Annual Volunteer Recognition Event
In August of this year, during the 2025 HAP Conference, we hosted our annual Volunteer Recognition Event. Like years prior, this year’s event was a heartfelt celebration of individuals who represent the Shapiro Effect and who make Trauma Recovery/HAP’s mission possible. Bound by a shared commitment to healing trauma, restoring dignity, and fostering resilience, these honorees bring hope and healing to individuals and communities across the globe. During the evening’s awards ceremony, we shined a spotlight on several outstanding volunteers and members of the EMDR community whose passion and service exemplify the very best of our mission.
The recipients were:
- Sherry Yam, 2024 TRN Leader of the Year
- East Tennessee TRN (Lynn Smith & Bonnie Barclay), 2024 TRN of the Year
- Gretchen von Seggern, 2024 Volunteer of the Year
- Ted Olejnik, 2024 Snyker Award
- Jim Knipe, 2024 International World Changer
- Rosalie Thomas, 2024 Shapiro Effect Award
- Bernadette Talia, 2024 Trainer of the Year
- Gemma Rivera, 2024 Facilitator of the Year
- Stephanie Lohret & Sally Parmelee, 2024 Staff Member(s) of the Year
Join us in celebrating the 2024 Volunteer Award recipients!
Sherry Yam, MSW, LCSW
2024 TRN Leader of the Year
Awarded to a TRN leader who has exemplified leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to local and national goals.
Sherry has demonstrated exceptional leadership and compassion through coordinating the NorCal Trauma Recovery Network. In response to the California wildfires, she led efforts to provide both in-person and virtual trauma support, creating safe, healing spaces for survivors, including one powerful moment when a child taught his father the “butterfly hug.”
Beyond her TRN work, she serves as an EMDR consultant at the VA, contributes nationally through her work with the STAIR Institute, and teaches psychology at UC Berkeley. Sherry’s vision, expertise, and heart-centered leadership embody the spirit of this award.
East Tennessee TRN (Coordinators: Lynn Smith and Bonnie Barclay) 
2024 TRN of the Year
Recognizes a TRN that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, community impact, and alignment with HAP’s mission throughout the year.
The East Tennessee TRN, led by Lynn Smith and Bonnie Barclay, was honored for their consistent and compassionate response work to local disasters. Their coordination brought trained EMDR therapists together to support survivors and provide trauma care to impacted communities following the Covenant School Shooting and the Apalachee School shooting. In addition, the East Tennessee TRN offers mentorship and encouragement to new TRN coordinators and members as they find their footing. Their leadership reflects the power of local action and a deep commitment to healing.
Gretchen von Seggern
2024 Volunteer of the Year
Honors a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in service, demonstrating commitment and passion for the mission of Trauma Recovery/HAP.
Gretchen von Seggern was recognized for her dedication and service as a longtime volunteer with Trauma Recovery/HAP. A licensed professional clinical counselor and clinical supervisor, Gretchen brings depth and expertise to every role she holds. Since joining the HAP Faculty in 2012, she’s facilitated numerous EMDR Basic Trainings and provided more than 500 hours of consultation. She has also served on key committees and supports her local TRN. Known for her energy, reliability, and willingness to always step up, Gretchen exemplifies the heart of our volunteer community and continues to make a lasting impact.
Ted Olejnik, LICSW, LADC-1
2024 Snyker Award
Established in 2004, this annual award honors the legacy of Elizabeth Snyker: a dedicated early proponent of EMDR and Trauma Recovery/HAP. The award recognizes outstanding volunteer service, reflecting Elizabeth’s zest for life, open-heartedness, and unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission.
Ted Olejnik was recognized with the 2024 Snyker Award for his lifelong commitment to trauma recovery and global EMDR training. A retired Air Force veteran turned therapist, Ted began using EMDR therapy with soldiers in Germany, quickly gaining recognition for the effectiveness of his work. His advocacy led to widespread training initiatives within the U.S. Army and VA systems. Internationally, Ted helped launch EMDR Poland by supporting his niece’s certification and training dozens of new therapists across Europe. Today, he volunteers extensively with Trauma Recovery/HAP, conducting multiple trainings annually and inspiring the next generation of EMDR professionals. Ted’s tireless service and belief in EMDR’s healing power embody the spirit of this award.
Jim Knipe, PhD
2024 International World Changer
Celebrates an international partner or individual who has made a significant global impact through trauma recovery work and the advancement of EMDR.
