Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni Award Recipients

The Outstanding Recent Alumni Award will be given to an alumna/us, within 15 years of graduation, who has demonstrated significant achievements that embody the core values of Marywood.

Kelsi Curran exemplifies the spirit of Marywood University through her exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to the Marywood mission. Since graduating, Kelsi has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader and advocate, significantly impacting her community and profession.

A licensed clinical social worker, Kelsi has been in the social work field for 11 years, serving Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. She is known for creating a welcoming, relaxing, and non-judgmental environment for her clients and leading with curiosity, creativity, and empathy. Kelsi focuses on empowering those with whom she works, as well as the BSW Marywood students she interviews or the undergraduate and graduate students she hosts. Her mentorship and support for aspiring social workers exemplify her dedication to uplifting others and fostering growth within the field.

Kelsi received her BSW in 2014 and her MSW in 2017. She started in the field working at the Women’s Resource Center where she served as a teen counselor advocate. After that, she participated in a service trip to Africa with the African Sisters Education Collaborative. During her master’s program, she started working in private practice. Kelsi has always wanted to help people in whatever profession she pursued. She is currently working at Integrative Counseling Services, PC, as an outpatient mental health therapist and clinical supervisor who specializes in trauma. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) along with EMDR Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol to provide different approaches to help her clients.

In her current role, Kelsi has pioneered initiatives that have not only advanced her field but have also fostered positive social change. Neurofeedback is another way that Kelsi supports others by utilizing an alternative, non-invasive approach. Kelsi is currently in the process of completing the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) certification for neurofeedback. She completed the BCIA neurofeedback didactic education program, as well as an advanced, 16-hour training on neurofeedback protocols. Kelsi holds certificates in Alpha-Stim cranial electrostimulation therapy, as well as in the biofeedback modality of heart rate variability. She is trained in using various other biofeedback and bioregulation treatments to provide her clients with a diverse and holistic range of techniques. In addition to her professional achievements, Kelsi is a dedicated advocate for community service.

She has volunteered her time and expertise to the Women’s Resource Center, conducting their first Teal Ribbon 5K Run/1 Mile Walk and helped plan the 25th Annual Take Back the Night. She also provides neurofeedback and biofeedback services at Integrative Mind & Body Services, a new Lackawanna County non-profit mental health organization that helps clients achieve optimal mental health and cognitive performance. In honoring Kelsi, we recognize her as a beacon of the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of Marywood’s commitment to fostering individuals who make a difference in the world.

The Marywood Alumni Association bestows the Golden Marywoodian Award upon a member of the 50th honor year class who has demonstrated a commitment to community and civic service. The recipient should have distinguished themselves in their career and/or professional field with a record of making a difference in the lives of others, demonstrating engagement through volunteerism, as well as setting a standard for lifelong excellence, which embodies the core values of Marywood.

As noted by a fellow Marywoodian in 1970, “From her first day at Marywood, Carine was clear in her desire to become a social worker so she could help people.” After graduating in 1974 with a B.S. in Sociology, she pursued further education, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland in 1976, and then obtained her LCSW-C license in the State of Maryland. Throughout her illustrious 40+ year career in social work, Carine has remained steadfast in her mission to assist individuals during their most challenging times. Her early work in a residential crisis shelter for teenagers laid the foundation for a career marked by service in medical crises and family dysfunction. At Sinai Hospital/Lifebridge Health in Baltimore, Maryland, Carine’s leadership and managerial roles showcased her ability to oversee complex case management operations, mentor emerging social workers, and advance programs that significantly benefited the community. In 2012, Carine was recognized as one of 50 Social Work Heroes for Justice by the University of Maryland School of Social Work. This award was given for her “significant contributions to the greater community and for her work in policy, practice, research, and education that has elevated the reputation and visibility of the School and the social work profession.” Carine’s contributions extend beyond her professional practice. She has been an active voice in developing programs for senior citizens with the Baltimore City Commission on Aging, lectured and taught at numerous professional conferences, and maintained a positive outlook and fabulous sense of humor throughout her career. She volunteers at her local Food Bank Distribution Center, helps at the local Red Cross Donation Center, and assists with Veteran’s Administration Programs. She is also an active Poll Worker with the San Diego Registrar of Voters.

Always hoping to help empower others, in 2018, Carine courageously participated in a new clinical research study at Johns Hopkins University on the use of psilocybin to treat smoking addiction. As a result of the study, today, the use of psilocybin has expanded to clinical treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Opioid Addiction.

