Honoring Excellence: Barbara Winters-Todd, 2025 President’s Award Recipient

At ARN's 2025 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference in Phoenix, AZ, the President's Award was bestowed upon Barbara Winters-Todd, DNP RN FARN CRRN. The presentation was met with emotion and admiration, as Barbara's heartfelt response added to the significance of this distinguished honor.

A Moment of Shock and Gratitude 

"I was in total shock," Barbara shared. "I was trying to think through the topics I had to discuss, and when Maureen said my name, my brain was like 'WHAT?' Then I saw my picture and just couldn't believe it. Of course, there were tears, thinking of how much this truly means to me to be recognized for the ongoing work I do for rehabilitation nursing."

Recognition from a Respected Peer​

The President's Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of rehabilitation nursing and to ARN. It's given solely at the discretion of the current sitting President at the time.

Being selected by 2023-2025 ARN Board President Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN, made the honor even more meaningful. "I deeply respect Maureen; she is admirable, highly knowledgeable, and a strong patient and rehab nurse advocate," Barbara said. "To be recognized by someone as respected and accomplished as Maureen is truly an honor. Getting to know her through ARN made this experience even more special."

During the award presentation, Maureen shared a deep and personal tribute to Barbara:

"I want to take a moment to share why this recognition means so much. Over the past couple of years, I've developed a truly special relationship with Barbara. We bonded through grief. From that sad time came a powerful connection. In Barbara, I found a strong woman, a steadfast friend, and someone who not only helped ARN grieve, but who supported me personally during the most pivotal moments of my transition to President."

Maureen continued:

"Getting to know Barbara more deeply has given me the chance to fully understand the breadth of her impact - on rehabilitation nursing, and on ARN. Barbara has been a dedicated volunteer for many years, serving in so many important roles that span both the local chapter level in Alabama and across national committees.

She is the current Chair of the Advancing Science and Practice Committee and Chair of the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB). She is also a Fellow of ARN. Under her leadership, we've seen an increase in CRRN® certifications and a much-needed update to the renewal process. Barbara, your support, leadership, deep clinical knowledge, and compassion meant the world to me during my presidency. You are truly deserving of this award."

A Legacy of Service and Passion 

Barbara's journey in rehabilitation nursing is marked not by a tally of accomplishments, but by a spirit of service. "Honestly, I don't measure the things I do for the organization. I just volunteer for opportunities that interest me. Nursing has been my calling since childhood. I never thought about being awarded for doing all the things I love."

Among her many contributions, Barbara is especially proud of her work teaching CRRN courses, revamping course materials and the CRRN exam, and her involvement with the Advancing Science and Practice Committee. "Developing all the wonderful relationships through these roles has been incredibly rewarding."

Inspired by Mentors and Peers 

Barbara credits much of her inspiration to those who have guided and supported her along the way. "Mary Ellen Hatch will always be my inspiration. She saw the positive in me even when I didn't see it myself. Others like Beth Mooney, David Jones, Kathy Shafer, and Maureen Musto have also shaped my journey. I'm grateful for the many ARN members, leaders, and staff I've had the privilege to work with."

Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders 

To the next generation of rehabilitation nurses, Barbara offers heartfelt advice:

"Gandhi once said, 'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' For me, that means striving to create a world where the next nursing generation inherits kindness and opportunities to thrive. I want the next generation to feel empowered to lead with the utmost compassion and integrity."

About Barbara Winters-Todd 

Barbara Winters-Todd, DNP RN FARN CRRN, has been with Encompass Health since 2006. Her diverse nursing career spans Rehabilitation, ICU, Home Health, and Oncology. She has held roles including Director of Education, Employee Health, Infection Control and Safety Officer, Manager of Clinical Documentation, and currently serves as Director of Clinical Excellence Informatics.

Barbara is actively involved in leadership boards focused on quality and clinical excellence and has contributed to numerous Joint Commission surveys. She holds a DNP in Nursing Administration and Nurse Education from Samford University and a post-MSN certification in Nursing Informatics from Vanderbilt University.

She teaches courses on Amputee Care, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson's Disease, and CRRN preparation, and serves as an adjunct nursing instructor. Nationally, she is a dedicated member of the Association for Rehabilitation Nurses, serving on multiple committees and currently chairs both the Advancing Science and Practice Committee and the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board, and also serves as the President of the ARN Alabama Chapter.

Beyond her professional achievements, Barbara is deeply committed to community service, supporting food pantries, neighborhood programs for children, and medical missions to Honduras.