Stephanie Crump
Executive Director, Belmont Village Senior Living Memphis
Mrs. Crump, our Executive Director at Belmont Village Memphis, has been our leader for 18 years. She trusts her managers to effectively manage their own departments. But she is also there for us when a need arises, and gives her open and honest opinion with an effective way to handle things. She always has the best interest at heart for the employee and the manager. She listens to feedback and always addresses concerns promptly. She has an open door policy, and no matter how busy she is at the moment, she will stop doing something when you need her and give you her full attention.
I have never worked at any job that made me feel so heard and appreciated. Mrs. Crump offers all employees an opportunity for growth, and she is very encouraging, positive, and has gained the trust of her employees. She also has the absolute best interest when it comes to our residents and staff and family members.
Mrs. Crump has a strong educational background with a business degree, but just recently I noticed she was still taking some classes online for continuing education. We have a morning meeting daily, and she discusses different topics like financial management, budgets, operational updates, and more. She also allows us to discuss any questions or concerns we may have.
Because of the way Mrs. Crump has run this community, over half of our staff have been with the organization for more than 5 years, and multiple employees have been at this company for 10 years or more. She created a wall in the front lobby, with pictures of all of the employees who have been at the company 5 years or more. We named it our tenure wall. Families love when they walk into the building, and see that their loved ones can expect to see familiar faces on a daily basis. This creates a sense of comfort and reassurance for our seniors for their well-being and can reduce anxiety. I have been here almost 13 years, and I can credit Mrs. Crump as one of the reasons I would love to one day retire from the company. She definitely makes Belmont Village a great place to work.
OnShift has played a major role in how Mrs. Crump handles the financial part of the business. She always asks if we are using the best candidates to control overtime, and ensuring all staff, including our PRN staff are being utilized effectively.
One of the major parts of OnShift she uses is messaging. She is able to communicate and engage with the entire staff about meetings or employee parties, in-service events, giveaways, etc. OnShift is also how she knows daily who is on staff, who called off for the day and who we used as a replacement. During our morning staff meeting, she always encourages us to make sure we are logging into OnShift daily to help decrease labor gaps when possible, and to keep up with employee performance. She also likes the Employee Satisfaction Surveys to receive employee feedback and engagement. She stated the surveys are ways we can identify areas for improvement, and how to continue to retain our employees.
One of the things Mrs. Crump has said that will always stick with me, and I'm sure it resonates with all the staff, is that she prioritizes empathy and any chance to uplift someone. She is all about creating an inclusive and caring community, while fostering a supportive and understanding workplace environment.
Stacy Forrest
Administrator, McMahon Tomlinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Stacy Forrest, Administrator of McMahon Tomlinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, has led her team through a transformative period in post-acute care with creativity, grit, and a relentless focus on both employee and resident well-being. She has implemented multiple workforce initiatives that have directly improved employee retention, boosted satisfaction, enhanced recruitment, and reduced labor costs — all while elevating quality of care.
When faced with staffing shortages and retention challenges, Stacy launched Mission 4 Star, a facility-wide improvement competition that engaged every department head in achieving quality and staffing goals. This initiative increased teamwork, improved accountability, and directly contributed to more consistent staffing coverage.
Recognizing the need to support and grow her workforce, she introduced the Next Level Nursing (NLN) Program to recruit and retain LPNs, pairing competitive incentives with professional development opportunities. She also implemented an open dining competition, assigning department heads to specific halls to improve resident experience and foster employee ownership in care outcomes.
To improve workplace culture and morale, Stacy created the Clean & Clear Initiative for a clutter-free, safe environment, the EmpthiCare Program to mentor and empower female team members (especially single mothers), and the Stacy’s Slice of Appreciation Giveaway to recognize staff monthly. These programs have significantly improved employee engagement, as measured by a 20% increase in staff participation in voluntary events and improved retention rates for new hires in their first 90 days.
Her focus on reducing reliance on agency staff has also yielded measurable cost savings. Through targeted recruitment, mentorship, and scheduling innovations, Stacy decreased contracted LPN hours over the last quarter, directly lowering labor costs while increasing continuity of care.
Stacy’s leadership is defined by her ability to adapt quickly, think creatively, and inspire her team to strive for excellence. She exemplifies the mission of caring for others — not only in resident care but in the way she leads, supports, and uplifts her staff.
