Champions of Care

2026 Champions of Care Nominations

1. NursesToggle Panel

   Ethel Young, Nurse Nurse Research Medical Center at HCA Midwest Health
   Research Medical Center is proud to nominate Ethel Young, RN, from pre-operative surgical nurse with an extraordinary 50-year nursing career-14 of those years at RMC-Ethel exemplifies what it means to live HCA Midwest Health's "Excellence Always" values each and every day. Young is deeply respected and loved by her colleagues for the compassion and consistency she brings to every interaction. She doesn’t just care for patients-she cares for people. Whether supporting a family in a moment of uncertainty or encouraging a teammate during a busy shift, Ethel treats everyone with dignity, empathy, and respect. Young was recent DAISY Award recognition reflects the impact she has on those she serves. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. This prestigious award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond, providing not just clinical skill but profound compassion, filling a gap in recognition for the nursing profession. The Foundation: The DAISY Foundation was formed by Barnes' family (wife Tena, parents Bonnie and Mark) to turn their grief into a positive force. Honorees receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved stone sculpture called A Healer’s Touch. The family was so deeply touched my Young's long-standing, 50-year commitment to delivering high-quality, deeply compassionate patient care, that they attended the ceremony to not just celebrate her, but speak about the impact she has made on patients, the community and how she fully represents exactly what they had in mind when they turned their grief into an honorably award. In one of the MANY nominations by patients and families, one patient family shared: “This beautiful lady is phenomenal… She made it clear through her knowledge and presence that she takes her role and the welfare of the patient seriously, with the utmost care and compassion. She kept us informed, checked on everyone in the lobby, and ensured our needs were met. She made a six-hour wait not only bearable, but meaningful. Any doubts we had were gone. She is extraordinary.” Young exemplifies the Champions of Care program by being her very best-every patient, every interaction, every time. She builds trust through clear communication, delivers care with unwavering compassion, and consistently goes beyond expectations to ensure both patients and families feel supported. Her legacy is not only measured in years of service, but in the lives she has touched along the way. Young represents the very best of Research Medical Center and HCA Midwest Health-where excellence is not occasional, but constant and many times during the most unexpected moments. And it is not only with patients, as Young has been recognized by colleagues, physicians, visitors, and most recently by an elderly visitor who needed assistance in the lobby late one evening while going home. Together, with the assistance of security, they guided the gentleman safely and quickly to his car. After a 50-year career dedicated to the physical, spiritual and mental health of patients and their families in the most vulnerable, stressful time in their lives, we can’t think of none other than Young to represent Champions of Care and the Missouri Hospital Association.

   Reba Millam, Director of Neurology HCA Midwest Health Belton Regional Medical Center
   For nearly a decade, Reba Millam, RN, has exemplified what nursing leadership looks like when clinical excellence, education, and advocacy converge. As Director of Stroke and Neurology Programs at Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Millam has built a career defined not by titles but by measurable improvements in patient outcomes and an unwavering commitment to patients and families. Although responsible for two highly complex service lines, Millam has never been content with maintaining the status quo. Guided by a nurse’s instinct to ask, “How can this be better? ” she examined gaps in communication and care coordination across departments, physicians, and post-discharge settings. The result was an innovative, nurse-driven approach to medication education that strengthened collaboration and reduced post-discharge medication errors. By ensuring patients, families, and outpatient care teams clearly understood medication regimens-and that available resources included low- or no-cost care-Millam addressed one of the most vulnerable moments in recovery, particularly for rural and Spanish-speaking populations. Her impact extends beyond hospital walls through a deep commitment to community education. Millam’s outreach on stroke awareness and the importance of acting quickly-often summarized by the FAST warning signs-proved lifesaving when a woman in Lone Jack, Missouri, recognized her husband was having a stroke and immediately called 9-1-1. That rapid response triggered a coordinated chain of care: early field activation, immediate hospital readiness, and swift treatment upon arrival. Within minutes, clot-busting medication restored blood flow to the brain, preventing a near-fatal outcome. Reflecting both clinical leadership and human connection, Millam later arranged a “Great Save” reunion, bringing together the patient, family, EMS team, nurses, and physicians to honor the collaboration that saved a life. In recognition of her exceptional leadership and community impact, Millam was named a 2025 Champions of Nursing Impact Award recipient by Research College of Nursing. Yet her greatest distinction remains the trust she builds every day-with patients, colleagues, and communities-through vigilant care, thoughtful education, and a nurse’s unwavering sense of responsibility. Her work embodies the essence of nursing excellence.

   Nick Ortiz, RN, ICU, Ozarks Health care
   Ozarks Health care is proud to recognize Nick Ortiz, RN, in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU), as one of its recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Ortiz was nominated for the award after going above and beyond to care for a patient in crisis. When traditional treatments were proving ineffective, and intubation was being considered, Ortiz asked for another chance to make a difference. He spent his entire shift with the patient - calm, compassionate, and unwavering in his dedication. By the end of the day, the patient had improved significantly, walking the halls alert and calm. “Nick didn’t just treat symptoms - he truly saw the person behind them, ” his nomination read. “He gave a level of care that changed the entire trajectory of this patient’s experience. It was remarkable. ” The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that honors the exceptional clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide every day. It was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The care Barnes received from nurses during his illness inspired his family to create the foundation to honor extraordinary nursing professionals.

   Jordyn Steward, RN, Medcial Intermediate, St Luke/BJC Barry Rd
   Jordyn is a phenomenal nurse. She always goes above and beyond for all her patients and her staff. She comes to work with a smile on her face, is always willing to teach others, take time necessary to make sure family and patient are comfortable, etc. There isn't a staff member that doesn't enjoy working with Jordyn, she truly is a one of a kind!

   Cambria Beckman, Infusion Center RN - Charge Nurse, Memorial Belleville
   I would like to ask for your consideration for a Champion of Care, nominee Cambria Beckmann. As the Charge Nurse of our Infusion Center, Cambria (Cami) has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the development and sustained growth of the department. Her leadership reflects the core principles of empirical outcomes-advocacy, collaboration, professional development, and shared decision-making-while consistently exemplifying BJC’s values of Kindness, Respect, Excellence, Safety, and Teamwork. From the onset of her role, Cami has consistently taken initiative to expand services, streamline workflows, and align the Infusion Center with the broader mission of our organization. Through strategic service expansion, provider engagement, and operational improvements, the Infusion Center has experienced a 25% growth in patient volume, a direct reflection of her leadership and clinical oversight. She has played a key role in identifying opportunities for expansion and has worked collaboratively with physicians, pharmacy, leadership, and interdisciplinary teams to bring new services and patient populations into the department. A critical component of Cami’s impact on empirical outcomes is her rigorous daily clinical oversight. She reviews approximately 20 patient charts per day, ensuring therapy plans are accurate, up-to-date, evidence-based, and aligned with physician orders. Her detailed review of therapy plans promotes patient safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal clinical outcomes. By proactively identifying discrepancies, clarifying orders, verifying appropriate dosing and sequencing, and collaborating with providers, she reduces delays in care, minimizes risk, and enhances the patient experience. This consistent attention to detail reflects her commitment to Safety and Excellence. Cami has also been instrumental in strengthening therapy plan integrity within Epic by ensuring appropriate documentation, pre-authorization alignment, and accurate infusion scheduling. Her diligence supports continuity of care, decreases cancellations, improves chair utilization, and enhances operational efficiency-further contributing to the department’s 25% growth and sustainability. She recently partnered with our marketing department to add content to an advertising piece highlighting the work and care delivered in our Infusion Center. This initiative supports continued community outreach and growth while reinforcing the compassionate, high-quality care that defines our team. Her leadership demonstrates the power of clinical advocacy and interdisciplinary Teamwork, ensuring patients receive care in the most appropriate and safe setting. Her dedication is evident in the way she fosters professional autonomy while maintaining accountability and excellence. She leads with Kindness and Respect, mentoring staff, promoting shared decision-making, and cultivating a culture where nurses are empowered to prioritize patient safety and quality improvement. Through her steadfast leadership, daily chart oversight, therapy plan management, and measurable department growth, Cami exemplifies empirical outcomes in action. Her contributions have resulted in improved workflow efficiency, enhanced patient safety, increased patient satisfaction, and sustained service expansion. She is a vital force behind our department’s continued progress and a true Champion of Care.

   Joy Gibson, Admission and Testing Center RN, Memorial Belleville
   Joy Gibson exemplifies a Champion of Care through her dedication to uplifting her colleagues, strengthening professional nursing practice, and fostering a culture of engagement within the perioperative environment. Joy naturally creates an atmosphere where nurses feel supported, encouraged to grow, and confident in contributing their ideas. Her leadership helps cultivate a workplace where collaboration, professional development, and shared decision-making thrive. Through mentorship, participation in shared governance, and active involvement in recognition initiatives, Joy empowers nurses to find their professional voice and play an active role in shaping the practice environment. Her commitment to supporting others strengthens not only individual nurse development but also the collective culture of excellence within the department. Joy recently achieved her CPAN (Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse) certification, demonstrating both advanced clinical expertise and a strong personal commitment to lifelong learning. She proudly shares this accomplishment with her colleagues and serves as an inspiration for others to pursue specialty certification and professional advancement. By leading through example, Joy reinforces the importance of continued education and evidence-based practice in delivering exceptional patient care. Her passion for professional growth extends to the mentorship of new and transitioning nurses. As a preceptor and mentor, Joy provides thoughtful guidance, hands-on teaching, and encouragement that helps nurses build confidence and clinical competence in the perioperative and post-anesthesia care environment. Her ability to support others with patience and positivity creates a welcoming learning environment where nurses feel comfortable asking questions, developing their skills, and growing into their roles. Joy also demonstrates her commitment to shared governance through her role as Chair of the PAUTC. In this position, she ensures that the voice of bedside nurses is represented in important discussions that influence workflow, patient care practices, and operational improvements. Her leadership encourages nurses to actively participate in decision-making and reinforces the value of frontline perspectives in strengthening patient care delivery. Beyond her clinical and leadership contributions, Joy helps foster a culture of appreciation and connection through her involvement with the Retention and Recruitment committee. By celebrating the accomplishments of others and recognizing excellence in patient care, she helps create an environment where staff feel valued, motivated, and proud of the work they do each day. Through her dedication to mentorship, professional development, shared governance, and staff recognition, Joy exemplifies a true Champion of Care. Her genuine care for her colleagues and her commitment to advancing nursing practice help create a supportive professional environment where nurses feel empowered to grow, contribute, and deliver exceptional care to the patients and families we serve.

   Sonia Kannewurf, PACU RN, Memorial Belleville
   Sonia Kannewurf consistently demonstrates exemplary professional nursing practice through her thoughtful leadership, strong collaboration, and unwavering commitment to patient safety throughout the perioperative continuum. Sonia has a unique ability to recognize opportunities for improvement and bring people together to create solutions that strengthen both patient care and team communication. Her work in the PACU receiving area has played an important role in improving workflow reliability, enhancing interdisciplinary coordination, and supporting a safe and efficient perioperative experience for patients. Sonia has been instrumental in strengthening processes within the receiving area by helping standardize workflows, clarify expectations, and improve communication between perioperative teams. Through her participation in daily surgical planning discussions, she works closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and perioperative leaders to anticipate patient needs and proactively prepare for cases requiring specialized care, including ultrasound-guided regional blocks and spinal anesthesia. Her proactive approach allows teams to better prepare for patients before they arrive, helping to prevent delays and ensure safe, well-coordinated care. Within the patient receiving area, Sonia consistently integrates evidence-based practice and perioperative safety standards into daily operations. She carefully reviews each patient’s readiness for surgery, verifying laboratory results, vital signs, procedural orders, and consent documentation to ensure that all perioperative requirements have been completed prior to the procedure. When discrepancies or missing elements are identified, Sonia works collaboratively with nursing staff, anesthesia providers, and surgical teams to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Her attention to detail and dedication to preparation help prevent day-of-surgery delays and promote a smooth and reliable perioperative workflow. A significant component of Sonia’s work involves coordinating the preparation of patients who require ultrasound-guided regional blocks or spinal anesthesia prior to entering the operating room. Through her involvement in daily surgical huddles and case reviews, she helps identify these patients early and ensures that the receiving area is appropriately prepared with the necessary equipment, staffing, and monitoring. Sonia also reinforces standardized safety practices, including the perioperative time-out prior to block placement, ensuring that patient identification, procedure verification, and site confirmation are completed consistently and safely. Sonia has also partnered closely with the Operational Excellence team to evaluate workflows within the patient receiving area and identify opportunities for improvement. Through this collaboration, she has helped refine the receiving process and strengthen the reliability of block preparation workflows and perioperative safety checks. Her efforts have helped establish clearer expectations for staff, improve workflow consistency, and reinforce the importance of structured communication during patient transitions. Beyond workflow improvements, Sonia actively promotes collaboration across departments. She works closely with anesthesia providers, inpatient nursing teams, surgeons, and perioperative leadership to provide education and reinforce best practices related to surgical preparation, patient readiness, and documentation requirements. She frequently shares updates and information during staff meetings and in her representation on our shared governance team PAUTC. By strengthening communication between the receiving area, anesthesia providers, and operating room teams, Sonia has helped support smoother patient transitions and more coordinated perioperative care. Her work continues to reduce variation in practice, improve accountability across teams, and reinforce the culture of safety that defines our perioperative environment. Demonstrating a strong commitment to professional excellence and specialty practice, Sonia successfully obtained the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) credential through the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN). This achievement reflects advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and dedication to evidence-based perianesthesia care. By pursuing CPAN certification, Sonia has elevated the standard of care within the unit, ensuring alignment with national ASPAN guidelines and best practices in patient safety, pain management, and postoperative recovery.

   Lisa Wyant, Director of Nurses, Putnam County Memorial Hospital
   I would like to nominate Lisa Wyant as a Champion of Care because she represents the best of PCMH, always showing compassion and professionalism with a commitment to putting patients first.

   Ingrid 'Julie' Metzger, RN, Saint Luke's
   Has the best interest of the people in mind. Speaks up when others don't and wants the system to be equal for all. She wants change for the betterment of the group. She is a true leader.

   Chelsea Rabbermann, Outpatient Charge Nurse, Memorial Belleville
   As the Evening Charge Nurse in the Outpatient Surgery Department, Chelsea plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, efficient, and patient-centered care while supporting the professional growth and resilience of her colleagues. Chelsea’s leadership is demonstrated through her proactive approach to operational challenges and her willingness to step forward to support both staff and patients. She frequently adjusts her schedule and flexes her role to meet departmental needs, ensuring that patient care remains seamless during periods of high census or staffing fluctuations. Her calm demeanor, clinical expertise, and Chelsea Rabermann exemplifies strong communication skills create a supportive environment where team members feel empowered to speak up, collaborate, and focus on delivering excellent care. A key component of Chelsea’s leadership is her commitment to quality and patient safety initiatives. She actively participates on the Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Committee and the Falls Committee, where she contributes to monitoring compliance with evidence-based practices and identifying opportunities for improvement. Chelsea has been instrumental in conducting audits related to SSI bundle compliance and reinforcing best practices among staff, helping to strengthen accountability and awareness around infection prevention. Chelsea also extends her leadership beyond the daily operations of the unit. She volunteers her time to help facilitate Same Day Surgery patient education classes, helping patients and families better understand their procedures, recovery expectations, and safety measures. Her involvement in these classes improves patient preparedness and confidence prior to surgery, which supports better overall patient experiences and outcomes. In addition to her formal responsibilities, Chelsea consistently demonstrates extraordinary teamwork. She readily assists other departments when needed, supports interdisciplinary collaboration, and remains a dependable presence during complex situations. Her leadership during high-stress events, including responding to Code Green situations, reflects her commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for both patients and staff. Chelsea’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. She was recognized as Employee of the Year, a reflection of the respect and appreciation she has earned from her peers and leadership team. Her ability to motivate others, champion patient safety, and model professional accountability embodies the core values of nursing leadership. Through her vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, Chelsea Rabermann continues to elevate the standards of practice within the Outpatient Surgery Department. Her leadership strengthens team cohesion, promotes quality improvement, and positively impacts the experience of every patient and colleague she encounters. Chelsea is a true example of inspiring others to deliver exceptional care while continuously advancing the nursing profession.

   Audrey Davis, Clinical Research Nurse II, Saint Luke's Plaza
   By actively supporting teammates to deliver safe, high-quality care. Offers help when teammates are overwhelmed, delegates tasks appropriately and safely, respects the role of other Health care professionals. Provides with strong teamwork reducing burnout and improving patient outcomes.

   Kirk Showalter, House Supervisor, BJC/Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City
   Kirk is the kind of person who instantly brings a sense of calm and relief the moment he walks into a room. As a house supervisor, he carries a quiet confidence and steady presence that both patients and staff rely on, especially in the most challenging moments. What truly sets Kirk apart is his ability to connect with people. He meets patients where they are, with genuine compassion, kindness, and understanding, in a way that not everyone can. People feel seen, heard, and cared for when he is with them, and that leaves a lasting impact. Kirk is not only an exceptional leader, but a truly special human being. He lifts those around him, supports his team without hesitation, and leads with heart every single day. The world would be a better place with more people like him.

   Melissa Lising, Clinical Research Nurse II, Saint Luke's Plaza
   By providing pts with accurate and ethical billing. This advocacy is an extension of patient- centered care- Looking out for the patient's well-being beyond clinical needs.

   Brittany Owens, Case Manager / Utilization Review, Mosaic Medical Center - Albany
   Brittany is so kind, professional and compassionate to her patients, their families, her coworkers and her community. She works very hard to qualify each patient for; higher level of testing, surgeries, therapies, extended stays and medication’s. She works closely with other facilities and insurance companies to qualify patients into our swing bed program for continued care with therapies and IV medication. CM/UR leads our facility’s discharge planning committee and encourages involvement of the patient and their families for a safe and beneficial discharge plan. Her compassion shines daily in all that she does. She strives to meet and exceed all of her goals to help make Mosaic Medical Center - Albany the best facility for our patients, teammates and surrounding communities. Brittany volunteers for many activities inside and outside Mosaic Medical Center. She is very involved in her community, church, coaching sports, and her girls. Thank you, Brittany for not just your care, but you’re caring.

   Emma Thompson, RN with the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology group, Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute
   I am honored to nominate Emma Thompson, the registered nurse with the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology group at Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute, for this award. Emma is an extraordinary RN whose dedication to patient care and teamwork consistently exceeds expectations. Her contributions to our patients and to the profession are both wide-ranging and deeply meaningful. As an MS specialist, I work with patients facing lifelong, often overwhelming diagnoses. Emma plays an essential role in helping patients navigate this journey. She not only shares critical resources with empathy and clarity, but also offers the kind of steady, compassionate presence that provides comfort in moments of uncertainty. Patients routinely praise her for her warmth, attentiveness, and ability to make them feel seen and supported. Emma consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role. One standout example was her instrumental role in integrating the JCV antibody test (a key safety lab for patients on certain MS therapies) into our in-house lab workflow. This test is essential for guiding treatment decisions, and prior to its integration, coordination with external labs posed barriers to timely care. Emma persistently and professionally communicated with our lab teams, helping to overcome logistical challenges until the test was successfully incorporated into our standard send-out lab workflow. She was recently recognized by our collaborating pathologist, Dr Alex Braun, as the "lab champion" for neurology, a testament to her leadership in coordinating specialty lab needs and ensuring that requests to external laboratories are organized and aligned with clinical goals. Another example of Emma’s dedication is her proactive approach to continuity of care. For patients at risk of being lost to follow-up, Emma consistently flags concerns early, reaches out to patients, and coordinates with the care team to ensure no one falls through the cracks. Her follow-through has prevented delays in care and helped us maintain long-term therapeutic relationships with vulnerable patients. Emma’s exceptional attention to detail further distinguishes her. Whether introducing a new disease-modifying therapy or managing symptomatic treatments, she provides clear, accurate instructions regarding dosing, monitoring, and potential side effects. Patients frequently express how confident and well-informed they feel after speaking with her. She is also highly skilled at identifying urgent issues embedded in patient messages, often catching subtleties that others might miss. For example, when a patient with a known history of MS recently sent a message describing abrupt-onset neurological symptoms that were atypical for MS, Emma quickly recognized the possibility of a stroke. She immediately escalated the concern appropriately and ensured that the patient was directed to urgent evaluation. Such examples demonstrate both her clinical insight and her strong sense of responsibility for patient safety. Furthermore, Emma approaches her work with curiosity and enthusiasm. She actively seeks out learning opportunities and frequently asks thoughtful questions to stay up-to-date on emerging therapies, safety monitoring protocols, and best practices. Her commitment to continuous learning enriches our team and inspires others to do the same. Finally, Emma is an absolute team player. She steps up without hesitation when a colleague needs help, shares her knowledge generously, and fosters a supportive environment where collaboration thrives. She has earned the respect and trust of every member of our MS team through her reliability, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. In short, Emma exemplifies the very best of the nursing profession. Her impact on our patients, our team, and our clinical operations has been profound. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside her and cannot imagine a more deserving nominee. 

   Abby Burstert, MBA, BSN, RN, CCRN, Critical Care Nursing Director, NKC Health
   It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I write this letter of nomination for Abby Burstert, MBA, BSN, RN, CCRN, for the Champion of Care. Abby began her nursing career at NKC Health after she graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia as Summa Cum Laude with her BSN. She earned her MBA from the University of Central Missouri. Abby worked at the Progressive Care Unit for four years, then as a Cardiac Intensive Care nurse for another four years. As a result of her consistent excellence in clinical practice, engagement in evidence-based practice, nursing advocacy and demonstration of her leadership skills, she was promoted to the Director of Cardiac Intensive Care and the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab department in 2019. Abby is a Daisy award recipient, a Nightingale Nurse award recipient and has been nominated for the Kansas City March of Dimes Nurse of the Year. She continues to be active in multiple nursing committees, such as the Standards of Practice, Clinical Change Advisory, Nursing Peer Review, Critical Care Fellowship Planning and served as chair for the Critical Care Practice Council and the Early Ambulation Workgroup. Abby is currently the hospital’s representative for Midwest Transplant Network, and she coordinates and works with all staff in the Critical Care areas and ED to ensure a smooth and compassionate transition of patients for organ donation. She is a key driver of the success of our “Gift of Life” celebration to honor all our organ donors and their families. Despite her active involvement in multiple committees to help drive nursing practice, Abby consistently exemplifies the characteristics of a servant leader and boots-on-the-ground leader. She is always available to her staff and the patients both night and day. Daily, Abby is found working side by side with her staff, especially when the unit’s acuity is high. She champions patient-centered care. She chairs the Code Blue Committee alongside a physician champion to improve our timely response and provision of quality resuscitation of patients. Another initiative that Abby spearheaded that changed the day-to-day practice in the critical care areas was the consistent use of evidence-based research to help decrease LOS and improve the outcomes of our critical care patients. Abby has developed an excellent relationship with surgeons and other physicians. She is highly respected for her hyperacute knowledge of all aspects of critical care. In addition, she has a high acumen in Health care finance. Her leadership is one of inclusion, collaboration and innovation. NKC Health is very lucky to have such a high-performing leader who is committed to leading practices to improve the lives of our critically ill patients and our community.

   Delilah Mireles, RN, The Excelsior Springs Clinic
   Delilah is the quiet behind the scenes type of person. She sees that something needs done and just does it. She is amazing at what she does and the patients and staff alike just adore her. Everyone needs a Delilah in their life! You never once hear her complain about anything. And is the first to offer help to anyone that needs it.