It is with great honor we present the Golden Marywoodian Award to Carine Chen-McLaughlin, a distinguished member of the Class of 1974, whose enduring impact on her field and the community is a shining example of what it means to be a Golden Marywoodian. Her engagement in volunteerism, mentorship, and service reflects a lifetime of excellence that embodies Marywood’s core values.
In honoring Carine, we celebrate her remarkable achievements and commend her for setting a standard of lifelong excellence and service.

The Alumni Community Achievement Award is bestowed by the Marywood Alumni Association upon alumni who have made an impact in their community through service, philanthropy, and/or advocacy.

Ann Montoro Williams’s professional and personal life is a testament to her enduring commitment to service and her positive impact on those around her. She exemplifies the values-based difference for which Marywood graduates are celebrated. Described as having a signature style of passion
and concern, Ann’s level of respect for others has always been contagious. Her journey reflects a profound love for the Congregation of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) and her alma mater.

Ann earned both her BA in Communication Arts (Radio, TV, and Public Relations) in 1984 and her MA in Communication Arts (Media Management) from Marywood in 2007. She joined a unique and talented group of individuals dedicated to the IHM mission in 2009 when she became an IHM Associate, making a non-vowed commitment to share in the life and ministry of the IHM community. Ann began her career with Marywood in 2001 as a Communications Writer in the Marketing and Communications Department and then moved on to Graduate Admissions in 2005, where she worked as an Admissions Counselor. During her eight-year tenure as a counselor, Ann played a crucial role in shaping the Marywood experience for prospective students, preparing them for lives of service and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Her influence is evident in the many Master’s-level graduates who, inspired by her dedication, are now making significant impacts globally—whether in family life, business, or mission-driven work, while respecting and nurturing the hopes and dreams of others. In 2014, Ann joined the Advancement Team as the Director of Alumni Engagement, where she enhanced alumni involvement, volunteerism, and financial support. Ann also served as a co-faculty Advisor for The Wood Word, Marywood’s award-winning student newspaper. Since 2017, Ann has been dedicated to Friends of the Poor, an initiative of the IHM Sisters. As Stewardship Manager, Ann has skillfully managed stewardship and organized hundreds of volunteers, influencing countless young employees. Her leadership fosters a culture of selfless service, crucial to the success and positive impact of the organization’s programs. Despite her significant professional responsibilities, over the last two decades Ann has maintained her passion for radio, utilizing her talents to serve as a part-time on-air news announcer and producer for RailRiders baseball broadcasts. Ann’s professional broadcasting career spanned forty years until her retirement in October 2023.

Ann Montoro Williams’s dedication to advancing the Marywood and IHM mission, her profound impact on those around her, and her steadfast adherence to the values instilled at Marywood make her a truly deserving recipient of this award. We celebrate her extraordinary achievements and extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering service to the community.

Awarded to a current (10 years or more), retired, or emeritus member of the Marywood faculty or staff, in recognition of their contributions to student success and their demonstration of the institution’s core values. Recipients have made a significant impact on the Marywood community and have worked to mentor future alumni leaders, advance the University’s mission, and enhance the integrity of the University.

We are proud to present the Faculty and Staff Alumni Impact Award to Renée Jourdanais, whose profound dedication to student success and unwavering commitment to Marywood’s core values have made a remarkable difference in the Marywood community. Renée’s commitment to Marywood’s core values was first nurtured as a Marywood undergraduate where she excelled both in her chosen field of Communication Sciences and Disorders and on the field in Pacer Softball. After receiving her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 1996, she went on to receive her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Nazareth College (NY) in 1998, before returning to Marywood in 2000 to become a Clinical Supervisor. An assistant professor of practice in the Communication and Sciences Disorders Department and the Clinic Coordinator of the on-campus Speech/Language and Audiology Clinics, Renée has been a beacon of encouragement, guiding students both professionally and personally while ensuring clients receive the compassionate care they deserve. She proudly serves as a mentor to student clinicians to help them advance professionally, modeling the professional duty for community service and the greater good.

Renée’s exemplary efforts in mentoring and supporting Marywood students go beyond the classroom. Her impact extends to Pacer Athletics as an NCAA Division FAR Fellow, as well as the Women’s Softball Team, where her support is instrumental in fostering a sense of community and teamwork. Her involvement as both an alumna and a dedicated supporter of the team exemplifies her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. A member of the Marywood Athletics Hall of Fame and the 1995 Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship Softball Team, Renee is still the holder of several Marywood softball records, including season records for triples (9), as well as Marywood’s career record holder for batting average (.423) over four seasons.

Renée’s leadership is a testament to the values held dear at Marywood. By sharing her knowledge and expertise, she not only enhances the educational experience but also sets a powerful example for Marywood students, helping them navigate their future careers with confidence and integrity.