Two staff members at Lindner Center of Hope have been named finalists for the Cincinnati Business Courier's 2026 HealthCare Heroes awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to mental health care in the region. Lori VanDeHatert-Wunder and Hannah Brinkmann were selected among 24 finalists across eight categories for their dedication to improving patient outcomes and experiences. Who Are These Healthcare Heroes? Lori VanDeHatert-Wunder is a finalist in the Manager category, which recognizes leaders who oversee departments or teams within healthcare organizations and drive meaningful change through strategic oversight and team development. Hannah Brinkmann earned recognition in the Patient Experience category, which honors individuals outside of providers, nurses, managers, or directors who demonstrate exceptional commitment to how patients and families feel throughout their care journey. "We are incredibly proud of Lori and Hannah," said Michael Groat, PhD, President and CEO of Lindner Center of Hope. "Their dedication, leadership, and compassionate care reflect the heart of our mission. Being recognized as HealthCare Heroes finalists is a testament to the meaningful difference they make for patients, families, and our community every day". What Makes This Recognition Important for Mental Health Care? The HealthCare Heroes awards program, now in its 29th year, honors professionals who elevate healthcare quality through research, innovation, management, entrepreneurship, community outreach, and patient care. For families navigating mental health challenges, this recognition signals that Lindner Center of Hope employs leaders committed to excellence and compassionate care delivery. When leadership prioritizes both clinical outcomes and the human experience of treatment, patients are more likely to engage fully in their recovery and develop lasting skills for managing their mental health. How Does Lindner Center of Hope Support Patients Across Age Groups? - Adult Treatment Services: Comprehensive outpatient care, acute inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders - Child and Adolescent Services: Acute inpatient care, outpatient care with telehealth options, adolescent partial hospitalization programs, and specialized summer skills programming - Specialized Therapy Programs: Evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), designed to help patients manage intense emotions and improve relationships - Advanced Treatment Options: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for patients with treatment-resistant conditions - Condition-Specific Treatment: Specialized programs addressing anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and addictive disorders The center also offers residential treatment options, assessment programs, and creative and integrative wellness services designed to meet patients where they are in their mental health journey. This comprehensive approach recognizes that mental health challenges are complex and often require multiple treatment modalities tailored to each individual's unique needs. The recognition of VanDeHatert-Wunder and Brinkmann reflects a broader commitment within the organization to put patients and families at the center of care decisions. For individuals and families seeking mental health support, the HealthCare Heroes recognition serves as external validation that Lindner Center of Hope employs dedicated professionals who combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion for the people they serve.