   Michael Graves, MBA, BSN, RN, Senior Director of Cardiovascular Services and Staffing Operations, NKC Health
   Some of the most influential people remain anonymous, even though they are the light that quietly fills the room. Michael Graves, MBA, BSN, RN, senior director of Cardiovascular Services and Staffing Operations, is an unsung hero at NKC Health. He is proof that real impact isn’t measured by recognition but by the lives touched along the way. “Michael has dedicated himself to the success of others, ” said Sarah Oakley, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer at NKC Health. “He is not someone that you see in the forefront all the time, but his decisions are why things happen. ” Michael’s list of achievements is extensive. In nearly 30 years at NKC Health, he has led the organization through staffing challenges during the COVID pandemic, guided efforts to achieve certifications and accreditations and played a key role in opening a new clinical floor. He also developed the organization’s nursing float pool and established a partnership with a staffing agency for international nurses. In addition, recognizing a critical need, he introduced capital budget planning processes that contributed to the team’s improved financial performance. His commitment to the organization’s well-being is evident through his dedication to continuous learning. “He's such an advocate and the person that everyone goes to, ” said Ashley Peacock, MSN, RN, senior director of Clinical Excellence and Nursing Development. “He’s created stability for the nurses and never panics when a challenge arises. ” Beyond his leadership skills, Michael has been a trusted mentor to nurses pursuing leadership roles. Those he has guided consistently credit their professional growth and success to his leadership style and support. As he approaches the conclusion of his career, Michael’s legacy is clear in the programs he’s built, the challenges he’s navigated and the leaders he’s developed. He is a true Champion of Care, and his influence will forever be stamped across NKC Health.

   Jasmine Holmquist, RN, Emergency Department, Phelps Health
   Phelps Health nominates Jasmine Holmquist for her exceptional nursing care and composure under pressure. Working in an Emergency Department requires a unique balance of speed and empathy, a balance Jasmine has mastered. Recently, while the ED was managing a high-volume shift involving critical patients, severe weather, and grounded transport helicopters, Jasmine remained a "calm in the storm" for a patient with a complex cardiac history. She managed her patient’s care with high-level competence and professionalism, using her sense of humor to put both the patient and his family at ease during a frightening time. Jasmine represents the best of emergency nursing: she delivers world-class clinical care without ever losing the "human touch, " even in the most challenging environments.

   Emma Wright, RN, Washington County Memorial Hospital
   Emma undoubtedly embodies the true spirit of nursing. She's worked in the Emergency Department since graduating nursing school in 2022. Since then, she has touched many patients lives. She is quick to jump in and help and always listens to her patient's complaints and works her hardest to address their needs, even if it means running to Wal-Mart to buy them clothes. She advocates strongly for those under her care. Whether a patient presents with respiratory problems, cardiac problems, or mental health problems, they receive the same kindness and compassion from Emma. Just watching her in action is a reminder of my "why". Why we choose to get into this career and why what we do and how we do it matters. It would be hard to depict just one instance of Emma being a "Champion of Care", because she champions it every shift, with every patient.

   Erika Brooks, Clinical RN, University Health
   This nurse always cares for her patients at the top level. She is informative, kind, and caring. She is one of the best nurses I know.

   Patricia French, FNP-BC, Pain Management, Phelps Health
   Phelps Health is honored to nominate Patricia French for her life-saving clinical intuition and dedication to holistic patient care. While Patricia’s primary focus is Pain Management, she treats the whole person, not just the symptom. During a recent consultation for back pain, Patricia identified that a patient’s low platelet count was a barrier to treatment. While other providers had noted this trend in the past, Patricia refused to overlook it as "routine. " Recognizing a potential underlying issue, she took the initiative to refer the patient to a hematologist-a critical step that had been previously missed. This referral directly led to a cancer diagnosis, allowing the patient to begin necessary treatment. Patricia’s thoroughness and refusal to ignore the "small details" quite literally saved a life, making her a Champion of Care.

    

   Kerry Poindexter, RN, Hospice Nursing, Phelps Health
   Kerry was the weekend nurse for a hospice patient. She listened to the patient’s daughter’s concerns regarding the situation and offered empathy rather than explanations. Even though the patient’s mind was slipping, Kerry spoke directly to her. She was kind, considerate and careful. When the patient went into respiratory distress, Kerry did not hesitate before driving over an hour to help, even calling to check in on the way. The patient’s daughter asked Kerry to take care of her mother when she passed. The patient passed on a Monday, and even though Kerry wasn’t scheduled for that day, she drove to the family home to help prepare the patient for the funeral home. As she worked, she spoke to the patient as if she were still with the family, which meant so much to them. The family is grateful for having met an angel like Kerry, and they state that she is the embodiment of what a nurse should be.

   Randi O'Dwyer, Perinatal Services RN, University Health

   This nurse treats her patients with the utmost care and respect. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone she encounters gets top notch care. She always prioritizes the care and safety of her patients.

   Rhonda Teague, MSN, RN, AVP of Medical Group Operations, Phelps Health

   Rhonda Teague provided extraordinary support to a family during a recent crisis. After 7 years of battling cancer, a young patient urgently required a blood transfusion. Because the family lived far from his oncologist - and it was a Friday afternoon - the situation felt especially daunting. Rhonda was asked for help and immediately prioritized the family’s needs even though she was in a meeting. She took the mother to her office, where she diligently made call after call to arrange for her son to receive a transfusion at Phelps Health that same day. Rhonda's genuine empathy and quick action brought immense relief to the family.

   Jessica Cathey, Nurse, University Health

   Jessica is always soo pleasant and helpful. Even if it is not in her area, she is willing to go a step beyond to assist the employees and patients. She goes beyond her scope to help and assist whenever, and wherever she is needed.

   Megan Hibler, Nurse Navigator | Neuro-Oncology, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City

   I once received a compliment that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time: “You remind me of a Megan Hibler. ” Back then, I knew very little about her or the weight that comparison carried. After working alongside her for a little over a year, I now understand what an honor it truly was. Capturing the impact she has on the world feels nearly impossible. She embodies genuine human connection, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others in everything she does. I have watched her take time out of an incredibly busy schedule to visit patients in the hospital, create unforgettable moments for patients and their families in hospice, and consistently go above and beyond, whether that means staying late, coming in early, or even working while on vacation. Despite all she gives to others, she is among the most humble people I have ever met and would likely be embarrassed to know she was nominated for this award. Although patients often come to Megan during some of the most devastating moments of their lives, I have absolute confidence in her ability to make all individuals feel safe, heard, understood, and deeply cared for. She sees her patients far beyond their diagnoses. I cannot think of anyone who fully embodies the values of nursing or who I would trust more to care for me or my loved ones than her. Saint Luke's is so blessed to have her.

   Vanessa Breen, RN, MSN, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital

   Vanessa Breen, MSN, CEN, RN, is a Float Pool Nurse at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. Due to her role in the Float Pool Department, she has the ability and skills to work in various hospital departments including the Emergency Department, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Medical-Surgical Floor, Critical Care Unit, and Geriatric Psychiatric Unit. She often fills the role of House Supervisor, working tirelessly to provide staffing support and guidance throughout the entire hospital. She never hesitates to help fellow staff members when needed and is the first person to offer to cover a shift when staffing needs arise. Vanessa exemplifies the five BJC values of kindness, respect, excellence, safety, and teamwork. She works diligently everyday to ensure our patient’s and their families receive quality and compassionate care during the most critical and emotional times in their lives. While the BJC Values are critical to our hospital, these same values are essential to the nursing profession. She embodies these values and leads by example to help instill these values in her fellow co-workers. Vanessa was instrumental in advocating for the reimplementation of the MBSH Nurse Practice Council, also known as the Shared Governance Council. Vanessa has continued to play an active role on the Shared Governance Council which provides our nursing staff with an opportunity for growth and advocacy within the hospital setting. She does not simply make suggestions for change to improve our hospital, she willingly collaborates with the administration and other staff to advocate for positive change and improvements for our hospital and staff. One of many examples of Vanessa’s genuine and compassionate care revolve around two families at the worst times of their lives. One of her patients was receiving hospice services and his wife had no additional emotional support available during that shift. Vanessa understood the patient was declining rapidly and she supported the wife through the process. Vanessa took the extra step and stayed with the patient’s wife after her shift ended to ensure the wife wasn’t left alone while her husband passed away. She stayed with the wife until she verified additional family would be coming to the hospital. She understood the importance of not simply providing her patient with comfort care while his life ended, but the importance of emotionally supporting the patient’s spouse as they actively lost the love of their life. She did not care that she worked past her required hours to provide this care, she focused on ensuring the patient and his spouse received the compassionate care they deserve while the family struggles to lose their loved one. His wife expressed sincere gratitude about the care and support Vanessa provided during the hardest time of her life. It’s routine for Vanessa to receive positive recognition from fellow staff, patients, patient’s families, and administration, regarding her dedication and compassion towards everyone she works with or cares for in the hospital. She is the epitome of resilience as she provides warm, compassionate care during the most difficult and stressful situations, while also maintaining a positive and profession demeanor. Her devotion to the nursing profession is evident each day she steps foot in this hospital, and she truly is a testament to the nursing profession. For all these reasons and many more, Vanessa is the epitome of what it means to be a “Champion of Care. ”

   Alyssa Ward, Registered Nurse, Harrison County Community Hospital

   Alyssa is a House Supervisor on the day-shift. She always displays a positive attitude regardless of the situation and encourages her team. I have witnessed her jump in and help whenever and wherever she is needed and never leaves a shift without making sure her team does not need anything from her first. She is a problem solver and has been a huge advocate in finding ways of improving the discharge process of patients. Alyssa is an exceptional nurse and provides quality care to all patients. Our community is lucky to have a nurse like Alyssa.

   Indy Krohne, RN at the bedside, NKC Health
   Indy is a fairly new nurse, but is quite a picture of excellence, compassion, and dedication to patient care. She seeks out education at every opportunity. She has become involved in our hospital's preceptor group to learn and grow as a teacher. Indy has also joined the mentor program to help new nurses find their place. She wants to make a difference and help morale on her unit so she joined her unit based council. They have started some unit team building activities recently. Currently, they have a 'guess the baby picture' station up on the unit. I see so many staff members there laughing and debating about who is who, doing exactly as she intended--bringing her team together. We have a mock code facilitator program that she joined as well. In this role, she leads mock code blues for her unit (and others when needed). She is passionate about doing the right thing and helping to lead others to do the same. She leads by example and strives for excellence in patient care. We are lucky to have her.

   Dawn Wheelhouse, Senior Director of Med/Surg, NKC Health
   Dawn exemplifies excellence, compassion, and dedication to patient care day in and day out. She is involved with innumerable projects and committees and somehow, gives her all in every single one. Dawn is over our Practice and Quality Council where she helps to manage all of the hospital's guidelines and policies--always searching for the right thing to do and the most up to date evidence-based resources. She participates in the Value Analysis Committee, Falls, Nursing Leadership, and the list goes on. She volunteers to help with any special events at the hospital too--St Patrick's Parade, Nurse's Day and Tech Week celebrations, Night Shift Council ice cream socials, Employee BBQ, pancake breakfast--she's there! I'm not sure when she finds time for emails/calls, but anytime you need her help or guidance, she's happy to help. Ultimately, she's an advocate for nurses and for patients and wants to make our health system the best it can be. A wealth of knowledge and a lovely human. We appreciate you, Dawn!

   LaWanda Kinchelow, Virtual Nurse, SLHS
   LaWanda is a virtual nurse with the Saint Lukes Health System. During my time working with LaWanda, I have been continually impressed by her work ethic. She does not shy away from challenging patients or those that need additional time and effort to make certain they have what they need to discharge successfully. She promotes excellence in her work and does not ignore patient concerns or pretend to know answers. She seeks to understand and grow as a nurse while also uplifting her peers. It is a joy to work near her as she is fun to be around but also helps keep her team accountable to a high standard of work. Many times, I have seen her catch and correct errors that would otherwise result in patient harm or leave a patient without necessary treatment. She is a delight to work with, and she makes a point to wear cheerful, fun earrings, which often brighten up a patient's day or even my own.

   Michelle Scheffler, Virtual Nurse, SLHS
   During the PMO assessment and leadership changes our department has experienced in the last year, I have witnessed Michelle speak on behalf of her peers and patients. She cares deeply about bedside nurses and each patient she encounters. She exemplifies kindness in every interaction with happy, sad, angry, hurting, or joyful patients. She treats her co-workers with respect. I have witnessed her time and time again, educate patients thoroughly, never rushing or ignoring areas of concern. Her patients discharge successfully and she lifts up her virtual nurse and bedside nurse peers equally.

   Joni Solomon, Manager of Outpatient Services, General John J Pershing Memorial Hospital
   This individual has given 33 years to PHS and to the wellbeing of others. She works tirelessly and still loves Health care as much today as her first day. Her team looks up to her and values her leadership. She never turns away a chance to improve or help other departments or the hospital as a whole. She is professional and her patient care is epic. She has been an instrumental part of improving our financial health at the hospital with new innovative ideas. She is just a good human. She is a truly someone to look up to and strive to be like. She is a legend in Health care and needs recognized.

   Susan Early, Nurse, Barnes West Hospital
   Susan is a hard working nurse. She show up to work to work. She is flexible, knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. Susan helps wherever she can and when she can. It's like having a mom or a big sister at work but in a good way. She deserves to be recognized and honored because of her loyalty to the system and care for the patients. Susie goes above and beyond her work duties.

   Stacy Velleca, RN, Missouri Baptist Medical Group
   Stacy has been working tirelessly to care for patients in a chronically severely understaffed office. Doing the work of 3 people essentially by herself. She continues to maintain a professional attitude while providing the best patient care, she continues to be patient and compassionate with the patients and even though she is spread very thin she still manages to pay attention to even the smallest of details so that the patients are taken care of, safe and there is no delay in care. She works in an office that requires extreme attention to detail otherwise it puts patients in danger, not only that but the patient population requires quite a bit of emotional support along with their treatment. She never fails to provide the utmost compassion, understanding and endless amount of time with each and every patient so that they feel safe, confident and at peace in her care. I am proud that despite the daily struggles she faces she never lets it affect the quality and care she provides to everybody she encounters.

   Samira Serek, OBGYN Nurse, BJCMG
   I would like to nominate this nurse for recognition as an outstanding member of our OB/GYN practice team. She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to both patient care and team support, going above and beyond in her role each day. She is always willing to step in wherever needed, especially during times when the clinic is short-staffed, ensuring that patient care and workflow remain uninterrupted. Her reliability and team-first mindset make her an invaluable resource to both providers and staff. She takes the time to thoughtfully coordinate patient visits, ensuring schedules are optimized and patients receive timely care. In addition, she goes above expectations by clearly explaining results to patients, helping them feel informed, supported, and confident in their care plans. Her accessibility and responsiveness to providers allow for seamless communication and efficient clinical operations. She anticipates needs, responds quickly, and helps maintain a high standard of care across the practice. Overall, her dedication, compassion, and willingness to support others make a meaningful impact on both the patient experience and the overall success of the clinic. She truly embodies what it means to be an exceptional nurse.

   Mary Bennick, RN, Pre Op, Missouri Baptist Medical Center
   Mary always takes the time in fast paced preop environment to listen and care for the person who is going to have surgery. For example, she cared for a patient recently, who had surgery previously with our team. On the previous admission the patient cardiac arrested during surgery. For this current surgery the patient was very anxious. Mary remembered the patient's traumatic event a year ago and helped so much with calming the patient down. She "hugged, laughed, and prayed" with the patient to comfort her and the patient felt seen and heard in that moment. Mary even took the time to help the patient's mom with her own fears and anxieties. This is just one of the many ways Mary connects with her patients to create a calm environment prior to surgery.

   Christi Horn, Clinical Instructor, Liberty Hospital
   Christi has dedicated over two decades to the nursing profession, consistently exemplifying a passion for mentorship and excellence in education. She is widely recognized for fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students feel valued, confident, and empowered to grow. Throughout her career, colleagues have often noted that her ability to connect with others-through her patience, relatability, and steady leadership-makes her uniquely effective in orienting and retaining new staff. Christi speaks of her students with genuine care, often referring to them as “her own, ” and is deeply committed to ensuring they receive a meaningful and positive clinical experience. She actively works to challenge and transform negative perceptions within nursing culture, striving to create an environment where every learner feels supported, respected, and set up for success. Beyond her work in clinical education, Christi is a strong advocate for workforce development. She actively participates in community outreach and school-based initiatives, inspiring and educating younger generations about careers in Health care. Through these efforts, she not only strengthens the future of the nursing profession but also builds lasting connections within the community she serves.

   Jill O'Donell, Dialysis Nurse, Barnes Jewish Hospital
   When she provides care to her patients, she goes out of her way to make sure they are comfortable and their requests are heard. We had a patient who always likes a specific soda everytime he has his treatment in the unit. Apparently, this was a difficult patient, but he was comfortable with Jill because of how Jill always takes time to listen to him and sometimes grants his wish of having that specific soda.

   Tori Kettenacker, Pediatric Nurse, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital
   I am honored to nominate Tori, an extraordinary pediatric nurse and charge nurse who embodies compassion, creativity, leadership, and the true healing power of play in her daily care for the Champion of Care. Tori has a remarkable ability to meet her patients where they are emotionally, physically, and developmentally and bring moments of joy into even the most difficult circumstances. Whether it’s stepping outside during a snowfall to engage in a playful snowball fight or simply catching snowflakes on her tongue alongside her patients, she transforms ordinary moments into meaningful experiences. These small but powerful acts remind her patients that they are still children first, deserving of laughter, wonder, and play, even in a hospital setting. One particularly moving example of Tori’s dedication involved a patient who had spent months in another facility without proper personal care. Upon arrival, Tori recognized not just the clinical needs of the patient, but her dignity and humanity. She spent two full hours providing what can only be described as a “spa day” gently and thoroughly cleaning her, washing her hair with exceptional care, and even giving her a manicure and pedicure. Though the patient was nonverbal, the transformation was undeniable. Her comfort, her presence, and her sense of peace visibly improved. In that moment, Tori didn’t just provide care, she restored dignity. When she steps into the role of charge nurse, Tori is equally exceptional. She leads with calm confidence, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility to both her patients and her team. No matter how busy or high-pressure the unit becomes, Tori remains approachable and composed, serving as a steady, reassuring presence for everyone around her. She has an incredible ability to anticipate needs, coordinate care seamlessly, and ensure that both patients and staff are supported at all times. What truly sets Tori apart as a charge nurse is her willingness to step in wherever she is needed. She never hesitates to lend a helping hand whether that means assisting with a difficult patient or supporting a new nurse. She leads by example, demonstrating teamwork, humility, and a strong work ethic in every shift. Her colleagues trust her not only for her clinical expertise, but for her judgment, her advocacy, and her unwavering support. Tori approaches every patient with unwavering respect and encouragement. She is a constant source of support not only for her patients but for their families as well. She stands beside them in their most vulnerable moments, celebrating milestones and offering reassurance through every step of the journey. No achievement is too small for her to recognize, and no family ever feels overlooked in her care. What truly sets Tori apart is her ability to make every patient and family feel seen, heard, and valued. To her, they are never just another task or name on a chart, they are individuals who matter deeply. Her presence brings comfort, her actions inspire trust, and her compassion leaves a lasting impact. Tori exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding pediatric nurse and an exceptional leader. Through her dedication, empathy, and belief in the healing power of play and human connection, she changes lives every single day. She is more than deserving of this recognition.

   Katie Quick, Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse, Western Missouri Medical Center
   Katie is the definition of a champion when it comes to caring for her patients. I have worked with Katie for over 7 years and have had the absolute privilege of watching her grow as a nurse. Katie will step in to any situation, whether it's her assigned patient or just a light going off, when a fellow nurse or patient is in need of help. Katie is a powerful advocate for her patients, using her knowledge of our policies alongside the evidence based practices that drive the safest patient care. Katie is known on our unit as the nurse you want when things take a turn, and every shift is get to work with her is a good shift, even when it's a bad one. A Champion of Care is someone that puts aside everything else to ensure their patient gets the best care we can give, and that definitely describes our Katie Q!

   Kendra Ferguson, RN, Orthopedic Nurse, BJC, Missouri Baptist
   Kendra Ferguson, RN, exemplifies the very essence of the Missouri Hospital Association’s Champion of Care award through her unwavering commitment to compassionate, high-quality patient care and her consistent support of her Health care team. As an orthopedic nurse, Kendra demonstrates exceptional clinical expertise while maintaining a deeply patient-centered approach in every interaction. Kendra is known for her proactive practice style-anticipating patient needs before they arise and intervening early to prevent complications. She consistently provides kind and caring assistance, ensuring that each patient feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their care journey. Whether managing post-operative pain, assisting with mobility, or educating patients and families, Kendra approaches every task with empathy and professionalism. Her excellence extends beyond technical skill. Kendra is highly proficient in both therapeutic communication and hands-on nursing care. She builds trust quickly with her patients, using clear, compassionate dialogue to ease anxiety and promote understanding. At the same time, her clinical skills are precise and confident, ensuring safe and effective care delivery. Despite often managing a full patient load of four to five individuals, Kendra remains remarkably attentive and detail-oriented. She maintains a strong presence on the unit, continuously assessing her patients and responding promptly to changes in condition. Her ability to balance efficiency with attentiveness is a testament to her dedication and expertise. Kendra is also an invaluable team member. She is consistently the first to offer assistance to colleagues, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Her willingness to lend a hand, share knowledge, and step in during high-demand situations strengthens the entire care team and enhances patient outcomes. Additionally, Kendra demonstrates excellence in documentation, maintaining thorough, timely, and accurate charting during and after each patient encounter. Her consistency ensures continuity of care and reflects her strong sense of accountability and professionalism. Kendra Ferguson embodies the spirit of the Champion of Care award through her compassion, clinical excellence, teamwork, and dedication. She is a true asset to her patients, her colleagues, and the profession of nursing.

   Amy Eberhardt, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at Breast Care Consultants, Missouri Baptist Medical Group
   Amy goes above and beyond to make her patients feel safe and comfortable in her care. She creates an atmosphere that makes them feel not only at peace, but she also creates a patient experience that is actually fun for them even under the most unfortunate of circumstances. She has the unique ability to bring joy and lightheartedness to patients no matter what brings them to the office, whether it be for a problem for her to bring them comfort, a straightforward post op or a post op problem. Nobody ever leaves the exam room complaining about her exceptional patient care, compassion, personal understanding and humor. Not only is she incredible with the patients but she creates a supportive work environment for the staff, she has a wealth of knowledge that she loves to pass along to others, she creates educational materials for staff and patients, she is open to new suggestions and process changes, she includes staff in decision making. She is a huge advocate of team building, even if it's just 15 minutes a week to get the staff together for a quick game or something to move our bodies and step away from our desk. She is so creative, loving, compassionate and her heart is to truly serve people, and you can truly witness her doing that on a daily basis. I am proud to have been able to work with her.

