2022 Award Recipients

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Brenda Demarest, Patient Access Representative
Employed Since 04/28/2008
“One team, One Mission”
Nominated by: Karma Gacke

“It is really hard to choose just one of these core values because Brenda demonstrates all of them each day. She is always trying to help our area work as one unit/team. Whenever we have a patient that is a little harder to deal with Brenda is willing to work with them and help solve the issue. When they leave our facility, they usually leave with a smile on their face. She makes each one of us feel like she really and truly cares about us as individuals. We couldn’t have a better person who knows the way and shows us the right way, which eases the way for us and the patients that we are helping each day. Not only does she give her all to our patients, but she also gives her all to all of the staff.”

Karma Gacke, Patient Access

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Carrie Anderson, Pharmacy Technician
Employed since 05/07/2007
“One team, one Mission”
Nominated by: Erica Pratt

“Carrie is dependable and valuable part of our pharmacy team. She is willing to help staff members from various departments to make sure our patients are taken care of. She is helpful and kind even when she is busy. She has worked beyond her scheduled hours and taken calls at home to our staff. She works very hard on our inventory and ordering medications. She makes sure all medications are stores correctly and not expired. She is always going above and beyond in her position. Her knowledge of the pharmacy department is invaluable to Arbor Health!”

Erica Pratt, Interim Pharmacy Director

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Jayme Gawlik, Rehabilitation Services Scheduler
Employed Since 12/23/2005
“Go out of your way to brighten someone’s day”
Nominated by: Teresa Ashe

“Jayme goes above and beyond to share her smile and help with every patient. She goes above and beyond to give her patients comfort and care. She could teach a class on kindness. She is an asset to Arbor Health. She treats everyone like a loving family member. We are blessed to have her as part of our team.”

Teresa Ashe, Lab Lead

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Stacey Dotson, Clinic Receptionist
Employed since 03/18/2020
“Know the way, Show the way, Ease the way”
Nominated by: Char Hancock

“Stacey is a can-do type of person. She sees a challenge or project and does not hesitate to volunteer and help where help is needed. We have had to move providers, staff, etc., multiple times. Stacey has taken on many of these moves. She is organized and gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Stacey is kind, considerate, fun and an all-around great team member. We appreciate her more than words can say!”

Char Hancock, Clinic Staff Manager

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Stacey Erdahl, Patient Access Supervisor
Employed Since 06/02/2020
“One team, One mission”
Nominated by: Sherry Sofich, Brenda Demarest & Emily Gacke

“Stacey is always willing to help out where she is needed and helps those of us that are still learning our way around. She never gets upset of frustrated. She contributes to the team by pitching in and problem solving where needed. Stacey covers where needed and never complains. She is good with our patients and staff. Stacey is someone who always show up to work. Through rain, ice, snow, flooding, and sunny days—we can always count on her. She’ll pick up additional shifts, work extra hours, cover the ER on the weekends and evenings, help Rehab and will do whatever she can to help. Stacey is caring and compassionate person and an asset to our company.

Sherry Sofich, Revenue Cycle Director
Brenda Demarest, Patient Access Lead
Emily Gacke, Patient Access Representative

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Teresa Thornton, Accountant
Employed since 05/12/2004
“One team, One mission”
Nominated by: Katelin Forrest

“Teresa works collaboratively, exemplifying One team, One mission. She often takes on additional responsibilities to ensure both employees and the facility have what they need, ensuring that her job is done efficiently and without error. Teresa takes pride in her work and is always willing to assist with whatever is needed. Teresa is an asset not only to the Finance Team but also to the organization.”

Katelin Forrest, HR Generalist

Outstanding Leadership Award

Edwin Meelhuysen, Rehabilitation Services Director
Employed since 04/22/2019
“One team, One mission”
Nominated by: Diane Markham

“Edwin is the Arbor Health leader I call when I want to brainstorm something, anything. Even if it doesn’t necessarily affect his department, he’s willing to take the time to let me bounce ideas off him. He’s very creative person and he’s willing to speak up, two attributes that I greatly appreciate. Edwin always has a smile on his face, a good word and is ready to help. He carries himself in such a way that he emits optimism. His attitude is contagious to those around him. Edwin is an amazing team player, day in and day out.

