Lara Tushla, LCSW, NSW-C, FNKF, to receive NKF Robert W. Whitlock Lifetime Achievement Award

From National Kidney Foundation

Note from National Kidney Foundation of Illinois: Lara is a dedicated volunteer who helps shape our patient-focused programs. Congratulations on her well-deserved award!

Lara Tushla, LCSW, NSW-C, FNKF

Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Social Worker at Rush University Transplant Program

"After all these years, it is still amazing to me that I was randomly assigned to a Nephrology Clinic as my MSW program… and the Nephrology Community has been stuck with me ever since! It has been my honor to work with patients, caregivers, providers and advocates who are involved in the Nephrology Community for the last 30 (plus) years. Every day I learn new things, challenge myself in new ways and am in awe in what we can accomplish when we work together."

Past Robert W. Whitlock Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:

• 2024: Leanne Peace, MSW, MHA

• 2023: Gary Petingola, MSW, RSW

• 2022: Teri Browne, MSW, PhD

• 2021: Deborah Collinsworth, LAPSW, NSW-C

• 2020: Tom Lepetich, MSW, LCSW

• 2015: Mary Beth Callahan, ACSW, LCSW

• 2014: Stephanie Johnstone, LCSW

• 2013: Michael "JR" Cervantes, LCSW, NSW-C

• 2012: Sandra Coorough, ACSW, LCSW, NSW-C

• 2011: Karren King, MSW, ACSW, LCSW

• 2010: Beth Witten, MSW, ACSW, LSCW

• 2009: Judith Kari, MSSW, CISW