OnShift Applause Awards:

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.

Ralph's dedication goes far beyond his job description. He’s not only an exceptional caregiver, but also a true source of joy and comfort for the residents. Whether it's through his calm, reassuring presence or the extra steps he takes — like baking cakes for residents — Ralph brings heart into everything he does. These small but meaningful gestures show how deeply he cares and why the residents adore him.

His kindness, reliability, and commitment make a lasting impression. It’s no surprise that so many residents specifically request Ralph as their caregiver — they know they’re in the best hands with him. Ralph’s work ethic and compassion exemplify what it means to truly make an impact in the lives of others. He is more than deserving of this recognition.

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.   

She consistently goes above and beyond — not just for those in her care, but for her fellow staff. Whether it’s stepping in to assist with a resident in a pinch, coming in early, or staying late to ensure a smooth handoff to the next shift, Melisa leads with generosity and teamwork. She’s especially known for her willingness to assist her team, never placing herself above others, but working shoulder-to-shoulder as part of a unified team. Her humility and respect for every role make her a joy to work with and a true example of collaborative care.

Her thoroughness and kindness shine through in everything she does, truly exemplifying “Resident Centered Care.” Melisa’s legacy is one of quiet strength, deep compassion, and a commitment to excellence that has shaped our community for decades. She’s not just a nurse — she’s a mentor, a role model and an inspiration for all in healthcare!

Melisa uplifts everyone around her through her kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication. She treats residents with deep compassion and respect, creating a sense of safety, dignity, and trust. Her care is steady and heartfelt, making each person feel truly seen.

For staff, Melisa is a true teammate. She’s always willing to assist, never placing herself above others, but working alongside them with grace and humility. Her collaborative spirit fosters a culture of respect and unity, where everyone feels supported and valued. Whether she’s stepping in during a busy moment, mentoring a colleague, or simply offering encouragement, Melisa leads by example and makes Grand Village a better place to work and receive care.

Melisa improves lives through her quiet leadership and genuine care. Residents trust her because she’s consistent, compassionate, and attentive to their needs. She has a special way of helping new residents feel at home, especially during the difficult transition of moving in. Melisa always acknowledges that this is their home and reminds everyone that we’re here to make it a great one. Staff appreciate her willingness to step in wherever help is needed, especially her support for her team, working alongside them as an equal. Her presence brings calm, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellent care.