Diane Markham, Marketing & Communications Manager

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Nicole Clevenger, Rehabilitation Services Scheduler
Employed Since 02/09/2015
“Know the way, show the way, ease the way” and “Go out of your way to brighten someone’s day”
Nominated by: Dr. Travis Podbilski and Jayme Gawlik

“In scheduling appointments for patients, she goes out of her way to brighten someone’s day all the time. Recently when a patient needed to arrange transportation and she needed to reschedule, Nicole went beyond and called the patient back with a time that would work best for the patient’s schedule. She is so very kind to all the patients that come here for therapy. She is a great asset to Arbor Health and the Rehab Department.”

Jayme Gawlik, Rehabilitation Services Scheduler

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Shelly Cheney, Medical Assistant
Employed Since 03/18/2020
“Know the way, show the way, ease the way”
Nominated by: Char Hancock

“Shelly constantly strives to help others and lighten their load. The example that she sets creates a cohesive workplace and an environment of teamwork. She always jumps in to help others with their work or in training/education. Shelly is an amazing member of our team.

Char Hancock, Clinic Staff Manager

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Rosa Battrick, LPN
Employed Since 03/31/2020
“Know the way, show the way, ease the way”
Nominated by: Char Hancock

“Rosa is always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with others. She is a wonderful teacher and is patient and kind. She has been a constant in the Morton Clinic for many years. Rosa’s willingness to teach and elevate others is beyond compare. She has successfully mentored many of the medical assistants that we have in the clinic, even if they have already had a degree. She has elevated their knowledge by one-on-one teaching and example.

Char Hancock, Clinic Staff Manager

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Julie Hansen, Clinic Receptionist
Employed Since 03/8/2020
“Know the way, show the way, ease the way”
Nominated by: Char Hancock

“Julie has been very instrumental in the training of new receptionists. We have had more than our share of turnover in the last year, but Julie has eased the way tremendously. The job is complex and a bit stressful, but Julie can instill confidence by her patience and kindness. Julie is an asset to Arbor Health.

Char Hancock, Clinic Staff Manager

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Lundee Jesus, Radiologic Technologist
Employed Since 01/18/2022
“Go out of your way to brighten someone’s day”
Nominated by: Brandy Childress

“My mom came in earlier this month for a diagnostic mammogram. She was not looking forward to this due to unpleasant exams in the past. Lundee was wonderful. She was so patient and accommodating that it put my mom at ease and made the entire process easier.
By Lundee taking the extra time and really putting her patient first, it made this four-hour appointment so much more bearable, and my mom and I greatly appreciated it. This day had the potential to be very difficult and stressful, the only reason it wasn’t was because of Lundee. She is a great example of so many of our core values.”
Brandy Childress, Clinic Manager

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Jamie Brazil, HR Assistant
Employed since 10/21/2021
“Care like crazy”
Nominated by: Katelin Forrest

“Jamie consistently goes out of her way to ensure new staff feel welcome and have a great on-boarding experience. She is passionate about her work and goes out of her way to help others. She not only has our team’s back, but she cares for all our staff and patients.
On Friday evening, July 15th, Jamie went to Olympia to pick up a supply that was crucially needed for the hospital. She did this without hesitation. This is just one of the many examples of how Jamie shows that she cares like crazy and that we are one team with one mission.
Katelin Forrest, HR Generalist

Outstanding Leadership Award

Julie Johnson, Quality Manager
Employed since 09/21/2010
“Own it, embrace it”
Nominated by: Edwin Meelhuysen

“Julie volunteered to help with the Independence Day 5K, 8K. She then helped me to brainstorm about registration and making it run smoothly. A few days before the event she along with a few others volunteered to help prepare the registration packets and at that point she volunteered and agreed to take over the registration process.
I cannot tell you how much that helped to make the event a success. She took ownership and then created workarounds when things unplanned occurred, namely large e registrations. She contributed in a large way to the positive perception of the participants in the event. She is always ready to help when needed.
Edwin Meelhuysen,
Rehab and Community Wellness Director

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Violet Tretiak, Screener
Employed Since 03/04/2022
“Go out of your way to brighten someone’s day”
Nominated by: Jessica Scogin

"Vi always has a smile on her face for patient and makes them feel so comfortable. She gets to know people on a personal level and makes them feel welcome and at home. She goes above and beyond to perform her job duties and really cares about patients and staff. Her positive attitude and smile make a difference in our hospital."