OnShift has been a critical partner in the success of our workforce initiatives by providing the data, communication tools, and scheduling flexibility needed to implement and sustain these programs. For Mission 4 Star and our open dining competition, OnShift’s scheduling platform allowed us to assign department heads to specific halls and meal times with ease, ensuring coverage while avoiding overtime and unnecessary labor costs. Real-time visibility into staffing levels helped leaders adjust on the fly to maintain quality service for residents.
In the Next Level Nursing (NLN) Program, OnShift gave us clear insights into open shifts, employee availability, and historical scheduling trends, helping us strategically place new LPNs where they were most needed. This not only reduced our reliance on contracted staff but also improved the onboarding experience for new hires.
For retention-focused initiatives like Stacy’s Slice of Appreciation Giveaway and the EmpthiCare Program, OnShift’s messaging and communication features made it easy to recognize staff, share success stories, and promote participation across all shifts, creating a more engaged and connected team.
By leveraging OnShift’s reporting capabilities, we could track metrics such as overtime reduction, agency usage, and shift pick-up rates. These insights allowed us to identify high-engagement staff, reward them appropriately, and continuously refine our approach — ultimately improving employee satisfaction, retention, and cost control.
Stacy Forrest believes that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate and that every member of her team deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Her career in long-term care has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to both residents and the staff who care for them. She leads with transparency, empathy, and a focus on solutions — whether creating programs that reduce turnover, developing creative incentives to boost engagement, or finding ways to do more with less without sacrificing quality.
Stacy is proud of initiatives like Mission 4 Star, the Next Level Nursing Program, and the open dining competition because they have not only improved staffing and reduced labor costs, but have also built a culture of pride and ownership within her team. OnShift has been a trusted partner in making these ideas actionable — providing the data and tools to turn vision into measurable results.
For Stacy, innovation is not just about programs — it is about people. She listens to her staff, empowers them to take ownership, and creates an environment where they want to stay and grow. Every day, she strives to lead in a way that inspires excellence, fosters creativity, and leaves a lasting impact on those she works with and cares for.
Dr. Dawn Giakas
Administrator, New Jersey Eastern Star Rehabilitation & Nursing
Dr. Dawn Giakas, Administrator of New Jersey Eastern Star Home, is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who exemplifies what it means to innovate with purpose. Her approach goes beyond problem-solving – it builds a future-ready workforce by aligning organizational goals with employee growth, engagement, and belonging. At a time when long-term care faces critical workforce shortages, Dr. Giakas is not only meeting the challenge – she’s rewriting the playbook. Her innovations aren’t just programs – they are culture-shaping movements that have translated into measurable improvements in recruitment, retention, staff satisfaction, and performance.
Impactful Innovations That Set Her Apart:
Culture-Driven Recruitment: Understanding that successful recruitment starts with purpose, Dr. Giakas rebranded the facility’s recruitment message with the motto, “More Than a Job, It’s a Calling.” This bold shift in narrative attracted mission-aligned candidates and resulted in a 19% increase in applications within six months. This approach didn’t just fill open positions – it ensured the right people were hired for the right reasons, leading to better retention and morale.
Onboarding Redefined: To address high turnover during early employment, Dr. Giakas introduced a structured 5-day onboarding and mentorship program that pairs new hires with experienced “Employee Ambassadors.” This personal and professional support during the most critical phase of employment reduced the 90-day turnover rate by 36% in just one year, while fostering a culture of inclusion, mentorship, and growth.
Incentives that Work: Recognizing the importance of remaining competitive in a tight labor market, Dr. Giakas implemented sign-on bonuses and referral incentives, while strategically adjusting wage offers to meet or exceed market rates. In addition, she launched a Gas Card incentive program for newly hired CNAs to ease transportation burdens, especially crucial in today’s economic climate. These efforts led to stronger applicant pools and greater candidate commitment upon hiring.
Clinical Competency Through Education: Dr. Giakas believes that competent staff are confident staff. She supports and co-leads the facility’s Annual Education Fair, an interdisciplinary initiative that boosts staff expertise in areas like infection control, fall prevention, and dementia care. The event doesn’t just increase knowledge – it builds pride. In fact, 100% of staff surveyed after the last Education Fair reported feeling more valued and empowered, directly tying education to retention and professional fulfillment.
