About the Keith A. Miller Award
The Keith A. Miller Award, presented annually by the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), honors individuals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Named after WIND’s founder, Dr. Keith A. Miller—an advocate, educator, and visionary leader who established the center in 1994—the award reflects his lifelong commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities. Nominees may include volunteers, advocates, caregivers, or leaders who demonstrate exceptional service, advocacy, policy impact, or community leadership. Inspired by Dr. Miller’s belief that “we all have abilities; we all have disabilities,” the award celebrates those who embody his legacy of compassion, equity, and action.
The Keith A. Miller Award is presented annually to a person who makes a powerful difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities in any way. The following list is not meant to be inclusive, but may provide ideas about qualities to look for in potential nominees:
- Dedicated volunteer work;
- Exceptional service on committees, panels, non-profits, or agencies;
- Key leadership in advocacy for people with disabilities;
- Notable accomplishments impacting policy or systems at local, state or national levels;
- Extraordinary family members and/or caregivers;
- Visible and strong leaders and volunteers in Wyoming
- Any other exemplary commitment to improving services, opportunities, or experiences for people with disabilities.
2026 Keith A. Miller Award Recipient
Brandy has dedicated her life to serving and improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Since 2007, she has served as an HCBS Waiver case manager, bringing compassion, creativity, and tireless advocacy to every person and family she supports.
Her work goes far beyond case management. Brandy connects families with resources, advocates for individualized supports, collaborates with agencies and community partners, and works to create meaningful change for people with disabilities. As the sole proprietor of her agency, she also achieved CARF accreditation with a 97% compliance rate, reflecting her commitment to excellence and high-quality services.
Brandy’s leadership extends throughout Sheridan County. She co-founded REACH, a nonprofit supporting individuals with autism and their families, helped establish the Sheridan County Autism Awareness Walk, and has brought inclusive events and educational opportunities to the community, including presentations by Temple Grandin.
She also helped bring youth Special Olympics back to Sheridan County as a co-founder of Sheridan County Hot Shots, where she coaches children and young adults and helps them experience confidence, friendship, and belonging through sports.
Brandy was selected for the Keith A. Miller Award because she embodies its spirit of advocacy, service, leadership, and inclusion. Through her kindness, humility, and commitment, she has made our community stronger and more welcoming for people of all abilities.
Congratulations, Brandy!
Past Winners
2026: Brandy Nielsen
2025: David Heath
2025: Shannon Buller
2024: Sandy Root-Elledge
2023: Donna Sheen
2022: Chele Mecomber Porter
2022: Jeff Gardner
2021: Tammy Aumiller
2020: Lucy Russell
2019: Shari Ketelhut
2018: Terri Dawson
2017: Virginia Hicks
2016: Beth Miller Schieck
2015: Margaret "Mickey" Anderson
2014: Donna Shipp
2013: Brenda Oswald
2012: Richard Leslie
2011: J. Darryl Cooper
2010: Cody Lou Taubert
2009: Rose Rennell
2008: Elva Laird
2007: Keith A. Miller
2006: Peggy Nickel
2005: Lynda Baumgardner
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.