Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement that uses sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day, around the world, to end discrimination and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Central to this mission is a vision made possible by the Golisano Foundation of a world where people with intellectual disabilities have the same opportunities and access to health care as those without.

Each year, the Golisano Health Leadership Awards recognize health champions, individuals and organizations making significant contributions to improving access to health, fitness, and wellness for people with intellectual disabilities. As the highest honor for health partners within the Special Olympics movement, the award celebrates extraordinary dedication and meaningful progress toward inclusive health care.

In 2026, we are proud to honor two exceptional leaders whose commitment and compassion continue to strengthen the Healthy Athletes® program and transform lives across Montana.

AnnMarie Magill, Clinical Director for Special Smiles®, has dedicated 36 years to the dental field, including 17 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist. For more than a decade, she has  volunteered with Special Olympics Montana, and for the past eight years, she has served as a Clinical Director, leading teams that provide essential oral health screenings and care to athletes.

AnnMarie’s impact goes far beyond the clinic. She consistently goes above and beyond by assisting with athlete referrals after events, collaborating on program planning, and ensuring every athlete receives the care they need. Her leadership has created a strong and reliable volunteer network. She often brings a full team of professionals and students to events without hesitation.

A former educator in Montana’s dental hygiene program, AnnMarie continues to mentor future professionals by encouraging student involvement in Healthy Athletes events and instilling values of inclusion, service, and compassionate care.

Kathy Johnson, Clinical Director for Healthy Hearing®, has devoted her life to improving hearing health. Her journey began in 1974 as an undergraduate in Kentucky, and she has since built a remarkable career spanning decades, including two years as a public school audiologist in Great Falls and 42 years with the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind.

For the past 20 years, Kathy has served as Montana’s Healthy Hearing Clinical Director and often travels across the state to ensure athletes receive critical hearing screenings. Even in retirement, she continues to serve her community and recently completed 300 hearing screenings for preschoolers in Great Falls through the Scottish Rite Language Clinic.

Kathy’s dedication extends well beyond her expertise. She brings warmth, compassion, and genuine care to every athlete interaction, making her an invaluable part of the Healthy Athletes program.

AnnMarie and Kathy exemplify the spirit of the Golisano Health Leadership Award. Their leadership not only strengthens Special Olympics Montana’s health programs but also creates lasting impact and helps athletes achieve better health, confidence, and quality of life.

Their work reminds us that inclusive health care is not just a goal. It is a commitment made possible by passionate individuals who show up, lead with heart, and make a difference every day.

Congratulations to AnnMarie Magill and Kathy Johnson on this well deserved honor, and thank you for your continued dedication to building a healthier, more inclusive world.