham, an NAU alumna who earned her master’s degree in athletic training, received the Preceptor of the Year in Athletic Training for her teaching in providing individualized, whole person-care.
Dr. Andy Lee, a family medicine physician with advanced training in geriatric care, was honored as the Preceptor of the Year award in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) for his dedication to both student mentorship and his practice.
The Occupational Therapy (OT) department had the pleasure of honoring Dr. Casey Blaesing as their Fieldwork Educator of the Year for her role as a clinic manager where she provides mentorship, education, and clinical training to students. Finally, to Hermien Sauermann, the recognition of Capstone Mentor of the Year was awarded for her instruction of students through global OT training and perspectives.
The College of Health and Human Services also presented the award of Organization of the Year to Circle the City, for its commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and its overall support for CHHS students and programs, notably the PA and OT programs.
Clinical partners are a keystone component of our educational program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience to prepare them for their careers as future compassionate healthcare professionals.
To learn more about becoming a clinical partner with NAU’s College of Health and Human Services, please email Mackenzie Cotlow at Mackenzie.Cotlow@nau.edu.
Contributed by: Emma Johnson