   Jody Bakameyer, RN, Labor and Delivery, Mercy Hospital Washington
   Every day that Jody is at work she is caring for her patients as well as her coworkers. As a Labor and Delivery nurse Jody takes care of patients during a very memorable time in their lives. Although Jody has done this Full time for the past 20 years, each and every patient walks away with a Birth Story that will forever be remembered, and she always has a positive part in that story. I could tell you 100 stories of when Jody went "above and beyond" for a patient, but Jody would say "I'm just doing what I Love". Mercy's foundress Catherine McAuley said, "we must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well". This is exactly what Jody does on a daily basis. Jody truly embodies the "Spirit of Mercy". There is not a coworker, physician or patient that isn't left in better spirits when Jody is around. She greets everyone with an infectious smile and her laughter lights up a room. Not only is she an amazing nurse and colleague here at Mercy but her Servant heart follows her in all aspects of her life. Jody is extremely active in her children's lives, their schools, Community activities, Church activities and Mission trips that she takes to Haiti with a group of Mercy physicians and Nurses. Jody gives and gives of herself, time and time again. Her motto is "be what you want to see" and i hope she realizes what people see in her. She is an amazing nurse who leaves those around her better for having known her, worked with her, or been cared for by her. Jody is continuously recognized by her patients for the great care and the personable relationships she builds with them in the short time they are in her care. Jody is also an amazing Leader on the Unit who is often in the Charge Nurse role, making sure not only the patients are well taken care of, but that all the staff nurses are taken care and have what they need to do their jobs. Jody is a Preceptor and Mentor to the many new nurses at Mercy and has a Talent for teaching in her specialized department

   Marissa Schardein, Registered Nurse, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital
   Marissa exemplifies what it means to be a true Champion of Care at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. She embodies one of our core values of Play by consistently creating opportunities for medically complex children to live, explore, and grow beyond the limitations of their diagnoses. Her practice reflects the belief that play is not simply an activity-it is an essential component of healing, development, and quality of life. Marissa sets the gold standard for incorporating play and mobility into everyday nursing care. She is committed to ensuring that every patient receives developmentally meaningful and engaging experiences, even in the face of complex medical needs. She approaches each shift with creativity and purpose, finding ways to integrate fun, independence, and therapeutic movement into routine care. One standout example of her innovation occurred when she identified a way to support a ventilator-dependent patient’s desire for independent mobility. By using a scooter to safely support the ventilator and attaching tubing in a secure manner to the patient’s clothing, Marissa enabled the child to crawl independently within a play corral. This thoughtful, safe, and developmentally rich intervention was not only effective but truly transformative for that patient. Marissa’s impact extends beyond individual moments of creativity - she actively improves the quality and safety of care across the unit. When she recognized that mobile patients receiving enteral feeds were at higher risk for tube dislodgement, she collaborated with staff and recommended threading tubing in a specific way to reduce slack during mobility. This simple yet effective modification empowered patients to move and play more freely while significantly reducing accidental tube pulls. Her contribution helped decrease our organizational enteral tube dislodgement rate from 7 in the previous fiscal year to 3. 4 year to date, demonstrating measurable, system-wide impact on patient safety. Marissa consistently advocates for the developmental and emotional needs of her patients. She creates an environment where children can safely explore, participate in meaningful activities, and experience joy- regardless of medical complexity. Her dedication to fostering a sense of normalcy and independence has elevated the unit’s approach to care and strengthened the interdisciplinary team’s commitment to holistic healing. Marissa is not only a champion for her patients- she is a role model for her peers. Her innovative ideas, positive influence, and commitment to excellence inspire others to think creatively and embrace care beyond the bedside. She helps shape a culture in which play, mobility, and child-centered care are embedded in daily practice. Her leadership strengthens the team, enhances the care environment, and positively impacts both peers and families. Marissa is a nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that children can experience childhood, even in the presence of significant medical challenges. Through her creativity, clinical expertise, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to play, she enhances patient outcomes and enriches the culture of the unit. Her work reflects the heart of Ranken Jordan’s mission, and she is truly deserving of recognition as a Champion of Care.

   Ashlee Driskell, Director of Nursing, Community Hospital Association
   Ashlee always goes above and beyond for her patients and her team. She is incredibly passionate about our hospital and takes great pride in working here and representing CHF. She works extra shifts to help cover and ensure that her nurses get the time off they need if no one is available to cover, whether it be weekends, days, or nights. She volunteers on many committees here at the hospital and in her local hometown. Ashlee is such a great representation of our hospital and local area, and I couldn't be prouder to work with her and to call her my friend. She is selfless in every way and more than deserves this recognition.

   Lucresia Ferris, Emergency Department Assistant Manager, Parkland Health Center/ BJC
   She deeply cares about her job. She takes everything she does to the next level. This is more than just a job to her. She cares so deeply about her employees and the patients we care for. Lucresia successfully leads the PHC SANE program and increased the number of SANE certified nurses to meet the needs to serve our ED. Lucresia not only serves as a skilled ED nurse, she empowers and educates her staff to do the same. Lucresia maintains her respectful approach in emergent situations, under pressure and even in crisis. Always doing what she can to educate and keep us safe. Lucresia has successfully implemented process improvement action plans, patient communication efforts, bedside shift report, she brings awareness to SEPSIS needs and has improved patient experience scores and state surveys have resulted in zero nursing deficiencies. It is impressive to see Lucresia striving to improve safety, and having goals to improve care, even when drowning she takes time for process improvement to improve safety in the ED. She became a Crisis Prevention Instructor and teamed up with public safety to teach our staff how to protect themselves. They use real life situations in training to educate staff on EBIs. She assists with de-escalation and jumps in anytime someone begins to escalate. Teaching is an example of supporting the team to teach staff as someone who understands what they do every day and how de-escalation techniques can benefit them. Even new staff quickly notice when noise increases in the mental health area, "she whips up her hair in a ponytail" and goes to assist. She has also been instrumental in improving community relationships by attending and participating in meetings with local law enforcement, CIT teams, MH advisory board meetings, etc. Lucresia also leads work for Emergency Department STEMI and Stroke programs. She is respected by her team and manager. I have witnessed her respectfully stand up to outside agencies to protect our patients and their rights. She comes in at all hours of the day and night when called, takes initiative, and ensures tasks are completed correctly. Lucresia shows her compassion and kindness by inspiring others with going above and beyond when promoting services, cooking hot rolls for her team also shows her compassion for their work. She has worked hard to find clothing for patients in need, helped to get them things to keep them comfortable during and after their Emergency Department visit. She is always a listening ear and makes sure everyone (patients and staff) in the ER has a voice goes above and beyond in everything she takes on.

   Cindy Young, Surgery Manager, Parkland Hospital/ BJC
   Cindy's entire mission is making people happy. Patients, co-workers, doctors, family members, etc. There is not a day that goes by that she isn't thinking of others. Cindy expects a lot from her employees, but we're happy to do that for her because of the mutual respect we have for one another. She thanks us when we work hard. She compliments us when there's a job well done but she's not scared to tell us when things aren't being done correctly. We know she's right and changes are made without animosity or resentment. Cindy always goes above and beyond to make sure the unit is working well. She will help get patients wheeled out or put in pre op bays when help is needed. She completes safety training with us because she is one of our team members as well as our leader. She always keeps us informed of the ongoing projects and explains the reasons things are done certain ways. Cindy has been a manager of our Parkland Surgery Unit for a little over a year, in that short time she has coordinated work with providers and staff. She has been recognized as a top performer for her compassionate caring approach, and organized the department to win top performing patient experience awards, improve scheduling time for patients, standardized supplies to arrive on time for surgery, to improve the wait time and experience for patients.

   Katlyn Gonzales, Nurse Manager, Mercy St. Louis
   Kate Gonzales exemplifies what it means to be a transformational nurse leader. In her short time as nurse manager, she has led a remarkable turnaround in her department, strengthening staffing, elevating morale, and driving significant improvements in both patient experience and clinical outcomes. Kate is deeply dedicated to her work and her team, leading with a quiet, steady presence that inspires confidence and trust. Her courage, clarity, and commitment empower her staff to excel, creating an environment where high-quality, compassionate care thrives. Kate’s leadership has made a measurable and lasting impact, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.

   Shawn Anderson, Reg Nurse, Cedar County Memorial Hospital
   Shawn goes above and beyond not only of his patient but his fellow coworkers especially his CNA's on shifts and other shifts. Shawn cares a lot about his patients and takes very good care of the patients under his care.

   Allison Foster, SANE Nursing, Lake Regional Health System
   Allison Foster, RN, exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care. As a nurse at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Missouri, Allison consistently goes above and beyond to support her patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her compassionate presence, clinical skill, and unwavering dedication make a profound difference in the experiences of the patients and families she serves. Allison is known for her ability to bring calm and reassurance into stressful situations. She takes the time to ensure her patients understand what is happening and what to expect, often reminding them that they are not alone and that she will walk with them through every step of the process. Her empathy and commitment help ease fear and uncertainty, creating a sense of comfort and trust that patients deeply appreciate. Beyond her direct patient care, Allison demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the nursing profession. She is currently enrolled in the nurse practitioner program at MU, where she is balancing rigorous academic coursework and clinical training while continuing to serve her patients through demanding 24-hour and on-call shifts in senior nursing. Her dedication to advancing her education reflects her deep commitment to improving patient care and strengthening the future of Health care. Despite these significant responsibilities, Allison maintains an exceptional standard of care for every patient she encounters. Her resilience, professionalism, and compassion embody the highest ideals of nursing. She is not only a trusted caregiver to her patients but also a role model for her colleagues and an inspiration to those pursuing the nursing profession. For her compassion, dedication, and commitment to excellence in patient care, Allison Foster truly represents the spirit of a Champion of Care.

   Tedi Payne, FNP-C, Cedar County Memorial Hospital
   Tedi is a ray of sunshine, even when you’re sick and not feeling well. There is no length to which Tedi wouldn’t go to help a patient, visitor or fellow employee. Tedi makes everyone feel better, whether as a provider or just as a great person.

   Barbara Houk, Patient Experience, Golden Valley Memorial Health care
   Barb Houk exemplifies the spirit of a Missouri Hospital Association Champion of Care through her lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and exceptional patient-centered care at Golden Valley Memorial Health care. In her current role as Patient Experience Coordinator, Barb continues to elevate care delivery by providing education and guidance across a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings, ensuring that compassion, communication, and respect remain central to every patient interaction. Her influence has led to meaningful, measurable outcomes, most notably contributing to a 10% improvement in Patient Experience results within the Emergency Department, one of the organization’s most complex and high-stress care environments. In addition to her organizational impact, Barb has shaped the future of Health care in the region through her previous work as a nurse educator for high school students, inspiring and preparing many who now serve as nurses and nurse aides at GVMH. From the classroom to the bedside, Barb’s advocacy, leadership, and unwavering focus on the patient experience have strengthened both the quality of care and the culture of service at GVMH, making her a true Champion of Care for the patients, staff, and community she serves.

   Jennifer Owen, RN, Western Missouri Medical Center
   So young in her nursing career and so full of grit and perseverance. To come up with only one story of excellence with this nurse would be impossible. Since starting with our organization in 2025, Jennifer has portrayed many aspects of leadership and dedication. When Jennifer notices something that could be done better, she not only brings it to leadership attention; but she also already has a solution. Whether this be patient schedules or staffing schedules, she is there. Her forward-thinking and will to get things done is admirable. She is more than willing to complete any task, and many times has tasks completed before being asked. She is always willing to step in and help anyone, and she is not one to complain if there is extra work to be done. Jennifer is definitely one who exemplifies excellence, compassion, and dedication to patient care.

   Billie Baldwin, Nurse, Rheumatology/Douglas Specialty Clinics
   I nominate Billie Baldwin because she's a true Champion of Care! I've only worked a CMH for a little over 4 years but here's what I've learned about this incredible human. She has been as CMH before it was actually CMH I think. She started out at one of the nursing homes where I have heard she gave unselfishly of herself. Billie is one of the nurses over here at the Douglas Building in the Rheumatology. She is loved by all the pts... And staff!!! I've watched Billie first hand take the time and sit to talk with pts (some not even Rheumatology pts!). All I can say is she truly exemplifies excellence, compassion and dedication to patient care. She goes above and beyond to help pts with their concerns. She puts in countless hours to make sure her pts have the best care. I honestly don't know another CMH employee who deserves this recognition more that Billie Baldwin!!!!

   Lisa Wolf, Nurse, CMH Parkview Geriatric Wellness
   Working in a geriatric psychiatric unit, Lisa dedicates herself to some of the most vulnerable patients, providing not only clinical support but also compassion, dignity, and understanding. Her ability to connect with patients goes beyond routine care, she listens and ensures that everyone around her feels seen and valued. Lisa is a strong voice for her patients. She consistently advocates for their needs, making sure they receive the respect, attention, and treatment they deserve. In an environment that can be emotionally challenging, she remains patient, calm, and empathetic, always trying to improve the well being of those under her care. Lisa is also a support to her coworkers. She encourages teamwork, and looks out for those around her. She is always willing to offer guidance, jump in to help during a busy shift, and consistently check in on her coworkers. Through her dedication, kindness, and advocacy, Lisa's impact reaches beyond daily responsibilities. She makes a meaningful difference in the lives of both her patients and her team.

   Amy Mahalovich, Infection Control, Western Missouri Medical Center
   Every day, our Infection Control Nurse quietly protects the safety of patients, staff, and our community through education, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to infection prevention. For these reasons, I am honored to nominate her for the Champion of Care Award. She brings warmth, approachability, and expertise to a role that is essential to patient safety. Staff across the hospital and clinics are highly receptive to her because of the genuine relationships she builds and her ability to translate complex infection prevention principles into practical and understandable steps. Colleagues frequently seek her guidance knowing they will receive clear answers, support, and encouragement. She brings what I refer to as the “Amy touch” to her work by combining compassion, approachability, and a little humor in a way that makes others feel supported and empowered to do their best. She provides ongoing education to staff on proper instrument and surface disinfection, hand hygiene, and infection control practices for the many types of equipment used throughout our hospital and clinic settings. Through her efforts, infection prevention practices are not only understood but consistently applied. This helps ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff. Last year, she achieved certification in infection control, a rigorous credential that reflects advanced knowledge and a strong commitment to excellence in the field. We are all very proud of her for this accomplishment. She also keeps our teams informed about respiratory illness trends in our region, allowing departments to stay aware and prepared during respiratory illness seasons. In addition, she works closely with our local health department to ensure timely reporting of communicable diseases. Through these partnerships, she has built strong relationships that support effective communication and continuity of care within our community. She is also helping our organization prepare for the potential increase in patient volume associated with the upcoming events in Kansas City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring infection prevention strategies are in place to safely care for both our community and visitors to the region. Through her leadership, education, and genuine connection with staff she strengthens our infection prevention practices while fostering a culture where safety and compassionate care thrive. She truly embodies what it means to be a Champion of Care and our organization, from staff to the patients we care for, is safer because of Amy.

   Sarah Fundaburg, ED Clinical Nurse Coordinator/Manager, Western Missouri Medical Center
   Sarah stepped into action and took on the challenge of interim director when her director had an unexpected medics emergency. She did it without hesitation although she has never been in a leadership role and new to the CNC role. For 15 weeks Sarah managed the unit and provided education during 2 surveys and an EMR build. She handled it with grace and professionalism. She works tirelessly to be certain the ED had what they needed to continue to provide exceptional care. She supported the team, kept communication in the forefront, continued to roll out education, and assist with patient care as needed. She did not complain, express frustration but instead just got the work done.

   Rachel Jeffries, RN, Nurse Manager, Dolan Homes
   It is my privilege to nominate Rachel for recognition as an outstanding nurse. In all the years my mother has received care, Rachel stands out as the most exceptional nurse she has ever had. Rachel serves as the nurse and leader of a memory care home with ten residents. In this role, she demonstrates not only clinical excellence but extraordinary leadership. She maintains impeccable standards, is deeply attentive to detail, and is intentional about the caregivers she selects and mentors. She ensures that every member of her team reflects her commitment to safety, dignity, and compassionate care. What distinguishes Rachel is the way she combines professional skill with genuine empathy. She is hands-on in every aspect of resident care - monitoring health changes, advocating for needs, guiding staff, and supporting families. She does not delegate from a distance; she leads by example. Rachel consistently goes above and beyond to ensure residents are safe, comfortable, and treated with respect. She understands the complexities of memory care and approaches each resident with patience, kindness, and deep understanding. Her calm presence brings reassurance not only to residents but also to their families. Rachel exemplifies what nursing should be: knowledgeable, vigilant, compassionate, and deeply human. Our family is profoundly grateful for the level of care she provides. She is truly deserving of recognition.

   Kellie Baker, RN- House Supervisor, WMMC
   Kellie consistently goes above and beyond in her role as a House Supervisor, demonstrating exceptional dedication to both the hospital and its staff. Despite the demands and often thankless nature of her own position, Kellie makes it a priority to recognize and uplift others. She frequently shows appreciation through thoughtful acts of kindness-whether it’s bringing in homemade badge reels, sharing snacks during especially busy shifts, or writing personalized kudos notes to staff. These small but meaningful gestures have a powerful impact. Kellie’s efforts remind employees that they are valued, supported, and capable, even during the most challenging shifts. Her genuine commitment to recognizing others fosters a culture of positivity, teamwork, and morale throughout the hospital. Beyond her responsibilities as an RN and House Supervisor, Kellie consistently wears many hats and approaches every situation with compassion, leadership, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Her dedication to supporting both patients and colleagues makes her truly deserve this nomination.

   Casey Shultz, Clinical Educator, Cass Regional Medical Center
   In Casey’s prior role she was an infusion nurse in our oncology clinic. Casey had my father as a patient when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer, and the care and compassion she provided for as top notch. My father absolutely raved about her and said if he had to have another nurse he would just stop getting treatment. Since then, Casey has taken on the role of Clinical Educator and I cannot think of a better person to take on this role. Not only is she able to showcase her knowledge, but helps share that care and compassion with other clinical members of the hospital.

   Karen Caldwell, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, Western Missouri Medical Center
   Karen Caldwell exemplifies what nursing leadership should be - steady, compassionate, empowering, and unwavering in her commitment to both patients and staff. In environments where emotions can run high and decisions must be made quickly, she is the calm in the storm. Her steady presence provides reassurance to frontline staff, physicians, and leaders alike. She does not react - she responds thoughtfully, professionally, and with clarity. That composure creates psychological safety for teams and strengthens our culture of accountability and collaboration. She is a constant motivator. Whether celebrating wins, guiding teams through change, or navigating challenges, she consistently reminds us of our purpose and the impact of our work. She recognizes staff efforts in meaningful ways and ensures people feel seen, valued, and supported. Beyond her operational excellence, she is the epitome of a mentor. She invests in developing leaders at every level - encouraging growth, modeling integrity, and challenging us to rise higher. She provides honest feedback with kindness and coaches others through difficult conversations with confidence and empathy. Many of us are stronger leaders because of her influence. Most importantly, her leadership directly impacts patient care. By supporting and strengthening the nursing team, she ensures our patients receive safe, compassionate, high-quality care every day. She goes above and beyond not for recognition, but because it is who she is.

   Tiffany Jelowdar, Manager- IP Care Management, Mercy Hospital Springfield
   Tiffany Jelowdar is an extraordinary social worker whose presence elevates the quality of care across every patient and family she serves. Her work embodies the true heart of social work-meeting people at their most vulnerable moments with dignity, compassion, and unwavering support. Tiffany has a remarkable ability to assess complex psychosocial needs and translate them into thoughtful, actionable care plans that genuinely improve outcomes. She advocates fiercely for patients, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected, while also guiding families through difficult decisions with empathy and clarity. Her communication skills are exceptional-she creates trust quickly, even in high-stress situations, and navigates challenging conversations with grace. Tiffany collaborates effortlessly with interdisciplinary teams, helping bridge gaps between clinical care and the emotional, social, and practical needs that define the patient experience. Colleagues frequently rely on her insight to help resolve barriers, de-escalate sensitive situations, and support safe, patient-centered transitions of care. Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Tiffany consistently goes above and beyond-volunteering to assist during heavy caseloads, mentoring new staff, and modeling the highest ethical standards. She is dependable, steady, and solutions-focused, always leaning into challenges with professionalism and empathy. Tiffany Jelowdar does far more than complete tasks; she restores hope, strengthens families, and ensures every patient feels seen and supported. She exemplifies what it means to be an MHA Champion of Care, and her contributions make a profound and lasting difference across our organization.

   Todd Pollock, Emergency Department Registered Nurse, Mercy Hospital Washington
   During a recent large snow, Todd was scheduled to work, but could not get out of his driveway and did not want anyone else attempting to get out in the weather and on the roads to try to pick him up. He instead, put on his boots and put his work things in a backpack and walked 10 miles to work. It took him 3 hours!! He stated it was a nice time to think and was more like a hike. He is the absolute model of a nurse who truly cares about the wellbeing of the patients who come for care to our emergency department. He did not want to let his team or his patients down. He is the most selfless, kind, compassionate nurse I know! Todd is a great nurse to have on your team and an amazing nurse to have taking care of you if you need Health care services. He always gives his best!!

   Tonya Hindersman, Staff RN, Mercy Hospital Washington
   Tonya is a Staff RN at Mercy Washington where she works on the Mother-Baby Unit, Newborn Nursery and Level 2 Special Care Nursery. Tonya has worked on this Unit at Mercy for 12 years. Tonya is the "Go-To" person for any questions baby related. She is a Preceptor and Mentor for many. While Tonya's main job is to care for Mom and Babies on the Maternal Child Unit, Tonya takes on many other tasks and projects as well. She is the Coordinator for our HeartPrints program, our fetal loss bereavement program. Tonya is also the Chair for Mercy Washington in the MHA Collaborative for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Project. Over the last 2 years Tonya has taken this project on, meeting with MHA Leaders and with other Newborn Nursery Leaders across the State of Missouri in developing, implementing, and educating on NAS and the Eat, Sleep, Console method of Care. She was Instrumental in the Implementation of this Method of care and standardizing Policies in 13 Mercy Hospitals across 3 states. Tonya has spearheaded a Volunteer Cuddler program for newborns who can benefit from being consoled and held while in the Nursery. Tonya’s latest project has been taking on a Lean Six Sigma project in collaboration with the MHA to adapt AAP’s Safe Sleep requirements and due to this work, Mercy Hospital Washington has recently applied for a National Infant Safe Sleep Certification. Tonya takes immense pride in caring for her patients and their families as a whole. She is an asset to our Coworkers, our Patients, our hospital, and our Community.

