It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Martina (Marti) Landahl for recognition of her outstanding contributions as a Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Practitioner within the Learning & Development Department. Marti goes far beyond the expectations of her role—she is truly the heart of our American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center. Her dedication, compassion, and professionalism are evident in everything she does.

Marti devotes countless hours both on campus and in the community to advance CPR education and promote a culture of safety and readiness. She recognizes the life-saving importance of CPR training and works tirelessly to ensure staff and community members are confident and competent to respond in critical moments. She coordinates multiple certification programs and is a remarkable educator—accessible, flexible, and consistently willing to accommodate learners’ needs.

Marti collaborates with committees, educators, and councils to align her teaching with institutional priorities and evidence-based practice. Her joy for teaching shines through every class she leads. She ensures her learners feel prepared, confident, and supported—whether reviewing a difficult concept until it clicks or providing hands-on guidance until a skill is mastered. Learners consistently praise her patience, humor, and ability to make complex skills approachable and meaningful.

Her commitment extends well beyond the classroom. Marti fulfills every educational request that comes her way no matter the timing, moving mountains behind the scenes to accommodate—because she wants to reach and teach as many people as possible. She frequently teaches evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the greater Rochester community. From Buffalo Bills training camp to Red Wings baseball games, from neighborhood health fairs to children’s Scouting groups—Marti brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and compassion to every audience. She tailors her instruction to each group, ensuring accessibility, engagement, and retention of content. She never rushes, always taking the time to make sure every participant feels successful.

What truly sets Marti apart is her unwavering support of her colleagues. She is always available to answer questions, lend a hand, or step in during challenging circumstances. Whether assisting with manikin sessions, covering an unexpected class, or supporting team logistics during a regulatory visit—Marti is there, ready and willing. She models teamwork, positivity, and generosity in every interaction. Her flexibility, reliability, and collaborative spirit strengthen not only our team, but our entire institution. Through her example, Marti fosters a culture of compassion, excellence, and professionalism that extends far beyond her own programs. Her work directly enhances the quality of our resuscitation education and strengthens our collective readiness to respond to emergencies.

Marti’s commitment to patient and staff safety, her generosity of time and talent, and her genuine care for others embody the mission and values of UR Medicine. She consistently demonstrates the spirit of Meliora—striving to make our community “ever better” through education, outreach, and service. For her extraordinary contributions, her selfless teamwork, and her unwavering dedication to others, I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Marti Landahl.