We make a difference in our communities because of our outstanding people. And in July, 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 July 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!
Many teams faced overwhelming challenges following the recent cyber incident, but Ashley didn’t flinch. Ashley stepped in without hesitation when a tip sheet fell short for a team suddenly tasked with scribing and abstracting in Epic. Within an hour, she developed a customized, comprehensive guide and then went a step further: delivering live training and support with poise and clarity.
Ashley’s leadership extended beyond that moment. She was instrumental in restoring communication systems at KHMG practice locations, working closely with Telecom to bring phones back online. Her organization, accountability, and grace under pressure ensured not only continuity but also confidence throughout the process.
Her actions embody our values of Leadership, Excellence, Wholeness, and Belonging. Ashley leads with empathy, communicates compassionately, and collaborates with unwavering focus—even when pulled in every direction.
“Ashley was our steady mentor during a stressful time. She listened, problem-solved, and led with such ease—I was proud to work beside her.”
Ashley, thank you for being a steady presence and a guiding light during one of our most challenging times. Your calm leadership, unwavering support, and thoughtful action lifted those around you and made a lasting difference. We are truly grateful for your dedication and heart—congratulations on being named Employee of the Month!
During the recent cyber incident that brought our systems to a halt, Jacob didn’t hesitate—he leaned in. With our technology down and workloads piling up, Jake volunteered for extra shifts, including two Saturdays and a critical 3 a.m. call-in to support overnight order entry. He showed up without complaint, driven by a deep commitment to his team and the patients we serve.
But what truly set him apart wasn’t just his reliability. It was his heart. During long hours and high stress, Jake took time to cook and deliver a homemade lasagna to a colleague’s family. That small act spoke volumes, offering comfort when it was needed most and reminding us that compassion isn’t paused during a crisis—it’s amplified.
Jake’s actions embody our values of Excellence, Wholeness, and Belonging. He delivered with integrity, showed care beyond the job, and created meaningful connections even in the toughest moments.
“Jake didn’t just show up—he lifted us up,” shared his nominator. “He brought skill, calm, and compassion to a chaotic time. We are incredibly lucky to have him.”
Jacob, thank you for leading with both strength and soul. We appreciate you, and we’re so excited to celebrate and recognize you as Employee of the Month. Congratulations!
Jessica, a dedicated member of the Washington Township radiology team, consistently goes above and beyond not just for her patients, but for her coworkers across departments. Recently, when a patient needed multiple imaging exams and the nuclear medicine team was short-staffed, Jessica noticed the challenge. Without being asked, she started the patient’s IV and ensured they were comfortable while they waited, minimizing delays and showing remarkable initiative.
Her actions reflect the kind of teamwork and awareness that elevates patient care across the board. Whether she’s keeping a schedule running smoothly, easing a patient’s nerves, or lending a hand to another department, Jessica does it with kindness, skill, and a spirit of unity.
Jessica embodies the values of Kettering Health by providing high-quality care, creating strong team connections, and stepping up when it matters most.
“She makes Washington Township feel like a family,” her nominator shared. “We trust her to treat every patient with kindness and every team member with respect.”
Jessica, thank you for your unwavering dedication and compassion. We are extremely thankful for all the work that you do here at Kettering Health, and it is a pleasure to recognize you as Employee of the Month. Congratulations!
When a storm rolled in and a set of truck keys were accidentally locked inside, Josh didn’t hesitate. He braved the wind and rain to help his colleagues, staying by their side until they were safely back on the road. That steady presence and quiet dedication are just part of what makes Josh such a valued part of our team. Whether making rounds or showing up when it’s least expected, he brings a deep sense of Excellence and Wholeness to every interaction.
His willingness to help shines brightly every day, whether it’s just making his rounds on the floors or rescuing people locked out of their vehicles. Having someone like Josh on the team leaves you feeling safe and cared for, no matter the circumstances. Thank you, Josh, for shining bright here at Kettering Health. We are honored to have you and we’re so proud to recognize you as Employee of the Month. Congratulations!
During the recent cyber incident at Kettering College, Kathy, our dedicated reference librarian, stepped far beyond her usual role to support students, faculty, and staff during critical times. From helping reset passwords for online nursing students to assisting IT teams and ensuring continued access to essential library resources, Kathy’s quick thinking and tireless support helped keep learning on track when it mattered most.
She embodies our values of Leadership, Excellence, and Wholeness by responding to crises not only efficiently but also with empathy and a deep sense of service to our community.
Known for her constant presence and willingness to lend a hand, Kathy brings warmth and reliability to everything she does. She isn’t just behind the desk—she’s beside the people who need her.