   Nicki Harriman, Lactation Consultant, RN, Mercy Hospital Washington
   Nicki is an RN at Mercy Hospital Washington where she works on the L&D, Mother-Baby, and Newborn Nursery Unit. Nicki has been with Mercy for 25 years, and to say she wears multiple hats is an understatement! Nicki coordinates and teaches Virtual and In-person Childbirth classes to expectant mothers. She coordinates and does the Hospital L&D Tours for expectant families who want to come see the Unit prior to delivery time. Although Nicki began her career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, she quickly found her passion for helping Breastfeeding mothers find success. She got her IBCLC certification (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) and quickly became the Go-To person for patients, coworkers, providers, and community members for all things breastfeeding related. Nicki was instrumental in the early phases of instituting nursing care changes around Rooming-In and Couplet Care. Educating nurses and providers on the importance and benefits of keeping mom and baby together and Skin-to-Skin care. Nicki also takes on multiple breastfeeding follow-up phone calls from patients who are already home and need help or have questions about breastfeeding. She offers those who need extra help to come back up to the hospital to see her, offering 1: 1 support to help. After many years as a L&D Staff RN, Nicki was able to take on a new role at Mercy Washington coordinating Community Outreach. One of the first thing Nicki set up was a Weekly Support Group called “Mercy Moms Connect”. Here new moms from the Community came in and were able to meet in a group setting with other new families and talk about their situations. They often had discussion topics or special guests with topics for new moms. This group has transformed into the New weekly gathering called “Weigh-In-Wednesdays”. This is a weekly gathering held over a few hours where new moms/families can come and go in their own time and bring in their babies to get a weight check (helps breastfeeding moms know their baby is growing and getting enough to eat) and meet with Lactation Consultant (Nicki) for 1: 1 breastfeeding support, questions, guidance, and support. They also find bonding time with other moms in the group and build friendships. Nicki also invests time in the Youth of the Community, through education and encouraging careers in Health care. There are 4 local High Schools that Nicki coordinates twice a year visits to our hospital where she has a day planned with Tours to see Hospital units, interactive activities (see a real placenta and watch a simulated birth!) and Guest speakers lined up. We routinely get Praise from schools on the impact these events have on their students. This past year Nicki sent a proposal to our Administration to have Mercy Washington become a Milk Depot for The Milk Bank. Nicki saw having our rural hospital become a human milk donor site as an initiative to save infant lives and improve health outcomes by providing access to safe Human Milk. In the last 8 months we have had over 7, 000 oz of milk donated to our hospital that Nicki has shipped to The Milk Bank for safe pasteurization and distribution. To add to her certifications in fetal monitoring and breastfeeding, Nicki became a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) ensuring that the newborns that leave our hospital are going home in the safest way possible, with a certified car seat installation. With this certification, Nicki made Mercy Washington a Certified Car Seat Check Station where anyone in the Community can come see her for car seat checks, from Newborns to Booster seats. So not only does Nicki check car seat for newborns leaving our hospital, but also checks about 50 seats/month for members in the Community. In taking on this role Nicki realized multiple needs in her community. Provider, Nurse, and Community education was needed. Nicki continually holds education huddles for her coworkers to keep them up to date on car seat safety. She attends Provider meetings to provide up-to-date info when needed. She has worked with Mercy social media Team to make multiple educational posts and videos related car seat safety to keep the community informed. Nicki also noticed at many car seat checks that unsafe, expired, and incorrect size seats were being used. Seeing an overwhelming need for safe and appropriate car seats, Nicki worked to make Mercy Hospital Washington a Car Seat Distribution Center. Teaming with our Hospital Foundation Board, Nicki was able to get funding to purchase car seats to have available for families in need. Now when doing car seat checks, if a seat is not correct size, or is expired or somehow unsafe, Nicki is able to offer a new seat to families that are not able to provide one themselves. Nicki does many visits to different places in the area (day cares, head start, adoption agencies, etc…) to do car seat checks and distribution for families. She has also set up a car seat check and distribution event at our community Fair every summer. Families can drive through a check station, have seats assessed for safety and correct installation, receive education on car seat safety, and receive a new seat if needed. You will often see or hear of Nicki being at the hospital on her off hours, in the evening or on the weekends. If there is a family who needs help, she offers to meet with them, no matter the day or time. She is selfless in her endeavor to help Mercy Hospital Washington meet all the needs of not only its patients, but its community. Every month, with her community classes, tours, Lactation visits, follow up phone calls, and seat checks, Nicki logs over 100 hours/month to Community Benefit. The nurses on L&D always say, “Nicki is the Face of our Unit”. Everyone in the hospital and the community knows who Nicki is. We are all blessed that she has found her calling & home here at Mercy Washington. 

   Sarah Jasper, RN, MSN, CPNP-PC, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Mercy Hospital Washington
   I am honored to nominate Sarah, RN, MSN, CPNP-PC, for this award. As a Nurse Practitioner in both the Newborn Nursery and Level II Special Care Nursery, Sarah brings exceptional clinical knowledge, compassionate care, and a collaborative spirit to every shift. She was instrumental in leading our hospital’s successful effort to achieve national certification in Safe Sleep Practices for Newborns, demonstrating her dedication to evidence-based care and patient safety. Sarah consistently goes above and beyond whether solving complex patient care issues or navigating staffing challenges, she brings critical thinking, calm leadership, and a solutions-focused mindset to the table. She is deeply attentive not only to the needs of her newborn patients but also to their families, taking time to communicate in clear, supportive, and accessible ways. Sarah is also an incredible advocate and cheerleader for her colleagues, always ready to listen, mentor, and uplift those around her. Her presence on our team makes a measurable difference every day.

   Katelyn Kuhlmann, Staff RN, Charge RN, Preceptor, Mercy Hospital Washington
   I am thrilled to nominate Katelyn, RN, for the Excellence Award. As both a Charge Nurse and Unit Preceptor in Labor and Delivery, Katelyn exemplifies leadership, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. She is a thoughtful and compassionate nurse who consistently anticipates and responds to patient needs with sensitivity and professionalism. Her strong critical thinking skills allow her to navigate complex situations with confidence and sound judgment. Beyond her individual practice, Katelyn is always quick to lend a hand to her colleagues, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Her dedication to mentoring new staff, leading by example, and going above and beyond for both patients and team members makes her truly deserving of this recognition.

   Kat Crider, Staff RN, Mother Baby, Newborn Nursery, Level II Special Care Nursery and Labor & Delivery, Mercy Hospital Washington
   I am proud to nominate Kat, RN, for this Award. Kat started working at Mercy Washington as an OB Scrub Tech. She then worked her way through LPN school, remaining a scrub tech on our unit as well as cross training to Mother/Baby Unit to care for well mom/baby couplets as an LPN. While working as LPN, Kat continued her education obtaining her RN degree and taking a position as Staff RN on the Mother/Baby Unit, Newborn Nursery and Level II Special Care Nursery. After completing orientation, Kat asked if she could cross train to L&D to learn to care for Laboring patients as well. As a dedicated staff nurse, Kat consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the highest standard of care for her patients. What sets her apart is her remarkable flexibility and teamwork she willingly steps up and works wherever she is needed in the moment, including stepping in to the Scrub tech role. She flexes to the needs of the unit, at a moment’s notice, to support her colleagues and maintain smooth operations during critical situations. Her clinical skill, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to both patient care and team success embody the spirit of excellence. Kat's adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to our unit.

   Jen Brown, Staff RN, Mercy Hospital Washington
   I am proud to nominate Jennifer, RN, for this Award. As a dedicated Labor and Delivery staff nurse, Jennifer consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the highest standard of care for her patients. What sets her apart is her remarkable flexibility and teamwork she willingly steps into the scrub tech role whenever needed, often at a moment’s notice, to support her colleagues and maintain smooth operations during critical situations. Her clinical skill, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to both patient care and team success embody the spirit of excellence. Jennifer’s adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to our unit.

   Kelsey Hedges, Staff RN, Charge Nurse, Preceptor, Labor & Delivery, Mercy Hospital Washington
   I am honored to nominate Kelsey, RN, Charge Nurse in Labor and Delivery, for this Award. Kelsey consistently demonstrates outstanding clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion in one of the most critical and emotionally charged areas of care. As a charge nurse, she leads her team with calm confidence, ensuring that every patient receives safe, respectful, and individualized care. Kelsey is not only a strong advocate for her patients but also a supportive mentor to her colleagues, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her truly deserving of this recognition.

   Kaitlyn Protte, Registered Nurse, Labor & Delivery, Mercy Hospital Washington
   Kaitlyn routinely picks up shifts beyond her full-time hours to assist her Team when needed. As a smaller community hospital, when we are short 1-2 nurses this is a huge gap. We depend on our specialty trained L&D nurses to help when they can, and Kaitlyn always steps up to ensure our patients get the highest quality and safest care possible. Our Mission at Mercy is to bring the healing ministry of Jesus to life through compassionate care and exceptional service. Kaitlyn does this on a daily basis, without knowing or drawing attention to herself. Whether serving her patients as a staff RN or serving her fellow caregivers as the Charge RN, Kaitlyn always does so with compassion. She always brings a smile and humor to the Unit and her Team knows they are in good hands. Kaitlyn consistently demonstrates exceptional clinical skill, professionalism, and dedication to her team and patients. She routinely flexes into the scrub tech role when needed, showing incredible versatility and a true team-first attitude. Recently, Kaitlyn has also stepped into the charge nurse role, where she has shown natural leadership and composure under pressure. In addition, she works weekend night shift contract hours times when our small community hospital faces limited resources yet she continues to deliver safe, high-quality care with confidence and compassion. Kaitlyn’s adaptability, reliability, and commitment to excellence make her a cornerstone of our unit.

   Jenn Hensley Speer, Director of Operations-Director of Nursing, Mercy Lebanon
   Jenn always demonstrate professionalism and she is the true example of Champion when it comes to compassion and dedication. She leads her team with confidence yet very humbly paves the way for excellence. She strives daily to abide by the mission, vision and values that are set forth by the hospital and its Board of Directors. She is always looking and striving to ensure the referral processes are seamless and networking and collaboration and important part of her daily routine. She is a "gem" and such an asset to not only Lebanon Mercy Hospital but the whole community of Lebanon and county of Laclede.

   Emily Hunter, LPN- Med Surge, Salem Memorial Hospital
   I am honored to nominate Emily for Nurse of the Year in recognition of her exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence in patient care. Emily’s journey within our hospital is a testament to her perseverance and passion for serving others. She began her career in Housekeeping, demonstrating from the very start a strong work ethic and pride in contributing to patient well-being. Motivated to expand her impact, she advanced to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and has since earned her Licensed Practical Nurse credential. Her professional growth reflects not only ambition, but a deep and genuine calling to care for others. Emily consistently goes above and beyond in every shift she works. She approaches her responsibilities with compassion, kindness, and unwavering professionalism. Patients and colleagues alike are touched by her willingness to help, her calm demeanor, and her commitment to ensuring that every task is completed thoroughly and correctly. She does not complain, even during the most demanding shifts instead, she remains positive, solution-focused, and supportive of her team. Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Emily contributes to the emotional well-being of our hospital community in thoughtful and creative ways. Each season, she paints uplifting and imaginative artwork on hospital windows throughout the facility. These displays bring cheer to patients, families, and staff, creating moments of comfort and joy in what can often be difficult circumstances. Her initiative demonstrates her understanding that healing involves both physical and emotional care. Emily is a true team player who continually strives to improve herself. She actively seeks opportunities to learn, grow, and refine her skills, setting an example of lifelong learning and professional integrity. She embodies what it means to be not only an excellent nurse, but also a person of character and influence someone others admire and aspire to emulate. Emily is an invaluable asset to our organization. Her dedication, compassion, creativity, and commitment to excellence make her exceptionally deserving of the Nurse of the Year recognition. Any organization would be fortunate to have her on their team, and we are proud to call her one of our own.

   Camryn Falkenhain, Nurse in Pediatric Oncology, SSM Cardinal Glennon
   Camryn is an outstanding nurse who always shows professionalism when providing care to her patients and their families. Because pediatric oncology is such a hard area of the hospital to work, she provides a warm smile and amazing care so that they have one less thing to worry about as they fight to get better. I would think of no one better for this award than Camryn.

   Julie Roehrs, Risk and Regulatory Affairs Professional, University of Missouri Health care
   Julie is our team lead, our biggest cheerleader, and our personal advisor. Whenever someone has an obscure issue, Julie is the first person to come to mind to help with the answer. Julie displays the essence of MU Culture of Care, Deliver, Innovate, and Serve. Julie takes on a lot of responsibility in the Risk and Regulatory department. With her Juris Doctor is as well as her professional experience as an ICU Nurse, Julie is able to answer many of the questions that cross both the legal and Clinical worlds. Julie is dependable and has the utmost integrity. Consistently, Julie has set the standard for what a good Risk and Regulatory professional looks like. She is a joy to work with every day and I'm honored to call her my coworker.

   Katherine Martin Bredahl, Nurse Practitioner, Barnes West Medical Consultants
   Goes above and beyond to make sure all patients get seen, especially if there is a scheduling issue. Everyone knows that Kathy will most likely see the patient so they don't have to have a wasted trip. She is amazing and so compassionate with all our patients.

2. Nursing TeamsToggle Panel

   Jessica Dold and NICU Quality Team Eat, Sleep, Console, Liberty Hospital
   Liberty Hospital The NICU Quality Team at Liberty Hospital identified an opportunity to enhance care for newborns experiencing withdrawal and implemented the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) assessment approach to improve outcomes. Spearheaded by Jessica Dold, BSN, RN, RNC-LRN, this initiative has gained recognition as a leading practice across the Kansas City region. ESC utilizes an evidence-based, family-centered model that prioritizes the infant’s ability to eat, sleep, and be consoled, rather than focusing solely on scoring withdrawal symptoms as seen with the Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Score (NAS). By shifting the focus to infant function and comfort, the team aims to reduce the need for pharmacologic intervention, decrease length of stay, and strengthen the bond between newborns and their caregivers. 

   Capacity Management, Patient Placement/Transfer Center, BJC
   BJC is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the Midwest. BJC's Capacity Management team currently manages capacity at 7 out of 14 BJC locations. The Capacity Management team balances, patient demand, available beds, coordination of support services and more. Monitoring real-time availability, predict discharge times, coordinate transfers between transfers between hospitals in state and out, and prioritize ICU, step-down, and specialty beds is essential to patient flow. This coordination allows for faster admissions from the ER, better staffing assignments, and reduced overcrowding and wait times. This specialty team juggles numerous hospitals, primary care clinics, and multiple units, 24/7. Often considered a behind the scenes team, the bed managers provide safe patient movement with the goal of excellent patient outcomes. With barriers such as ED's and PACU's with limited space and black statuses, this can create a challenge for all. The BJC Capacity Management Team is growing rapidly and requires updates/education daily. They are a highly skilled team with patient safety/outcomes at the forefront. They are essential to not only BJC's flow but area hospitals as well. They are simply excellent.

   The 2East Team (Cardiac Decision Unit), Cardiac Care, Liberty Hospital - The University of Kansas Health System
   Over the past two years, the Cardiac Decision Unit team has shown resilience and dedication to patient care, even through the rapid expansion of the unit in size and acuity. The unit began as a small 12-bed medical-surgical observation unit with very few dedicated core staff and has quickly expanded into a 20-bed cardiac telemetry unit, now caring for many post-cardiac procedure patients or with various cardiac-related conditions. This transformation stands out because of the team’s dedication to learning, teaching, and growing. They welcomed the challenge of transitioning from med surge obs, to cardiac obs, to better meet the needs of the hospital and the surrounding community. They all invested the time to learn post-procedure care for various procedures, new cardiac meds and drips, new policies, and changing policies. At the same time, they kept training and supporting new staff, so that the unit could continue to grow, and they always made sure patient care stayed strong. They help each other, step up when needed, and keep learning from one another everyday. This teamwork makes a real difference for patients. The team speaks up for patients, anticipates their needs, and ensures they feel safe and supported during difficult times. What makes this team special is how they go above and beyond to make their patients feel special. They celebrate birthdays with cards, balloons, and small family parties if possible. On New Year’s, they shared a midnight grape juice toast with patients. They always make sure we have cards, crosswords, games etc on hand. They always look for simple, thoughtful ways to bring comfort, happiness, and a sense of normal life to patients during what can be a stressful time in the hospital. This team keeps challenging themselves to learn, improve, and give their best to patients, and hopefully continue to grow their unit. Their ability to adapt so quickly and well to change, while learning, teaching, and still providing amazing care, is why they are all champions of care!

   Home Care-NORTH Nursing Team, St Luke's
   I think of each of our core values and see this played out in our nursing team daily! They have COMPASSION for their patients and each other. They have EXCELLENCE in taking the time to enter their documentation timely and advocating for their patients when need. They have RESPECT for the system, themselves and those around them. They practice safety in the home and in their cars. They create an atmosphere of TEAMWORK when they communicate with other team members and me on updated patient situations. I enjoy this team and have been here with some of them as long as 16 years.

   Rapid Response Team, Bothwell Regional Health Center
   The Rapid Response Team is a specialized group of highly skilled nurses and respiratory therapists who respond to early signs of patient deterioration across the hospital. Their primary goal is to intervene before a situation escalates into a code blue or critical emergency. What sets this team apart is not only their clinical expertise but their ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive in high-stress situations. They provide immediate bedside assessment, initiate life-saving interventions, and support floor nurses by bringing critical care-level knowledge directly to the patient. Their presence empowers staff, improves patient outcomes, and creates a culture of safety throughout the hospital. They are leaders, educators, and patient advocates, often stepping in during the most vulnerable moments of a patient’s care journey. Their impact is seen not only in the lives they help stabilize but in the confidence and support they provide to their fellow caregivers.

   House Supervisor Team, Harrison County Community Hospital
   Harrison County Community Hospital has an amazing group of House Supervisors.  I am choosing to nominate my team because I feel that my teammates deserve to be recognized for all the hard work they do. Even though we always do our best to offer a kind word to each other,  I hope seeing someone take the time to put into writing let's them know just how much they are appreciated! We are preparing to assist in moving to our brand new hospital in June and this is coming with many challenges including learning the new layout of the facility and how operations will be ran.  We are also being assigned new roles to help our staff grow in their roles which in turn results in improving quality of care of our patients.  As House Supervisors we have to use critical thinking skills that impacts our patients, staff and facility and I feel that this team does a great job.  Sometimes I know we feel that we do not always have the answers or provide the best solution but we utilize the resources we have available and rely on each other when needed and this makes us a great team. I am proud to be apart of this team and taking part in providing quality care close to home.

   Saint Luke's North Pulmonary Nurse team (Ramona Martin, Cari Baldre and Sam Phan), Pulmonary Clinic, Saint Luke's North
   Our nursing team at SLN is one of the best in the system. While patients come here for care, they stay because of the wonderful work that our nurses do. Patients know our team on a first name basis, and our nurses are very familiar with the patients. Helping them with medical problems as well as being a compassionate ear due to psychosocial issues that come up. They are always advocating for our patients. I live closer to the other Saint Luke’s hospitals, but instead of working there, I choose to remain at north due to the dedication of this team. Frequently, other pulmonary offices send their nurses and LPNs to come here and train under our team because they excel in so many ways.

   Inpatient Team, Fall prevention, Mosaic Medical Center- Albany
   I am honored to nominate the Mosaic Medical Center - Albany Inpatient Team for the Champions of Care recognition. Throughout the past year, the team has demonstrated exceptional dedication to patient safety and continuous improvement, particularly in fall prevention. From January through December 2025, the Albany inpatient team achieved a fall rate of 0.83, representing a 61% reduction from baseline, and an extraordinary fall-with-injury rate of 0.02, a 95% reduction from baseline. These outstanding results reflect the team’s unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care. The team maintains this level of excellence through consistent monthly audits, collaboration with our HD Sustainability Coach, and quarterly review meetings focused on analyzing outcomes and implementing evidence-based best practices. Their comprehensive approach includes the use of integrated call lights with fall alarms, Gemba rounding, strategic placement of high-risk patients near the nurses’ station, and maintaining low patient-to-caregiver ratios—all of which empower staff to proactively safeguard our patients. When a fall does occur, the team conducts a thorough post-fall huddle to identify contributing factors and determine immediate corrective actions. These reviews have led to targeted interventions, meaningful process improvements, and focused staff education. In recognition of their remarkable accomplishments, the Albany inpatient team received the Organizational Excellence Award from HD Nursing in October, further affirming the impact of their work on patient safety and quality outcomes. The Mosaic Medical Center - Albany inpatient team exemplifies what it means to be Champions of Care. Their dedication, collaborative spirit, and commitment to continuous improvement make them truly deserving of this honor.

   Forensic Nurses, Forensic Nursing, Mosaic Life Care-St. Joseph
   Our forensic nursing team is a “Champion of Care” because we show up for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives and ensure they are met with dignity, safety, and compassion. We provide specialized, trauma-informed care to patients impacted by violence, abuse, and assault, prioritizing both their medical needs and their emotional wellbeing. We advocate for patients who may not otherwise have a voice, coordinate with multidisciplinary partners to support their safety and healing, and ensure evidence is collected with the highest standards of integrity and respect. Whether at the bedside, through telehealth services, or working alongside our multidisciplinary teams, our nurses remain patient-centered and steady in high-stress, complex situations. Beyond individual patient encounters, our team strengthens the community through education, raising awareness, and collaboration across systems and community partners. We work to improve processes, promote trauma-informed responses, and ensure survivors receive equitable, compassionate care. Being a champion of care means standing beside patients when they need it most—and that is exactly what our forensic nursing team does every day.

   Med/Surg Nurses, Inpatient Nursing, Mosaic Medical Center- Maryville
   This nursing group exemplifies what it means to work together with purpose. United by a shared commitment to patient-centered care, they champion one another through collaboration, mutual respect, and support. Their collective focus on putting patients first is evident in every interaction, decision, and action, reflecting the heart of nursing and the strength of teamwork. This nursing group went above and beyond by spending meaningful one-on-one time with an extended-stay patient who was incapacitated and experiencing loneliness. Rather than simply completing routine tasks, they chose to sit and truly connect—playing cards and board games, coloring together, and sharing conversation. While these moments may seem small, they made a tremendous difference in the patient’s day. Their compassion, patience, and willingness to give their time remind us of what true caregiving looks like. This nursing group demonstrated exceptional teamwork by quickly recognizing a patient in need of immediate intervention. They worked collaboratively and remained calm while utilizing available resources to respond effectively. Their coordinated efforts supported timely care and contributed to a positive patient outcome. This situation highlights the importance of vigilance, communication, and teamwork in providing safe, patient-centered care. As a rural hospital, we are uniquely positioned to care for our patients with both skill and heart. These examples highlight the power of teamwork, compassion, and commitment to doing what is right for each patient. By supporting one another and responding with calm, purpose, and empathy, our nursing teams continue to make a meaningful difference for those we serve and the community that trusts us.

   Virtual Expert Care Virtual Nursing Unit, Inpatient Virtual Registered Nurses, BJC Health: Saint Luke's Health System
   What stands out most about the Virtual Expert Care nursing team is how they partner seamlessly with bedside nurses to create a unified, patient-centered experience. The VEC nurses extend care beyond the bedside while remaining tightly integrated with it. They meet patients and families at some of the most critical transition points—admission and discharge—and bring a level of focus that is often difficult to achieve in a busy inpatient environment. In doing so, they create space for patients to feel seen, heard, and prepared, while simultaneously strengthening the capacity of bedside teams to deliver safe, timely care. What makes them true Champions of Care is not just what they do, but how they do it. They strengthen the entire care team by partnering seamlessly with bedside staff, reducing task burden, closing gaps in documentation and education, and allowing nurses at the bedside to practice at the top of their license. They bring consistency to moments that often vary. They elevate patient readiness and understanding. They lead with innovation while staying grounded in compassion. They support operational flow and team efficiency. Most importantly, the VEC team demonstrates that excellence in nursing is not confined to physical proximity; it is defined by intentionality, expertise, and compassion. That combination makes the VEC team truly deserving of recognition as Champions of Care.

   3 North/ICU, Nursing, Progress West Hospital
   This team is are champions of care because we lead with compassion and treat every patient as a person, not just a diagnosis. We listen, show empathy, and create meaningful connections with all of our interactions. We are committed to quality and never settle for less than our best, always striving to improve and deliver safe, reliable care. Striving for zero harm is at the core of our mindset. With a focus on zero harm, we support one another, speak up, and take every step necessary to protect our patients. Together as a team, we combine skill, accountability, and heart—making a difference in every life we touch.

