Employee Recognition Program Recipients
3rd Quarter 2021 Recipients
Outstanding Team Partnership Award
IMS Team
Congratulations to the IMS Team, recipient of NCHC’s Outstanding Team Partnership Award. The IMS Team was nominated twice this quarter by Kendra Eisner in Pharmacy and Ashley Downing of HIM/IMS. Team members include Todd Shnowske, Jennifer Moore, Lisa Murkowski, Chue Xiong and Lori Feck.
“This team worked countless hours across the entire organization to launch Go Live with Cerner Millennium. This team was crucial to making the transition go smoothly and have been a valuable resource for answering tough questions.”
“This was an entire team effort and had so many people involved in the project itself, but these people were the superstars!”
“A project like this is not for the faint of heart. It takes a ton of tenacity and patience to make sure we have the software to the state where it is ready to use on the floor.”
Also nominated for this award was the Jelinek Residential Team, Communications & Marketing, Pine Crest Gardening Team and Pine Crest Quality Team.Outstanding Service Excellence Service Award
Merry Malone, Accounting
Congratulations to Merry Malone, Accounting Assistant, recipient of NCHC’s
Outstanding Service Excellence Award. Marry was nominated by Bobby Splinter.
Bobby shared that
“Accounting had plans for training a newly hired employee in the
Cashier’s office, however the employee to train the new person decided
to depart our organization. Their backup had a family emergency, leaving
the new employee’s first day on the job with no trainer. Merry went
above and beyond by immediately jumping into the cashier’s office
and sitting with the new employee for the next week and a half, taking
time away from her daily/weekly tasks to train. Our new staff felt supported
and is better off to a better start than I could have imagined, given
the circumstances at hand. Merry has so much knowledge of the processes
and procedures. She did a terrific job.”
“Merry took the stress off the rest of the department. The Accounting team was extremely busy with preparing critical annual cost reports for Medicaid and Medicare related to MVCC and Pine Crest. Without Merry taking the lead, the rest of the department’s assignments would have fallen behind. Further, our residents and community were better served as we were able to keep the Cashier’s office open and operational.”
“Merry Continually exceeds expectations and has been instrumental in providing pertinent information to other staff on the history of our processes and procedures..”
“Merry’s great work, adaptability, and integrity make our organization and community better.”
Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award
Alexa Kufalk, Outpatient Psychiatry
Congratulations to Alexa Kufalk, recipient of the Outstanding Person-Centered
Service Award. Alexa was nominated twice for the award this past quarter,
by Lindsay Leach and Cassie Krueger. Her teamwork with Cerner implementation
and her leadership skills as a nurse were both highlighted in her nominations.
“Alexa has been a terrific role model for not only her department, but for Community Treatment as well. She continually goes above and beyond by taking on extra roles, responsibilities, and helps out at our other work sites and locations as well. Recently she has taken on the role of Cerner Super User, which has been extremely beneficial for our entire team since she has put so much thought and care into taking that on and taking it on extremely well. Though this has added an extremely large amount of work to her already busy schedule, she does it without complaint, and with enthusiasm to help others. She is always looking for creative solutions to problems or issues we might face and is a leader among her peers. She is truly a wonderful nurse and has great passion for her job. You can see that she enjoys helping take care of those in her community, especially the children, and takes great pride in watching their accomplishments during their care.”
“Alexa is a great asset to have on the team as a leader for her peers, a source of knowledge, and as a role model for others in our department to look up to.”
Also nominated for this award was Al Barden, Chloe Nylund, Erika Koch, Heather Brownell, Jeff Nelson and Josie Herman.2nd Quarter 2021 Recipients
Outstanding Team Partnership Award
Community Corner Clubhouse
Congratulations to the Clubhhouse Team, recipient of NCHC’s Outstanding
Team Partnership Award. The Clubhouse Team makes significant contributions
to advance the position and reputation of MVCC and NCHC by their efforts
to serve our community. Nominated by an IPS Employment Employee in Community
Treatment, the team was recognized for being a vital for consumers in
the IPS program.
Employees at Clubhouse include Mike Frankel, Patrick Bacher and Paia Yang.
