The Health Ministries Way
The greatest asset of any organization is its employees. To share the contributions of all employees across the organization, we have initiated “The Health Ministries Way,” an employee recognition campaign that highlights and celebrates St. Augustine Health Ministries’ culture of service excellence and fosters pride in those working within the organization.
Through this employee recognition program, employees, families, residents and volunteers identify members of the staff who demonstrate “The Health Ministries Way” by going above and beyond what’s required in their job to exemplify the mission, vision and values that make St. Augustine Health Ministries the best place to work and receive care.
Nominations can be submitted online through the link below or by emailing Alicia Mazzi at amazzi@st-aug.org. Written nominations should be placed in the “The Health Ministries Way” box near the reception desk or returned to the Human Resources Department. Candidates will be voted on and winners will be recognized at their respective Ministries location. “The Health Ministries Way” monthly winners will receive a cash gift and a personal day off with pay. In addition, award winners are featured on our website and Facebook page.
Please encourage staff, residents and families to nominate those employees who go above and beyond what’s required, creating a difference that makes St. Augustine Health Ministries special.
Employee Recognition Form
Our Health Ministries Way Award is presented to a staff member who represents all of the following pillars:
DIGNITY
Respecting the inherent value and worth of each person
COMPASSION
Promote healing, provide hope to others through both joy and suffering
EXCELLENCE
Fostering a high-quality workplace
INTEGRITY
In word and action for the good of others
Showing EXEMPLARY CUSTOMER SERVICE
By exceeding basic job requirements and making residents and patients happy with comfort, love and empowerment
TEAM SPIRIT
Working well and in cooperation with coworkers throughout the Health Ministries
JUSTICE
Accepting and understanding of people who need our help. Taking the extra time to feed, visit, listen, advocate etc.
DEPENDABILITY
Always available and willing to help out when needed, without being asked
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Helping to enrich others’ lives
PAST RECIPIENTS
Tom, Rec Therapy, Health Campus | May 2021
Helpful • Understanding • Kind • Reliable “I just want to say a HUGE thank you to Tom in the activities department. He has been great at keeping my mom and I connected with the iPad on a regular basis. If I had any concerns, he was there to help any way he could. His work and the rest of the staff is greatly appreciated in keeping our loved ones safe.” Nice job, Tom!
Irena, Respiratory Therapist, Health Campus | May 2021
Respectful • Hard Worker • Kind, Team Player • Dependable Irena is always willing to help everyone, residents and co-worker alike. An example of her going above and beyond: I was starting my shift and I was scheduled alone, when I must have had a syncopic espisode. Well I was out for a while and was sent to the hospital. Irena was supposed to go home but she stepped up without being asked and stayed to work as long as she could. She is also willing to learn and is not afraid to ask for help when it’s needed.” “She always shows up early for her shift with a smile on her face. She picks up extra shifts and is willing to stay over when needed. The residents and staff love her. She is very easy to get along with and hard worker.” Congratulations, Irena!
Roslyn, Administrative Services, Health Campus | April 2021
“Your guidance and hard work made a difficult process more bearable. I appreciate that you always clearly communicated as the process unfolded. Roslyn is efficient at her job and cares about the families and residents that she works with; taking the extra time with family member and residents if needed. She is always polite and friendly, even in frustrating situations.” Way to go, Ros!!
Keli, Nursing, Health Campus | April 2021
Dignity • Compassion • Integrity • Dependability
“Ever since Keli became a nurse her compassion and care for the residents is never-ending. In my opinion, Keli is an advocate for the residents because of her caring nature for residents and staff. She speaks for them when they can’t speak for themselves. I love working with Keli because I can ask her a question about a resident and she will give me an honest answer.” Congratulations, Keli!
Jessica, Nursing, Health Campus | March 2021
Funny • Kind • Helpful • Upbeat
“Jessica is a great aide who takes the time to know her residents and treats them with great respect. She is willing to help no matter what the situation may be and goes out of her way to assist where needed. As an employee and family member, I want to say thank you.” Nice job, Jessica!
