Educator of the Year 2009 - Eileen Paul from Seattle

 The award was presented to her by last year’s winner, Laurie Payne of Spokane. The following are excerpts from the announcement at the Spokane awards dinner:

• Our educator of the year award is a highlight of this meeting – our most prestigious honor.  This year’s winner so incredibly deserves this recognition.  She joins a long list of Who’s Who in Diabetes Care in our state.
   I read from what colleagues write about her.  “This year’s winner’s influence and strength are apparent when you meet her.  Her encouraging words make me believe that I can make a difference in my world.  She recognizes the value of being a team player and has a knack of bring this quality out in others.”
•  She has served as a member of the medical staff at diabetes camps for kids, has been a long time member of WADE, and held many offices for WADE. 
•  Decades ago this year’s winner recognized the value of SBGM.  Embracing the idea, she began educating staff, as well as patients on how to use this information to improve their health.  Getting excited about the possibilities of insulin pumps, she was instrumental in getting insurance approval for pumps and quickly helped start an education program in the endocrinology department at her institution.
•  Eileen is a true educator, and has a talent for translating her knowledge into life skills and usable recommendations.  Acting as nutrition editor of “Northwest Health” magazine, Eileen would research her topic to provide practical tips and come up with new approaches to the same old problems.  She networks closely with other educators and facilities, making the reputation of her program strong.  Her name and face became a familiar one as she made video productions, was interviewed by local TV stations and provided continuing education in conjunction with manufacturers.  She worked with local restaurants for healthier food choices and became instrumental in programs like “5 A Day.”
•  Her methods of instruction are unique, not just information driven but with the purpose in mind to empower each person on an individual basis.  She never used a cookie cutter approach, but took time to know the patient and their needs, finding a way to make the two meet.

  Co-workers words about this year’s winner –

“She has been an inspiration in my life” … “ never felt judged” … “She has been a true friend and great co-worker” … “She is gracious and always enjoyable to work with” … “She brightens up the day with a smile and positive attitude”

Educator of the Year 2008

 Laurie Payne was the recipient of the 2008 WADE award for Diabetes Educator of the Year. Laurie has been a diabetes educator for 21 years and is highly respected in her role as educator in the Spokane community. She regularly participates in presenting education forums to the general public and has been seen on local television addressing questions of diabetes care.

Some notable professional achievements include developing workable strategies for adapting diabetes education to video conferencing for outlying rural areas including completing assessments, showing use of SMBG and doing insulin starts. In the absence of person to person contact she found ways to empower patients to develop their own meal and exercise plans. She has also adapted diabetes education techniques to meet the needs of Latino and pediatric populations. In addition, Laurie is part of the medical staff at camp “Fun in the Sun” for 2 weeks each summer.

Laurie’s co-workers describe her as “down to earth,” “warm and caring.” She is “calm and resourceful and a leader” in the diabetes team. She listens to everyone’s ideas and works within the team to create teaching and learning strategies that work for all. She is a role model in balance and lifestyle and enjoys many activities with her family including skiing, boating, camping, hiking and keeping up with her two teenage daughters.

A quote from one of Laurie’s patients sums up the impact she makes with her patients, “Laurie was so patient and kind, she has made a huge difference in my getting control of my diabetes and gave me the tools to keep in control.”