“Clubhouse helps consumers keep working on and maintaining their financial independence and provide our IPS team the access to work with our consumers in a setting where we can work on resume building, job searching, interviewing, benefit reports and analysis. Clubhouse Team went way beyond to demonstrate that overall how valuable we can be working together and collaborating two teams to forma a stronger partnership for the future of the organization.”
“A proactive approach and caring attitude shown from Clubhouse created better relationships with our team, with our consumers seeing and feeling welcomed in the community. Clubhouse advocated daily the safety standards to their members and visitors….”
“Keeping their doors open during this these times in the community was a top priority and their success helped us keep building meaningful relationships with consumers, employers and our community.”
Also nominated for this award was the Motivational Interviewing Team and Volunteer Services Team.Outstanding Service Excellence Service Award
Cagney Martin, Staff Development Specialist
Congratulations to Cagney Martin, Staff Development Specialist, recipient
of NCHC’s Outstanding Service Excellence Award. Cagney consistently
achieves exemplary performance and has excelled in supporting the programs
and services of NCHC. She was nominated by Andrea Hebert who was quick
to point out that “Cagney is such as advocate for NCHC Person-Centered
Service and Core Values in everything she teaches and loops back to the
Core Values in any topic she is teaching.”
“She comes up with fun, creative ideas to keep our staff interested in learning and comes up with techniques to help them learn.”
“In Infection Prevention sessions, we have heard so many positives from staff that the sessions went great, real life oriented, and we made them fun with hands-on. We are actually seeing staff doing more cleaning of equipment. This impacts the health of everyone who is here at NCHC, staff, clients, visitors as our goal is to reduce and eliminate viruses from spreading.”
“Cagney also does a phenomenal job of teaching dementia as well as Person-Centered Service in orientation.”
Also nominated for this award was Sue Pyan and Nicole Krause of Pine Crest.Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award
Kristin Verhulst, Community Treatment
Congratulations to Kristin Verhulst, recipient of the Outstanding Person-Centered
Service Award. Kristin is and Employment Specialist in Community Treatment
who exceeds standards and effectively works to ensure optimal patient
experience and uncompromising Person-Centered Service. Kristin was nominated
by a Community Treatment Nurse who submitted that “Kristin is a
vital member of our team who always has a positive attitude and never
scoffs when her assistance is needed.”
“Kristin makes our jobs easier and her help allows us to focus on helping our clients in other ways.”
“Not only does Kristin support our clients with finding and keeping jobs, she also assists them with schooling. Kristin often sees clients at their place of employment to ensure they are performing well, and does so at night at times.”
“Clients wouldn’t be able to be productive members of society without Kristin’s work.”
Also nominated for this award was Amanda Steinfest, Bradley Sperger, Carries Bussiere, David Peterson, DeeDe Grund, Micki Alfsteen, Rachel Reihle, and Shannon Butler.1st Quarter 2021 Recipients
Outstanding Team Partnership Award
Pine Crest Covid Unit Team
Congratulations to the Pine Crest Covid Unit Team, recipient of NCHC’s
Outstanding Team Partnership Award. The team was nominated by a member
of the team who felt that the teamwork and dedication of the entire team
shined during this pandemic. Your great work does not go unnoticed!
"This team had a large amount of stress put on them, caring for residents who were very sick. They worked with minimal help and equipment, often for long hours. They never questioned anyone’s job on the unit. With little preparation, their job was done without complaint. Very resourceful and able to come together as a team. This group deserves all the praise you can give them. A great team to work with!”
Also nominated for this award was the HIM Chart Retention Team, Community Corner Clubhouse Team and Adult Behavioral Health Hospital.Outstanding Service Excellence Award
Marie Santos Godleske Pine Crest, Food Services
Congratulations to Marie Santo Godleske of Pine Crest Food Services recipient of the NCHC’s Outstanding Service Excellence Award. Nominated by Pine Crest Appreciation Committee, Marie is well deserving of the honor.
“Especially throughout this pandemic, Marie is like sunshine on a cloudy day! She is always positive, friendly, energetic and has a great sense of humor. She is a joy to work with and works hard. She goes out of her way to do special things for staff and residents (i.e. garnishing their plates for anniversaries or birthdays).”
“Her positivity has been needed and much appreciated amongst staff and residents.”
“She has brought her homemade eggs rolls for staff a few times and has worked with Life Enrichment to coordinate special things.”