Bridging Education and Workforce: In a truly innovative move, Dr. Giakas launched a Residential Nursing Student Program, offering student nurses the opportunity to live at the facility while working as CNAs as they complete their education. This model not only builds a future workforce pipeline but also fosters strong bonds and real-time learning, creating loyal, well-trained graduates who often stay beyond graduation. Dr. Giakas doesn’t just lead – she elevates. Her initiatives are not band-aid solutions; they are culture-changing, results-driven innovations that have made New Jersey Eastern Star Home a respected leader in recruitment, education, and employee satisfaction. Her vision has created a model of what workforce excellence in long-term care can and should look like.
OnShift has been an instrumental partner in the success of these workforce innovations. Dr. Dawn Giakas and her leadership team leveraged OnShift's technology not just as a scheduling tool, but as a strategic ally in building a stronger, more resilient workforce.
By utilizing OnShift’s advanced scheduling platform, the facility was able to:
Additionally, OnShift’s data reporting tools allowed Dr. Giakas and her leadership team to track improvements tied to their recruitment and retention strategies, including a 36% reduction in 90-day turnover and a 19% increase in application flow after the rebranding campaign. Having these metrics readily available helped guide data-driven decisions and sustain progress.
In essence, OnShift amplified the success of these initiatives by streamlining operations, empowering staff, and providing the actionable insights needed to lead with intention and impact. Dr. Giakas’ innovative vision, paired with OnShift’s capabilities, created a synergy that not only solved problems but reimagined what workforce excellence looks like in long-term care.
What sets Dr. Dawn Giakas apart is not only her innovative leadership but her deep commitment to people-first care and culture, creating a workplace where purpose, pride, and personal growth thrive together. Dr. Giakas exemplifies innovation not through flashy trends, but through sustainable, human-centered transformation that has real impact:
Moreover, under her bold and forward-thinking leadership, New Jersey Eastern Star Home has been recognized with multiple state and national honors, including:
Dr. Giakas doesn’t just innovate. She inspires, transforms, and leads with integrity. She’s not only worthy of the Innovator Award – she’s a living example of its highest ideals.
Kimberly Brown
Staffing Coordinator, Veterans’ Victory House
Kimberly Brown has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to making our organization a better place through her mastery of scheduling and labor management. She goes beyond simply filling shifts—she ensures our staff are supported, balanced, and set up for success.
One of Kim’s most valuable qualities is her proactive communication and attention to detail. She takes the time to understand the unique needs, preferences, and strengths of each team member, which results in a fair, efficient, and person-centered schedule. Her work not only ensures full coverage, but also reduces burnout, boosts morale, and improves retention. When faced with staffing challenges — whether due to sudden call-outs or long-term shortages — she steps in with quick, creative solutions, often working late hours to avoid disruptions in care or service. Her strategic use of OnShift’s tools has allowed our organization to minimize overtime, eliminate agency usage, and meet compliance standards effortlessly
Beyond her day-to-day duties, Kim is a true leader who fosters collaboration, mentors new staff, and constantly looks for ways to improve scheduling processes. Her commitment, reliability, and positive attitude have made a measurable impact on our organization's culture and efficiency. In every sense, Kim exemplifies the values of dedication, innovation, and care that OnShift stands for and we are proud to nominate her for Scheduler of the Year.
OnShift has played a significant role in helping our organization minimize overtime, reduce agency usage, and meet compliance standards. Through its predictive scheduling and real-time labor management tools, OnShift allows managers to proactively fill open shifts, balance workloads, and receive alerts for potential overtime before it occurs. This enables more efficient staffing decisions and helps organizations stay within labor budgets.
In addition, OnShift eliminates reliance on agency staff by improving internal scheduling practices and enhancing employee engagement. Features like open shift notifications and self-scheduling empower existing staff to pick up additional hours, while tools aimed at improving work-life balance and reducing burnout contribute to higher retention rates, further decreasing the need for costly temp staffing.
On the compliance front, OnShift helps us meet staffing ratios and credential requirements through automated time and attendance tracking. This functionality not only ensures adherence to labor laws and regulatory standards but also streamlines documentation and audit readiness, making it easier for organizations to demonstrate compliance during inspections.