“Kathy volunteered to help reset passwords so students could continue their schoolwork during the outage. She jumped in without hesitation,” shared Paula Reams.
Kathy’s commitment reminds us that even in the most challenging moments, a calm presence and a helping hand can make all the difference. Thank you, Kathy! Congratulations on being chosen as Employee of the Month!
Faced with a patient at risk of falling through the cracks, Laura did what she always does—she showed up with compassion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. She took the time to truly listen, breaking down walls of mistrust and uncovering what the patient needed most: a safe discharge plan that respected her wish not to go to a nursing home.
Laura became the bridge between multiple teams—social work, therapy, respiratory, and outside providers—making phone calls, clarifying care needs, and ensuring the patient had a portable oxygen concentrator before leaving the hospital. She even reached out to a primary care social worker to help move the patient one step closer to stable housing.
This wasn’t Laura’s patient. And none of this was technically her responsibility. But that’s just who she is.
Her actions exemplify our core values of Excellence, Wholeness, and Leadership. She puts people first, fills gaps, and ensures no detail is overlooked.
“She could’ve done the bare minimum, but that isn’t in her nature. She’s an asset to my team, the organization, and most importantly, our community.”
Laura, thank you for always leading with compassion and commitment. We are grateful for the work you do for our team and our patients. Congratulations on being selected as the Employee of the Month!
In the fast-paced, often isolating world of remote work, Laurie shines as a source of connection, leadership, and encouragement in the CDI department. Whether it’s her perfectly timed memes, her homemade desserts during in-person meetings, or her constant willingness to step in when others are out, Laurie leads with warmth and heart. She’s a mentor, a motivator, and a collaborator who meets every moment with curiosity and care.
Laurie’s impact goes far beyond her role. She’s a trusted resource for her colleagues, and she’s always ready with guidance and no judgment. She played a key role in onboarding new team members and supporting those stepping into leadership, offering quiet strength behind the scenes. From building trauma education resources ahead of a leave to launching an education session for new coding tools, Laurie consistently lifts the entire team through knowledge sharing and innovation.
Her work effortlessly embodies our values of Belonging, Learning, and Leadership—bringing people together, empowering others, and embracing growth.
“When I get stuck, I know Laurie will be there—with a smile, a solution, and support,” shared a colleague. “She’s made me better at what I do.”
Laurie, thank you for the positivity, knowledge, and leadership you bring to every day. Congratulations on being named Employee of the Month. You’ve truly earned it!
Mia exemplifies dedication, compassion, and professionalism in every aspect of their work at Kettering Behavioral Health Center. Mia plays a vital role on our safety committee, consistently attending meetings and contributing meaningful, constructive suggestions that directly impact the safety and functionality of our workplace. Their commitment to continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving benefits both staff and patients. Recently, Mia went above and beyond to ensure that a non-English speaking, breastfeeding patient had access to a breast pump during their stay at our facility. Mia’s initiative and perseverance in navigating this complex situation demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and advocacy for patient needs. Their actions not only met a critical need but also upheld the dignity and well-being of the patient.
Beyond their clinical and safety contributions, Mia is a powerful ambassador for inclusivity and belonging of the many communities we serve, helping foster a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Their presence offers comfort and representation, particularly for patients who may feel marginalized or misunderstood. Mia’s kindness, reliability, and teamwork are evident in their willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need, be it a patient or co-worker. Their positive attitude and approachability make them a joy to work with and an asset to our team. By consistently going the extra mile, Mia sets a standard of care and inclusivity that inspires others to do the same. Their presence helps build a culture of compassion, safety, and mutual support, making our facility not just a workplace but a community where people feel valued and empowered. Thank you, Mia, for always being an example and reflection of the Kettering Health way! Congratulations!
At Kettering Greene Memorial, Stephanie has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure patients feel seen, valued, and supported. From organizing birthday celebrations for long-term guardianship patients to navigating emotionally complex admissions, she approaches every situation with compassion and grace.
Recently, Stephanie played a crucial role in helping a patient return to their home country of Egypt. Despite limited communication and countless logistical challenges, she worked tirelessly, coordinating with family members after hours, helping secure airline tickets, and arranging transportation to the airport. In another act of care, she ensured that two long-term patients leaving for a nursing facility departed together, preserving their bond and dignity.
Stephanie’s ability to deliver thoughtful care, uphold integrity, and create connections in the most difficult transitions fully reflects our core values of Wholeness, Excellence, and Belonging.
“Stephanie always has a positive and compassionate attitude while caring for our patients and families,” shared her nominator.
Stephanie reminds us that the smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest impact.
We are so pleased to recognize you as Employee of the Month, Stephanie. Thank you for putting your heart into everything you do. Congratulations!
