We make a difference in our communities because of our outstanding people. And in June, 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 June 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!
Angela always brings her whole heart—and her radiant smile—to every patient and colleague she encounters. Recently, when a patient was feeling frustrated by his hospital stay and unable to use the shower in his room, Angela didn’t hesitate for a moment. Despite it being a busy day, she gathered supplies and personally took the patient to the larger shower room, giving him not just physical care but an appreciated sense of dignity and normalcy. Her thoughtful actions left a lasting impression on the patient, his family, and the nursing team.
Angela’s kindness and willingness to go above and beyond reflect Kettering Health’s values of wholeness and leadership by caring for both the physical and emotional well-being of her patient, and by stepping into action without external prompting. She lives out safety by proactively problem-solving and ensuring a safe, compassionate experience for those we serve. Angela reminds us that true healing often starts with a simple act of kindness.
Thank you, Angela, for leading with empathy, excellence, and joy. We are so grateful to have you on our team!
Some acts of kindness go far beyond caring for the body—they touch the spirit. That’s exactly what Curtis Mathews did one bitterly cold Tuesday morning. When he saw a regular patient shivering in a thin t-shirt and worn-out shoes after walking a long distance to his appointment, Curtis didn’t just treat his physical needs. He wrapped him in warm blankets, offered coffee and hand warmers, and then quietly made a plan to help even more.
Knowing he couldn’t let the patient leave in those same clothes, Curtis arranged for his coworker, Amber, to run to a nearby store during her lunch break to pick up a new coat and shoes. When Amber returned, she and Curtis went right to the patient’s chairside to surprise him with the warm coat and sturdy shoes.
Amber shared, “You should’ve seen his face. It lit right up.” As the patient walked out of the clinic, his steps seemed lighter, a visible sign of how much Curtis’s kindness—and the teamwork behind it—had lifted his spirits and restored his dignity.
Curtis’s compassion and quick action reflect our values of Wholeness and Belonging, reminding us that healing is about seeing the whole person, not just the patient.
Curtis, thank you for showing us that even the simplest gestures can change a person’s day—and sometimes their whole outlook. Your kindness truly makes Kettering Health a place of hope and healing. Congratulations, Curtis!
When you’re at your most vulnerable, a caring touch can change everything—and that’s exactly what Linda Hogle from the Kettering Health Huber Emergency Department delivered for one of her patients. During a recent visit to the ED, the patient was anxious and in pain, but Linda took time to ensure she felt informed, safe, and truly cared for. Beyond explaining discharge instructions with compassion and patience, Linda went a step further: upon hearing the patient needed to drive her daughter to Indianapolis for a soccer game, Linda thoughtfully offered an ice pack to ease her journey home.
It was a small gesture with a big impact, leaving the patient feeling as if she were “being looked after by a loving family member.” Linda’s warmth, empathy, and attentive care beautifully reflect our values of Wholeness by supporting the well-being of others with integrity, and Excellence through high-quality, patient-centered service. She reminds us all that true healing comes not only from medical skills, but from genuine human connections.
Linda, thank you for the extraordinary compassion and dedication you show every day!
Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness leave the deepest impression. While in the cafeteria, Reese Jimenez noticed a patient in a wheelchair struggling to pay for his lunch after realizing he couldn’t find his wallet. Without a second thought, Reese scanned his own badge and paid for the patient’s entire order—a significant gesture of generosity and compassion.
Reese’s actions mattered profoundly because they turned what could have been a moment of stress and embarrassment into one of dignity, belonging, and care. His kindness not only eased the patient’s immediate burden but also reminded everyone watching of the power of empathy and human connection.
Reese exemplifies our values of Wholeness by caring for the well-being of others with genuine compassion, and Belonging by creating a sense of inclusion and community. His selfless gesture is a powerful example of how small acts can reflect big-hearted service and inspire us all.
Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that shine the brightest—and Samantha Phasge, RN, reminds us of that truth every day. Recently, Samantha cared for a patient who was deeply depressed and embarrassed about wearing paper scrubs. In a moment of pure empathy and connection, she said, “What if I wear them with you?”—and she meant it. She put on paper scrubs, walked into the room, and brought the patient not only comfort, but laughter for the first time that shift. As her nominator shared, “It made a difference for him to know that someone cared enough to go above and beyond to help him feel more comfortable.”