Additionally, Kim plays a vital role in supporting the successful use of OnShift. She is the go-to person for training department managers and is responsible for onboarding new hires in how to use the system effectively. Her involvement ensures that staff are well-equipped to leverage OnShift’s tools, maximizing the platform’s impact on operational efficiency and compliance.
Cindy Cratsenburg
Scheduler, The Harmar Place Community
Cindy has proven herself to be an exceptional scheduler and a true asset to Harmar Place. Her dedication, leadership, and mastery of OnShift have significantly improved our staffing operations, enhanced staff satisfaction, and contributed to better resident care.
Cindy uses OnShift not just as a tool, but as a strategic solution to tackle complex scheduling challenges. She proactively identifies gaps and works ahead to fill shifts while keeping in close communication with our team members. Through her effective use of OnShift’s features such as open shift messaging, schedule optimization, and real-time adjustments, Cindy has helped reduce last-minute call-offs and agency reliance.
Since Cindy took over scheduling, Harmar Place has seen:
Cindy goes above and beyond simply creating a schedule — she works closely with staff to understand their needs and preferences, creating a culture of respect and flexibility. She is known for her ability to problem-solve in high-pressure situations and always maintains a positive, calm demeanor, even during staffing shortages.
Through her leadership and commitment, Cindy has elevated our workforce strategy, empowered our frontline teams, and ensured that our residents receive continuous, quality care. Her impact is felt daily across every shift at Harmar Place. Cindy truly embodies what it means to lead with heart, precision, and purpose.
OnShift has been instrumental in supporting Cindy’s success as a scheduler. Its real-time scheduling platform allowed her to proactively manage open shifts, monitor staffing levels, and communicate instantly with team members. The ability to customize schedules based on staff preferences, availability, and shift history helped reduce last-minute call-offs and improved shift coverage. The messaging tools enabled Cindy to fill shifts faster, while reporting features allowed her to track trends, identify problem areas, and make data-driven decisions that reduced overtime and improved labor efficiency. OnShift’s intuitive system gave Cindy the tools she needed to lead with clarity and confidence, making the scheduling process more transparent, responsive, and employee-friendly — all of which contributed to higher staff satisfaction and more consistent resident care.
D. Fields
Staffing Manager, Solaris Senior Living North Naples
D. Fields has gone above and beyond the standard expectations of a scheduler, transforming the way our organization manages labor and supports staff. Their leadership, commitment, and mastery of the OnShift platform have significantly improved our scheduling efficiency, team morale, and overall operational success.📌 Leadership in Action
📈 Quantifiable Impact
🌟 Commitment That Builds Culture
In short, D. Fields doesn’t just use OnShift — they maximize its value. Their initiative, consistency, and ability to balance organizational needs with staff well-being make them a standout candidate for OnShift Scheduler of the Year. Their impact is felt daily by our nursing staff, leadership team, and most importantly, the residents we serve.
Using OnShift’s scheduling platform, D. Fields was able to build efficient, accurate schedules that matched staffing needs with resident census and acuity. The ability to quickly update and communicate changes in real time reduced confusion and ensured coverage, especially during high-demand periods or sudden call-outs.
📊 Data-Driven Labor Management
OnShift’s reporting and analytics tools helped D. Fields monitor open shifts, call-off trends, overtime usage, and PPD (hours per patient day). This visibility allowed for smarter staffing decisions that reduced overtime by nearly 20% and kept our team in compliance with state staffing guidelines.
📱 Employee Engagement Through Mobile Access
OnShift’s mobile accessibility empowered staff to view schedules, pick up open shifts, and request time off directly through the app. D. Fields used this feature to keep communication fluid and ensure staff had control over their schedules, leading to a 25% increase in shift pick-up participation and improved morale.
🔁 Simplified ETO Management
By using OnShift to track and approve ETO requests, D. Fields eliminated paperwork bottlenecks and scheduling errors. Requests were processed faster, and staff could see changes reflected immediately, reducing conflicts and ensuring proper coverage while honoring time-off needs.