   Barnes Wound and Surgical Team, Barnes at COH
   Our team works together to give the patients a great experience. From the time they arrive to leaving, the patients are welcome and cared for. The nurses share their excellence with all the other employees.

   Siteman Cancer Center Shiloh Infusion, Infusion Nurses and Medical Assistants, BJC/Wash U/Siteman
   I have an incredible team in our outpatient oncology center that goes above and beyond in caring for our patients on a daily basis. Their efforts to lift the spirits of our patients have made a profound impact, providing comfort and encouragement during difficult times. They come up with fun ideas to celebrate birthdays and milestones in the treatment plan. They also recognize when patients need a boost of encouragement and come up with fun ideas to help cheer them up. A few examples I have: ordering chicken socks to wear for our patient that is a "chicken mom" and would tell stories about her chickens with every treatment. They have ordered construction shirts to wear for a patient to match his after getting bad news that his treatment was no longer working. They have organized a 21st birthday party including apple juice and fun decor for a patient that unfortunately would be spending his 21st birthday in our treatment room. These extra steps that bring smiles to our patients' faces speaks volumes about their commitment to compassionate care. The kindness and joy they share with those in our care, in the good times and the bad, truly exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care. I am proud to work alongside such a remarkable team whose actions inspire others and make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of our patients. Thank you for considering us for this nomination.

   GI Lab Nursing Team, Pre-, Intra-, Post-Op for a month, Christian Hospital
   I have only been this team's manager for a month, and I was immediately able to notice the excellent and compassionate care this team provides. We have nurses that staff in pre-, intra-, and post-op during endoscopic procedures. From the moment our patients walk in the door to the moment they walk out, they receive excellent care. I notice this by the way our nurses listen to the patients and ask clarifying questions. I hear the comments made by patients stating how comfortable they feel in our nurses' care. Endoscopic procedures are extremely uncomfortable, and my team makes sure the patients are as at ease as possible. Also, they come in and demonstrate a high level of teamwork day in and day out to make sure there are no shortfalls in the patients' continuum of care when in the GI Lab.

   Liberty ER Team, Emergency Medicine, The University of Kansas Health System-Liberty Hospital
   There are many reasons why I feel this ER team deserves recognition, but the most important being their dedication and resilience. We have survived a global pandemic, nursing shortages, a cyber event, health system integration, and just the daily toll of taking care of our community's emergency medical needs, all without the need for contract nurses. Our staff are dependable, hardworking, positive, and some of the funniest people I have ever met. Long-term relationships are built here; we cry together, laugh together, and stand up for each other. I could not be prouder to work alongside this team every day. They are what keep me sane on the tough days. I appreciate them more than they will ever know.

   BJC Tele ICU, Remote monitoring of all BJC east region ICU's, BJC
   The Tele-ICU team embodies the very essence of teamwork, vigilance, and compassionate care. Serving as a remote monitoring and clinical support hub for ICU patients across the BJC East Region, this extraordinary team of physicians and nurses provides continuous oversight for some of the most critically ill patients in our region. Through their expertise, collaboration, and dedication, they create a powerful safety net that strengthens bedside care and ensures patients receive the highest level of critical care support at all times. One of the many ways the Tele-ICU team protects patients is through two-RN skin assessments, a practice that significantly reduces preventable harm from pressure injuries. By reinforcing this critical safety measure across ICUs, they ensure early identification of skin breakdown and prompt patient intervention, protecting vulnerable patients and improving outcomes. The team also plays an important role in MTS referral collaboration, partnering with bedside clinicians to ensure patients are evaluated and referred appropriately. This collaboration promotes timely care coordination and helps ensure that patients receive the right level of care and resources when they need them most. Through their support of SAT/SBT initiatives as part of ICU Liberation, the Tele-ICU team helps bedside teams evaluate patients daily for opportunities to safely reduce sedation and assess readiness for ventilator weaning. Their involvement promotes recovery, reduces complications associated with prolonged ventilation, and helps patients move forward in their critical care journey. During critical events, the Tele-ICU team assists with code documentation, ensuring accurate and thorough capture of life-saving interventions and timelines. Their presence during these high-stress moments provides invaluable support to bedside teams who are focused on delivering urgent patient care. Through Tele-ED collaboration, the Tele-ICU team extends their expertise beyond the ICU environment, providing guidance and support that enhances critical care decision-making and strengthens continuity of care across departments. Following critical events, the team participates in code debriefs, helping teams reflect on the event, identify opportunities for improvement, and support one another after emotionally intense situations. These conversations foster a culture of learning, resilience, and continuous improvement. The Tele-ICU team also contributes to patient safety through assisting with the completion of the Malnutrition Screening Tool, ensuring important screening processes are completed and that patient needs are identified and addressed early in the care process. Education and mentorship are central to the team’s mission. Through mentorship for new nurses, Tele-ICU clinicians provide guidance, reassurance, and clinical insight that help build confidence and competence for nurses navigating the complexities of ICU care. The team also strengthens medication safety through remote dual-sign verification of high-risk medications, ensuring critical medications are reviewed and verified with the same rigor and attention to detail expected at the bedside. Their commitment to best practices extends to LEAF initiatives, supporting system-wide efforts to maintain high standards of clinical care and quality monitoring. The Tele-ICU team supports patient safety through central line insertion audits, helping ensure adherence to evidence-based practices that reduce infection risk and improve patient outcomes. They also reinforce safety during procedures through bedside procedure time-outs, ensuring teams pause to confirm patient identity, procedure details, and safety measures before proceeding. In complex clinical situations, the Tele-ICU team assists the CT ICU with rapid extubation timing, providing expert insight and collaboration that helps guide teams through critical decision-making moments that can significantly improve patient recovery. Beyond each individual initiative, the Tele-ICU team provides something even greater: reassurance, partnership, and unwavering support for bedside clinicians across the BJC system. Their vigilance, collaboration, and dedication strengthen the confidence of ICU teams and ensure that patients receive exceptional care no matter where they are in the system. The Tele-ICU team truly exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Team Award. Their work touches the lives of patients, families, health care professionals, and the broader community every day. Through collaboration, innovation, and compassionate care, they elevate the standard of critical care across our health system and make a profound difference in the lives of those they serve.

   Neurosurgery PCU, Nursing / PCT/ US, Barnes Jewish Hospital
   This team of individuals are champions of care, due to the impact and influence they make every day. The Neuro PCU team is truly an exceptional bunch of individuals. The way they approach patient care with intention and compassion, the take the time to ensure they are listening and making each patient and their support systems feel seen, heard, and cared for. The work ethics of this team is unmatched. Each and every person goes above and beyond with no hesitation, stepping in to support one another and ensuring no task is left undone and no patient is overlooked. Their strength lies not only in their individual dedication, but in the way they function as a cohesive support unit. Through their actions they create an environment where excellence is the standard. They don't just provide care they make long lasting impacts on the lives of those they care for and one another.

   Candace Jones, Mykaela Tate, Destiny Ohara-Walker, Physician and RN Rounding Collaboration, Barnes Jewish Hospital
   I would like to nominate this group of nurses for their exceptional leadership in strengthening collaboration between physicians and bedside staff. Despite the fast-paced and task-heavy nature of the unit, they have prioritized RN-Physician communication during rounding to support safe, effective patient care. They have taken initiative by engaging frontline staff for feedback, collaborating with providers, and bringing opportunities for improvement to our monthly quality improvement/process improvement meetings. Their proactive approach and commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork have made a meaningful impact on both patient safety and unit culture.

   Caitlin Kochan, Melissa Fabrizio, Annie Pusa, Creation and Implementation of a Unit Turn Team, Barnes Jewish Hospital
   Even amid the busy, day-to-day responsibilities of nursing, these three individuals came together to develop and implement a Turn Team initiative that has a meaningful impact on patient care. Focused on reducing the high rate of pressure injuries in the CICU, their work not only improved outcomes for our patients but also fostered strong interdisciplinary collaboration across the unit. By engaging nurses, charge nurses, and techs, they created a cohesive team approach to patient repositioning. They consistently sought feedback from peers and used it to refine and strengthen the process. During the trial period, we saw a significant reduction in pressure injuries, and we look forward to sustaining and expanding this success long-term.

   CMH Oncology Infusion Nurses, Oncology, CMH
   My oncology nursing team exemplifies what it truly means to be champions of care. Each day, we go beyond administering treatments, we build meaningful relationships with our patients and their families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. We advocate fiercely, listen without judgment, and provide comfort in ways that extend far beyond clinical tasks. Whether it’s catching subtle changes in a patient’s condition, easing fears before a difficult treatment, or simply holding a hand when words fall short, our care is rooted in compassion, trust, and dedication. Together, we create a supportive environment where patients feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for, which is why our team embodies the heart of oncology nursing.

   CCMH Nursing Staff, Medical and Emergency Care, Cedar County Memorial Hospital
   CCMH nursing staff shows up every day knowing they’re walking into the unpredictable; whether it’s the hospital floor or the ER. And somehow, they make it look steady. They’re the ones who keep things moving when everything feels like it could fall apart. In the ER, they jump in without hesitation, taking on whatever comes through the door…no time to overthink, just act, prioritize, and care. On the floor, they’re the constant. They’re the familiar face patients look for, the ones who notice the small changes, who take the extra minute to explain, to reassure, to make someone feel like they’re not alone in it. What stands out most isn’t just their skill; it’s how much they care. They advocate for their patients, they support each other, and they carry a lot more than people realize. Long shifts, hard conversations, tough outcomes… and still, they come back and do it all over again. They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because it matters. And it does. Every patient they touch, every family they help, every moment they stay a little longer, it all adds up. It’s the kind of work that sticks with people long after they leave the hospital. This team is the reason patients feel safe here. Plain and simple.

   House Managers & Throughput Facilitators, Mercy St. Louis
   Navigating a health care system is so much more for a nurse than just providing excellent care. There are so many factors as it relates to quality and safety measures, length of stay initiatives, d/c times, serving more of the community through capacity management... Really the list goes on and on. The house managers and throughput facilitators are a group of nurses that serve the hospital 24/7 365 days/year. They assure patients are placed timely and into the correct bed location. They balance staffing with bed availability. They are aware of policy and procedures and can coach and mentor at the bedside. They support difficult interactions and conversations, and they assure we provide the best care with the resources at hand. Not too many teams support from the bedside to the administrative suite, from the ED to discharge and from birth to end of life. We literally could not run without this team- immeasurable value and expertise.

   ICU team, ICU, Western Missouri Medical Center
   I would like to nominate the ICU team for the 2026 Champion of Care award, as they work together seamlessly to care for patients with passion. About a year ago, a patient was admitted and placed on the ventilator for an extended period. He was very sick and required all the care that we could offer. After he came off the ventilator, he stayed for several more weeks to be rehabilitated. Since his discharge, he has returned to the hospital to visit the staff pretty regularly because he is so grateful for the care and compassion that was shown to him during his darkest moments. He reached out to the administration team to share his appreciation and coordinated a day to come meet with them and the staff who cared for him to say "Thank you" for the care. The ICU team is a top-notch team of nurses who care about the tiniest details and go above and beyond for all patients!

   Medsurg Staff, Medsurg, Western Missouri Medical Center
   I would like to nominate the Medsurg team for the 2026 Champions of Care, as they consistently display compassion and advocacy for patients who are living in their darkest moments. Recently, there was a patient admitted who was found wandering in the streets. She could not care for herself due to schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. She had no family and required one-on-one care to ensure that she did not wander off the unit or harm herself. This patient happened to be a younger elderly person, who was losing her independence. She spent most of the days and nights talking with staff and invisible people in the room that only she could see. The staff of this unit rallied together to collect clothing, crafts, and special items that she would talk about when sharing her past life with them. They talked with her and found out what some of her favorite foods were and what some of her precious memories were from when she was a young woman, and they worked to collect these items to give her a memorable Christmas since this patient spent a long time and several holidays in the hospital. Although she will probably never remember them, they will always remember her because this is how they treat all patients, with love and kindness and compassion.

   Saint Luke's North ED, Emergency Medicine, BJC Saint Luke's
   BJC West Region - Saint Luke’s region-wide sepsis improvement initiative began in 2020 pre-covid with a shared goal to standardize sepsis order sets across the region, strengthen early identification of sepsis utilizing our electronic health record (EHR) tools, and improve patient outcomes. In 2021 and 2022, sepsis garnered a renewed focus to improve the use of the EHR sepsis risk tools in the emergency department (ED), standardize sepsis diagnosis capture using the SEP-3 definition, and establish a region-wide sepsis committee to drive collaboration. I would like to nominate the Saint Luke's North (SLN) ED team for this award. In November 2022, the SLN ED team eagerly volunteered and was selected to pilot the region’s first ED RN-driven sepsis protocol. This program empowered ED nurses to use the EHR tools to quickly identify high-risk sepsis patients and initiate Sepsis Alerts and RN standing orders to begin the sepsis bundle. This allowed the providers to already have labs and other testing in progress, often by the time they were seeing the patient, ultimately leading to quicker diagnosis and faster antibiotic and fluid administration times. The SLN ED Nursing team embraced the pilot with enthusiasm and teamwork. During the pilot, nurses activated Sepsis Alerts on about 80% of sepsis patients and provided critical feedback to improve the process. Their efforts led to a 45% improvement in CMS sepsis bundle compliance and a 32% reduction in the SLN sepsis mortality index, demonstrating meaningful impact on patient outcomes. Due to this success, the RN-driven ED sepsis protocol was expanded across the region and ultimately implemented at all Saint Luke’s Hospitals. Today, the SLN ED Nursing team continues to lead the system in Sepsis Alert activation with an activate rate of about 50%, and their mortality index and CMS bundle compliance continues to improve by about 10-20% year after year. The SLN ED team's participation in monthly case reviews reinforces a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement. Through collaboration, innovation, and commitment to excellence, the Saint Luke’s North ED Nursing team exemplifies what it means to be champions of care.

   Mercy Hospital Washington's educator team, Caregiver onboarding and continued education, Mercy Hospital Washington
   It is with great pride that I nominate our Hospital Education Team for the Missouri Hospital Association’s 2026 Companion of Care Award. This team embodies the true spirit of excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care. This is a small team of 6 with two onboarding educators and 4 bedside educators to support over 200 employees. Their work forms the foundation upon which our bedside nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel build their skills, confidence, and commitment to delivering exceptional care. Although they work primarily behind the scenes, their impact reverberates through every patient room, every caregiver and hospital success, and every meaningful patient outcome. Our Hospital Education Team consistently goes above and beyond traditional expectations. Recognizing the varied and demanding schedules of caregivers, they routinely adjust their own schedules-arriving early, staying late, cancelling personal appointments, and coming in on weekends-to ensure every learner has access to the education and support they need. Their presence is not limited to the classroom. These educators immerse themselves in the clinical environment, working side by side with caregivers to assess performance in a subtle, supportive, and dignified way. Their partnership at the bedside builds trust, promotes authentic learning, and ensures that educational needs are identified in real time. One of the hallmarks of this team is their commitment to data-informed decision making. They meticulously analyze hospital metrics, quality dashboards, and patient-care indicators to identify educational opportunities that can directly elevate outcomes. Whether the data points to a trend in falls, documentation accuracy, patient experience, or clinical competencies, this team transforms information into purposeful action. Their ability to translate analytics into meaningful education ensures that every program they create is deeply relevant and firmly tied to organizational goals and patient needs. Their teamwork is equally exemplary. The educators collaborate closely to balance the complexities of class schedules, caregiver availability, and organizational demands. Through seamless coordination, they ensure required education never disrupatients patient-care operations while still providing comprehensive, high-quality learning experiences. This team-centered approach reflects not only their professionalism but their shared dedication to Mercy's mission and forming competent, compassionate caregivers. Beyond skill development, the team plays a vital role in caregiver retention. They understand that education is also about connection-helping caregivers feel supported, valued, and part of something larger. They lead initiatives designed to build confidence, motivate individuals, and strengthen caregivers’ sense of belonging within the Mercy family. By fostering a positive learning environment and recognizing achievements big and small, this team helps cultivate a workplace where caregivers choose to stay, grow, and thrive. The Hospital Education Team represents the very essence of compassionate care. Their work touches every caregiver who enters our organization, and in turn, every patient those caregivers serve. Their dedication is quiet but profound, their impact immeasurable yet deeply felt. For their steadfast commitment to excellence, their heartfelt advocacy for caregivers, and their transformative influence on patient care, I am honored to nominate them for the 2026 Companion of Care Award.

   Cancer and Infusion Center, Infusion center and Oncology clinic, Western Missouri Medical Center
   This team exemplifies compassionate, patient-centered care during some of the most vulnerable and life-altering moments in our patients’ lives. Every day, they care for individuals and families navigating cancer diagnoses, complex treatment regimens, chronic illness management, and infusion therapies that can be physically and emotionally exhausting. They do far more than administer medications - they provide reassurance, education, advocacy, and hope. Their compassion is evident in the small but meaningful details: sitting with anxious patients during first treatments, answering the same question multiple times with patience and kindness, recognizing when a patient needs encouragement rather than instruction, and celebrating milestones such as ringing the bell at the completion of therapy. They build relationships that extend beyond clinical encounters and create an environment where patients feel safe, heard, and supported. This team consistently demonstrates clinical excellence and accountability. They ensure thorough patient education, safe chemotherapy administration, adherence to evidence-based protocols, and meticulous documentation. Their commitment to safety and quality directly impacts patient outcomes. Perhaps most remarkable is their emotional resilience. Oncology and infusion care require strength, empathy, and professionalism in equal measure. This team supports one another, maintains composure during difficult cases, and continues to show up fully for patients, and each other, even on the hardest days. They represent the very best of nursing and health care - compassionate, skilled, collaborative, and deeply committed to the community they serve.

   Mercy Springfield Education Team (Jessica Atchison, Ashley Pugh, Dallas Woods), Education & Professional Practice, Mercy
   Under the strategic leadership of Jessica Atchison (Executive Director, Professional Practice), Mercy Hospital Springfield has built a forward-looking professional practice ecosystem that prioritizes pipeline growth, rapid upskilling, and operational consistency. Jessica has publicly championed and elevated the achievements of her leaders, fostering a culture in which innovation is expected and recognized-most notably spotlighting major contributions by Ashley Pugh and Dallas Woods as exemplars of Mercy’s professional practice model. Ashley Pugh (Director, Professional Practice) has operationalized an end-to-end workforce development engine. She oversees nurse onboarding and continuing education, a 30+ Clinical Nurse Educator team, the Simulation Center, and Mercy’s nurse residency/fellowship programs, allowing Mercy to standardize curricula, compress time-to-competency, and maintain continuity from orientation through advanced practice. Ashley has led adoption of advanced obstetric simulation assets and educator-facilitated scenarios that sharpen team response in high-acuity events, an approach that strengthens clinical reliability and patient safety while reducing variation across units. She also advanced an innovative Nursing Clinical Adjunct Program, showcased at the health care Workforce Innovation Bi-State Summit, that leverages Mercy bedside nurses as clinical instructors, expanding instructional capacity without sacrificing unit expertise and directly addressing regional faculty shortages in the nursing pipeline. Her track record of compassionate excellence reinforces a development model that balances technical proficiency with the human dimensions of care. Dallas Woods (Manager, Professional Practice) has strengthened the leadership lattice that sustains this model, bridging bedside, education, and management. Building on experience as a Nurse Practice Coordinator and Nursing Manager, Dallas now steers key elements of professional practice operations that translate policy into daily performance. As a team, they have created a scalable, learning-health system approach to workforce and training that strengthens Missouri’s health care workforce.

3. Health Care WorkersToggle Panel

   Courtney Hardin, Registration Staff, Ozarks Health care
   Courtney Harden, lead registration clerk at Ozarks Health care, was recognized by a coworker for always going above and beyond - not just for her team, but for every patient she meets. She’s known for her constant smile, her willingness to help, and her ability to brighten any day with her positivity. “She takes time to listen. She takes time to care. I couldn’t do my job without her, ” a coworker shared. “She’s one of our 'Supermans' here in Registration! ”

   Edie Johnson, Coordinator, Food & Nutrition Services, NKC Health
   Edie is one of those rare individuals who doesn’t just show up-she elevates the entire team. Whether she’s stepping in to support a coworker, offering a solution before anyone else has even identified the problem, or going the extra mile to make sure our patients and families feel cared for, Edie embodies what exceptional service looks like. With 23 years at NKC Health, Edie brings something even more special than her skill and work ethic: positivity. She approaches challenges with steadiness, coworkers with kindness, and change with an open mind. Her presence doesn’t just help our workflow-it strengthens our culture of care. During a winter storm when staffing was limited, Edie stayed beyond her scheduled shift to ensure customers and staff were taken care of. Edie helped cross train team members and kept morale up despite the challenges. Edie regularly coaches and mentors' employees with special needs, taking extra time to adjust training methods, reinforce confidence, and ensure they feel supported and successful in their roles.

   Jeanette Jobe, Lead Sonographer, Western Missouri Medical Center
   Jeanette Jobe stepped into the role of Lead Technologist within the past year and has truly excelled. She demonstrates an exceptional work ethic and brings a calm, steady presence to the department, making her a natural and highly effective leader. Jeanette consistently leads by example, supporting both patients and teammates with professionalism, compassion, and outstanding bedside manner. She is always willing to step in where needed, fosters a positive team environment, and helps drive high-quality care and accountability within Diagnostic Imaging. Jeanette embodies the values of Western Missouri Medical Center and is truly deserving of recognition as a Champion. She is a tremendous asset to both our department and the organization as a whole.

   Kiwi Popyk-Wyatt, LCSW, Licensed Clincial Social Worker, Bothwell Regional Health Center
   Kiwi Popyk-Wyatt, LCSW, Social Worker at Bothwell Regional Health Center, exemplifies compassionate, patient-centered care. She is a strong advocate who ensures patients receive not only medical treatment, but also the emotional and social support essential to healing. By addressing challenges such as financial strain, family responsibilities, and access to resources, Kiwi helps remove barriers and supports patients during some of life’s most difficult moments. Known for her empathy and ability to truly listen, Kiwi takes the time to understand each individual’s needs and connects them with appropriate resources. She consistently goes beyond her assigned role, offering support to clinic staff and community members seeking guidance. Kiwi also makes a meaningful impact on her coworkers by providing support during challenging situations and helping them process difficult experiences. A trusted and collaborative team member, she communicates effectively and brings a calm, solution-focused approach to complex situations. Through her dedication, compassion, and advocacy, Kiwi Popyk-Wyatt truly embodies the spirit of a Champion of Care.

   Nicholas Lewis, Chaplain, Pastoral Care, Phelps Health
   We proudly nominate Nicholas Lewis for his extraordinary commitment to supporting patients and families through their most difficult journeys. Nick provides a level of pastoral care that extends far beyond the hospital walls. During the final months of a young patient's life, Nick became a constant source of encouragement, building a genuine bond over her love for working with children. On her final day, Nick provided a steady, calming presence, reading scripture for nearly an hour to bring comfort to the family. His support did not end at discharge; he stepped in to help the grieving family navigate funeral arrangements and ultimately spoke at the patient’s celebration of life. Nick’s ministry is a testament to the profound impact of spiritual care in the healing-and grieving-process.

