We make a difference in our communities because of our outstanding people. And in May, 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 May 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!
When others might see barriers, Beth Brown, RN, sees possibilities. At the Cancer Center, Beth goes beyond coordinating care—she becomes a lifeline for patients facing unimaginable challenges. One such patient, experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health concerns, had no stable place to receive life-sustaining medication and was often unreachable by phone. Yet, Beth didn’t give up.
She found a way. Beth arranged for the medication to be delivered to the outpatient pharmacy to align with the patient’s appointments, ensuring consistency and access. She even created a personalized calendar to guide the patient through medication schedules, testing dates, and follow-ups, offering not just structure but dignity.
Thanks to Beth’s compassion and determination, this patient continues to receive treatment, despite circumstances that might have made that impossible. Beth’s actions reflect the very heart of Wholeness, Excellence, and Leadership. She cares with integrity, delivers thoughtful solutions, and steps up when others need it most.
“Beth has truly made a difference for this patient and is a shining Star for Kettering Health!”
When a patient’s husband called to thank the team after his wife’s passing, he mentioned every member with gratitude, but he couldn’t stop talking about Jeannie. Something simple yet profound set her apart: she saw beyond his health condition.
During each visit, while he stayed strong for his wife, Jeannie saw the quiet struggle behind his steady presence. She picked up on the unspoken signs—the fatigue and worry—and took time to talk with him while his wife stepped away. Her calm presence helped him breathe, even if just for a moment. “It was just nice to know that Jeannie remembered I was a person who had feelings as well,” he shared.
Jeannie’s ability to see beyond the patient and care for the caregiver reflects the heart of our values. Through her trustworthy care and emotional awareness, she embodied Wholeness, honored Belonging, and demonstrated quiet Leadership—reminding us that healing extends beyond medical care.
Since his first day, Mickey has brought more than just skill to his role—he’s brought heart. Known for his thoroughness, kindness, and ever-positive attitude, he consistently goes the extra mile to ensure every space he touches is spotless and safe. Whether adjusting his schedule to meet the needs of different departments or offering a helping hand to a teammate, Mickey’s dedication reflects his deep respect for others and the work they do.
His impact is especially felt in radiology, where staff praise his professionalism, thoughtfulness, and the way he communicates with intention and care. Across the hospital, he’s known not just for doing great work, but for how he does it—with joy, humility, and a spirit that lifts everyone around him.
“He always makes my day brighter—I’ve never seen him without a smile,” one colleague shared. “We know our department is in good hands when he’s here.”
Mickey embodies Excellence through his high standards, Wholeness through his kindness, and Belonging through the strong relationships he’s built. We are so grateful to have him on our team.
When students talk about Nick Johnston, the words that come up again and again are “supportive,” “outstanding,” and “life-changing.” As both a clinical and course professor, Nick doesn’t just teach—he ensures every student fully grasps the material, builds their confidence, and feels seen and supported along the way. His ability to break down complex topics and make learning truly enjoyable leaves a lasting impact on every aspiring respiratory therapist who walks through his door.
Nick’s journey into education was fueled by a deep passion for the profession and a commitment to student success. Now a full-time faculty member, he’s recognized not only for his teaching excellence but for the care and fairness he brings to every interaction. His colleagues describe him as a “unique self” with contagious energy, and his students know him as someone who makes learning feel like belonging.
“He goes out of his way to provide the best possible education. I feel confident I’ll be a great therapist thanks to him.”
Nick embodies Excellence, Learning, Belonging, and Leadership. He’s a true example of what it means to educate with both head and heart.