Jessica Scogin, Foundation Manager

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Amanda Seals, Employee Health
Employed Since 08/10/2020
“Own it, embrace it”
Nominated by: Diane Markham

“Amanda epitomizes the core values “Own it, embrace it” What we call “Wellness Week,” originally started with a couple of separate endeavors: She was organizing a community 5K and I was organizing a health expo. When we joined ranks with Edwin and created Wellness Week, Amanda didn’t just focus on the run that she was responsible for, she was all in on every aspect of Wellness Week. When faced with unfamiliar tasks, she’s not afraid to ask for input from those with experience—and once she has the input she seeks, she’s off and running. Whatever Amanda does, she’s all in –she owns it and embraces it. Her willingness, eagerness even, to do whatever she could to make the overall event a success, was instrumental in every aspect of Wellness Week’s accomplishments. And she did it all with a smile, encouraging support and good humor.”

Diane Markham, Marketing & Communications Manager

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Chana Albracht, Physical Therapist
Employed Since 08/03/2013
“Know the way, show the way, ease the way”
Nominated by: Jayme Gawlik

Chana has gone to specific training to help with Pelvic Floor Therapy. She is the only one in our county that offers this specific rehab. We have even had patient’s coming to us from outside Lewis County to have this therapy. She knows the way, shows the way through teaching the techniques that ease the way for the patient’s that she sees. She has a wonderful impact on the patient’s lives that have been through Pelvic Floor Therapy. The impact on their lives and their comments on how the therapy has benefited their lives in such positive ways. She is a great therapist and wonderful employee!!!

Jayme Gawlik, Rehab Therapies Lead, Rehab Technician

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Sheli Harbaugh, Lead Coder
Employed Since 05/11/1998
“One team, one Mission”
Nominated by: Amanda Seals

“After sending out an all-staff email notifying employees that the flu vaccine is available, Sheli reached out to me informing me that the Business Office had a meeting scheduled where all the staff from that department would be there, which included everyone who worked remotely. She included our CFO and her Manager on the email to see if arrangements could be made so that I could go to the business office after their meeting to administer flue vaccines since everyone would be there. Sheli recognized that it would be easier for her team members so they wouldn’t need to make an extra trip to receive their flu vaccine. It also saved me a lot of time trying to make arrangements for everyone who wanted a flu shot. This was very much appreciated and exemplified “One Team One Mission”.

Amanda Seals, Employee Health

Outstanding Leadership Award

Eli Potts, Clinical Informatics Manager
Employed since 09/29/2020
“Know the way, show the way, ease the way”
Nominated by: Char Hancock

Eli is in the position to show the way daily. He is always kind and willing to go the extra mile to help another. He has taken his role as informatics manager and elevated it to serve all of Arbor Health. He truly gives his all. Eli continuously strives to make our workday easier by giving us the tools we need to care for our community. He is always being willing to run over when something is not working or jumps on our computer to help figure something out. It’s hard to choose just one Core Value as Eli exemplifies many of them each day. He is a fun co-worker. He always greets others with a smile brightening their day. He is truly One team; one Mission and he Cares about what we are doing and why. Eli’s values to Arbor Health is crucial. Many times, he works behind the scenes but his contributions how in our daily work.

Char Hancock, Clinic Manager

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Darla Anderson, Registered Nurse
Employed Since 04/13/2011
“Know the way, show the way, ease the way”
Nominated by: Jennifer Neely

“Darla is a very dedicated nurse to her patients. Recently, we had a patient that was terminal and there were family dynamics regarding the end of life that were challenging. Darla took great care of this patient and her family. I was reminded once again how much I appreciate her hard work and dedicated approach to nursing.