   Michael Gruenberg, Director of Ambulance Services, Phelps Health
   Michael Gruenberg exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care. As Director of Ambulance Services at Phelps Health, he has transformed the way our organization serves vulnerable and high risk populations by envisioning, building and launching an innovative Community Paramedicine Program that is reshaping Health care delivery across Phelps County and surrounding rural communities. Michael recognized a growing need: increasing emergency department utilization, avoidable ambulance transports, gaps in access to primary and behavioral Health care, and the lack of proactive support for patients struggling with chronic disease or social barriers. Rather than accepting these challenges as inevitable, he saw an opportunity to reimagine how EMS could serve the community. Under his leadership, Phelps Health shifted from a traditional, reactive emergency response model to a proactive, community based care approach that meets patients where they are - often in their homes. Michael designed the Community Paramedicine Program from the ground up, collaborating with internal leaders and external partners to create a model focused on early intervention, continuity of care and patient stability. Community paramedics now provide post discharge follow ups, chronic disease monitoring, medication reconciliation, home safety assessments, and coordination with primary care and behavioral health services. These efforts are already reducing unnecessary 911 calls, preventing avoidable hospital readmissions and improving health outcomes for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents. A hallmark of Michael’s leadership is his ability to bring people together. He forged strong partnerships with organizations such as Four Rivers Community Health Center, Compass Health and local recovery and outreach groups to ensure patients have access to comprehensive support - from primary care and behavioral health to social services and recovery resources. He also secured critical funding through the Missouri Medicaid TORCH program and the Phelps County Opioid Settlement Commission, enabling the program to launch with dedicated personnel, equipment and a community based response vehicle without placing additional financial burden on the health system. Michael’s commitment extends beyond program design and community collaboration. He has championed workforce development to ensure long term sustainability, personally pursuing Community Paramedic certification and encouraging his team to do the same. His leadership has created momentum within the department, elevating clinical standards and preparing the team for responsible program growth. The program’s impact is already measurable. By focusing on patients with chronic conditions, limited access to care and recent hospital discharges, community paramedics are improving treatment adherence, stabilizing patients in their homes and reducing preventable emergency utilization. Michael has also ensured the program plays a meaningful role in addressing the region’s opioid crisis through overdose prevention education, Narcan distribution support and connections to treatment and recovery services. What makes Michael a true Champion of Care is not just his innovation - it’s his compassion. He understands that many of the barriers patients face are not medical but social: transportation challenges, unstable housing, medication access issues or behavioral health needs. By sending trained clinicians into the community, he has created a model that sees the whole person, not just the emergency. Michael Gruenberg’s vision, dedication and collaborative spirit have positioned Phelps Health as a regional leader in EMS based community health. His work is improving lives, strengthening community health infrastructure and redefining what compassionate, patient centered care looks like in rural Missouri. He goes above and beyond every day, embodying the very essence of the Champions of Care award.

   Raven Martin, Patient Experience Partner, BJC
   Raven Martin has dedicated her career to improving the care our patients receive. Raven has worked for both SSM and BJC, in a variety of different roles, departments, and specialties, but she consistently advocates for safety, excellence, and kindness in patient care. Raven currently works in the field of patient experience and she partners with managers, supervisors, doctors, nurses, and many other caregivers to improve the experience of our patients. Recently she was instrumental in advancing a project that has improved clinical outcomes as a result of improved hourly rounding on inpatients and she was integral in deploying all leader rounding on inpatients where leaders from all departments build rapport with patients, learn about their experience, address barriers in real time, and promote the commitment to quality care and positive community while in the hospital. This initiative resulted in breakthrough improvements in how inpatients rate their experience regarding the BJC values of kindness, respect, excellence, safety, and teamwork. In addition to large scale projects, Raven collaborates with colleagues on a daily basis to strengthen bedside shift report nursing practices, streamline discharge communication with patients, and help everyone involved "make the most" of their daily experience in Health care. Raven is a role model for exceptional care for patients and she not only positively impacts the patients within whom she interacts, but her impact is magnified by all of the leaders, doctors, nurses, etc. That she partners with each and every day.

   Amanda Dalton, Lab Tech, CMA, Citizens Memorial Health care
   Amanda Dalton is a certified medical assistant, a lab tech, and a phlebotomist at the clinic I have worked at for over a decade. In my time here, Amanda is the best lab tech I have had the pleasure of working with. Not only is she an incredibly talented phlebotomist who gets complimented by our patients daily on her skills, her efficiency, and her ability to draw blood without causing pain. But she also has a kind heart that has allowed her to build relationships with our patients. Amanda always takes the time to check in with them, remember the names of their families and ask how they are doing with situations they may have previously discussed. She shares in their joy when they tell her about their grandkids or she will share a funny store and make them laugh, distracting them from the blood draw task at hand. Our patients absolutely adore her and miss her if she is out of the office for any reason. They will specifically ask for her by name or bring their courtesy orders to our office just so Amanda can be the one to draw them. Amanda is also an amazing team player. She is always willing to help the nurses out when asked. She will pick up the slack when I am busy or running behind. She is incredibly knowledgeable. She is the first person I go to if I have a question on how to do something. If she isn't sure of the answer, she will always know what person to reach out to, to figure it out. Amanda embodies everything it means to be a champion of care. She takes excellent care of our patients. I am lucky to work with her and blessed to call her my friend.

   Mike Wiley, Plant Engineer, Hannibal Regional Health care System
   I am honored to nominate Mike Wiley for the Missouri Hospital Association’s Health care Worker Champion award. As a vital member of the Plant Operations team at Hannibal Regional Health care System, Mike embodies the "team-first" mindset that keeps our clinical mission moving forward. While his work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt at every bedside. A true champion is defined by how they respond under pressure. Last summer, when a critical air-conditioning outage threatened a clinical area, Mike’s dedication was on full display. Recognizing that temperature control is not just a comfort issue but a patient safety necessity, Mike worked tirelessly alongside his team to restore the system. His rapid response ensured that fragile patients remained safe and that our clinical staff could continue their life-saving work without disruption. Mike’s value extends far beyond emergency repairs. He is a proactive problem-solver who consistently lends his technical expertise to projects across the organization. By finding innovative ways to reduce costs and meet aggressive timelines, he ensures our facilities remain modern and operational. Whether he is troubleshooting complex infrastructure or maintaining the grounds, Mike approaches every task with a positive attitude and an unwavering work ethic. He doesn't just maintain a building; he maintains a secure environment for healing. Mike’s reliability and deep commitment to the Hannibal Regional mission truly embody the spirit of a Health care Worker Champion.

   Laura Heineman, Director of Emergency Department/Interim Director of Medical Surgical Department, Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital
   It is my honor to nominate an exceptional Nursing Director for the Missouri Hospital Champion of Care Award. Laura Heineman truly exemplifies excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient care and her teams. This leader consistently demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to those she serves. She is always available-approachable, responsive, and willing to answer questions no matter the time or circumstance. During a period of significant organizational change, she has gone above and beyond to support all departments, ensuring stability, communication, and continuity of care across the organization. Her work ethic is unmatched. She routinely steps outside the traditional scope of her role, working a multitude of shifts, including nights, to ensure adequate staffing and safe patient care. This is done in addition to fulfilling her full responsibilities as a Director. Her willingness to be present, fill gaps, and support frontline staff speaks volumes about her servant leadership style. She does not ask anything of her team that she is not willing to do herself. She consistently goes out of her way to support the departments she oversees, fostering a culture of trust, teamwork, and accountability. Recognizing organizational needs, she volunteered to take on an additional department demonstrating her initiative, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the success of the hospital as a whole. Beyond operations, she plays a critical role in advancing clinical excellence. She leads the Time-Critical Diagnosis programs for STEMI and Stroke, coordinating meetings, educating staff and providers, and driving improvements that directly impact patient outcomes. Her leadership ensures that patients receive timely, evidence-based care when minutes matter most. Her compassion extends beyond hospital walls. She makes a conscious effort to recognize and appreciate EMS partners to acknowledge their vital role in the continuum of care, even though they are not directly part of the organization. This reflects her holistic view of Health care and her respect for every contributor to patient well-being. No task is too big or too small for her. Whether leading strategic initiatives or stepping into bedside care, she approaches every responsibility with humility and grace. She carries an immense workload with professionalism and positivity, serving as a role model for peers and staff alike. Perhaps most telling of her character is her selflessness-she consistently places the needs of the organization, her team, and her patients above her own. While this level of dedication is admirable, it also underscores just how deeply committed she is to her calling. In every sense, she embodies what it means to be a Champion of Care. Her leadership, resilience, compassion, and tireless dedication make her an invaluable asset to the organization and a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. There simply are not enough words-or space-to fully capture the impact she has made. She is, without question, a Champion of Care.

   Alexa Molter, EMG technician, St Lukes / BJC
   Alexa had only been working for St Lukes for a few months but quickly made a huge impact. Neurology bought new EMG machines for all 4 of our locations. Since having them, there were numerous and continuous technical problems with the machines. Alexa was really been the lead on trouble shooting problems, talking to the vendor and St Lukes IT about the problems, and communicating with administrators and doctors about the updated information. She also has worked on setting up the numerous options on the machines, trying to accommodate numerous physicians' requests. She does all this with a fantastic attitude, staying pleasant despite the frustrations of the EMG machines. And she brings a very dedicated attitude to getting things done, even things that are not in her direct line of duty but will help others around her if they need assistance. She is always very compassionate with patients, either on the phone or in person. While performing her testing, which is a painful test using small electric currents on the patient’s arms or legs, she is able to get the patient through this stressful time due to her heartfelt consideration. She is a true Champion of Care!

   Sherry Bell, Therapist, Crittenton Children's Center
   She always takes the time to make sure her patients are out in nature to clear their minds and speak freely. I always see her move mountains for her patients to ensure she gains and keeps their trust in their journey of mental health. She receives a level of respect from her patient that is truly inspiring.

   Elethra Boss, MOS, Saint Lukes East- SLPG
   This individual goes above and beyond for the patients she interacts with. She has received feedback often about how her positive attitude and mindset have turned around a patients day.

   Amber Firebaugh, Rep Patient Svc-Lead, Missouri Baptist
   I would like to nominate, Amber Firebaugh for outstanding Leadership within Neurology Associates, Amber wears many hats in our department, Team Lead, Trainer and SME to all, Amber is always stepping in wherever support is needed in the department and I appreciate her positive guidance without making anyone feel discouraged if there is an error made, I have come to realize she doesn't like the "spotlight" as she does performs her duties with a positive and professional approach, Amber represents BJC Motto of Kindness, Respect, Excellence, Safey and Teamwork and for that Amber deserves a Champion of Care Recognition.

   Amber Firebaugh, Lead Patient Service Representative, BJC medical Group-Neurology Associates at Missouri Baptist
   Amber should be recognized for her exceptional performance and dedication to our patients and our office. She possesses and extensive knowledge base that surpasses our other team members and leadership. She is always willing to step in and cover when we have people out, ensuring that operations continue smoothly. On a daily basis, she responds to numerous questions, from staff and patients with both kindness and patience. Creating a supportive and positive environment for both staff and our patients. She works efficiently and quickly to complete tasks for our doctors and managers. Her reliability, expertise and compassionate approach make her an invaluable asset to our team and BJC Health.

   Abby and Mollie, ED Child Life Specialists, Saint Louis Children's Hospital
   These amazing women work tirelessly in the ED here at Children's helping our patients through anything that may go one in the department from breathing treatments to end of life care. They will go in and explain every procedure to the kids in a way that is meant to be easily digested by someone of their specific age. They stand at the head of the bed during each procedure from IV insertion, bone realignment, sedations, and traumas as the voice of calm and compassion in these kids scariest moments. They hold parents and siblings and bring a sense of empathy can care when a child passes or is passing. They go over to BJH to help with pediatric patients there with no questions asked and no complaints. They give the same care and compassion to every patient who walks through our front door no matter their age or situation. Our department would fall apart with these two amazing women and if anyone deserves this award it is them. Their role seems to be over looked at times and they deserve to finally be recognized for all the lives they have touched.

   Marcus Fulton, Respiratory Therapist, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
   Marcus goes above and beyond for all of our kids in the emergency department. There are so many stories of Marcus doing what’s right for kids that it’s hard to just pin point one specific story. One that stands out above others is during a very intense trauma Marcus went beyond his job duties as an RT and advocated for the patient to get pain medication because he noticed them having tears even when the patient was unable to talk for himself.

   Nkosi Wan, Certified Sterile Processing Technician, Barnes Jewish West County Hospital
   I am proud to nominate Nkosi Wan for the Champions of Care award. As a preceptor in our Sterile Processing Department, Nkosi embodies the role of a “silent healer. ” While our patients may never meet him, their safety and recovery depend entirely on the integrity of his work a responsibility he takes to heart every single day. Nkosi is defined by his unwavering commitment to quality and safety. In an environment where shortcuts can be tempting, Nkosi is meticulous. He follows every protocol to the letter, ensuring that every instrument is processed with 100% accuracy. He understands that behind every tray is a human life, and he treats every task with that level of gravity. As a mentor, Nkosi is invaluable. When training new employees, he teaches strictly “by the book, ” instilling the importance of precision and patience from day one. He doesn't just show them how to do the job; he teaches them why it matters, ensuring our next generation of technicians shares his high standards for patient care. Nkosi’s dedication, discipline, and quiet passion for excellence make him a true champion. He is a vital part of our clinical success and a guardian of patient safety.

   Jamie Wood, Sr Staffing Coordinator, BJC hospice
   Always puts our patients needs first. Hardworking, dedicated and compassionate employee. Always great to work with and always ready to help others. Truly cares about her work and puts in the extra hours when needed.

   Lauren Eastabrooks, OB Scrub Tech, Western Missouri Medical Center
   Lauren Eastabrooks is an outstanding OB scrub tech. She consistently goes above and beyond every day she is at work and leaves no task unturned. Her work ethic is exceptional, and she provides tireless support to out delivery team. If you ask every member of the OB team here at WMMC, they will say Lauren is the hardest worker around. She is dependable, highly skilled and always willing to step in wherever needed. She truly embodies excellence and teamwork in everything she does. She does it all with a smile, showing kindness and support to everyone around her.

   Caly Comfort, Nutritional Services, Patient services manager, Western Missouri Medical Center
   Caly Comfort consistently exemplifies kindness, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to service. Each day, she arrives with a positive attitude and a welcoming smile that brightens the environment for patients, families, and staff alike. In a Health care setting where compassion matters deeply, her presence contributes meaningfully to the overall patient experience. Beyond delivering high-quality nutritional services, Caly is always willing to go above and beyond to assist wherever needed. She is quick to help staff, respond to special requests, and ensure that patients and families feel cared for and supported. This willingness to serve, combined with a consistently cheerful demeanor, reflects a true dedication to teamwork and excellence. Caly plays an essential role in our organization’s mission by helping create a healing environment through both service and kindness. Her reliability, positive spirit, and commitment to helping others make her truly deserving of recognition as a Champion of Care.

   Sarah Stephens, CMA, Golden Valley Memorial Health care
   Sarah demonstrates professionalism and in every patient interaction. She works seamlessly with all staff members. Sarah consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. She maintains a positive attitude and is welcoming to all patients and staff.

   Wesley Hendricks, EVS, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital / BJC
   At Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, exceptional care is delivered not only in clinical settings, but in every interaction across our campus. Wesley Hendricks, a valued member of our environmental services team, exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care. Wesley approaches his role with an unwavering commitment to service, kindness, and pride in the hospital and the community we serve. While his responsibilities include keeping our facility clean and safe, Wesley consistently goes far beyond those expectations. He is known across campus for stepping in wherever help is needed-whether that means picking up trash outside to keep our grounds welcoming, offering directions to visitors, or assisting patients and families before they even have to ask. His impact is best illustrated through the experiences of those he helps. One patient shared: “I was bringing my grandson for his knee and needed a wheelchair. The employee was in the entrance and asked if I needed help. I said I might. He wheeled the chair to the car as it was raining and told me to move under the cover. He helped me get my grandson in the chair and into the building. So very polite and helpful. ” Moments like this happen every day with Wesley. He sees needs before they are voiced and responds with compassion, humility, and genuine care. His friendly smile and willingness to help set the tone for patients and visitors from the moment they arrive. Wesley’s dedication has already been recognized internally through our CONNECT Award, which celebrates team members who embody our values and strengthen the connections that make our hospital special. Wesley lives those values daily, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff alike. Health care is a team effort, and champions of care can be found in every role. Wesley Hendricks reminds us that compassion, service, and community pride are just as powerful as clinical expertise in shaping the patient experience. Through his kindness, initiative, and constant willingness to go above and beyond, Wesley truly represents the spirit of a Champion of Care.

   Andrew Poppe, Physical Therapist, Community Hospital- Fairfax
   I have been doing P. T. @ Fairfax Hospital for about a month now. I've been struggling with my sessions, physically & mentally. I recently had Andrew for 1 of my sessions & I was struggling emotionally that day. He took the time to talk one on one with me about where I was at with my P. T. : physically, emotionally, mentally. It was like he knew my thoughts/feelings. He reassured me that what I was feeling is normal, he explained the pain to me in a way that I could understand, using examples I could relate to. He made me feel so much better to the point my attitude is more "I GOT this" & I'm going to be fine. " I feel Andrew went above his duties that day. He's very professional, knows his job well, but has that sense of empathy for his patients. We connected on a personal level. We talked about our faith. .. . I know God sent him that day to help me. I told him he just made a friend for life. Andrew is a valuable asset to Community Hospital- Fairfax as well as the everyone in the Physical Therapy Department and other staff members. Atchison County is blessed to have this hospital in our community.

   Chad Smith, Security Officer, LHC Security
   This officer is a dedicated employee he recently took it upon himself to come up with a training program for our department. This will allow us to better train our officers with that it will help us better serve our community and serve our employees at the highest quality. He also regularly goes above and beyond especially when dealing with our patients. He is always kind and courteous making people feel welcomed. He is also regularly left in charge as well and does an exemplary job.

   Don Tiefenthaler, Maintenance Tech and Floor Care, Salem Memorial Hospital
   Don Tiefenthaler is truly a champion of care at Salem Memorial District Hospital, going above and beyond in his role as an Maintenance Technician to create a welcoming, healing environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Every day, Don dedicates himself to keeping our floors impeccably clean and polished-so shiny that you can literally see your reflection in them. This level of attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed. Patients frequently comment on how exceptionally clean the hospital looks and feels, often sharing how the spotless surroundings make them feel more comfortable, reassured, and confident in the care they’re receiving. In a Health care setting, cleanliness is more than just appearance-it’s a vital part of patient safety, infection prevention, and overall well-being. Don’s consistent hard work and pride in his craft contribute directly to our hospital’s reputation for excellence and help support the healing process for our patients and their families. Thank you, Don, for your unwavering commitment and for shining so brightly in your role-you truly embody what it means to be a champion of care!

   Staci Tiefenthaler, Housekeeping, Salem Memorial Hospital
   Staci Tiefenthaler is rightfully recognized as a Champion of Care at your hospital because she embodies the heart and dedication that make Health care environments truly supportive and healing-far beyond her core role as a housekeeper. In hospitals, especially on busy units like the medical-surgical floor, housekeeping staff play a vital but often underappreciated role. They maintain clean, safe, and welcoming spaces that directly impact patient recovery, infection control, and overall well-being. A spotless room isn’t just about hygiene-it’s about giving patients and families a sense of calm and dignity during vulnerable times. What sets Staci apart and earns her this champion title is her exceptional commitment and willingness to go above and beyond: • She steps up during staffing shortages - When the team is short-handed, Staci voluntarily works extra hours or takes on additional responsibilities. This reliability ensures the medical-surgical floor remains functional and patients receive consistent care without unnecessary delays or added stress on nurses and other staff. • She does a great job consistently - Her work isn’t just adequate; it’s thorough and high-quality. Patients on the med-surg floor often deal with complex needs-post-surgery recovery, chronic conditions, mobility issues-so a housekeeper who maintains exceptionally clean environments helps prevent complications and supports faster healing. These qualities reflect true “champion” spirit in Health care: selflessness, dependability, and pride in contributing to patient care. Housekeepers like Staci are part of the care team, and her extra effort directly supports the nurses, doctors, and patients by keeping the environment optimal. In many hospitals, awards like “Champion of Care” highlight unsung heroes who demonstrate outstanding service, compassion, and teamwork. Staci’s actions show she doesn’t just clean rooms-she helps create a space where healing can happen more effectively. Staff like Staci make a real difference every day!

   Tara Goosey, Nurse Practitioner, Archie Medical Clinic
   She was very thorough with her work and she answered all and every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only patient in that clinic which I was not. Tara made an effort to get to me as quickly as possible!

   Kevin Daly, Emergency Department Tech, University of Missouri
   Kevin Daly exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care through his unwavering dedication, exceptional work ethic, and quiet leadership within our Emergency Department. In his role as an Emergency Department Technician, Kevin is responsible for vital yet behind-the-scenes operational tasks-cleaning, stocking, organizing, and ensuring that our department functions smoothly day-to-day. What truly sets Kevin apart is not only his mastery of these responsibilities, but the reliability, consistency, and positive attitude he brings to every shift. Regardless of the challenges or volume pressures our department faces, Kevin is present every day, greeting every colleague and patient with friendliness and professionalism that uplifts the entire team. His presence enables clinical staff to focus on patient care with confidence, knowing that the ED environment is safe, prepared, and efficient. Kevin’s impact cannot be overstated: when he is not on shift, the department tangibly feels it. His knowledge of equipment locations, cleaning cycles, repair status, and inventory flow is unparalleled. Core clinical staff often defer to Kevin, not because they cannot do the work themselves, but because Kevin knows the real answer-where something is, why something isn’t available, and how to solve operational challenges quickly and thoughtfully. We have hired others into this role, but none have matched Kevin’s productivity, initiative, or commitment to excellence. Kevin never complains, never engages in unprofessional behavior, and has never been anything but a calm, dependable force for good in our department. He is a hidden rock of our ED-an irreplaceable member of the care team who ensures that quality, safety, and readiness are always upheld. Kevin’s work embodies the spirit of the Champions of Care award, and we are honored to nominate him.

   Barb Caswell, Endo Tech, WMMC
   Barb plays an essential, yet often unseen, role in ensuring the success and safety of our Endoscopy department. As an Endoscopy Technician, she takes on the critical responsibility of cleaning and reprocessing endoscopes-work that requires precision, vigilance, and strict adherence to infection prevention standards. Her dedication helps ensure that every scope is safe and ready for patient care, protecting both patients and staff. In addition to her technical expertise, Barb takes ownership of many behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep the department running smoothly. She diligently manages ordering and supplies, ensuring the team always has what is needed to care for patients without interruption. She also remains highly attentive to regulatory compliance, helping maintain the department’s readiness for inspections and adherence to best practices. What truly sets Barb apart is the pride she takes in her work. The scope room is maintained with exceptional organization and care. While their work may often go unnoticed by many, the impact of their dedication is felt throughout the entire department.

