MEET OUR 2020 NATIONAL HEROES

1Q National Heroes The client’s parents have said, “Erin has While team members have witnessed helped our family find peace that we did Shellie’s passion for helping her client not have before. Our son may not be able engage and enjoy new activities, the Erin Bufford, HHA to speak the words to tell her that she is client’s aunt noted, “The love, respect, Allentown, PA (ALL) pediatrics his Hero, but the smile on his face will tell and patience that Shellie gives from her you otherwise. Love needs no words!” heart is beyond words. She gives my In all, Erin has niece the respect and dignity of an adult. dedicated more than Shellie Horan, HABT I cannot express what a difference this has 16,000 hours of work Habilitation Pittsburgh, PA (HPI) made. My niece has finally found her BFF!” with compassion, excellence, and Shellie has been an Corkisha “Kisha” Pittman, LPN reliability to her clients integral part of the Delaware County, PA Pediatrics (DCP) since 2011. For the past HPI team for just over seven of nine years, she two years, as well as Kisha from the DCP has been a full-time force who has come an integral part of her office is regarded as to know the needs of her current current client’s team a selfless nurse who client—a boy who has nonverbal autism for just over one year, “steps in and steps and learning challenges—like the back of having contributed to up” to accommodate her hand. marked improvement almost immediately special requests and after they were introduced. For seven sudden schedule In Erin’s “professional, kind, and months prior, the client’s family searched changes. Since her start compassionate” manner, her client’s for just the right person to assume the in 2015, she has logged over 10,000 abilities are maximized using verbal split-schedule needed to help the client hours and established a reliability rating praise and ongoing reminders about prepare for a day program each morning, of 99%. what’s happening next in his routine settle in at home in the evening, and to keep any frustration or unwanted engage in weekend activities. Shellie Client Services Manager Thea behaviors at bay. gladly covered them all! Dziubczynski explains, “Yes, Kisha has a regular set of clients on set days, but Clinical Manager Lori Cooper and Client Almost immediately, others noticed the by the middle of the week, things always Services Manager Linda Moffitt believe positive impact of Shellie’s work. The seem to change. Maybe she’s part of Erin has mastered her client’s moods, client’s parents acknowledged their a five-way switch to help cover a last expressions, and nonverbal cues that daughter’s notably happier disposition. minute callout, extending an already indicate happiness, pleasure, anger, and She was more engaged in activities and long 10-hour shift because her relief grumpiness. When she senses the least being treated like a friend. The client’s is having car trouble, or extending her bit of frustration, Erin capably redirects brother explained, “My sister had a work week into the weekend because her client before any undesirable subarachnoid hemorrhage at birth and one of her clients was just released from escalation occurs. Erin is proactive in has gone to specialized schools and a hospital stay.” trying to find new things for him to do, programs her entire life—all of them all while letting his unique personality aimed at improving her cognitive skills. Kisha’s efforts saved the day for one shine. She embraces his love for walks Out of every caretaker we’ve ever young client who was hoping to attend and allows him to break out into a run, had, only Shellie’s work provided stark a long-anticipated school outing. That keeping pace alongside. improvement.” The brother attributes morning, the client’s mom called in to this change to Shellie treating his sister as report that the scheduled nurse did Whether she’s leading projects, crafts, an equal, an adult person with her own not show up. After a backup plan was or even homework on her client’s tablet, wants and needs. arranged for her scheduled client, Kisha Erin always ensures he is engaged agreed to reroute mid-commute that meaningfully. During the past year, Shellie continually offers choices and morning, and navigate through rush the client’s middle school scheduled a options, gently encouraging her client hour traffic to the boy’s school. She performance of “Frozen” with a part to have a voice, rather than simply being made it with minutes to spare before developed specifically for him. There the recipient of care. She also seeks the bus was destined to leave, with or was no speaking part, but Erin’s client out knowledge and incorporates it to without the client. Thea recalls, was required to participate in the dances improve her client’s well-being. Shellie “The shift ended with a very thankful and chorales of the play, which were volunteered to visit her client’s daycare parent, a very happy client, and office adapted for