Each day, team members across our system dedicate their time, talent, and energy to supporting their co-workers and our communities. And in February, we recognized seven of them as employees of the month.
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.
Continue reading to see the nomination stories for our February 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!
“Ethan’s dedication and positive attitude shine every day at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center. His infectious smile and unwavering commitment to his work have made him a standout team member. The patient population at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center can often be challenging, yet Ethan approaches even the most difficult situations with grace and without complaint. Both his co-workers and patients know they can count on him to consistently go above and beyond in his role.
Ethan’s compassion is unparalleled. He doesn’t just see obstacles; he sees opportunities for solutions. Whether it’s volunteering to assist with outdoor therapy groups, helping with admission packets, or entertaining ‘busy’ patients to support the team, Ethan is always willing to step in and lend a hand. His selflessness and drive make him a true rock star at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center.”
“I would like to nominate Loren Barnhurst for his exceptional care for his students. Loren goes above and beyond by offering office hours and one-on-one tutoring, making each student feel valued. He integrates opportunities into his course that allow students to earn tokens to improve their test grades and get the extra practice they need. Loren has a unique ability to break down the fear of chemistry, making complex concepts easy to understand. Despite facing personal challenges this year, Loren continues to provide outstanding instruction and support, ensuring his students succeed.”
“Emillee’s dedication and selflessness make her an invaluable team member. This past weekend, even though she wasn’t on call and had the day off, Emillee went out of her way to bring dinner to the team, who were working for over eight hours without a break. Despite having two young children and living 30 minutes away, she made sure the team had the fuel they needed to keep going.
Emillee’s support extends beyond just this gesture. She’s been a key member of the Cath Lab for years, helping out on 3 East and teaching new staff. Her willingness to step in wherever needed shows her commitment to the team.”
“On a patient’s wedding anniversary, she was preparing to transition to hospice care. The day was filled with both sorrow and beauty. Katie Carroll, the patient’s dedicated ICU nurse, went above and beyond to make this difficult moment special. Understanding the significance, Katie arranged for special cakes and selected thoughtful gifts for the patient’s grandchildren. She also printed rhythm strips as keepsakes for the family, ensuring the patient’s legacy would live on. In those final moments, the patient displayed incredible strength and love, and Katie’s compassionate care provided a meaningful and lasting connection for her family.”
“I want to recognize Ruthie for the exemplary gestures of hope, compassion, and generosity that she shows to patients and their family members. My best friend (daughter of a CTCU patient) told me of the incredible kindness that their housekeeper had while she was in the room performing her assigned tasks. The patient’s spouse and daughter had received some tough news regarding MRI results and prognosis. Ruthie came by shortly thereafter and recognized that the family was saddened and needed encouragement. She offered prayer and uplifting. While her interactions have been brief, the patient’s spouse shared that ‘Ruthie has brought an incredible sense of peace and comfort since the beginning of their stay at CTCU.’ Ruthie stopped by the patient’s room while I too was visiting. I witnessed her kind gesture and saw the impact it had on my friend. She mentioned that she continues to uplift the family and patient in prayer. She exemplifies our core value of caring and uplifted a patient’s family during the darkest of times. She offered family support, prayer, encouragement, and hope after being told difficult news.”
“When the outer doors at the Vera Schneider Center broke, Missy went above and beyond to ensure every patient could still reach the cardiology office. She personally called every patient on the schedule, explaining the new, temporary entry and answering questions. Missy didn’t stop there—she posted signs at entrances and, when needed, escorted elderly or confused patients through the parking lot, hallways, and elevator to the office. Always prepared, she kept a wheelchair handy for those needing extra support. Missy’s dedication and tireless effort ensured each patient received the care they needed with a smile and no complaints.”
“When a patient arrived at Kettering Health Washington Township for an MRI and first dose of IV antibiotics, she was anxious after learning her cancer had spread and concerned about timing. Kim, a nursing supervisor at Kettering Health Washington Township and the Infusion Center, immediately recognized the situation and took action. She coordinated between departments, started the patient’s IV for both the MRI and infusion, and even personally wheeled the patient to the Infusion Center afterward. Kim’s dedication and urgency ensured the patient’s care went smoothly and alleviated her anxiety. Her compassionate, hands-on approach made a difficult day a little easier for the patient.”
“After a patient’s passing, Officer Brown reached out to a grieving family member seeking answers. Taking the time to listen, he answered as many questions as he could, offering comfort during a devastating time. Beyond providing support, Officer Brown also shared the contact information for his church and invited her to attend services. He went above and beyond, showing compassion and exemplifying the values of a Christian organization. In his 20 years of service, the level of care Officer Brown displayed is rare, and he continues to live the mission with genuine kindness and empathy.”
