We make a difference in our communities because of our outstanding people. And in October, 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 October 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!
In a moment that demonstrated both attentiveness and compassion, Alicia noticed something wasn’t right while completing her cleaning assignment. Transportation had arrived to move a patient from Room 1012, Bed 2, but the transfer order was actually for Bed 1. Trusting her instincts, Alicia immediately intervened and brought the error to their attention. Her quick thinking prevented the wrong patient from being transported and ensured everyone’s safety.
This “great catch” highlights Alicia’s commitment to the Kettering Health values Excellence and Wholeness, showing how awareness and accountability can make a meaningful difference in patient care. Her actions not only prevented a potential safety issue but also protected the trust and well-being of those we serve.
Moments like these remind us that every role plays a vital part in delivering safe, compassionate care.
Thank you, Alicia, for your diligence, integrity, and dedication to doing what’s right. We appreciate you and are proud to name you Employee of the Month!
Alyssa Marstellar’s compassion extends far beyond the walls of the clinic. While working with a patient, she learned that the patient’s dog had been trapped in the apartment bathroom for three days, with no reliable friends or family to help. The patient, unable to contact anyone, was desperate to ensure her beloved pet was safe.
Refusing to give up, Alyssa navigated apartment management and maintenance to free the dog. But she didn’t stop there, seeing that no one could care for the dog long-term, Alyssa stepped in with the patient’s permission to provide temporary care until the patient could resume responsibility. Her actions brought immense relief and peace of mind to the patient, allowing them to focus on recovery, knowing their furry companion was safe and loved.
“Alyssa’s dedication shows that she truly cares for her patients in every way,” her nominator shared. “She went above and beyond to restore a sense of safety and comfort for both the patient and their pet.”
Alyssa demonstrates how empathy and integrity can transform lives, both human and animal, while living our mission to promote and restore health.
Thank You, Alyssa! Your heart, dedication, and unwavering care inspire everyone around you. Congratulations!
When an unexpected network disruption impacted daily operations, Ashley rose to the challenge with remarkable composure and skill. Without hesitation, she adapted to the downtime process—learning quickly, taking initiative, and performing with precision. Even with minimal instruction, Ashley executed every step flawlessly, allowing her leader to focus on other critical responsibilities and ensuring data was submitted to physicians promptly and accurately.
Her ability to remain calm under pressure and provide support to her colleagues offered the entire team peace of mind. Staff members shared that Ashley’s presence brought relief and confidence, knowing she could guide them through any challenge.
Ashley’s actions exemplify our values of Excellence, Leadership, and Learning. She turned a stressful situation into a seamless operation, proving that preparation, teamwork, and a positive attitude can make all the difference.
Congratulations, Ashley, and thank you for your dedication, adaptability, and leadership. Your commitment to excellence continues to inspire everyone around you.
When it comes to creating meaningful experiences and lasting connections, Ashley Neu leads with passion and purpose. As the driving force behind Career Services and Alumni Engagement, Ashley continuously goes above and beyond to prepare students for success both professionally and personally. Her leadership, creativity, and collaboration have strengthened partnerships with employers and built confidence among students stepping into their careers.
This year, Ashley’s dedication truly shined through her leadership of Alumni Weekend. From organizing the first on-campus open house to coordinating a record-breaking gathering at Young’s Jersey Dairy, she poured her heart into every detail. The results spoke volumes—more than 200 attendees, double last year’s turnout.
What stood out most was Ashley’s warmth and energy throughout the event. She made every alumnus, family member, and guest feel seen, valued, and connected. “Ashley was in her element,” one colleague shared. “Her excitement was contagious. You could truly feel her love for this community.”
Ashley’s work shows her dedication to excellence, teamwork, and community, and she could not be more deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Ashley!
Every day, Hannah brings compassion, excellence, and quiet leadership to her work. Known for her calm, can-do attitude, she tackles each task with dedication and care. Always keeping patients at the center of everything she does. When a new urology medication created challenges for a patient, Hannah went above and beyond to find a solution. She called multiple pharmacies, worked through every option, and ensured the patient received the medication safely and affordably.
Her commitment doesn’t stop there. Hannah consistently advocates for her patients, taking the time to make sure they understand their care before going home. She also steps up for her team, picking up extra shifts and offering support whenever it’s needed.