Jill Nelson in Business Operations was also nominated for this award.Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award
Paia Yang, Clubhouse
Congratulations to Paia Yang of Clubhouse, recipient of the NCHC’s Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award. Nominated by a member of her team who feels Paia passionate, compassionate, dedicated, caring, empathetic, and kind.
“Paia always brings the energy to Clubhouse. Whether it’s a good or a bad day, Paia engages with members equally. Paia is passionate, compassionate, dedicated, caring, empathetic, and kind. She truly enjoys her job and it shows every day. Even during the pandemic, as Clubhouse Employment Specialist, she was able to secure employment for members.
“Paia is a model employee following and believing in the Core Values of the organization. We have a small team and through the pandemic and all our challenges. She can be counted on to bring her best to the clubhouse. Everyone who works with her is impressed by her drive, spirit, and dedication to our members."
“Paia attains 15 Member Experience Surveys a month and it shows in our Patient Experience Score percentage - 93.6% of members find our service at Clubhouse to be Excellent.”
Other employees who were nominated for this award include Kelly Alfsen - Adult Day Services, Megan Arrowood - MVCC - Northern Reflections, Beverly Bailey - MVCC - Northern Reflections, Erika Koch - Adult Day Services, Brittany Kuehn - Behavioral Health Services, Betty Lloyd - Pine Crest - Long Term Care, Angela Schultz - Pine Crest - Long Term Care, Amanda Steinfest - Pine Crest - Post Acute Care, Amy Stiver - Pine Crest - Post Acute Care and Laurie Wegner - Pine Crest - Long Term Care.Outstanding Leadership Award
Christina Harris, Care Coordinator, Residential Services
The Outstanding Leadership Award recognizes a director, manager or supervisor
who inspires, influences and conducts themselves in a professional manner,
acting as a role model for others to follow in the workplace and our community.
Congratulations to Christina Harris, Care Coordinator - Residential Services
for being honored with the award this quarter.
“Christina truly cares about her employees but most of all cares about the residents.”
“ She goes out of her way to work longer and harder to make their lives the best they can be. She shows in care in the way she talks to them and makes sure all of their needs are met.”
“ As the Coordinator, she is good and fair to all of her employees. She will always help you if you need it and is always willing to listen if you have questions or concerns. If she doesn’t have the answer she will find it and get back to you.”
Nominated by Vicki Sheehan, Residential Care Assistant, Bissell Street. Congratulations Christina! Thank you for your outstanding leadership.
4th Quarter 2020 Recipients
Outstanding Team Partnership Award
South Shore Post Acute Care, Mount View
Congratulations to the South Shore Post Acute Care Team, recipient of NCHC’s Outstanding Team Partnership Award. The team was nominated by several employees for the response, care and willingness to adapt to adversity during the initial resident Covid-19 outbreak. The team is comprised of CNAs, nurses, housekeepers, MDS coordinator, Activities, Social worker, unit clerk, nurse manager. All coming together from different disciplines to make sure the residents are kept safe and continue to have the highest quality of care.
“The team on South Shore really stepped up. Upon finding out about positive residents and staff the team on South Shore banded together to ensure the residents of that unit where cared for. That first weekend many staff were asked to work extended or additional hours and continue to do so. They are working, sometimes 12 hour shifts, with a tight N95 masks that instantly makes you hot. PPE is put on and off constantly throughout the day going in and out of resident rooms. Every three days they are tested (which is not a pleasant experience), some coming in on their day off just to be tested. They are performing multiple job duties as other disciplines cannot go on the unit. They are working with residents who have the potential to be very sick and change instantly. And even though you can’t see it (b/c of the mask), there are still smiles!”
“They are supporting each other through the tears as the long hours and stress of COVID drains them at times. They are pulling the residents through as they are isolated from their families and their other resident friends. They are smiling and happy as they walk in each resident’s room, even though they know the risk of transmission is high.”
Congratulations to the Pine Crest Rehab Team, the Pine Crest MDS Quality Coordinators, Pharmacy and the CPI Training Team who were also nominated for this award.Outstanding Service Excellence Award
Michelle Lorbiecki, Community Treatment Team Lead
Congratulations to Michelle Lorbiecki, recipient of the NCHC’s Outstanding
Service Excellence Award. Michelle was nominated by staff in Community
Treatment. Michelle makes others feel inspired, empowered and supported.