   Scott Thoreson, MHA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Carroll County Memorial Hospital
   Scott Thoreson exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care through humble leadership, genuine compassion, and a deep commitment to the future of rural Health care. As Chief Executive Officer of Carroll County Memorial Hospital, Scott has focused not on personal recognition, but on building a strong foundation that will serve patients, staff, and the community long after his planned retirement in June 2026. Under Scott’s leadership, Carroll County Memorial Hospital has been recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for four consecutive years and a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital twice during that time. These honors reflect consistent excellence in quality, patient outcomes, and operational performance. Scott is always quick to credit the hospital team for these achievements, reflecting the servant leadership approach that has defined his career. Throughout his tenure, Scott has worked intentionally to strengthen the hospital’s future. Rather than focusing on short-term wins, he has prioritized stable systems, leadership development, and a culture grounded in compassion and accountability. His goal has been to ensure that the next generation inherits an organization that is strong, independent, and positioned to thrive. Scott leads with humility and authentic care for people. He is known for listening first and making thoughtful decisions guided by what is best for patients and staff. Employees consistently describe him as approachable and steady - a leader who values every role in the organization. His work at Carroll County Memorial Hospital reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving access to high-quality care close to home. In support of that mission, Scott helped facilitate one of the first Community Health Needs Assessments conducted jointly with the local Carroll County Health Department. This work strengthened local partnerships and created a shared understanding of community health priorities that continues to guide improvement efforts today. Perhaps Scott’s greatest contribution is the legacy he leaves behind: a high-performing rural hospital with strong leadership, a clear mission, and a culture devoted to patients and community. Scott leads not for recognition, but for the well-being of the people and communities he serves.

   Alec Falkenhain, Radiation Oncology Resident, SSM, SLU
   Alec is passionate about taking care of patients, he's gone into Radiation Oncology so that he can serve his patients to ensure that they receive the best and proper Health care so that they can stay healthy and live the best healthiest life possible.

   Kelsea Laughlin, Surgical Scrub Technician, Capital Region Medical Center
   Kelsea Laughlin consistently demonstrates the highest level of clinical excellence, compassion, and professionalism in her role as a Surgical Technologist in the OB department at Capital Region Medical Center. She is highly self-motivated and approaches her work with a genuine heart for people, especially mothers and babies. Kelsea’s commitment extends far beyond technical skill; she brings empathy, advocacy, and a deep sense of purpose to every interaction, making a meaningful difference for patients, families, and colleagues alike. Kelsea is a steadfast advocate for our patients and an unwavering supporter of her coworkers and department. She is routinely the first to offer help, regardless of whether the need falls within her defined role. Her actions reflect a true servant’s heart and a deep understanding of team-based care. During some of the most vulnerable moments families experience, Kelsea provides not only clinical support but a human connection. She has remained after her shift to sit with patients laboring alone and to comfort mothers grieving the loss of a baby, acts of compassion that are not required, but profoundly impactful. Clinically, Kelsea is an exceptional and reliable surgical technologist who excels in both routine and high-acuity situations. She seamlessly supports physicians in the operating room, assists with vaginal deliveries, and responds swiftly during urgent and emergent situations, including newborn resuscitation and maternal clinical decline. When an emergent cesarean section is called, Kelsea moves with purpose and precision, opening the operating room, ensuring supplies are immediately available, and preparing the environment so the team can focus entirely on delivering safe, timely care. Her attention to readiness and detail ensures our unit is prepared for any scenario at any time. Kelsea is equally committed to developing others. She actively supports staff education by orienting new team members to the operating room, reinforcing sterile technique, proper scrubbing processes, and instrument identification. She regularly quizzes staff to build confidence and competence and ensures all team members know how to open the OR for an emergency case. Kelsea also took the initiative to develop and lead an interactive scavenger hunt for the OR portion of our skills fair, further demonstrating her dedication to learning, preparedness, and teamwork. Kelsea Laughlin embodies the very essence of nursing clinical excellence for assistive personnel. Her unwavering compassion, clinical expertise, advocacy, and servant leadership elevate everyone around her and set a standard to which others aspire. She is not only an invaluable member of our OB team, but she is the kind of caregiver who leaves a lasting imprint on the lives she touches, making her profoundly deserving of this recognition.

   Amanda Hawkins, CMA/X-ray Tech, The Excelsior Springs Clinic
   Amanda is the back office lead plus x-ray tech at Excelsior Springs Clinic.  If Amanda doesnt know the answer, then no one will.  She is always so quick to assist any way that she can and never makes anyone feel bad for asking for assistance.  Amanda is the type that is always happy to share her knowledge to make everyones work experience the best it can be!

4. Health Care TeamsToggle Panel

   Bariatrics Team, Phelps Health
   The Phelps Health Bariatrics team exemplifies what it means to be Champions of Care. Their work supports patients through one of the most personal, vulnerable and transformative journeys in Health care - and they do it with compassion, encouragement and unwavering dedication. Every member of the team plays a vital role in helping patients feel supported, empowered and genuinely cared for as they pursue life changing health goals. Patients consistently describe the Bariatrics team as warm, uplifting and instantly trustworthy. From the very first conversation, patients feel welcomed, understood and treated with dignity. Team members take time to answer questions, ease fears and celebrate milestones, creating an environment where patients feel safe and confident throughout their entire journey. Many patients share that they feel “seen, heard and cared for deeply,” especially during moments of uncertainty or anxiety. This level of emotional support is not just appreciated - it is transformative. Behind the scenes, the team works tirelessly to ensure every patient has a seamless experience. Scheduling, communication, education and follow up are handled with precision and genuine care. Patients never feel lost or alone because the team is consistently present - responding to messages, coordinating appointments and guiding individuals through each step of the process. Their reliability and attention to detail ensure that the program runs smoothly and that every patient receives the support they need. The team’s impact is not only emotional - it is measurable. Since launching the program, the Bariatrics team has completed 139 bariatric operations (8 in 2024, 96 in 2025 and 35 so far in 2026). These surgeries have helped patients collectively lose nearly 5, 000 pounds in under two years, a remarkable testament to the team’s clinical excellence and commitment to long term patient success. Beyond surgical care, the team also supports individuals pursuing non surgical weight loss methods, including lifestyle changes, nutrition counseling and medication assisted weight loss. Patients in these programs - including those preparing for surgery and those pursuing non surgical pathways - have already lost nearly 1, 000 pounds, with the medication only group on track to reach 750 pounds lost before summer. These outcomes reflect the team’s holistic, patient centered approach and their dedication to meeting each person where they are. What truly sets this team apart is their ability to combine clinical expertise with heartfelt encouragement. They are cheerleaders, educators and advocates. They walk alongside patients through challenges, celebrate victories big and small, and create a supportive community where no one feels judged or rushed. Their compassion helps patients believe in themselves, and their dedication helps patients achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. The Phelps Health Bariatrics team embodies the spirit of the Champions of Care award. Their work changes lives, and their commitment to patient centered care reflects the very best of Phelps Health.

   BJC OC Radiology Team, Xray and MRI Techs, BJC Washington University Orthopedic Center Team
   The BJC OC Radiology Team and their Supervisor, Emily, demonstrate the highest level of Excellence, Compassion and Dedication. On a daily basis, minute by minute in a fast-paced environment with high patient volume, the BJC Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield is one of the best kept secrets. Emily and the techs provide efficient and professional care even when no one else is looking. In a close one-on-one care setting, they draw on their professional experience to produce the correct and highest resolution images in a short period of time. Despite the fact that they work quickly, they always have time to listen to our patients. OC Radiology gets it right each and every time. And the results show it. The OC Radiology Team delivers excellent care. Our patients call the Orthopedic Center a "well-oiled machine". Although the Dedicated Team often moves from one floor to the next to support other Team Members, their Heart is with our BJC and Washington University Patients. Alway there. Always Ready. Always with a Smile. Always serving Patients with Excellence, Compassion and Dedication. That's our BJC OC Radiology Team. Here's to them. True Champions of Care.

   Recovery Health Services, Addiction Medicine, University Health
   Nearly two years ago, University Health (UH) opened the Center for Recovery and Wellness - a beautiful, welcoming building where UH physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, therapists and peer support specialists help people struggling with addiction. The more than 20 clinicians who make up the Recovery Health Services team at the Center provide nonjudgmental, evidence-based care that is truly transforming the lives of their clients, who they treat with dignity. “I abused drugs my whole adult life, but I was still functioning - I worked and even went back to school, ” said a patient of addiction medicine specialist Doug Burgess, MD. “But at the same time, I also went without gas or water service for three weeks, and thought that was okay. ” The patient tried to stop using opioids on her own, but the withdrawal pain was unimaginable. The only thing worse, she said, was the thought of letting down her adult children. “They were the only thing that I did right, ” she said. Dr. Burgess treated this patient - and many others - with a medication that allowed her to focus on recovery without the burden of intense withdrawal symptoms. Feelings of shame weigh heavily of many people with addiction. The UH team are Champions of Care because of how they treat their patients, rather than just treating the disease. While drugs and alcohol are what most people think of when discussing recovery, the RHS team also supports individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The legalization of online sports betting has kept UH’s Certified Gambling Addiction Specialist especially busy. Calling 888-BETS-OFF connects you directly to UH’s specialist - the only counselor of this kind listed in the region. Patients at the Center for Recovery and Wellness are often isolated from both loved ones and the broader community. The RHS team meets each person where they are and, without judgment, helps them regain control of their lives.

   Surgery Department, BJC Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
   This team is recognized regularly by patients through our recognition program. The one common thread that connects all the patient testimonials is that it is a team effort and that the success of patient care does not depend on one person. This team gets recognized for their compassion, helpfulness, communication with patients and team members, professionalism, and for making that unpleasant situation of having a surgery a little more bearable. They go above and beyond to provide a compassionate, personalized experience to each and every patient.

   Intensive Care Unit, Freeman Health System
   It is with great pride that I nominate our Intensive Care Team for the 2026 Champion of Care Award. This team consistently shows excellence in nursing practice, compassion in care and commitment to both patients and their families during some of life's most critical moments. Over the past year, the ICU team has been recognized repeatedly for their outstanding work. Multiple individual DAISY awards, a testament to the consistent, high-level care that is provided. Most notable, the team was recently awarded the DAISY Team Award. This is a direct reflection of their collaboration and dedication to patient outcomes. In addition, their director was recognized with the Nursing Leader DAISY Award, highlighting the strong, supportive leadership that fosters a culture of excellence and accountability. This team cares for some of the highest acuity patients in our organization, yet they do so with skill, composure, and compassion. What sets them apart are that they are committed to supporting not only the physical needs of their patients, but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. They bring comfort, trust and dignity during some of the vulnerable times in a patient and family's lives. This Team embodies what it truly means to be a Champion of Care. They are more than deserving of this recognition.

   Hospice Room Construction Team, Facilities Management Technicians, Bothwell Regional Health Center
   Hospice Room Construction Team - In life’s most difficult moments-moments families will carry with them forever-the environment surrounding a patient and their family can make a lasting difference. At Bothwell Regional Health Center, the Facilities Management Technicians team recognized the importance of creating a space that offers comfort, dignity, privacy, and peace during a patient’s final days. Through the vision and support of the Bothwell Foundation and the dedication of the entire maintenance department, three standard rooms were transformed into a single, thoughtfully designed hospice suite. This space was created with intention - ensuring patients and their families remain together during some of life’s most difficult moments. The suite includes two bathrooms - one fully handicapped-accessible for the patient and another for family members that includes a shower - allowing loved ones to remain close without sacrificing their own basic needs. A fold-out bed in the small living room area allows families to stay overnight comfortably, and a kitchenette provides a place to prepare meals, enabling them to remain together during this important time. This project was more than a renovation - it was a commitment to compassionate care and a true labor of love for the maintenance team. Because of their work, families are not forced to choose between comfort and presence. Instead, they can remain together in a space that feels more like home than a hospital. What makes this project even more remarkable is that the maintenance team completed much of the work themselves. Although they work as one team, each member has their own area of expertise, including plumbing, electrical work, and general construction. By working together and using their individual skills, they completed work that would normally require multiple outside contractors. The team also attended specialized training to learn to fabricate and install solid-surface countertops. Their teamwork, willingness to learn new skills, and dedication to the project ultimately saved the organization tens of thousands of dollars in construction costs for this new suite. While their work often happens behind the scenes - quietly keeping the hospital running and functioning - the impact of this team is deeply felt by every patient and family who enters this space. In their most vulnerable moments, they receive clinical care and an environment designed to support connection, dignity, and peace. The hospice room construction team at Bothwell Regional Health Center exemplifies what it means to be Champions of Care. Through their dedication, craftsmanship, and compassion, they have created more than a space - they have created a place where families can be together in the moments that matter most.

   Oncology Clinical Research Team, Saint Lukes Hospital
   The Oncology Research Team goes above and beyond to provide compassionate nursing care to our oncology patients while maintaining the integrity of clinical research trials. Our nurses and coordinators are dedicated to facilitating the enrollment of oncology patients into medical trials that are either potentially lifesaving and/or contribute to the future of medical advancement for the oncology population.

   Celebrating the Mission (Experience and Customer Service), Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital
   Being a leader in patient experience isn't just about high-quality clinical care; it’s about the human connection that turns a stressful hospital visit into a moment of healing. Becoming a leader in this space means we are building trust and loyalty within our community. Being an experience leader is indicative of a team that is committed to going above and beyond to care for our community. To honor those who go above and beyond, we launched the Fleur de Lis Experience of the Month award. This initiative celebrates the departments and individual employees who don’t just do their jobs, but create memorable experiences for our patients and their families. Whether it's a small act of kindness or a major departmental effort to streamline care, these awards shine a light on the compassion and excellence that make us leaders in our field. By recognizing these "Fleur de Lis" moments, we’re not just giving out awards-we’re reinforcing a culture where every interaction matters. Recent “Fleur de Lis” moments celebrating the experiences our Health care team creates each day; • 100th birthday celebration- On her 100th birthday a patient had a visit with her primary care provider Dr. Leung. Recognizing this, she rallied the clinic support team and collaborated with the Food Services department to get the patient a last minute piece of cake, birthday card, and small sign for her cake. Imagine- 100 years old! • Cheerleaders- A patient wrote a letter stating “There was a young lady, Shanna, who mopped and cleaned my room and the hallways. It was her job to encourage, but she was right there, whether in my room or in the hallway encouraging me with each difficult step. ” The same patient, in a letter, also commended our therapy team Jordan, Hannah, Payton and our nurses assistant Tana for the encouragement as she healed. Our team does not just practice Health care; they embody a culture of compassion, excellence, and dedication that defines our organization. Their commitment is best illustrated through our "Fleur De Lis" Mission Moments, which are shared daily during team announcements to highlight exceptional acts of care. While these shared stories are merely a sampling of their dedication, they provide consistent evidence of a team that consistently goes above and beyond for our patients and each other.

   Internal Medicine/Primary Care Outpatient Clinic, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City/BJC Health System
   The Saint Luke’s Hospital Medical Education Internal Medicine Clinic Team exemplifies the very spirit of compassionate, patient-centered care and stands as a model for how academic medicine makes a difference. Serving a diverse and often vulnerable patient population, this team provides comprehensive primary care to adults most of whom have Medicare and/or Medicaid. Many of their patients face significant health disparities, chronic illnesses, and complex social challenges. The teams work extends far beyond traditional medical care-they meet patients where they are, addressing not only clinical needs but also the social determinants that directly impact health outcomes. What makes this team truly exceptional is their unwavering commitment to equity, dignity, and access. They care for patients who often encounter barriers such as transportation limitations, financial hardship, food insecurity, and limited health literacy. Rather than allowing these barriers to hinder care, the team proactively works to remove them-coordinating resources, connecting patients with community support, and advocating fiercely on their behalf. As a medical education clinic, the team plays a dual and equally vital role: delivering outstanding patient care while training the next generation of physicians. Residents and medical students are immersed in a culture that prioritizes empathy, accountability, and excellence. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, they learn not only how to treat disease, but how to care for the whole person. This approach ensures a lasting impact that extends far beyond the clinic walls. The team’s collaborative spirit is central to its success. Physicians, residents, medical students, pharmacy students, nurses, support staff and social worker work seamlessly together to create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. Patients are not just seen-they are heard, valued, and empowered. This culture of teamwork and mutual respect fosters trust and leads to stronger relationships and better outcomes. Despite the complexity of their patient population, the clinic consistently demonstrates resilience, innovation, and compassion. Whether managing multiple chronic conditions, addressing behavioral health needs, or navigating social challenges, the team approaches each patient with dedication and humanity. The Saint Luke’s Hospital Medical Education Internal Medicine Clinic Team is a true Champion of Care. Their commitment to serving those most in need, while shaping future Health care leaders, embodies the mission and values of Health care at its best. Their impact is profound, their compassion is unwavering, and their work is nothing short of inspiring.

   Advanced Wound Care Center Team, Advanced Wound Care Center, Progress West
   The entire office team reflects all of our BJC values. I was treated with kindness, respect, compassion, dedication, and professionalism. They demonstrated exceptional teamwork and safety was of great concern to them. It was a lengthy healing process for me and during my weekly, sometimes bi-weekly visits they became like family to me. We were on a first name basis; they kept me informed on all aspects of the process while in office and how to continue care between visits at home. They were always available to reach out with questions or concerns. After several months of treatment, I have been given my certificate of completion and let go. I left in tears, hugging everyone because of all the understanding and concern that was shown to me during the most difficult time of my life. I have told them I would be dropping in for visits because I would miss them so much, and I have never received this kind of extraordinary care on such a personal level before. I highly recommend them for any type of wound care treatment.

   Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Ambulatory Office, Missouri Baptist Medical Center 
   Caring for cardiac surgery patients is fast paced and complex--even in the office setting. Patients come to CTVS at MBMC from all over the bi-state area and beyond. Gathering the medical history and all the testing to ensure there is a plan that fits for each patient is cumbersome work. Patients are seen quickly from the time of referral to the time of surgery. From the schedulers, receptionists, medical assistants, authorization specialists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and the surgeons, each person has a hand in helping patients get the care they need. This team works together to make every patient feel like they are the only patient we are taking care of. Each team member creates a world where respect, collaboration and trust thrive--it is the ONLY way they can take excellent care of their patients. From intake, to the office visit, to scheduling surgery, to post-op care and all the stops in between this team listens to each patient and addresses their unique needs. Without the compassion and empathy given to each patient and their loved ones, they could feel like just another patient in the office, but they are pulled into the care team and the CTVS team becomes part of the patients' families. Without the teamwork from all involve it just doesn't work.

   University Health Neurology Team, Neurological, University Health 
   Neurology Clinic Team, I just want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate all the YOU who make our Neurology Clinic such an extraordinary place. YOU-our physicians, nurses, PASRs, Medical Assistants, EEG team, pharmacists, rehabilitation specialists, administrators, and everyone who contributes to patient care-bring dedication, skill, expertise, and heart to everything YOU do. Every day, YOU ensure that our patients feel seen, heard, and supported. YOU collaborate across disciplines, solve complex challenges, educate, and comfort-with patience and compassion. YOU transform medical care into something truly human and meaningful. Because of all the YOU in this clinic, we’re not just providing treatments-we’re creating a community where patients are empowered, encouraged, and cared for at every step of their journey. Every appointment, conversation, and decision is shaped by the commitment and excellence of YOU. The Neurology Clinic at University Health Truman Medical Center in Kansas City provides expert evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Every day, YOU help patients living with complex neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders, headaches and migraines, and stroke. YOU focus on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and supporting long-term neurological health. YOU guide patients through comprehensive neurological evaluations, helping them navigate advanced diagnostics such as EEG studies, electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction testing so they can receive clear answers and effective treatment plans. YOU support patients experiencing memory loss, cognitive disorders, and other neurological challenges by combining clinical expertise with compassion and education. In this clinic, YOU work together as a highly collaborative team. YOU bring neurologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, dietitians, rehabilitation therapists, and specialized nurses together to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. YOU also collaborate with neuro-radiologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuro-oncologists, and other specialists to ensure patients receive the most comprehensive care possible. From the first visit, YOU help patients feel informed and supported-reviewing their history, performing detailed neurological exams, explaining diagnostic results, and guiding them through treatment and recovery. YOU support patients recovering from stroke, living with chronic neurological diseases, and working through neuro-rehabilitation after spinal cord injuries or complex brain and spine conditions. As part of an academic medical center and a partner with UMKC, YOU also contribute to training the next generation of neurologists and advancing neurological care. Through teaching, collaboration, and participation in research, YOU help drive innovation and bring new hope to patients facing neurological disorders. Because of YOU, patients are not just receiving treatment-they’re gaining understanding, confidence, and hope for the future. Thank YOU for showing up, for caring deeply, for learning continuously, and for supporting one another. Every YOU matters-and together, YOU make a profound difference in the lives of our patients and in the heart of this clinic. Thank YOU for the long days. Thank YOU for the precision and teamwork. Thank YOU for putting patients first in everything YOU do. Thank YOU for caring with both expertise and heart.

   Sterile Processing Team, Sterilize instruments for surgeries, Barnes Jewish Hospital 
   Ever day, I mean 24 hours 365 days this team comes into work and gets our instruments ready for our patients procedures. Procedures that could be life or death. They work hard in emergencies to get these trays done. If there is ever a national disaster this team makes sure everything is prepped for whatever comes through the door. Without this team there would be no surgeries to do. It starts and ends with them.

   Saint Luke’s Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, Care for Patients with Chronic and Acute Condition management, BJC Saint Luke’s
   Nomination: 2026 MHA Champions of Care Nominee: BJC Saint Luke’s Diabetes Care and Education Team Category: Team Excellence, Compassion, and Dedication Redefining the Narrative of Chronic Care In a country where more than half of adults live with diabetes or pre-diabetes, the BJC Saint Luke’s Diabetes Care and Education Team does more than manage a condition-they restore dignity. While many view diabetes through a lens of judgment, assuming it is merely a result of lifestyle choices, this team works tirelessly to dismantle that stigma. They educate their patients and the community on the complex reality of the disease, highlighting the socioeconomic and genetic factors that are often far outside a patient’s individual control. By changing the narrative from "blame" to "biology and support, " they empower patients to take charge of their health without the weight of undeserved shame. Excellence Across the Health care Spectrum The team’s impact is felt at every level of the patient journey. They are a bridge between crisis and stability, often meeting patients at their most vulnerable: • Inpatient Advocacy: They provide critical education to patients diagnosed for the first time while in the ICU, turning a terrifying life event into a manageable path forward. • Outpatient Empowerment: They manage chronic health conditions for those in the community, preventing the devastating complications that lead to hospital readmission. • Financial Stewardship: Recognizing that health is tied to resources, they provide specialized support for patients facing significant financial struggles, ensuring that a lack of means does not equate to a lack of care. Compassion Through Shared Experience What truly sets this team of nurses, dietitians, and administrative staff apart is their profound personal investment. This is not just a job for them; it is a calling rooted in lived experience. Many members of the team live with diabetes themselves or share the journey of a loved one with the condition. This shared perspective creates an environment of radical empathy. When they speak to a patient about the daily grind of management, they aren't just reciting a textbook-they are sharing a lived reality. Why They Are 2026 Champions of Care The BJC Saint Luke’s Diabetes Care and Education Team embodies the heart of Missouri Health care. They are the "leaders who remove barriers" and the "specialists who encourage one more step. " By combining clinical excellence with a mission to combat preconceived ideas, they are not just treating a disease-they are advocating for a healthier, more compassionate Missouri.