“Hannah is a shining example of a leader for her team,” her nominator shared. “The world needs more Hannahs to give the care and compassion we’re lucky to experience every week.”
Hannah’s actions remind us that true care is found in the extra mile she walks for her patients and her peers. Hannah, thank you for all that you do. Congratulations!
From the moment new team members join, Jacki is there offering guidance, support, and encouragement at every turn. As a team lead, she manages her own responsibilities while assisting colleagues with questions, insurance issues, and tasks that often go unnoticed. Despite the constant demands on her time, Jacki consistently responds with patience, kindness, and a welcoming attitude, making even the most complex questions feel manageable.
Her commitment goes beyond simply helping; she creates a calming and inclusive environment that empowers her teammates to learn, grow, and feel supported. Whether through a quick Teams reply, a thoughtful conversation, or simply being present at her desk, Jacki ensures everyone feels seen and valued. Her dedication strengthens both her team and the organization as a whole, demonstrating how leadership and empathy can transform a workplace culture.
“Jacki has been a perfect picture of our Mission and Values,” a nominator shared. “She strives to be kind and helpful while creating a calming and inclusive environment every day.”
Jacki’s actions embody our values of Leadership, Belonging, and Excellence, setting a standard of care, collaboration, and integrity for everyone around her. Jacki, thank you for your invaluable contributions to our team. We are proud to honor you as Employee of the Month. Congratulations!
Each day, Kara brings warmth, positivity, and dedication to the Acute 1 South team. Known for her bright smile and upbeat attitude, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure both patient safety and satisfaction. Whether she’s taking on a challenging assignment or stepping in to support her colleagues, Kara approaches every task with energy, compassion, and professionalism.
Her proactive approach to care makes a meaningful difference. Kara anticipates her patients’ needs, takes time to truly connect with them, and offers comfort when they’re feeling uncertain or afraid. Her cheerful laugh is often heard in patient rooms, reminding everyone that healing comes not only from medicine but also from kindness and connection.
“Kara is a hard worker who is always willing to help others,” her nominator shared. “She takes initiative, goes the extra mile, and brings a positive attitude to everything she does.”
Kara’s actions embody our values of Wholeness, Belonging, and Excellence, showing how empathy and teamwork create a brighter experience for both patients and peers.
Thank You, Kara! We are so grateful for the energy, compassion, and dedication you bring to our team every day. Congratulations on being recognized as Employee of the Month!
When a cardiologist in her department experienced an unexpected family emergency, Karly immediately stepped forward to ensure that patients would continue to receive the highest level of care. On a Saturday, her day off, she went into the office to personally contact each patient scheduled for procedures the following Monday. With professionalism and compassion, Karly explained the situation, reassured patients, and rescheduled their appointments. She then coordinated updates with the surgery schedulers, cath lab, and leadership team to confirm that all adjustments were communicated and documented accurately.
Karly’s initiative transformed a potentially disruptive situation into a seamless transition for both patients and colleagues. Her thoughtful communication and attention to detail provided clarity and comfort to those affected, reflecting her unwavering commitment to service and reliability.
“Karly always puts her patients first,” her nominator shared. “Even on her day off, she made sure each patient was cared for and informed.”
Karly’s actions embody our values of Excellence and Wholeness, demonstrating how integrity, compassion, and dedication strengthen the care experience for everyone we serve.
Congratulations, Karly!
Some moments remind us why compassion is at the heart of healing, and Mike created one of those moments.
While preparing for a procedure, Mike overheard that one of his patients was spending her birthday in the hospital. Without hesitation, he ran to the gift shop, bought her flowers, and returned to lead his team in singing “Happy Birthday.” In that simple but heartfelt moment, Mike transformed what could have been a lonely day into one filled with warmth, compassion, and joy.
His thoughtful gesture reminded everyone in the room that healing isn’t only physical, it’s emotional too. The patient’s tears of gratitude reflected just how deeply Mike’s kindness touched her heart and lifted her spirit.
“Mike was a ray of sunshine and hope in what I’m sure was one of her darker moments,” his nominator shared. “It’s the little things that make us special and set us apart.”
Mike’s actions beautifully embody the Kettering Health value of Wholeness, demonstrating how genuine care and empathy can bring comfort and connection when patients need it most.
Congratulations, Michael!
