Honored with first UCHealth Parkview Aspen Award for her outstanding dedication to behavioral health patients

A young man with developmental and psychiatric challenges had struggled for years.

Then he found meaning and stability thanks to an outpatient program at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center.

He loves the program so much that he proudly now calls it his “job” and asks each night if he will be “going to work tomorrow.”

Barbara Tolman is a behavioral health specialist with the UCHealth Parkview Adult Psych Rehab program.

The young man’s parents say Tolman has been nothing short of a lifesaver for their family.

Their son, who had been struggling for years in group homes now thrives with structure, purpose, and a renewed sense of independence.

“We tell Barb that she helped save his life,” his parents said. “Not because he was in medical distress, but because she helped him get back to living as normal a life as possible. We think of her as his guardian angel.”

Tolman has been with UCHealth Parkview for 25 years, dedicating most of her career to the Adult Psych Rehab program. Since 2001, she has led operations, facilitated therapeutic groups, and worked closely with community partners to ensure continuity of care for patients facing complex psychiatric and developmental challenges.

Her clinical expertise is matched by her personal investment in every patient she sees.

“This is more than a job. It’s my passion,” Tolman said. “I love my patients, and I’m grateful to be part of a program that makes a difference.”

Hospital leaders recognized Tolman for her excellence and dedication this year when she became Parkview’s first recipient of the Aspen Award, a systemwide honor that celebrates non-nursing employees who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, compassion, and excellence in care.

The nominations submitted on Tolman’s behalf painted a picture of a leader who is as compassionate as she is skilled. Families described how her dedication goes beyond the walls of the clinic, providing stability not only for patients but also for their loved ones.

One nominator praised her honesty and selflessness, saying she is “the kind of person you want on your side.”

Others emphasized the environment Tolman has built. Thanks to her, the program fosters inclusion, dignity, and growth.

“Barb’s leadership ensures that every person is seen, heard and supported,” a nominator wrote. “Her dedication transforms lives.”

Tolman said she plans to continue her work until retirement. Until then, she remains devoted to her patients and the program she has helped shape.

“I plan to stay here as long as I can,” she said. “This work means everything to me.”

The Aspen Award, inspired by the resilience and interconnectedness of aspen trees, reflects the values that unite and strengthen UCHealth teams across the system and recognizes staff for a job well done. Nominations can be made by filling out this form.