Cornerstone VNA recently held their annual appreciation breakfast at the Oaks in Somersworth, which is a special event to celebrate employees and volunteers. Congratulations were given to Janice Howard, Life Care Director, who achieved her 30 year pin, and who also received the 2018 Cornerstone Award for her dedication and commitment to advancing the mission of Cornerstone VNA. In addition, congratulations were given to Jo Ann Pearson, RN, BSN, recipient of the Nightingale Award for exemplifying Florence Nightingale’s work through best practice, mentorship, education and change.
Cornerstone VNA CEO, Julie Reynolds, also recognized many employees for reaching important milestone anniversaries. 5 years: Patty DeSmith, PT, Cheryl Doble, LNA, Hollie Crosbie, MSW, LICSW, Joanne Dunlea, LPN, Joy Newton, PTA, Katherine Michaud, OT/Team Manager, Barbara Barr, Accountant, Jeffrey Boyd, PT, Jennifer Gelinas, OT, Karen Gosselin, LNA, Karen Hayes Peterson, RN, Jessica Henderson, Scheduler, Tesha Connors-Robinson, LPN, WCC, Nikki Hopewill, Bereavement Coordinator, Barbara Cipriani, LNA/PCSP, and Tina Narciso, RN. 10 years: Cheryl Bergman, Billing Manager. 15 years: Meghan Cavanaugh, OT. 20 years: June Gallup, RN, MS, HCS-D, COS-C, BCHH-C, Quality Improvement Director. The years of all staff, collectively amount to 917 years of experience.
According to Board of Director’s President, Susan Gaudiello, “The real strength of any healthcare organization is its people, and Cornerstone VNA is fortunate to have an exceptional team of skilled and committed staff and volunteers.” Gaudiello adds, “They are what really sets Cornerstone VNA apart from other home care agencies, and we appreciate their efforts to deliver expert care to every one of our patients.”
Numerous staff were also recognized for certifications earned in specialty fields. Certified in Ostomy were Amy Coombs, RN, BSN, OMS and Stacey Gray, RN, BSN, WCC, OMS ; Certified in Wounds were Amy Dubious, RN, BSN, WCC and Bobbi Mifsud, RN, BSN, COS-C, WCC; Certified in OASIS were Rhonda Gagnon, RN, BSN, COS-C and Erica Seawards, RN. Newly certified as ‘A Matter of Balance’ Master Trainer is Rebecca Ford, OT. Patty DeSmith, PT received her LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) certification in a Parkinson’s care program called Big and Loud. Julie McCabe, MSW, LICSW, became certified as a clinical trauma professional. Anne Carle, RN was recognized nationally by HRS (Health Recovery Solutions) with the 2018 Telehealth Honors and Andrea Davis, LNA was recognized as the Cornerstone VNA LNA of the Year.
During Cornerstone VNA’s annual appreciation event, Volunteer Coordinators, Ann Vennard and Nancy Nicolazzo, also recognized the many volunteers who support staff and patients. Collectively, over 65 volunteers comprised of companion, senior companion, pet companion, Hospice, A Matter of Balance, outreach, caregiver café, office and board of directors have given over 5,575 hours of their time in 2018.
According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, CEO, “Our staff and volunteers each make a difference and are valued for the work that they do each and every day to improve the lives of our community members.” Reynolds adds, “I am so very proud of our amazing team for their commitment, compassion and expertise that they share to ensure we fulfill our mission and I look forward to another great year of working with this team!