Mount Rogers Team Members Honored with VMAP Awards
Dr. James Nachbar and Angie Prater Win Statewide Awards
We couldn’t be prouder of Dr. James Nachbar and Angie Prater.
The two Mount Rogers Community Services team members recently received awards from the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP).
The VMAP awards highlight their dedication and leadership. And how they work to improve the lives of children, families, and colleagues across Virginia.
Dr. Nachbar Named VMAP Consulting Physician of the Year
Dr. Nachbar, a psychiatrist who works with youth, won the VMAP Consulting Physician of the Year Award. It highlights his exceptional contributions to pediatric behavioral health care and teamwork in the state.
Dr. Nachbar stood out for his staunch support for children, families, and fellow health care professionals, said Ally Singer Wright, VMAP executive vice president. One nominator described him as “the definition of collaboration among our consulting physician team.”
An Inspiration
The people he works with praised Dr. Nachbar for sharing his expertise, Singer Wright said. They said he’s quick to give them thoughtful guidance. They also noted how he works closely with professionals across different fields.
Other words nominees used to describe Dr. Nachbar include compassion, professionalism, and excellence. One colleague said that Dr. Nachbar “inspires me to remember my why, even on the hard days.”
His passion for helping others and his dedication to patient care encourage those around him to stay focused on the mission of serving families and communities. He also brings positive energy, a sense of humor and willingness to help.
“You can see his love of people in all things he does, from the sloth on his shoulder during Teams meetings to his personal check-ins,” one nominator said.
Dr. Nachbar likened the work to the life of a turtle. “I find this work to not only be intellectually stimulating but also rewarding because there has been ongoing collaboration and all of the above players are getting out of their shells to know that they have a place to communicate their needs,” he said.
Angie Prater Named VMAP ECHO Faculty Member of the Year
VMAP honored Prater with the VMAP ECHO Faculty Member of the Year Award. She won because of her outstanding support of colleagues and her dedication to learning and teamwork.
Nominees recognized Angie for her ability to make everyone around her feel valued, included, and supported, said Singer Wright. Angie is known for:
- Inviting others into conversations.
- Encouraging teamwork.
- Celebrating the strengths and contributions of her colleagues.
Angie approaches every ECHO session with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to learn. She welcomes new ideas, encourages meaningful discussions, and helps create an environment where others feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives, Singer Wright said.
Being `Clone-Worthy’
One nominator even described Angie as “clone-worthy” – reflecting the admiration and respect of her peers. Colleagues also shared that she “truly loves what she does, and it shows in her interactions and relentless support of the team.”
Angie said that as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), “Being chosen from that pool of highly specialized professionals from across the state was such a huge honor,” she said. “It means so much to hear from PCPs that they value the education you are providing, but to hear that from peers as well of that caliber was just amazing.”
Mount Rogers Community Services congratulates Dr. Nachbar and Angie on these well-deserved honors. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others make a lasting difference in our organization and the communities we serve.
About VMAP
VMAP helps children, teens, young adults, and pregnant or new parents get the mental and emotional health care they need. VMAP supports doctors and other health care providers by offering:
- Training.
- Expert advice.
- Help finding the right care and services for their patients across Virginia.
The annual awards are a way for the VMAP leadership team to highlight team members doing excellent work. They also exemplify VMAP’s core values of:
- Expertise.
- Empowerment.
- Mental Health is Health.
About Mount Rogers Community Services — Mount Rogers is a top provider of community services for mental health, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders in southwest Virginia. We also offer geriatric, counseling, early intervention, and other services in Galax and the counties of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Wythe.
