Three Employees Receive START National Training Institute (SNTI) Awards

June 18, 2026

Three Employees Receive START National Training Institute (SNTI) Awards 

Our NC START Teams recently attended the START National Training Institute (SNTI) virtual conference. The conference focuses on best practices, crisis prevention, care coordination, inclusion, and advancing the START model nationwide. Each year, SNTI recognizes outstanding individuals and teams for their work and contributions. Congratulations to the following award winners! 

START Team Leadership Award: 
Angela Walker – North Carolina East 

This award recognizes a START Leader who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with persons, families, and the service system.  

From Angela’s award nomination:
“She fosters a supportive environment where staff feel empowered to grow professionally while remaining focused on improving outcomes for the people and families we support. Her commitment to training, consultation, and problem solving has helped our team maintain fidelity to the START model.”

START Team Member Award: 
Tara Smith – North Carolina West 

This award recognizes a Certified START Coordinator and/or Team Leader who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with persons, families, and the service system. 

From Tara’s award nomination: 
“Tara goes above and beyond for the families she supports. People quickly learn that they can count on Tara to make herself available and show up in times of need with a positive outlook and heartfelt affirmations. Tara was a huge advocate and worked with START coaching to provide support to help with a successful transition.” 

START Team Member Rising Star Award: 
Victoria Ramos – North Carolina West 

This new award recognizes a START team member who has been part of their START program for one year or less and has demonstrated exceptional promise, commitment, and early impact within the START model. The recipient exemplifies START values through a strengths-based, collaborative approach; meaningful engagement with persons, families, and the service system; and a clear dedication to learning, growth, and improving the quality of support for people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. 

From Victoria’s award nomination: 
“Victoria has gone above and beyond for one particular person she supports, and also for his entire family and system…Her effort, professionalism, and care are paving the way for a hopeful transition out of a months-long hospital stay and into new, much needed services.” 

Please join us in celebrating these award winners and their outstanding contributions to our NC START programs. We are grateful for your work, and your compassion and dedication are what make RHA a place Where Humans Bloom!  

Learn more about NC START on our website at rhahealth.org/IDDNC.