We make a difference in our communities because of our outstanding people. And in August, we recognized several team members as Employee of the Month for putting our mission into action each day.
Employee of the Month recognizes the people you love to work with. The winners exhibit Kettering Health’s Standards of Behavior, live out our values, and demonstrate the healing presence practices outlined in Called to Care.
Thank you for impacting the lives of those in our community by fulfilling our mission. Our work wouldn’t be possible without you!
Continue reading to see the nomination stories for our August Employees of the Month.
Want to recognize a Kettering Health team member? Click here to nominate them for a Stars award or send them a Shooting Star shout-out!
Brenda has quickly become an indispensable part of the inpatient pharmacy team at Soin, described by her colleagues as “the missing piece.” Her willingness to step in wherever she’s needed and her compassion for others set her apart. When a rapid response was called across the hall, Brenda was the first to arrive, providing calm support to an employee who had just learned of his brother’s passing. Days later, that same colleague came back to give Brenda a heartfelt hug and thank her for being there in such a difficult moment. This is just one example of how Brenda’s empathy and presence make a lasting impact.
Her contributions extend far beyond moments of crisis. She recently collaborated with a manufacturer to resolve a pharmacy-surgery equipment issue and even negotiated the cost of an adapter down, saving both money and time. She also brightens daily life for her team by celebrating each colleague’s birthday with their favorite sweet treat—often going out of her way on her days off to make it happen.
Congratulations, Brenda, and thank you for your compassion, dedication, and the joy you bring to Soin every single day!
It didn’t take long for Brenda to make a lasting impact on our team. Though she’s still new, she’s already earned a reputation for her positivity, compassion, and commitment to patient care.
Recently, when a patient was unable to receive IV therapy at home, Brenda immediately stepped in. She contacted multiple home health agencies, determined to find a solution that would meet the patient’s needs quickly. When hospital treatment became the best option, the patient initially resisted. With patience and empathy, Brenda took the time to talk with him and his wife, easing their concerns and helping them feel confident in the decision to move forward with care.
Her actions reflect our values of Wholeness by prioritizing the patient’s well-being, and Excellence through her dedication to finding solutions and providing exceptional support.
“She always has a smile on her face and is willing to go that extra mile for the patients. Brenda truly makes our lives better.”
Congratulations, Brenda, on being named Employee of the Month, and thank you for the heart and excellence you bring to our team every day.
Compassion doesn’t keep office hours—and Davin proved that one summer night.
What began as a routine security round turned into an extraordinary act of compassion. While making his way around the hospital grounds, Officer Davin Craycraft heard faint cries coming from a deep window well. Without hesitation, he gathered supplies, climbed down, and rescued a stranded kitten—then noticed two tiny toads trapped alongside it. Thanks to Davin’s quick action and gentle care, all three lives were safely freed.
This moment may seem small, but it highlights something profound: Davin’s attentiveness and heart for others extend beyond his duties. His willingness to go the extra mile—whether for a frightened animal, a concerned patient, or a fellow colleague—demonstrates his steady commitment to service and safety. Patients and staff alike know him as someone who listens with empathy, responds calmy, and consistently looks for ways to make others feel secure.
Through his actions, Davin embodies our values of Wholeness in the way he cares for well-being, Excellence in the reliability of his work, and through a relentless focus on safety.
“For an officer to find and save a kitten on hospital grounds just shows his compassion and caring nature—he is definitely an officer we want on our team.”
Congratulations, Davin, and thank you for the compassion, care, and excellence you bring to our team each day!
“Gary makes all of us laugh constantly, and it’s hard to be in a bad mood around him. He makes work fun while still giving the best patient care possible.”
Known by his team as “the best tech around,” Gary consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel cared for. Cared for in a way that is not just clinically, but personally. On one particularly challenging day for a patient, Gary didn’t just complete the patient’s exam with kindness; he walked the patient out and surprised them with a coffee from the nearby cart. Small acts like this leave lasting impressions, reminding patients they are truly seen and valued, a true reflection of our Belonging value.
Gary’s compassion doesn’t stop with patients. He brings humor, positivity, and a sense of connection to the X-ray department, fostering an environment where colleagues feel supported and included. By encouraging collaboration, sharing his knowledge, and celebrating others’ successes, he embodies Leadership and Learning, inspiring those around him to grow and deliver better outcomes together.