📣 Effective Communication & Alerts
D. Fields took full advantage of OnShift’s notifications and reminders to keep staff informed. Whether it was a reminder for schedule postings, ETO deadlines, or available shifts, the alert system made sure nothing fell through the cracks, leading to better accountability and engagement.
D. Fields doesn't just manage the schedule — they own it. Their proactive approach includes:
Brenda Asher
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Gardant Management Solutions
I am honored to nominate Brenda Asher, AVP of HR, for recognition in HR excellence based on her extraordinary leadership, strategic execution, and unwavering commitment to operational innovation.
Over the past six months, Brenda successfully spearheaded the enterprise-wide launch of a scheduling platform across 90 senior housing communities, positively transforming workforce operations at every level. With a clear vision and exceptional project management, she coordinated stakeholders across diverse geographies and time zones, all while ensuring a seamless and disruption-free transition. From configuration to training, rollout, and change management, Brenda executed each phase with precision, compassion, and a deep understanding of frontline realities.
Her efforts led to:
Perhaps most impressively, this was all achieved without extending timelines or escalating costs. Brenda demonstrated what it means to be a change agent in HR: thoughtful, data-driven, people-first, and operationally savvy. She has set a new standard for HR technology integration and deserves recognition for this transformative achievement.
The implementation team within OnShift was extremely helpful and provided the training, support and flexibility that was needed in onboarding 90 communities and over 4000 employees.
Brenda worked tirelessly in coordinating all the schedules and trainings for all communities.
Timothy Brice
Human Resources Director, Williston Care Center
Timothy Brice — known throughout our organization as TJ — is a true champion of people. As our HR leader, TJ brings energy, empathy, and effectiveness to everything he does, consistently putting employee wellbeing at the forefront and driving real change that positively shapes our workplace culture.
TJ has implemented a variety of employee-focused initiatives that have led to measurable improvements in engagement and retention. Through stay interviews, enhanced onboarding, staff appreciation events, and consistent check-ins, TJ has created an open and supportive environment where employees feel valued and heard. As a result, our employee satisfaction scores have increased, and we’ve seen a notable reduction in turnover — down nearly 15% over the past year. His use of OnShift has been instrumental in streamlining communication, tracking engagement trends, and quickly responding to staff needs. TJ actively uses the platform’s insights to identify opportunities for improvement, coordinate recognition efforts, and support scheduling transparency in collaboration with other departments.
What sets TJ apart is his ability to inspire trust. He’s approachable, solutions-focused, and genuinely invested in making our organization a better place to work. His leadership has not only improved morale, but strengthened our entire team — and the impact is felt daily. For his dedication, innovation, and people-first mindset, TJ is more than deserving of the Impact Award.
OnShift played a significant role in the success of TJ’s initiatives. He has fully embraced the platform’s capabilities to support and strengthen our workplace culture. By leveraging OnShift's communication tools, TJ keeps staff informed, engaged, and connected, ensuring that every team member feels seen and supported. He also utilizes OnShift’s analytics to monitor staffing trends, track engagement metrics, and identify areas where additional support or recognition may be needed. These insights have guided proactive steps to address burnout, boost morale, and improve retention, resulting in fewer unplanned call-outs and a more stable workforce. OnShift has been key in helping TJ build transparency, fairness, and consistency across the board — qualities that have become hallmarks of our workplace under his leadership.
TJ’s impact goes far beyond traditional HR responsibilities. He’s not just managing policies — he’s building relationships, nurturing trust, and creating a culture where people genuinely want to come to work. His ability to combine data-driven decisions with a personal, human-centered approach is rare and invaluable. From reducing turnover and improving staff morale to strengthening cross-department collaboration, TJ has helped lay the foundation for long-term organizational success. He leads with integrity, compassion, and a tireless commitment to supporting those who care for our nation’s seniors. For all these reasons and more, Timothy Brice (TJ) is a true difference-maker and an ideal recipient of the Impact Award.
Ashley James
Business Office Manager, Rosewood Village Assisted Living
Ashley James is the heart of our human resources department and a true champion for employees at every level. She has made a profound impact on our organization’s culture by consistently promoting an employee-centric workplace where every team member feels heard, supported, and valued. Through her empathy, strategic thinking, and tireless dedication, Ashley has built a culture rooted in respect, transparency, and inclusion.