Ashonti, Housekeeping, Health Campus | March 2021
“Ashonti has come in and accepted the challenges of her position without question. She moved into the coordinator position and has really blossomed with the additional responsibility. She is always willing to do anything asked of her and is always polite to everyone (management and peers alike).” Congratulations, Ashonti!
Matt, Older Adult Services | February 2021
Tenacious • Caring • Helpful • Fun “Matt Basically came into his position blind. However, to the benefit of all who work with him, he has full knowledge of the program – from delivering meals to working in the kitchen. Our ‘Matt of all trades,’ always there to help in any capacity with a smile on his face. Matt agreed to transport one of our COVID-positive residents to dialysis at 4:15 AM three times a week!” Congratulations, Matt!
Chrystal, Health Campus, Nursing | February 2021
Friendly • Cheerful • Helpful • Team Player “I would like to commend to your attention the outstanding performance of STNA Chrystal T. She is a very kind, caring person, always putting patient needs first, always responding to my needs promptly. She is a great team player and is a supreme example to her co-workers and an inspiration to all. I knew I could always count on Chrystal to ‘be there’ for me and my life has been enriched by knowing her. She is a credit to St. Augustine and our mission.” Awesome job, Chrystal!
Donna, Accounts Payable, Health Campus | January 2021
Kind • Helpful • Dependable • Caring “Donna works in accounts payable but she is always looking out for residents. She drops off items to the rec department for resident Bingo, trivia, or Christmas. She is very thoughtful and caring. She is willing to help in any way she can to brighten the residents’ day.” Way to go, Donna!
Diana, Nursing, Health Campus | January 2021
“I observed Diana with a resident returning from the shower. In passing, I mentioned to Diana that it’s been 5 years since I saw her up in a wheelchair and how wonderful it would be to see her in activities. Approximately 30 minutes later, I saw the resident up in a wheelchair, smiling, and she told me that Diana had braided her hair for her. Another staff member was taking her down to Bunco; it was so nice to see her up, smiling and participating in one of the many things that St. Augustine has to offer. More so, it was so nice to see one of our employees go above and beyond for this resident. Diana is just one of the many staff members here that go above and beyond for the residents daily.” Thank you, Diana!
Lisa, Laundry, Health Campus | December 2020
Dependable • Friendly • Hardworking • Integrity “While the laundry department has had open positions, Lisa has given up her day off weekly to help cover the shortage. She has been very helpful in covering the open shifts.” Thank you, Lisa!
Pam, Nursing, Health Campus | December 2020
Cheerful • Honest • Helpful • Dependable “She makes me feel safe and helps me with all of my needs. She helps me dress and gives me a very good shower. I have arthritis and Parkinson’s disease and need extra help.” Awesome job, Pam!
Theresa, Occupational Therapy, Health Campus | November 2020
Persistent • Cheerful • Precise • Task Master “Theresa is energetic, tireless and was so much fun working with me as a patient. She is remarkably tenacious, dedicated and steadfast. She is an overall joy! She has gone above and beyond to obtain resident food preferences and dietary information pertinent to the nutrition assessment on the COVID-19 wings. Since the RD/DTR are not able to visit the Residents in person, we must conduct the interview on the phone or rely on staff to help with this task. Theresa has willingly offered to do this for the residents and has even suggested a template for uniformity. Theresa always makes sure to relay information to me which is so important to be able to meet resident nutritional needs. I greatly appreciate her assistance!” Way to go, Theresa!
Charisse, Nursing, Health Campus | November 2020
“In a recent care conference, a resident had nothing but praise for Charisse. She talked about how Charisse gives the best showers and used lotion that smelled wonderful.” Thank you, Charisse!!
Anais, Nursing, Health Campus | October 2020
From a resident: “Anais is really caring. She never complains and she fulfills responsibilities with care and precision. It seems to me that no task is too much for her. She cares for my personal needs with the utmost attention and is respectful with care for others. I am really happy to have Anna take care of me. She helps to make my stay and my life here very pleasant.” Way to go, Anais!