His dedication to delivering thoughtful, reliable care every day also exemplifies excellence, while his empathy and integrity pay attention to the whole person. Gary’s actions reflect Kettering Health’s commitment to holistic care, supporting both the emotional and clinical well-being of our patients.
Congratulations, Gary! Thank you for the kindness, positivity, and exceptional care you bring to patients and colleagues every day. You truly make Kettering Health a place where everyone belongs, grows, and thrives.
Great nurses don’t just care for patients. They notice the little things that make all the difference—and Jamie is one of those nurses.
Jamie reviewed a patient’s chart before surgery and quickly acted to ensure the patient received the care they needed. Her attention to detail and swift action led to a significant catch, highlighting both her clinical expertise and commitment to patient safety.
Jaime sets a powerful example of what it means to be a PACU RN, combining compassion, professionalism, and excellence in every interaction.
Congratulations, Jamie, and thank you for the outstanding care, positivity, and dedication you bring to your patients and team. You make a difference every day, and we are truly grateful for you!
Occasionally, someone comes along whose dedication and heart make the workplace not just better—but brighter. Kesha is that person. Her coworkers describe her as someone who always gives 100%, which shows in countless ways, both big and small. Whether it’s picking up extra shifts to support her team, staying positive even on challenging days, or sending thoughtful notes to colleagues for Nurses Day, Kesha consistently goes out of her way to make everyone feel valued.
Her impact extends far beyond daily tasks. Kesha has found innovative ways to leverage our Epic platform to streamline processes, improving efficiency for her peers and enhancing patient care. Recognizing a need for greater compassion within the department, she initiated a Care Fund for the OCC. Thanks to her thoughtfulness, every team member experiencing a major life event, whether an illness, surgery, loss, or joyful milestone, receives a card, flowers, or care basket. These thoughtful gestures uplift the entire team and foster a supportive work environment.
Through her work, Kesha demonstrates our values of Excellence in problem-solving and process improvement, Leadership in taking initiative and supporting her team, and Learning through her curiosity and innovative mindset, driving better outcomes every day.
Congratulations, Kesha! Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and the warmth you bring to your team. Your light makes a lasting difference at Kettering Health.
Sometimes, what makes the biggest difference for a patient is someone willing to go above and beyond to ensure their needs are met. Melissa recently demonstrated this commitment when a patient’s outpatient swallow study risked being canceled due to equipment repairs on the Dayton campus. Without the test, the patient would have faced delays in both care and peace of mind. Even though Melissa had been called off that day because of low census at the Troy campus, she didn’t hesitate when contacted. She rearranged her personal schedule, collaborated with Imaging, and came in so the patient could have their study completed that same day.
This extra effort reflects who Melissa is every day. She is known by colleagues and patients alike for her upbeat, positive attitude and her willingness to collaborate across campuses to ensure seamless care. She consistently looks for solutions instead of obstacles, and in doing so, shows her dedication to both patients and the team.
Melissa’s actions truly embody our value of Leadership here at Kettering Health.
“Demonstrating ownership and accountability as team players by acting thoughtfully, communicating directly, and serving humbly.”
Melissa, thank you for encompassing our values and being a direct reflection of who we are and what we represent here at Kettering Health.
We appreciate all that you do, and we are proud to recognize you as Employee of the Month! Congratulations!
From the moment Tanya joined our Kettering College respiratory faculty, she has infused the program with energy, expertise, and heart. With her extensive background as a neonatal-pediatric specialist, she brings a perspective that not only strengthens our curriculum but also deepens the learning experience for every student she teaches.
What makes Tanya stand out is her unique approach to education. She combines innovation with compassion, finding creative ways to make complex topics approachable and enjoyable. Her classroom is a place where students feel engaged, supported, and inspired to grow—not just as future respiratory therapists, but as caring professionals.
Her impact is felt well beyond her lessons. Tanya’s generosity with her time, her positivity, and her genuine connection with students have made her an invaluable part of the faculty team. Through her teaching, she embodies the meaning of the Kettering Health value of Learning by pushing growth through a culture of curiosity and a commitment to delivering better outcomes for students. Tanya’s commitment to guiding the next generation of respiratory care professionals is unwavering, and we are so grateful to have her on our team.
As one colleague shared, “Tanya brings innovation, empathy, and humor to the Respiratory Care program. She easily connects with her students, and her compassion and grace make her a vital part of our faculty.”
Thank you for all that you do, Tanya! Congratulations on being selected as Employee of the Month!