She focuses on solutions rather than problems and brings unique perspective
to our meetings. She holds people accountable and takes time out to help everyone
“Michelle has made a lasting positive impact for numerous youth and families for over 11 years here at NCHC. Now that she is in a team lead role, she is able to help even more families by guiding all of our staff to provide the same exemplary service that she provides to the families they serve. She has made a huge impact on my life as well-she has inspired me and has uplifted me daily for over a decade and for that I am truly grateful.”
Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award
Tricia Klemp, Community Treatment
Congratulations to Tricia Klemp of Community Treatment, recipient of the
NCHC’s Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award. Nominated by a
member of her team who feels Tricia works with the most challenging individuals
and does so always with a smile on her face.
“Tricia is creative with suggestions and able to reframe things for her colleagues to help re-energize and motivate them. Her skill set after the DBT training she went through has taken her service delivery to another level and has really impacted the consumers she is working with in a positive way. Tricia was the first service facilitator to advance her motivational interviewing (MI) skills and take on a coaching role in our implementation of MI, despite the additional time commitment. She not only is interested in her own personal growth and change, but in motivating others to do the same for our consumers. Continuous Improvement is the core value Tricia represents most and she is motivated by her passion to advocate for and improve the lives of those we serve.”
Outstanding Leadership Award
Connie Gliniecki, Director of Nursing, MVCC
The Outstanding Leadership Award recognizes a director, manager or supervisor
who inspires, influences and conducts themselves in a professional manner,
acting as a role model for others to follow in the workplace and our community.
Congratulations to Connie Gliniecki, Director of Nursing at Mount View
Care Center for being honored with the award this quarter.
“Throughout this pandemic, Connie’s leadership at the Incident Command level, daily workday, and with partners and other agencies has been nothing short of spectacular.”
“She has done an exceptional job dealing with the complex issues we have faced and personally has given everything she can to the organization to keep our residents and staff safe.”
“I have worked closely with her on Covid issues and she has made my job so much easier.”
“She is pushed and pulled a million different directions and always had time to ask how people are doing.”
Congratulations Connie! Thank you for your outstanding leadership.
Congratulations to Tammy Buchberger and Gina Lenz who were also nominated for this award.3rd Quarter 2020 Recipients
Outstanding Team Partnership Award
Forest Jackson Team & Redeployed Staff
Congratulations to the Forest Jackson & Redeployment
Team, recipient of NCHC’s Outstanding Team Partnership Award. These
employees were recognized for their outstanding team work. Nominated by
a manager and a new employee, the team have shined in the face of adversity
through Covid-19.
"The Forest Jackson staff are completely incredible, they have taken us under their wing teaching us the ropes, seeing as this wasn’t a regular employment position. The staff have patience with asking questions, learning the ropes and getting to know all the residents and their needs. Just observing them makes me appreciate being able to help where I can. This experience of being able to work with the Forest Jackson staff provided a whole new view of NCHC and what it offers.”
Congratulations to Transportation who was also nominated for this award.Outstanding Service Excellence Award
Jessica Baumann, HIM
Congratulations to Jessica Baumann, recipient of the
NCHC’s Outstanding Service Excellence Award. Jessica was nominated
by staff in her department. Jessica recently volunteered to take on tasks
in the HIM department when several employees recently retired. Jessica
know every aspect of the job and she is willing to learn and teach others.
She has become a true leader in the HIM team and is the go-to person for
incoming calls, walk-ins and training staff.
“Jessica is always willing to help clients and coworkers with any questions and does with much compassion and patience. Jessica truly made my retirement transition easier with her quick learning capabilities and attention to detail.”
Congratulations to Linda Bever, Patient Financial Services and Nancy Schultz, Food Services who were also nominated for this award.Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award
Linda Stankowski, Food Services
Congratulations to Linda Stankowski of Food Services, recipient of the
NCHC’s
Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award. Nominated by a member of another
team who feels Linda goes above and beyond to forge new connections with
residents and families.
“Linda is an employee in food services but she goes beyond the call of duty to make sure families and residents feel cared for. Linda sews as a side job. A hospice resident was requesting to wear long night shirts, bu was unable to due to their physical needs. Linda was very gracious and was able to use her skills to adapt night shirts on her own time so the resident was able to wear them. This act of kindness meets all our Core Values and shows the importance of relationships even when Linda did not know the residents or family.”