One of her most impactful initiatives was the creation of an Employee Engagement Task Force, which meets monthly to gather feedback, identify concerns, and implement practical solutions. Since its launch, overall employee satisfaction has increased by 25%, as measured through quarterly surveys. Ashley also introduced structured onboarding and stay interview programs, which contributed to a 35% improvement in new hire retention over a 12-month period.
Recognizing the need for better work-life balance, Ashley revamped PTO tracking and flexible scheduling policies, giving staff more control and improving morale. She also led monthly “Employee Appreciation Days” and spearheaded a peer-nominated recognition program, resulting in a noticeable boost in team cohesion and a 20% increase in internal promotions due to higher engagement and development efforts.
In recruitment, Ashley has built strong partnerships with local schools and training programs, which helped increase applicant flow by 40% over the past year. Her commitment to open communication, fairness, and continuous improvement has truly transformed our workplace culture.
Ashley James doesn’t just manage HR — she leads with heart, and her efforts have made our organization not just a place to work, but a place to grow and thrive. She is more than deserving of the Impact Award.
OnShift was instrumental in supporting the success of Ashley James’s employee-focused initiatives. By using OnShift’s workforce management platform, Ashley was able to streamline scheduling, monitor staffing patterns, and proactively address potential issues before they impacted morale or retention. OnShift’s real-time visibility into scheduling allowed Ashley to support flexible shift options, accommodate time-off requests more effectively, and reduce instances of burnout. These efforts led to a measurable improvement in staff satisfaction and a notable decline in unscheduled absences. Additionally, OnShift’s communication tools made it easier for Ashley to stay connected with team members, sharing updates and gathering feedback efficiently. The data-driven insights from OnShift also played a key role in shaping her recruitment and retention strategies, enabling targeted interventions that helped reduce turnover and increase team engagement. By integrating OnShift into her broader HR initiatives, Ashley created a more responsive, transparent, and employee-friendly environment, ultimately enhancing both the employee experience and organizational performance.
Ashley James is more than an outstanding HR professional — she is a culture builder, a trusted confidant, and a steady source of support for staff at every level. Her impact goes far beyond policies and procedures. She brings compassion, fairness, and integrity to every decision she makes, creating an environment where employees feel genuinely cared for and empowered to succeed. Her ability to balance the needs of the organization with the well-being of its people is what sets her apart. Ashley has become the “go-to” person for team members, not just for HR matters, but for mentorship, encouragement, and honest communication. Her presence has helped foster a workplace where people stay not just because of their jobs, but because they feel part of a community. Recognizing Ashley with the Impact Award would honor not just her impressive results, but also the heart and humanity she brings to her work every single day.
Winner - Aaralyn Alvarez
Aaralyn Alvarez, Care Partner, The Ridge Pinehurst
Aaralyn is an incredible employee, teammate, and human being. She connects with each resident on a very personal level and is continuously exceeding all of our expectations in the most humble of ways.
Recently I stopped to talk with a resident and check in on him. He had his cowboy hat on and an extra one in his hand. When I asked what that was about he said, "My granddaughter is a champion rodeo rider and Aaralyn loves horses. I asked her (granddaughter) to come to surprise Aaralyn because she has done so much for me and everyone else."
Aaralyn just graduated from high school and is hoping to become a nurse. She has worked with us since she was 16 years old and comes in and gives 100% every single day. She is a treasure in every way. From big gestures, like picking up Chik-Fil-A for a very picky resident to picking up every piece of trash she walks by. She is an impressive young person.
The connection Aaralyn makes with residents is the deepest way that she makes residents feel better. Aside from going above and beyond every day in practical ways, Aaralyn just takes TIME with each resident to make them feel seen and feel special. Whether it's taking an extra trip to the rose garden with a resident who was a gardener her whole life or spending time looking through old photo albums with a resident who is lonely or accompanying our Memory Support residents on outings, Aaralyn always shows how much she cares.
Kya Bush
LPN, Change Nurse, Southern Oaks Care Center
Kya has been employed here at Southern Oaks for 9 years. She started as a CNA on night shift and quickly worked her way up to dayshift charge nurse. She is a leader among her peers and is always willing to help her aides and med techs during a shift.