Lucy, Physical Therapy, Health Campus | October 2020
“Lucy has gone above and beyond during our transition here at the Health Campus. She has jumped in and helped with STNA duties – passing and collecting food trays, helping with feeding – while continuing to complete all her duties in the department and, as always, being kind and patient with our residents. Lucy is always willing to help with interpreting for our Spanish speaking residents. She is a great asset to all of us.” You rock, Lucy!
Lori, Physical Therapy, Health Campus | September 2020
Compassionate • Knowledgeable • Diligent • Humorous “Lori exudes warmth and encouragement as a diligent taskmaster. She bonds easily with patients with her superb social skills. Her conscientiousness is clearly evident each day she has instructed and assisted residents. Lori is ready to do anything needed to make a resident happy!” Nice job, Lori!
Mary, Nursing, Health Campus | September 2020
Dedicated • Team Player • Helpful • Kind “Mary helps with anything that you ask. If you ask her to help in five minutes, she comes back. While everyone on the fourth floor works together, she goes above and beyond by being mindful of helping others, never feeling bothered by it, and checking in with others throughout her shift.” Congratulations, Mary!
Laura, Older Adult Services | August 2020
Helpful | Responsible | Friendly | Dependable | Integrity “When there was a change in the Older Adults program, Laura took on additional responsibilities to assist the new program coordinator. She has continued to complete duties that are above and beyond her normal responsibilities. In addition, she has been extremely dependable. For the program to run well it’s vital that she be there in the morning to receive the food and she’s always in there, ready and waiting!” Congratulations, Laura!
Nafeesa, Health Campus, Nursing | August 2020
“One of the best-kept secrets on the second floor is our sweet Nafeesa. I do not know how she could be overlooked, as she is a big presence on the floor. She always has time for the residents and goes out of her way for us, putting us first no matter where she is in the building. I, for one, just love the care she provides. She is always willing to help her co-workers and she conducts herself in a way to make St. Augustine proud. I would giver he an award every month and make her employee of the year every year!” Thank you, Nafeesa!
Josephine, Health Campus, Laundry | July 2020
“The laundry department has had an open position for a while and Josephine has been very helpful in filling those open shifts to be sure the residents have what they need. She always is willing to help out her coworkers. She cares about making sure the residents have what they need.” Nice work, Josephine!
Thomas, Health Campus, Nursing | July 2020
“I would like to nominate Thomas Flemming the aide, for employee of the month. The last three shifts I have worked with him, he has worked so hard to get so many residents up. The residents have looked phenomenal up and it is so beneficial for them… It is not an easy task to get these residents up in the chair, and I applaud him for taking an initiative. Thomas diligently helps me every morning. He is always on the move, working in the rooms and in the dining room; he always has time for me and also diligently takes care of my roommate.” Congratulations, Thomas!
Sandra, Towers Assisted Living, PA & Dining Room Coordinator | May/June 2020
“Sandra has been with the Towers for a very long time and has been a joy with her positive attitude and demeanor. Sandra is a hard worker and is always willing to pick up extra shifts when we are in a bind and is willing to help anyone who may need a hand in any department.” Way to go, Sandra!
Tracy, Health Campus, Nursing | June 2020
A resident’s family member wrote of Tracy: “Tracy has consistently provided [my mother] with compassion, kindness and dignity that is so rare to see in this day and age. I knew that my mother was in good hands whenever Tracy worked and I felt comfortable leaving her at the end of my visit, knowing that Tracy would look after her as if she were her own mother. For this I will always be grateful. Thank you for all you do.” Congratulations, Tracy!
Kim, Health Campus, Speech Therapy | June 2020
A patient nominated Kim for Employee of the Month, writing “Kim is a kind and dedicated professional who takes her job very seriously. As a persistent taskmaster, she cheerfully challenged me for precise results to improve my quality of speech. I am grateful for all she did for me.” Nice work, Kim!
Rose, Health Campus, Nursing | May 2020
Congratulations Rose! Words used to describe Rose are helpful, caring, compassionate and kind. Rose was nominated for Employee of the Month by multiple people, one of whom said, “She has a smile and is always ready to work. Rose is always helpful to coworkers and residents.”