Samantha’s compassion and willingness to meet patients where they are is a powerful reflection of Kettering Health’s values of Belonging, Wholeness, and Excellence. By choosing to share in her patient’s vulnerability, she created a safe, supportive environment. In just 11 months at Soin, Samantha has become a light for her patients and her team, showing that true leadership comes from kindness and the courage to care deeply. Samantha, thank you for the joy, empathy, and healing spirit you bring to every shift. We are so grateful for you!
When the pace picks up and the workload feels impossible, it’s people like Sandra Bolcavage who remind us what true teamwork and compassion look like. As a Radiology Tech, Sandra doesn’t just focus on her own duties—she’s constantly looking out for those around her, whether it’s stepping in to help coworkers or lending a hand across departments.
Recently, when a colleague was left alone on a busy shift with a full ER and outpatient schedule, Sandra noticed the growing patient list and immediately jumped in to assist. She ran all the ER patients, started IVs for outpatients, and made sure care kept flowing smoothly.
“I would have been really behind, and patients would have been upset had she not been willing to help me.”
Sandra’s actions truly reflect our values of Belonging and Excellence, creating an environment focused on teamwork and ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care.
Sandra, we’re grateful for your dedication and kindness. Your willingness to help your team and your dedication to our patients make such a difference every day. Congratulations!
Some acts of kindness may seem small, but their impact can be unforgettable. Sheila showed just how true that is when an elderly patient, recently widowed, became lost trying to find the office on her own. Sensing the patient’s distress, Sheila patiently stayed on the line, then asked the patient to pull over, described her own car, and drove to meet her so she could safely follow Sheila back to the office.
This moment speaks volumes about Sheila’s compassion and dedication. Her actions reflect our values of Wholeness and Belonging, creating a sense of safety, comfort, and connection when it was needed most.
Sheila, thank you for showing how powerful compassion can be. We’re proud to celebrate you as Employee of the Month!
On one of the hardest days a care team can face, Tabetha Moore, RN, showed what it truly means to live out Kettering Health’s mission. When a tragic pediatric loss shook the Emergency Department, Tabetha—serving as Charge Nurse Leader—stayed composed, compassionate, and focused. She not only cared for the young patient with grace and professionalism, but she also kept the entire ED moving smoothly, supporting her team and helping others stay grounded in the midst of heartbreak.
Tabetha’s leadership and calm presence reflected our values of Excellence, Wholeness, and Leadership. In the words of her nominator, “She makes me want to strive to be an Emergency Room Nurse.” Her actions didn’t just bring order in a moment of chaos—they inspired others to rise, to care deeply, and to remember why we do this work. Through her steady guidance and compassionate heart, Tabetha helped her team navigate a critical moment with empathy and safety in mind.
Tabetha, thank you for being a light in the darkest moments and for showing all of us what it looks like to lead with both strength and heart. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do.
Sometimes, the quiet work behind the scenes can change countless lives. That’s exactly what Tim did when he developed an innovative financial model that finally secured approval for Outpatient Oncology Palliative Care Services—a goal the team had been working toward for five years. Tim meticulously analyzed patient-level data, calculated revenue impacts, and built a proforma that clearly demonstrated how the new program would improve patient care while sustaining the organization financially. His determination and expertise turned a long-standing vision into reality.
Tim’s work reflects our values of Excellence and Leadership, showing how deep knowledge and persistence can remove barriers and create new pathways for healing. Congratulations, Tim, and thank you for all you do!
When a teammate brings both heart and skill to their work, everyone benefits—and that’s exactly what Vic Kovacs, Sr. IT Developer at Kettering College, did. When a colleague shared a challenge they were facing with analyzing outcomes data, Vic didn’t just listen—he stepped in with care, curiosity, and determination. He saw a way to make things better and poured hours into developing and testing a custom script that now saves his teammate significant time with each data analysis.
Thanks to Vic’s efforts—and with the support of his supervisor, Jim—the process is now seamless, accurate, and safer.
Vic’s actions reflect our values of Excellence and Leadership, not only in the quality of the solution but in his willingness to go above and beyond to support a teammate. His efforts made the system more efficient and reliable, helping ensure that information used for learning and decision-making is trustworthy and reliable. Vic, thank you for modeling what it means to lead through service and bring excellence to the work behind the scenes. We’re proud to celebrate you!