Congratulations to Pam Mack, Pine Crest who was also nominated for this award.Outstanding Leadership Award
Scott Van Ermen, Pharmacy
The Outstanding Leadership Award recognizes a director, manager or supervisor who
inspires, influences and conducts themselves in a professional manner,
acting as a role model for others to follow in the workplace and our community.
Congratulations to Scott Van Ermen of Pharmacy. Scott was nominated by
staff in another program.
“A Highlight Reel: 1. When Covid-19 was announced her personally made 14 gallons of hand sanitizer. Character isn’t found in job descriptions. 2. In our logistics and supplies subgroup he always stays on top of current news and is volunteering to help. 3. Tracking and controlling overtime in Pharmacy - 2017 - $13,000, 2018 - $1,500, 2019 - $200. In 2 years he saved $24,300! 4> Revenue expansion - 2017: $4.3 mil 2018: $4.9 mil 2019: $5.3 mil. Journey!”
Congratulations Scott! Thank you for your outstanding leadership.
Congratulations to Chris Bleck, Human Resources who was also nominated for this award.2nd Quarter 2020 Recipients
Outstanding Team Partnership Award
Community Treatment, ACT Team
Congratulations to the Community Treatment ACT Team, recipient of NCHC’s
Outstanding Team Partnership Award. The ACT team meets daily and goes
above and beyond each day to ensure that they meet the daily needs of
our most intensive Community Treatment clients and that they remain safe
in the community. The ACT Team works daily with nearly all departments
throughout NCHC and have developed strong partnerships within our community
and at NCHC.
“Regardless of illness, personal/medical leave, vacations or scheduling conflicts, the team is able to meet the needs of our consumers our clients do not have the supports of healthy friends and family or are too ill to accept support. It never fails to impress me that regardless of overwhelming barriers faced by our clients, as a team, the ACT Team all pitch in and cover the needs of our clients.” "After 15 years of case management in multiple different counties, I have never experienced the teamwork and client impact that the ACT team provides daily.”
Outstanding Service Excellence Award
Carrie Salyers, HIM
Congratulations to Carrie Salyers, recipient of the NCHC’s Outstanding Service Excellence Award. Carrie was nominated by staff from a different department that recognized her commitment to teamwork and quality. Carrie has been working on a project that not only helps physicians and staff with coding, making their day to day work easier, its helps NCHC get reimbursed correctly and patients billed correctly. She is concerned not just for the work in her program, but how it impacts others ability and accuracy to do their own.
“Carrie has worked to make this tool comprehensive, practical and scalable for growth in the future. She communicates well with those she meets with, trying to find the right solution to making coding easier for those who use it and for those who are not experts in the field. It's been a pleasure to work with her and have her on the NCHC team!”
Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award
June Ross, Residential
Congratulations to June Ross of Residential Services, recipient of the NCHC’s Outstanding Person-Centered Service Award. Nominated by a member of her team who feels June exceeds her expectations every day.
“Even with children at home and another job, she is always flexible with her schedule and picks up many open shifts. She works with integrity and I can always count on her to make positive choices in the best interest of our clients. She treats everyone is if they are a part of her extended family and everyone looks forward to work- ing with her. June inspires me to bring 110% of myself to work and not only that, but to do it with a smile and sincere joy in my heart. Without dedicated staff like June, our group homes would not be able to run like they do. She is truly an essential part of our team and I’m so proud to have her.”
Outstanding Leadership Award
Cherie Mattson, Housekeeping
The Outstanding Leadership Award recognizes a director, manager or supervisor
who inspires, influences and conducts themselves in a profes- sional manner,
acting as a role model for others to follow in the workplace and our community.
Congratulations to Cherie Mattson of Housekeeping. Cherie was nominated
twice this quarter by staff in different programs. Staff are inspired
by her authentic and humble leadership.
“The first thing I learned about Cherie was how deep her relationships go with her employees. She knows their stories and listens to their ups and downs. She takes time to explain new things, new training and new events that her employees need to know about. She is always there without a complaint or hesitation to help cover an employee who needs it. Cherie has taught me a lot about leadership. Its doesn’t have to be loud or attention getting or really anything fancy – just authentic and consistent.”