Lucy, Health Campus, Housekeeping | May 2020
Nominated by a resident, Lucy is described as helpful, caring and respectful. The resident says, “Lucy moves all of my angels, etc. and makes sure the top of everything is clean. She also dusts my angels. I am extremely grateful to have Lucy taking care of my room.” Congratuations Lucy!
Marcie, Human Resources, Health Campus
Marcie is a most caring and earnest young woman who goes beyond the call of duty. Marcie moved to the HR department and has done a fantastic job taking time to help employees. She has helped employees who needed to navigate social service systems and did not have computer skills to do so. She takes time to answer questions for employees and listen to them. Employees appreciate that she is willing to take time for them, even when it is not her responsibility. Congratulations, Marcie!
Gwen, Nursing, Health Campus
Gwen is a good worker and a friend. She is always available, well organized, reliable and helpful. She takes her time to listen to and care for residents in a compassionate way. Congratulations, Gwen!
Mike, Maintenance, Health Campus
Mike is always willing to help however he can and usually goes beyond what is asked of him. He’s always respectful and friendly and never has a negative attitude. Congratulations Mike!
Laura, STNA, Health Campus
Congratulations Laura! A resident nominated Laura and described her as caring, hard-working, cheerful and professional. Laura most always responds to any calls for an aide or nurse with promptness, courtesy and with a helpful attitude; never with annoyance or any sense of exasperation or frustration. Keep in mind as an artificial hip recipient i was pretty darn helpless during much of my stay!
Lia, Marketing Coordinator; Health Ministries
Employees describe her as a team-player, creative, supportive and patient. Lia never settles for “good enough” in anything she does. As a graphic designer and a member of the advancement team, Lia assists all departments throughout the Health Ministries by designing materials that are both informative and that effectively communicate the mission. Integrity, dependability and excellence are three core values that best describe Lia. Congratulations Lia!
Connie, Laudry Aide – Towers
Congratulations to Connie! Connie has been a personal assistant and the Towers and is now a full-time laundry aide. She can do any job and really has since joining the Towers staff. Connie is a quick learner and does each job exactly as it is meant to be done. As a PA, she was regarded as one of the best and soon after she started working here she began training our new hires. Now she does laundry and has been just great at this job. Whenever we are short, just ask Connie and she steps right up to help out. We love having Connie at the Towers!
Deb, LPN-Emerald Village
Deb was nominated by a resident assistant who wrote, “Deb goes above and beyond every single day. She will do anything to keep the residents happy and healthy – she even saved a resident’s life! She deserves all the recognition in the world.” Deb has been a nurse at Emerald Village since October of 2017 and is well liked and respected by all. Congratulations Deb!
Sharon-Respiratory Therapist; Health Campus
Congratulations to Sharon! Nominated by family member – Soft spoken, calm, kind and helpful”Sharon always stays calm in hectic situations, she is always smiling. Sharon always explains what she is doing. She is appreciated by James Hollan and his family so much. She is a gem.”
Faye; Housekeeping: Health Campus
Nominated by an employee – Involved, quality of work and great communication Faye is always involved with residents, families and peers. Reports to staff with any issues and still maintains her work responsibilities.
Thomasina; Nursing: Health Campus
Nominated by family member and employee – Kind, caring, hard-working and extra special My sister Beth was only at the Manor for 24 hours, and in that time Thom made sure she was always clean, comfortable and especially her mouth was always kept moisturized. Thom even helped the Aides with turning Beth and cleaning her. I heard them say she didn’t have to help, but she said she wanted to. Beth was in the hospital for 1 month and when we brought her to St Augustine, she was finally resting and at peace. Thom always asked the family how they were and made sure we were doing well, especially during a very emotional time. She is a very special person and I truly belief one of the best nurse’s.