him. Erin played a vital and meet with therapists to learn her staff who were incredibly grateful.” role in his success and was required to exercises and treatments. The physical attend rehearsals and guide her client therapist offered that Shellie has the Many families have become familiar with through his dancing and singing parts right combination of comfort and tough Kisha’s care and offer positive responses on stage. She even had her own set love to ensure that the client’s exercises when she manages to save their day! of costume changes during the play’s get done, even the challenging ones that However, reliability is not the only quality multiple, live performances. Erin’s perfect the client does not prefer. Shellie even that she delivers. The mother of one attendance record since 2015 remained introduced classical music on a daily client who received Kisha’s care for years intact throughout this life-enriching basis when the client’s mom touted its recounted an example of her at her experience—the show went on without benefits in stimulating the brain. finest. “We came home and walked into a hitch! Continued on next page 1 MEET OUR 2020 NATIONAL HEROES our kitchen to find our son attempting of nature. The mother of another client She is compassionate and practical, with to dance and sing with his favorite music says Cyndi is “a professional, courteous, a great sense of dry humor. We have the blasting. Kisha was singing and dancing kind, exceptionally talented person,” and utmost confidence and trust that she right along, clueless to our presence. a “role model to follow.” will provide the exceptional nursing care This is love. This is caring. This is fun. This my spouse’s life depends on. She always brings a smile to our son’s face bigger Karen Leatherman, RN keeps a client’s comfort and peace of than ever, and this melts our hearts.” Gastonia, NC (GAS) adult nursing mind in the forefront and shares valuable perspectives gained through her years of Clinical Manager Sarah Koury describes Karen has been a nursing staple in the one-on-one care.” what she believes to be Kisha’s secret GAS office since her sauce. “Kisha has the type of personality start six years and Wendi Mulligan, OT that puts you at ease and makes you roughly 10,000 hours Charlotte, NC Home Health (CV) feel like you’ve known her forever. She ago. She is very simply is trustworthy, which is huge when new known as a “take Wendi from the CV families are transitioning into home care. charge” nurse who office consistently goes Kisha cares for every client as if they rises to take on the above and beyond were her own family member with so leadership role within the call of duty for her much love and personal attention.” each and every team she serves. Karen clients. Coworker and precepts other nurses to her cases, and PT Melissa Hughes felt Cynthia Elliott, RN “personably and confidently” engages compelled to bring some Willow Grove, PA Pediatrics (WGP) family caregivers in their roles, as well. recent examples to light.

Cyndi has made her The wife of a client diagnosed with ALS, On Saturday, a client’s caregiver notified mark on the WGP who returned home after five weeks in Wendi that he was being admitted office since her start the hospital with a new tracheostomy to the hospital, which meant Wendi’s in 2008. With over and feeding tube, accounts how Karen client, considered to be extremely fragile 25,000 hours to her led the client’s daughter and son in with a history of many hospitalizations, credit, she has proven organizing the feeding and nursing would be left home alone. Wendi was to be an asset in supplies in the dining “stock” room. able to visit and assess the client in a coordinating care on The wife said that Karen explained the timely manner, and ultimately determine very complex cases. Currently, Cyndi rationale for having each of the supplies, that the client herself was in distress and works over 40 hours per week, caring making the processes more meaningful required hospitalization. Wendi followed for four different clients with severe and “less intimidating” to the family. through by ensuring that the client disabilities who require tracheostomy “Karen also spent time with me and my was safely transported and would be and ventilator care. husband, explaining everything as she appropriately monitored by hospital staff, set up all the information and ongoing who were fully debriefed on her situation. Cyndi truly answers the call of duty recordkeeping as required per BAYADA whenever special needs arise. For protocol. Her initial setup was invaluable Another client who had a recent cancer example, when a client was struggling for the family to resolve issues with diagnosis was feeling overwhelmed medically at the end of her shift, Cyndi doctors, suppliers, and the insurance and anxious. Melissa detailed, “The decided to stay and wait for the doctor provider,” explained the client’s wife. client lives in a backyard shed without to phone