She put together a charge nurse binder for the facility that helps newer nurses acclimate to the position as well as help them find different forms they may need on their shift. She provides safe and adequate care, and knows her residents very well. When we have new hired nurses she is the nurse we want them to orient with so they get the best orientation possible.
Kya has implemented EOS rounds where her and her aides for that hall check on residents and check resident rooms before shift change. This has helped with the amount of falls, decreased the amount of call during nursing report and helped make sure residents had their call light and bedside table with in reach. Kya is an assest to the facility and the reason she is being nominated for Best in Care.
Kya spends extra time with her residents, making sure their needs are met. She has provided a care basket to aides during CNA week, as a gift from her. She has made each dayshift aide a fanny pack gift, with their names on them. She's always willing to help out, and working in healthcare, that can always make someone's life better, whether employee or resident.
Raphael Gardunio
CNA, Parke View Rehab and Care
It is an honor to nominate Ralph for the Impact Award. With nearly 20 years of service as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Ralph has devoted his career to providing compassionate, high-quality care — most recently at Parke View Rehab and Care.
Evelyn Melendez
CNA, Northampton Post Acute
I am writing to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Evelyn Melendez, a certified nurse aide with six years of dedicated service at Northampton Post Acute.
Evelyn exemplifies everything that makes a great caregiver — compassion, strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to person-centered care. Her ability to form meaningful relationships with her patients is truly remarkable. Evelyn takes the time to get to know each individual she cares for, always taking note of their preferences and ensuring their unique needs are met. Her attention to detail, even in the smallest aspects of patient care, is a testament to her professionalism and dedication. A family member recently provided glowing feedback regarding Evelyn and her ability to pay attention to the small but meaningful details that matter to her mom regarding her appearance. Evelyn made sure her mom was dressed up in matching sets every day which showed her how much she valued her mom’s feelings as her caregiver and wanted to make sure the resident felt good about herself, recognizing what would bring joy or comfort to the resident and going out of her way to fulfill that need on a daily basis.
Not only does Evelyn go above and beyond to meet the physical needs of her patients, but she also brings a calm and encouraging demeanor to her work. Her ability to understand and empathize with the emotional and psychological needs of her patients is equally impressive. She consistently shows compassion by putting herself in the shoes of others, offering support in ways that are both genuine and thoughtful.
Evelyn's communication skills are exceptional. She works closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, family members, patients, and other healthcare team members to ensure the best possible care is provided. Whether in person or through written communication, her ability to collaborate and coordinate is invaluable to the overall long term care experience of her patients.
In addition to her technical skills, Evelyn is a determined, caring person who consistently demonstrates leadership qualities in every aspect of her work. Her presence brings comfort to her patients and peace of mind to their families, and her dedication sets a standard of quality care for others in the healthcare field. Her actions embody our center’s core values of excellence, passion, and respect on a daily basis.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Evelyn as part of our team at Northampton Post Acute, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for recognition for her outstanding contributions to patient care.
Anne Rosson
CNA, Wright's Healthcare and Rehabilitation
Anne has been with our facility for 23 years. She is the cornerstone to our building. She never calls out, trains all the new employees, does restorative, goes on appointments with patients, passes all our supplies and handles all new admits. Without her and her commitment to compassionate care, we would be in tough shape.
Anne continues to get to know the patients and caters to their specific needs. She educates other staff members of the patients needs, feelings, wants and goals. Anne is always available for assistance and will always do the right thing, even if it is hard.
Humans taking care of humans is not a perfect science, but Anne achieves near perfection with the outcomes of our patients. In all my 25 years of Staffing and as a CNA, I have never met a finer caregiver!
Melisa Schultz
LPN, Grand Village
Great nurses are the heartbeat of any healthcare centered community. They bring not only clinical expertise, but also compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. They advocate for residents, support their peers, and create an environment where dignity and kindness are woven into every interaction. Melisa Schultz, LPN, embodies all of this and more. For over 30 years, she has been a steady, compassionate, presence at Grand Village, navigating the ever-changing landscape of healthcare with grace, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. Through every shift, every transition, and every challenge, Melisa has remained focused on what matters most: caring for our residents and supporting her team.See for yourself why thousands of providers rely on OnShift’s innovative software for recruitment, hiring, workforce management, pay and engagement. Request your personalized demo today.