Julius- Nutrition; Health Campus
Congratulations to Julius! Nominated by 2 employees – Reliable, hard worker and works well with others.“Julius is a wonderful employee. He has never called off, he runs the third floor kitchen great. The nursing department loves him. He comes in on his days off if we need him, he recently came in on a Saturday that he was scheduled off and stayed and helped out because we were short. He is a great team player” “Julius is one of our best workers in the nutrition department. He is reliable, a hard worker, and he works well with others. He has also helped out several times picking up extra shifts when we have had call-offs.”
Sharon-Respiratory Therapist; Health Campus
Congratulations to Sharon! Nominated by family member – Soft spoken, calm, kind and helpful”Sharon always stays calm in hectic situations, she is always smiling. Sharon always explains what she is doing. She is appreciated by James Hollan and his family so much. She is a gem.”
Meghan-CEC; St. Augustine Health Campus
Congratulations to Meghan! She was nomincated by an employee: “Meghan is an integral part of the child enrichment team. She never seems flustered or stressed, even when you know she is. She is ever-patient and loving to our babies. She builds trust and relationships with the parents of our littlest children- she helps to ease the transition for parents who are returning to work after maternity/paternity leave. She quickly learns each baby’s personality and preferences. She implements this into her daily care for them. She is a very dependable employee. She values her job and rarely calls off. When former students and families come back to visit, Miss Meghan is often sought out! She always has a smile and a laugh to give.”. She was described as dependable, sweet-natured, patient, and fun-loving.
Ruth- Nursing; St. Augustine Health Campus
Congratulations to Ruth! Ruth was nominated by a resident: “I am not good with words, but I want you to know how good she is with residents. All nurses should be as good. She checks on you without a light if you are not feeling good and she will do all she can to help you. Having a nurse like her is a God send. I am always glad to see her and am thankful for this person.” She was described as helpful, nice, thankful, and wordly.
Jennifer- Activities Assistant; Emerald Village
Congratulations to Jennifer for being the Emerald Excellence Award Winner for Feb/March 2018! She began her career as a housekeeper with Emerald Village. After hearing she was interested in working with the residents, Jen was interviewed and offered a position in our Activities Department. She has brought many new and exciting ideas to the Activities Department and never runs out of energy for her residents and co-workers. We are blessed to have her as part of our team.
Debbie; Unit Receptionist
Congratulations to Debbie. She is the unit secretary on the 2nd floor. Debbie has been at the Manor for many years and she deserves to be acknowledged for her carrying attitude, her humor and hard work. Debbie does an exceptional job and our unit receptionists deserve to be recognized. The residents sit at their desk all day long. They talk and listen to the residents all day while completing all of their tasks and helping the rest of us. We would be lost without our unit secretaries
Rhonda; Receptionist
Congratulations to Rhonda. Nominated by other – Always friendly, very knowledgeable, smile all day and always respectfulThis young lady is an example all employees should strive to be like, always friendly, greets you all day and know her job.
Cheryl- Manor; STNA
Congratulations to Cheryl for the Health Ministries Way Employee Recognition! Cheryl was nominated by her employees and was described as polite, professional, compassionate, caring and hardworking. A family member of a resident stated to myself “I can sleep at right if I know that Cheryl is here to care for my mother”. She is always willing to lend a hand when needed, and able to anticipate the needs of her patients with patience and compassion.
Tim- Manor; Life Enrich.
Congratulations to Tim for the Health Minsitries Way Employee of the Month! Tim was also nominated by an employee and was best described as smart, organized, supportive, and funny. Tim is willing to step up. He makes you laugh with his morning announcements, he knows what he is doing at the job and will help you when needed. The residents enjoy outings with him as he make the trips fun.
Jacquie (PT)- Holy Family
Congratulations to Jacquie (PT) for the Health Ministries Way Employee of the Month at the Holy Family Home Healthcare & Hospice. Nominated by a colleague. She is described as a dedicated team player, experienced clinician, and a leader.She is always willing to add patients and treatments to allow for the best patient outcome and often goes above and beyond expectations! She brings a sense of humor and wit to even the most challenging situations.