   Kasey Davis, Theresa Finder, and Joan Zoll - BJC East Radiology Patient Identification Improvement Team, Radiology Patient Identification Safety Improvement, BJC Health care 
   The BJC East Radiology Patient Identification Improvement Team is a Champion of Care for transforming a serious patient safety risk into a sustainable, system-wide solution. Through cross-functional collaboration among Radiology leadership, the BJC Epic team, applications specialists, clinical engineering, Siemens, patient access, and frontline staff, the team addressed the root cause of wrong-patient imaging. They supported the design and implementation of an innovative workflow that allows staff to scan the patient’s MRN directly from the armband, automatically populating the correct patient and exam on the imaging modality and eliminating a high-risk manual selection process. The team is now leading a phased rollout across all BJC East Radiology departments, supported by standardized training, process confirmation, auditing, and performance dashboards. This work reflects an unwavering commitment to High Reliability and teamwork, making care safer for thousands of patients and setting a new standard for patient identification in radiology.

   Saint Luke’s Hospital Radiation Therapy Department, Radiation Oncology, Saint Lukes Hospital 
   The Radiation Therapy Department at Saint Luke’s Hospital exemplifies what it truly means to be a “Champion of Care. ” Every day, this team walks alongside patients during one of the most vulnerable and frightening seasons of their lives, a cancer diagnosis, transforming fear into hope through compassion, consistency, and exceptional clinical care. Radiation therapy is unlike many areas of Health care. Patients return daily, often for weeks at a time, creating relationships that extend far beyond routine medical treatment. The Saint Luke’s Radiation Therapy team embraces this unique responsibility wholeheartedly. They do not simply treat cancer; they care for the whole person. They learn patients’ stories, celebrate milestones, comfort them through setbacks, and provide steady encouragement when the emotional weight of treatment feels overwhelming. This department demonstrates excellence not only through technical expertise and precision but through humanity. Therapists, nurses, physicists, and support staff work seamlessly together to ensure each patient feels seen, heard, and supported. They anticipate needs before they are spoken, adjust schedules to ease burdens on families, and create an environment where patients feel safe returning day after day. What makes this team exceptional is their unwavering presence. For many patients, the radiation department becomes a place of familiarity and reassurance during an otherwise uncertain journey. Staff members greet patients by name, remember personal details, and celebrate the final treatment bell as a shared victory. These moments may seem small, but to patients facing cancer, they represent dignity, hope, and healing. The team consistently goes beyond expectations, supporting patients emotionally, collaborating closely with oncology partners, and ensuring continuity of care throughout treatment. Their compassion extends to families as well, offering reassurance and understanding during moments filled with anxiety and unanswered questions. The Saint Luke’s Radiation Therapy Department embodies excellence, compassion, and dedication in every interaction. Their work impacts lives not only through successful treatments, but through kindness that patients and families carry with them long after therapy ends. For their extraordinary commitment to patient-centered care, their teamwork, and their profound daily impact on the lives of those facing cancer, the Saint Luke’s Hospital Radiation Therapy Department is truly deserving of recognition as a Champion of Care.

   Parkland Home Care, Home Care Services, Parkland Home Care Services 
   Parkland Home Care team is truly the best and deserving of recognition for the outstanding care, teamwork, and dedication they demonstrate every day. Their commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients in their home reflects excellence, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping others. The team consistently supports one another, communicates effectively, and goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive safe, coordinated, and meaningful care.

   Sullivan Medical Office - BJC, Medical office, BJC 
   Our clinic may be small and rural, but the care we provide is anything but. We take pride in knowing our patients beyond their chart, and diagnosis. We understand their lives, their families and unique needs. Being a champion of care means showing up every day with compassion, patience, and the willingness to go the extra mile, for a community that relies on resources for groceries, daily expenses and home care. Sullivan medical office makes everyone feel valued and seen, from the front desk check in staff, to the treating physicians and everyone in-between. In a small community trust is everything, and we work hard to earn it with every interaction. We don't just treat patients; we care for our neighbors.

   South Admitting, Patient Access Revenue Cycle Management, BJC Health care 
   On a daily basis I have witness nothing but over the top customer care and concern given to each patient entering South Admitting Patient Access RCM, this department ensures each and every patient they are in good hands, smiles, kindness, patient care excellence and teamwork are demonstrated providing a great patient experience at BJC Health care. I am proud to be a member of this team.

   Abby Carey and Mollie Wolf, SLCH ED Child Life Specialist, ED Child Life Specialist, SLCH 
   The entire Child Life team that works throughout Children's is extraordinary. As nurses, working hand-in-hand with these amazing individuals enables to deliver that best care for our special patients. Many do not understand the impact that the specialists have when it comes to the complete care of both the child and the family. In the ED, our specialists provide care and support for every type of medical experience. Our child life specialists are the calm in the trauma rooms with our most sick population. They sit patiently with scared kids and explain every medical procedure to them, helping them face the fear of the unknown. They provide distraction during procedures, and comfort during the painful moments. And while their primary focus is in the ED, they will also respond to Barnes to provide end of life care for the small children of adults. I have personally called on Abby to come to Barnes when a young man, recently transitioned from pediatric cardiology to adult cardiology, was at end of life to provide the patient and family with memory making. To provide families with Heart Beat animals, hand prints, or any other memories that they can provide, is truly the definition of compassion. And, as if all the face-to-face calming, teaching, and caring isn't enough, they also manage donations to provide for kids when they are found in the ED without clothes or toys. Our child life specialists are truly the heart of our ED, providing emotional support to patients, families, and staff!

   Neurodiagnostic Team, Neurodiagnostic Team, Barnes Jewish Hospital 
   The Neurodiagnostic Team here at Barnes is a team that I and anyone else would be proud to be a part of. The level of care and compassion each member carries into each patients room and delivers the quality of care that we would like provided to our own families shows in every way. While also being sure to take the time to explain any and all questions within the scope of the testing being provided, leaving patients confident in the care we deliver. The even larger part of it all the care does not stop once we leave our patients rooms, we make sure that we watch the testing closely in the lab and notify the Neurologist of any concerns that are occurring on the EEG. Even if we are not one of the top picks for this award I am just proud to be a part of such an amazing team!

   Radiation Oncology, BJC
   From the moment the patients, family members walk into the clinic during a frightening and uncertainty they are greeted by welcoming front desk staff, nurse coordinators that go above and beyond working late, answering all patients questions, coordinating appts, treatment with the most talented radiation doctors, therapist who make the patients feel safe and walk them through the entire process, treat them daily for weeks. I am extremely lucky to work with this team that all are here for the patients and the patient remain front and center the entire time.

   Cardiology, BJC 
   Our team goes above and beyond for our patients. From the time they walk in until they leave. We make sure they are taken care of even if it is not cardiology related. We treat every patient, and each other with compassion and respect. We are a fantastic team with amazing teamwork. Someone is always willing to jump in and lend a hand. We are dedicated to excellence, safety and continuous improvements to serve our patients better.

   ACB Infusion Pharmacy, Oncology Infusion Pharmacy, Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes Jewish Hospital 
   In general, the pharmacy tends to be an invisible support beam to the structure of medical care. As long as it is functioning properly, most folks don't even think about it. At the ACB Infusion Pharmacy, our Champion of Care operates with two arms: The right arm, our pharmacists, serve as the arbiter between cancer treatments ordered by oncologists and research-supported standards of care. While regularly navigating the space between top-tier patient care and cutting-edge pharmaceuticals, my pharmacists ensure our patients are receiving the correct care in a timely manner. The left arm, our technicians, execute on those orders with an absolute laser-focus on attention to detail. Chemotherapy medications allow for no margin of error or opportunity to misstep. Through this lens, each technician on our team dedicates themselves to ensuring each infusion mix is completed correctly. Siteman Cancer Centers have been nationally recognized for their ability to help patients in their cancer-treatment journey. My team at the ACB Infusion Pharmacy takes that a step further: ensuring we're helping patients for the patients' sake.

   Safety Stop, Injury Prevention - Trauma Services, St. Louis Children's Hospital - BJC Health care 
   Safety Stop is designed to help parents and caregivers ensure the safety of children in the home, car, and during recreational activities. The program offers free consultations and hands-on assistance with car seat installation, bike helmet fitting, and home safety assessments, making child safety accessible regardless of cost or prior knowledge. Safety Stop also provides educational resources on preventing accidental injuries, water safety, and reminders to never leave children unattended in vehicles. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning to help families implement safety measures effectively. St. Louis Children's Hospital. By participating in Safety Stop, families gain expert guidance, practical tools, and confidence in keeping children safe at home, in vehicles, and during play.

   Medical Imaging Department, Northeast Regional Medical Center 
   The NRMC Medical Imaging Department has continuously provided exceptional care while being team players who are flexible and supportive of other departments and Health care entities. We consistently have patients leave positive reviews about their experience with our imaging techs. Comments from patients include "the MRI tech was outstanding informing me of everything, " and "the Technicians are very respectful and thorough as well as efficient. " Medical Imaging staff are consistently described as professional, friendly, helpful and calming. The department exemplifies the meaning of teamwork and will go above and beyond to put the patient first and prevent delays to care. The department is active in the community, providing mammography education at the local Farmers' Market and showcasing medical imaging careers to area high school students through NEMO-AHEC, potentially inspiring the next generation of medical imaging professionals. Staff members consistently work with surrounding Health care organizations to ensure medical imaging orders are clear, correct and timely. It is for these reasons the NRMC Medical Imaging Department is deserving of this nomination.

   Communications Service Operator's Team, Mercy Hospital South 
   I nominate The Communications Service Operator's Team who are always willing to Help others by there Caring and dedication to Service. As a Caregiver we are called to service. We go Above and Beyond. We let patients and other caregivers know that we appreciate them. We are a TEAM! Carrying out and living the Mission to support others and especially compassionate commitment to Patients. With our open hearts and caring hands. A place where miracles happen. We are the #1 Communications Team at Mercy Hospital South. Always here to Help and guide others to the correct place. We are caring for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

   Cancer Center Pharmacy Team, Mo Baptist Medical Center
   Cancer is a scary diagnosis. It takes a team of professionals to manage all the aspects of a cancer diagnosis for a patient. And those who work with the medications recognize the need to treat these agents with respect- for complexities of the dosing regimens and for the hazardous nature of the drugs used. Pharmacy is behind the scenes at the Cancer Center, working diligently to prepare and check the intravenous preparations, monitor for accurate doses, identify drug interactions and ensure appropriate treatment dates. From ordering the drugs, to properly storing and making the medication bags, to communicating with the nurses, the pharmacy team works tirelessly to ensure the safe and accurate delivery of cancer medications. Kudos to the MoBap Cancer Center pharmacy!

   Emergency Unit, St. Louis Children's Hospital 
   As one of the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma centers in Missouri, St. Louis Children's Hospital, is a leader in pediatric emergency medical treatment. Pediatric gun violence is at an all time high and SLCH leads the midwest in treating the victims. SLCH EU offers free gun locks to the community to help attempt to curb the devastating injuries they treat. The level of care provided by the pediatric trauma team is phenomenal! Patients are transferred from several surrounding states to receive comprehensive trauma care. SLCH has also been one of the leading providers for emergency pediatric mental health concerns over the last several years. The EU staff is tasked with treating and stabilizing mental health emergencies until psychiatric placement can be established. The kindness and compassion shown by the entire EU staff for such a fragile patient population is amazing!

   Sleep Lab Team, Sleep Lab and EEG Center, Barnes West County 
   The Sleep Lab Team at Barnes West County Demonstrated exceptional performance in 2025 through their commitment to improving patient access, enhancing quality and reducing scoring turnaround times. With increasing demand, the team proactively optimized schedule workflows and staff coordination resulting in improved access for patient in need of timely studies. In addition, the team maintained a strong focus on quality by reinforcing best practices, reducing errors, and ensuring consistent, high standards across all shifts. A key innovation that occurred was the implementation of a prearrival chart review process, allowing the team to assess patient's needs in advance and ensure the appropriate level of care occurred during their study. This approach improved efficiency, reduced delays, and supported better clinical decision making from the start of the patients visit. Their attention to detail and accountability directly contributed to reliable and efficient diagnostic outcomes. Their operational improvements translated into an increase in patient experience. They were named most improved patient experience in Q4 of 2025. The sleep labs team's collaboration, adaptability, and dedication to excellence make them a nomination for champion of care.

   BJCMG Podiatry at Christian Hospital, Podiatrist, BJCMG Christian Hospital 
   The team of podiatry are phenomenal. The doctors are literally Kobe Bryant and Shaq. The nurse and Medical Assistant are wonderful; they care and provide exceptional services. The PSR is very knowledgeable and great help. All around for it to be a new practice, they are thriving well.

   Evelyn's House, Inpatient Hospice House, BJC Hospice 
   I am honored to nominate the team at Evelyn’s House for the Champion of Care Award in recognition of their unwavering commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. The team at Evelyn’s House consistently exemplifies what it means to provide exceptional hospice care. In one of life’s most vulnerable and sacred moments, they create an environment where patients and families feel seen, heard, and deeply cared for. Their approach goes beyond meeting clinical needs-they provide dignity, comfort, and emotional support that leaves a lasting impact on every life they touch. Each member of the interdisciplinary team-nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains, physicians, and support staff-works seamlessly together to ensure holistic care. They anticipate needs before they are spoken, offer comfort through both skilled hands and kind words, and remain present during some of the most difficult transitions families will ever experience. What sets this team apart is their ability to balance clinical excellence with genuine compassion. Whether it’s sitting quietly with a patient who doesn’t want to be alone, supporting a grieving family member, or going the extra mile to honor a patient’s final wishes, the Evelyn’s House team demonstrates extraordinary dedication every single day. Their commitment to living out core values-kindness, respect, excellence, safety, and teamwork-is evident in every interaction. They not only support their patients and families but also uplift one another, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and resilience. The impact of their work cannot be measured solely in outcomes, but in the comfort they bring, the peace they provide, and the dignity they preserve. The team at Evelyn’s House truly embodies what it means to be Champions of Care. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend the Evelyn’s House inpatient hospice team for this well-deserved recognition.

   Medical Surgical Unit, Community Hospital Fairfax 
   This unit of Health care nurses is the most diversified group of individuals I have every had the privilege to work with. Their skills and ability to adapt are something to be envious of. This group is able to work in all areas of Health care including: neurology, orthopedics, GI, GU, pediatrics, emergency department, postpartum care, preop surgery and postop surgery, outpatient infusion, hospice care, and when resources were limited ICU. These nurses could and do take care of sometimes a patient from each area on a daily patient assignment. They work as a team to provide 5 star care to every person every day. Patient are known to them by name and not room number. They remember their patients and what they were here for last. Birthdays are celebrated with cake from the cafeteria, a handmade card, and glove balloons are a must! This department is the one with a constant presence in the hospital. When all of the ancillary departments, management, and family members go home they are the ones left to answer the calls, provide the care, be the shoulder to cry on, and the once who watches carefully for any changes you may have. Your family becomes their family, and they show it throughout their stay at the hospital. This could mean an extra meal tray for the spouse who can't leave, making an appointment for your husband who also isn't feeling well, getting an extra bed in the room so you have somewhere to sleep, making sure your spouse who has dementia is getting the things that they need. Many of these actions are happening under the radar, but if you ever have the opportunity or experience to be a patient on Medical/Surgical unit at Community Hospital Fairfax. I can guarantee you will see the little things that make this team so remarkable.

   Clinic and Infusion, Golden Valley Memorial Health Care
   I feel GVMH Cancer Unit should be the Champion of Care due to the atmosphere each staff member makes special in their unit. They are genuine, and they make each patient feel important, which reinsures the patient their care and treatment is top notch and first, and foremost, to all the staff. My husband and I found the girls at the check-in desk radiated with a shiny glow, warm hello, how are you doing today. The young lady that roomed always greeted us a smile and a laugh. My husband was a storyteller and had a new story each day to share with them. Each staff member he encountered listened very tentatively to each line. He would have them in stitches laughing shaping their attitude for the next patient. My husband became family to them, and family to Leonard and I. The GVMH cancer unit was one place Leonard and I could be ourselves, and before each chemo treatment, we would have whole waiting room laughing and engaging with everyone. Leonard would never allow me to fix his breakfast on chemo morning. He looked forward to his meal served there each day during his treatment. Even down to the NP's and Oncology physician, front desk ladies, nurses and CNA they were family. They never carried the persona of a medical professional, although they conducted themselves in a professional manner, but they were doctors who treated you as the most important person of their day. They spoke in language terms we could understand. If we had any questions, you did not hesitate to ask them to explain, and they would. You could feel compassion not only from the doctors, but the whole staff as well. October 6, 2025, my husband lost the battle to cancer. And during this time the staff members never forgot me and my family. They stayed in touch, encouraging us. Reminding each of us how important Leonard was to them. Still today, their warmth and compassion draw you to return to the center, if for nothing more than to take a dish of fruit desert, and say hello. They do this for each and every patient. This is why GVMH Cancer Center deserves to be the Champion of Care. They make a awful, scary situation easier to bare.

   Community Health Workgroup, Health Equity, Liberty Hospital 
   The Community Health Workgroup, established in the summer of 2024, embodies the spirit of compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of those they serve. Formed with the goal of addressing unmet needs within the community, this dedicated team has developed and sustained a wide range of initiatives that directly support patients, employees, and families facing hardship. Since its inception, the workgroup has launched several impactful programs, including the distribution of hygiene kits for homeless or underserved patients, expanded access to Narcan, and the creation of an on campus “little pantry” to support employees experiencing financial strain. The team also coordinates seasonal efforts such as the Angel Tree and holiday meal programs, ensuring that both employees and community members receive meaningful support during the Christmas season. Among their many initiatives, the mobile food pantry stands out as the most far reaching. In partnership with local agencies, the workgroup hosts a monthly after hours food pantry on campus, ensuring that working families and individuals can access nutritious food without barriers. Since its launch in September 2024, this program has provided healthy food to more than 10, 000 people across eight counties and three states-an extraordinary achievement made possible by the group’s leadership and the support of employee and community volunteers. Each mobile pantry event is designed not only to meet immediate needs but also to empower participants with knowledge and resources. The workgroup provides health education on topics such as food safety, chronic disease management, and available community services. When donations allow, they also distribute hygiene products, pet food, socks, diapers, and other essential items. During the holiday season, the team even arranged for Santa and Mrs. Claus to visit, bringing joy to families who might otherwise go without. In 2025, the pantry expanded its offerings further when Operation Celebration joined the effort, providing birthday cake kits and decorations to families who may not have the means to celebrate special occasions. The Community Health Workgroup is composed of eight passionate employees, supported by occasional ad hoc members. Despite its small size, the group has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, creativity, and compassion. Their work reflects a deep commitment to patient care-extending beyond hospital walls and into the heart of the community. They consistently meet people where they are, offering dignity, support, and hope. The Community Health Workgroup exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care. Their efforts have transformed lives, strengthened community connections, and advanced the mission of compassionate, patient centered care in profound and lasting ways.

   Quality and Patient Safety Liaisons, Quality Improvement, University of Missouri Health care 
   This past year, MUHC has implemented a pilot program called the Quality and Patient Safety Liaisons program. This takes a front line nurse from every inpatient and ED unit including our Psych Hospital and teaches them Quality Improvement methodology and supports these nurses in implementing their own quality improvement project on their unit. They get a dedicated 8 hrs a week for this program and is paid by the program's budget for these 8 hours. Each and everyone of the nurses found some kind of improvement in their process and/or outcome measures at some point in their project. Some of the projects include: reducing workplace violence, discharge timeliness, reducing breast milk waste, reducing falls, decreasing central line infections, increasing fall assessment accuracy, and many others. It's been energizing watching the front line nurses be excited about providing quality and safe care to our patients and seeing their pride when they realize they are affecting change. This program is led by Monica Bruggmann and Ben Mock who are both nurses from our Quality Team at MUHC. They put their heart and soul into this pilot and it's obvious how much they enjoy being facilitators for this program.

   Patient Financial, Salem Memorial Hospital 
   I am writing to recognize the exceptional dedication of our Patient Financial Services representative Karen Frizell and the remarkable care they show to the patients they serve. In a role that can often involve complex billing questions and financial concerns, this individual consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel supported, respected, and informed. They take the time to carefully explain billing statements, insurance coverage, and payment options in a clear and compassionate way. Rather than rushing through conversations, they listen attentively to patients’ concerns and work diligently to find solutions that ease financial stress. Patients frequently come to Karen feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, yet they leave interactions with this representative feeling reassured and confident that someone truly cares about helping them. Whether assisting with payment plans, guiding patients through insurance issues, or helping them understand available financial assistance programs, they demonstrate patience, empathy, and professionalism every day. Their willingness to go the extra mile-researching accounts, following up with insurance companies, and personally ensuring that patients receive accurate information-makes a meaningful difference in the patient experience. They treat each person with dignity and kindness, reinforcing our organization’s commitment to compassionate care. The impact of their work extends far beyond resolving financial matters; they provide peace of mind during what can already be a stressful time for patients and families. Their dedication, integrity, and patient-first attitude truly exemplify excellence in Patient Financial Services.

   Labor & Delivery Care Team, Labor and Delivery, Western Missouri Medical Center 
   The Labor and Delivery Care Team at WMMC provides antenatal testing and monitoring, personalized care during labor and delivery, and post partum care tailored to the vast array of situations that their patients might present with. This care team includes the providers, nurses, scrub techs, secretaries, and environmental services team members that work together in their critical access facility to ensure that their patients receive care that goes above and beyond. The team at WMMC uses evidence-based practice and current recommendations to ensure that their patients receive appropriate care for each unique situation, making them true Champions of Care.

   Imaging Services Department, Radiology Department providing all manners of diagnostic imaging, Harrison County Community Hospital
   I am honored to nominate our Imaging Services Department for the MHA Champions of Care Award. This team consistently exemplifies compassion, professionalism, and engagement in every aspect of their work. They advocate fiercely for their patients, ensuring not only high-quality imaging services but also dignity, comfort, and understanding throughout the care experience. Communication is a defining strength of this department-among team members, with providers, and most importantly, with patients. They set the standard for what Health care delivery should look like, demonstrating that excellence is not limited by geography. Their work reflects the very best of Health care, serving as a model not only for rural communities but for organizations nationwide. Beyond their technical expertise, what truly sets this team apart is the humanity they bring to every patient interaction. In moments when patients may feel anxious, vulnerable, or uncertain, the Imaging Services staff consistently offer reassurance, patience, and genuine kindness. Their presence alone has a calming effect, and their commitment to treating every patient as a person-not just a procedure-leaves a lasting impact. This team doesn’t simply deliver care; they create trust, comfort, and confidence, embodying the true spirit of a Champion of Care.

   BJC convenient Care team, LEAD PSR and staff, BJC MED GROUP 
   Our team had a patient come in with threats even the police had to tackle him down, my team stood by my side handling the situation. I stayed calm. .. And used our panic button for the first time in 7 years I have been here. We are a small group that sometimes may6 feel over looked so I'm just grateful we stayed safe while doing what we love.

   RN/Med surg/ICU, Hedrick Medical Center/Saint Luke's Health System 
   Working in a rural community we have limited resources, but this allows us to all work together to provide the best care possible to our patients. We have patients, their families, and visitors state this on a daily basis how great their care is when they come to us. They state they always feel "at home" and that we spoil them while they're here. The whole team consists of nurses, PCAs, therapists, dietary, and housekeeping. Everyone is so good about sitting down with the patients/family to explain their diagnosis and to just visit with them. We get a lot of swingbed/rehab patients who are here for extended periods of time and away from their family. We're always told how great the food is here, how great the care is, how they feel welcomed and never feel rushed with their cares, and how they wouldn't want to go anywhere else for care. We all work together and think of each other as family.