Dr. Jim Knipe was honored with the 2024 International World Changer Award for his extraordinary global contributions to the field of EMDR and trauma recovery. A licensed psychologist since 1976, Dr. Knipe has been using EMDR therapy since 1992 and was named an EMDRIA Master Clinician in 2007. His leadership has reached across continents, having trained, spoken, and supported trauma recovery efforts in over a dozen countries. Dr. Knipe is also a prolific author and researcher, best known for EMDR Toolbox: Theory and Treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation. For 30 years, Jim has been a steady presence—leading with humility, integrity, and compassion. His work has shaped not only programs but people—mentors, clinicians, and communities across the world.
Rosalie Thomas, R.N., Ph.D.
2024 Shapiro Effect Award
Awarded to an individual who embodies the ripple effect of Dr. Francine Shapiro’s work. The recipient is a strong leader who believes in the mission of Trauma Recovery/HAP and inspires lasting change.
This year marked the inaugural presentation of the Shapiro Effect Award, and it was fittingly awarded to Dr. Rosalie Thomas in recognition of her extraordinary leadership and enduring impact on the global EMDR community. A licensed psychologist from Washington State, Dr. Thomas is a senior trainer and consultant for both the EMDR Institute and Trauma Recovery/HAP, and has served in numerous leadership roles across EMDRIA, the EMDR Research Foundation, and the EMDR Global Alliance. Her dedication has brought EMDR training to communities across the U.S., Asia, and beyond, all while mentoring the next generation of practitioners and expanding access to trauma healing worldwide. Through her visionary work and mentorship, Rosalie has ensured that Dr. Shapiro’s vision lives on.
Bernadette Talia
2024 Trainer of the Year
Recognizes a trainer who has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and impact in EMDR training delivery.
Bernadette Talia was honored as the 2024 Trainer of the Year for her outstanding contributions to EMDR education and her commitment to culturally responsive trauma care.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified EMDR Trainer and Facilitator with Trauma Recovery/HAP, Bernadette brings decades of experience in clinical work, consultation, and community leadership. She is known for her warmth, passion, and deep cultural sensitivity, especially in serving Arabic-speaking and Middle Eastern communities.
In addition to co-founding the Chaldean Middle Eastern Social Services program and founding Angels of Hope Counseling Services, she has trained countless clinicians in EMDR across diverse populations. Bernadette’s dedication to healing and empowerment continues to inspire those she teaches and supports.
Gemma Rivera
2024 Facilitator of the Year
Awarded to a facilitator who has shown outstanding support, leadership, and consistency in their role during training sessions.
Gemma Rivera was recognized as the 2024 Facilitator of the Year for her unwavering dedication and excellence in EMDR training support. As a former first responder, Gemma brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her role, enriching every training session with empathy and insight. She is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Certified EMDR Therapist, and valued Facilitator with Trauma Recovery/HAP.
Gemma began her journey with HAP in February of 2019, and in just five years she has already delivered an incredible 42 trainings. She is a dedicated member of the Southern Nevada Trauma Recovery Network and has provided well over 500 hours of consultation, helping to guide and develop the next generation of EMDR therapists.
Her consistency, leadership, and commitment make her a trusted presence in the EMDR training community.
Stephanie Lohret & Sally Parmelee
2024 Staff Member(s) of the Year
Recognizes an internal staff member who has gone above and beyond in service, innovation, and contribution to the HAP team and mission.
Stephanie Lohret and Sally Parmelee were honored as the 2024 Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication and contributions to Trauma Recovery/HAP.
As Senior Training Operations Coordinator, Stephanie has played an important role in ensuring the seamless planning and execution of EMDR Basic Trainings since 2016. Her logistical support and participant coordination have been essential to the success of each training event. Sally, who joined HAP in 2021, serves as Director of Communications & Development, leading fundraising, marketing, and outreach efforts. Her nonprofit experience and focus on communications have strengthened HAP’s visibility and mission impact. Together, their commitment, professionalism, and heart exemplify what it means to serve behind the scenes.
We want to thank all those who attended the Volunteer Recognition Event in person. As the evening came to a close, what resonated most was the reminder that every hour given, every skill shared, and every act of service adds up to profound change. The volunteers we honored, and the many more who serve quietly every day, are the reason Trauma Recovery/HAP can continue to expand hope and healing where it is needed most. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and inspired by the compassion and resilience they bring to our mission.