Marianne- Emerald Village; Part Time Nurse
Congratulations to Marianne for winning the Emerald Excellence Award for December/January! Marianne is a part time nurse and was nominated by 3 co-workers and one resident. You are very compassionate and always concerned for the well-being of the resident. You always have a sense of humor about situations that would get most people down. You are Very prompt and hands on if needed in emergency situations. You are also a great leader and very informative with the Aides if they have any questions.. Thank you for all that you do and leading the mission every day.
Nafessa- Manor, Nursing Assistant
Congratulations to Nafessa (Nursing Assistant) for the Health Ministries Way Employee of the Month at the St. Augustine Manor. Nominated by a colleague. You are extraordinarily caring and compassionate; You know what is needed and perform your work with a joyful heart. You always smiling and happy and a pleasure to work with.
Sorida-Manor, Nutrition Services
Congratulations to Soraida (Nutrition Services) for her nomination for the Health Ministries Way Employee of the Month at the St. Augustine Manor. Nominated by a colleague. You are trustworthy, caring, hardworking and reliable You are always available to help us with anything we need. You handle all of the events and are constantly open to teaching us how to do them as well. You make sure all of the details are completed for everything. We are lucky to work with you on a daily basis. Nothing is ever too much and whatever someone needs you make sure it is done for them.
Grace -Towers; Nursing
Grace works in the housekeeping department of the Towers and has been here for several years. Grace does a really good job at keeping all the common areas cleaned on a daily basis. Another of Grace’s jobs is to get apartments ready for new residents to move into and that entails cleaning the apartment, and if the resident needs furniture, Grace is one of the staff members that gets it all and sets up the apartment. On weekends Grace is often used to get families up and down the elevator safely when bringing in items for a family or if they are moving a resident out. Grace gets compliments from family members on how nicely she treated them and how helpful she was with the move.
Mike- Manor; Housekeeping
I’d like to nominate Mike for Employee of the month!Mike always exudes a positive attitude!Never Complains no matter what is asked of him.Faithfully always comes to work.He is the first to step up and take initiative to help not only his teammates but anyone in the building needing assistance.He’s intuitive and senses people’s needs and spends time talking and encouraging others to do what’s right.Overall a standup guy who puts the interest of the facility above his own.
Carol- Emerald Village; Resident Assistant
Carol is a Resident Assistant at Emerald Village and won the Emerald Excellence Award for Oct/Nov 2017 Carol was nominated by her co-workers and residents for the award. She is always willing to go the “extra mile” and is well respected by all…
Matt
Matt (St. Augustine Health Campus) has been with our Life Enrichment Team for two years and was nominated by one of the volunteers:Matt always does his job with a smile! He has a passion for what he does and the residents benefit from it! He is just a great all around guy and brings a lot of joy to those who know him.
Jacqueline Brown
Jackie (St. Augustine Health Campus) is a graduate of our STNA training class and is shining bright! Nominated by a a family member of a resident – Jackie takes good care of my son and not just when i’m there. My daughter has noticed that Jackie always makes sure he is turned, clean and dry. His roommate, Walter, says that Jackie comes in every two hours to make sure they are both ok.
Sandra
Personal Assistant – Towers Assisted Living – Nominated by a colleague: Sandra has become one of the most dependable and hard working employees the Towers Assisted Living has ever had. I know I have never heard her say “no” to anyone when asked for help. The residents love her kindness, dependability, and she is always setting a great example for others to work and live by.
Brian
Emerald Village Senior Living- Brian was nominated by a co-worker who stated that he was always willing to help out and teach new servers. He has grown in his role over the past few years and is also a Dining Room Host.
Jaime
Nutrition Services – St. Augustine Health Campus – Nominated by a family member: Jamie was willing to help us store our cold and hot food for us as we prepared to have a surprise birthday party for my mother. Jamie was kind, considerate and willing to do whatever he was able to make our party a success. After we were done, he came down to see if we needed anything. His soft spoken manner, supportive approach and bright smile really helped me a lot! I felt that I could relax and help my mom enjoy her party.
Genevieve
Nursing- St. Augustine Health Campus – Nominated by a resident: “On several occasions I had overheard residents’ compliment her on her care and concerns. She is kind to me and gets me whatever I need to feel better. She never says no.”