"A lot of people become nurses and take the Charge Role, ER role… etc. These aren’t roles that Darla pursues. Darla has been focused on being the best RN to her patients every day, on Acute Care. I personally think, if we had more Darla’s in the world, the world would be a better place.”

Jennifer Neely, Case Manager

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

John Carter, Systems Administrator
Employed Since 05/26/2020
“Own it, embrace it”
Nominated by: Debbie King

"John is consistently excellent in his work. He is professional, kind, friendly and very patient. John is highly skilled, but just as importantly, has the personality to support a positive work environment. When equipment isn’t working well and I am unable to function without it, John’s demeanor, perseverance, and dedication to solving problems lowers the stress of the situation.

"John is great role model for all, and Arbor Health is fortunate to have him on the team. He always brightens my day."

Debbie King, Coder 2

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Daneen Lindh, RN, Emergency Room Coordinator
Employed Since 09/21/2007
“One team, one Mission”
Nominated by: LeeAnn Evans

Daneen has been a solid reliable employee who has stuck by Arbor Health’s side during staffing shortages, pandemic, and overall nightshift. We have nurses who are new to their role as charge nurse. Daneen provides an extensive background in nurse leadership and mentorship to these nurses. She steps up as a leader for the night shift when needed. She has been pulled from “coordinator days” to full shift work due to staffing issues. This has not delayed her with helping with her coordinator duties as she will take any amount of downtime and tun it into productive time. She has a large amount of nursing knowledge that she shares with the team. She goes out of her way to lead the acute care nurses/charge nurses in the right direction and provide them with guidance, even when not assigned to the ED.

LeeAnn Evans, ED/IP Director

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Craig Clevenger, Maintenance Technician
Employed Since 06/12/2018
“One team, one Mission”
Nominated by: Will Sullivan

Craig is always surprising me with his dedication to Arbor Health. Recently our department was short staffed due to unexpected illness and scheduled leave. Without any direction from me Craig went into WorxHub and assigned himself all the PM’s that would have gone overdue, insuring that not only his but his fellow coworkers work was completed on-time. During the first snow of the season Craig come in early to ensure that patient and employee entrances were clear before anyone else showed up, not only did this help with the safety of patients and employees in greatly assisted the maintenance department in the tedious task of clearing snow. Craig is constantly proving to me that he is “One Team, One Mission. Craig is invaluable to the Engineering team, his ingenuity and ability to overcome anything thrown his way has helped the department success. He is constantly coming to me with ideas to better the organization.

Will Sullivan, Facility Engineering Manager

Outstanding Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Ashley Hancock, Registered Nurse
Employed Since 09/16/2008
“Find joy along the way”
Nominated by: Paul Landby

Ashely demonstrates empathy for her patients and provides the best quality patient care. She is always there to help and inspires others to do so. Ashley is very knowledgeable in her profession, comes in everyday with a great attitude, and is a genuine asset to our hospital.

Paul Landy, Radiologic Technologist

Outstanding Non-Direct Patient Care Service Excellence Award

Vickie Escue, Courier
Employed Since 03/27/2006
“Care like crazy”
Nominated by: Jody Beaty

"Vickie always goes out of her way to make sure she is helping me in the Purchasing Department. If she sees I need help with freight or delivering, she doesn’t hesitate to jump right in. She also cares about not only the patients that walk through the door but also her coworkers. She makes my job easier and is always willing to help others. She is very passionate about her job and is constantly trying to do her best.

Jody Beaty, Purchasing Clerk

Outstanding Leadership Award

Tina Clevenger, Materials Management Supervisor
Employed since 07/27/1999
“Find joy along the way”
Nominated by: Edwin Meelhuysen

There has never been a time in my 3.5 years here that I have seen Tina anything less than pleasant, kind, and gracious. I know she is overburdened sometimes but this never shows to me. She is always willing to help, get it done and take on a new task with a smile and a kind word. It is always positive walking into that office. It makes my job easier and more pleasant. She gets things done and with a smile. Love having Tina as part of our team.

Edwin Meelhuysen, Rehabilitation Services Director