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CMSC 2026
Award Winners & Honorees

Celebrating the individuals, researchers, clinicians, and advocates recognized at CMSC 2026.

🏆 Individual Achievement Awards

Recognizing outstanding leadership, clinical excellence, advocacy, and contributions to the MS community.

🏆 2026 CMSC Lifetime Achievement Award

Rosalind Kalb, PhD, CHC

🏆2026 ARTY Award

International Organization of MS Rehabilitation Therapists

BEST PRACTICES IN REHABILITATION IN MS

Michelle Ploughman, Professor, BScPT, MSc, PhD

🏆 2026 Fred Foley Award

MS Mental Health Professionals

EXCELLENCE IN MS MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Deborah M. Miller, PhD, LISW

🏆 2026 June Halper Award

International Organization of MS Nurses

EXCELLENCE IN MS NURSING

Rachael Stacom, MSN, ANP-BC, MSCN

🏆 2026 IOMSN Lifetime Achievement Award

International Organization of MS Nurses

Beverly Layton, RN, BSN, MSCN

🏆 2026 MS International Leadership Award

International Organization of MS Nurses

Belinda Bardsley, RN, BN, MSCN

🏆 2026 Research Award

🏆 2026 Distinguished Author Award

International Organization of MS Nurses

Francesco Pastore, RN, MSN, PhD

🏆2026 LIVEWISE Award

International Organization of MS Nurses

WELLNESS IN MS

Libby Levine, MSN, AGNP-BC, MSCN

Michelle Keating Levine,
RN, MSCN-e

🏆2026 Thumbs Up Award

International Organization of MS Nurses

MS Nurses Australasia Inc (MSNA)

Sara Schaefer,
RN, NP-BC, CNRN, MSCN

📄 Platform and Poster Presentation Awards

Recognizing outstanding platform and poster presentations from CMSC 2026.

Best Platform in Research

(REH05) Randomized Controlled Trial of a Remotely-Delivered Exercise Training Program In Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: Secondary Effects on Cognition, Symptoms, and Quality of Life

Peixuan Zheng, PhD, et al.

Best Platform in Patient and Family Education

(PSY05) Impact of Scalable 1-1 Peer Support on Increasing Confidence In Self-Management and Decision-Making: A Five-Year Evaluation of the Shift.Ms Buddy Network

Victoria Kirk, et al.

Best Poster in Research

(IMG06) Accelerated Brain Aging and Volume Loss In Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional MRI Study

Fen Bao, MS, et al.

Best Poster in Patient and Family Education

(MOC04) Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Transition of Care Program In a Pediatric Neuroimmunology Clinic

Shannon Capka, BSN, RN, et al.

Best Presentation in the Whitaker Track for Young Investigators

(WHI1) Accelerated Brain Aging Identifies Functional Deficits Not Captured By Chronological Age In Multiple Sclerosis

Patrick G. Monaghan, PhD, et al.

PROMISE AWARD (In Memory of Dr. Lael Stone)

EXCELLENCE IN MS MENTAL BEST ARTICLE BY A PROMISING AUTHOR/RESEARCHER/CLINICIAN CARE

New/Enlarging T2 Lesions in a Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Trial Cohort: Computer vs Human Detection

Alexandra J. White, MD

HERNDON AWARD FOR BEST ARTICLE

International Journal of MS Care

Head Rotation Impairs Balance and Walking in People with Mild to Moderate Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Marianne Rösner, MSc

LINDA MORGANTE AWARD

Best Poster which Inspires Hope in MS Care

(QOL11) Understanding Intersectional Considerations Of Gender And Women With Ms In Canada; Preliminary Insights From Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada

Jennifer L Collins, PhD, RN, CCNE, et al.

Design for Rehabilitation Competition

Recognizing innovative student-led rehabilitation solutions developed to improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.

🥇 FIRST PLACE

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

PROXISTEP

Mehdi Mortazavi

🥈 SECOND PLACE

QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY

QBMET LEGEXO

🥉 THIRD PLACE

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

MS COOL

2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

Rosalind Kalb, PhD, CHC

Recipient of the CMSC 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary contributions to MS care, education, and patient advocacy.

Rosalind Kalb is a clinical psychologist and certified health coach who has specialized in MS care and education for more than 40 years. Her career in MS began under the tutelage of Dr. Labe Scheinberg – the first recipient of CMSC’s Lifetime Achievement Award – at his comprehensive MS care center in New York. With his encouragement, her career grew to include clinical care for people with MS and their care partners, cognitive rehabilitation, research involving children with MS, and education programs and published materials for both professional and lay audiences. 

Following her time at the MS care center, Dr. Kalb worked for sixteen years at the National MS Society, guiding the growth and development of the Society’s Professional Resource Center, and creating print and online materials for the MS community. In recent years, Dr. Kalb has served as a senior programs consultant for Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, helping to create and provide interdisciplinary wellness education and small-group coaching opportunities for individuals and families affected by MS, using a comprehensive care model that would have made Labe Scheinberg proud. 

She has published numerous books and articles – including Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have; The Answers You Need and Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies for people affected by MS¸ and National MS Society consensus papers on Exercise and Lifestyle Physical Activity Recommendations Throughout the Disease Course and Recommendations for Cognitive Screening and Management for clinicians.

2026 ARTY Award

Michelle Ploughman, Professor, BScPT, MSc, PhD

International Organization of MS Rehabilitation Therapists

BEST PRACTICES IN REHABILITATION IN MS

The CMSC 2026 ARTY Award is presented by the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT) to recognize outstanding contributions to best practices in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation. This year, the award posthumously honors Michelle Ploughman, Professor, BScPT, MSc, PhD, for her dedication to advancing rehabilitation science and improving care for individuals living with MS. Through her work in research, education, and clinical practice, Dr. Ploughman has contributed to the development and dissemination of evidence-based rehabilitation approaches that support function, mobility, and quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis. Her legacy continues to influence healthcare professionals, researchers, and rehabilitation specialists around the world.

2026 FRED FOLEY AWARD

Deborah M. Miller, PhD, LISW

Multiple Sclerosis Mental Health Professionals

EXCELLENCE IN MS MENTAL HEALTH CARE

The Fred Foley Award, presented by the MS Mental Health Professionals Group, recognizes excellence and leadership in multiple sclerosis mental health care. At CMSC 2026, this distinguished honor is awarded to Deborah M. Miller, PhD, LISW, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to advancing psychological and emotional support for individuals living with multiple sclerosis and their families.

Throughout her career, Dr. Miller has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life of people affected by MS through compassionate care, clinical expertise, education, and advocacy. Her work has helped shape best practices in addressing the emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges associated with multiple sclerosis, while fostering a more holistic approach to patient-centered care.

Presented by Dr. Fred Foley, for whom the award is named, this recognition celebrates Dr. Miller’s lasting impact on the MS community and her dedication to promoting excellence in mental health services. Her leadership and commitment continue to inspire healthcare professionals and improve outcomes for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.