so that she could then write up TV, radio, or any real contact with the the orders for the nurse that followed. Beyond her structured approach, Karen outside world. He and his wife are quite The client’s mother touts, “Cyndi is very brings a softer, compassionate side of secluded.” When Wendi learned that dedicated to my son and a great team nursing to her clients, as well. For the the client’s favorite pastime was listening player!” past six years, she served as the rock to Eagles music, she downloaded in another client’s life. As the client some of the band’s songs, along with The father of another boy professes that experienced a slow physical decline as a a meditation exercise, and brought the Cyndi is a “calm and steady force” in result of her Parkinson’s disease, Karen client an MP3 player to listen to them. their household—one that makes them ensured that the same was not the case “The client and his wife were so excited extremely grateful. He shares, “Cyndi with her quality of life. Every birthday and touched” by Wendi’s initiative, is one of the most careful and efficient and holiday were celebrated, and every recalls Melissa. nurses we’ve ever had, and I’m always day was filled with love. Client Services confident that everything will be done Manager Jillian Fernald attests, “Karen Another client had pain control from exactly according to doctors’ orders and is a true advocate for her clients in every arthritis identified as a need, which had our request.” way. She goes above and beyond in previously been addressed with jacuzzi doing the little things such as painting treatments. The client’s more recent Cyndi also finds personal ways to her client’s nails, doing her hair, giving cancer diagnosis made it difficult for connect with her clients by pinpointing massages, and even foot rubs.” With all him to climb in and out of his backyard common interests. “She finds cool music of Karen’s demonstrated TLC, she makes spa. Clinical Manager Rebecca Sing and smart television shows to stimulate her clients feel special and beautiful. noted that when she arrived for her my son’s mind,” continues Dad. Cyndi visit, “Wendi went above and beyond to even engages her client in outdoor One client’s wife sums up, “On a have the client meet his specific goals. activities to tap into their common love personal note, Karen is extraordinary. Continued on next page 2 MEET OUR 2020 NATIONAL HEROES

The client was dressed in a bathing suit that she loves so much.” The team was aware of their night shift routine. Karen is when she arrived. Then, she taught him proud of her ability to inspire the students confident that Susan delivers the best care and his spouse how to safely enter and and help them envision a brighter future possible—a gentle approach in getting exit their jacuzzi. Wendi patiently waited at BAYADA. her client to drink fluids, eat snacks, for the client to relax for 20 minutes, and or brush her teeth; her patience while then change back into dry clothes. She Michelle’s commitment to our company the client arranges her bed with all her demonstrates compassion and thinks is paralleled by her commitment to stuffed animals; how “beyond flexible” outside the box to meet her clients’ needs.” her client. Most of her 23,000 hours she is with her time. have been spent caring for one client, Whether it’s with field or office a gentleman who required care for The client’s mother confirms, “Susan colleagues, Wendi somehow turns out a traumatic brain injury and other has such a gift of gracing others with to be part of the “best functioning, most catastrophic ailments after a work- her nurturing interaction, gentle, loving consistent teams we have,” adds Client related accident. After a couple years of approach, and contagious laughter. She is Services Manager Lauren Keys. When BAYADA service, worker’s compensation someone you want to be around. Susan Lauren found herself out of work after complications necessitated the client’s is the equivalent of a female Santa Claus. surgery, Wendi and a couple of coworkers transition to another agency. It was I say this because when we think about surprised her with a huge box of Michelle’s commitment to her client and Santa Claus, it gives us such a warm and homemade food, along with a sweet card to BAYADA that eventually resulted in the good feeling.” and a balloon. Going above and beyond client’s return to our care, 24 hours a day, in this way just seems to come naturally to 7 days a week. Client Services Manager Chloe Smith Wendi and “speaks to the kind of person acknowledges that Susan is also a terrific she is,” says Lauren. Michelle’s motto is, “If it’s worth doing, team player. She explains, “There are so it is worth doing right.” That philosophy many examples of Susan covering for manifests itself in everything from the her coworkers. A perfect example of 2Q National Heroes quality care she provides, to her top-notch her kindness is when she picked up two Cell Trak documentation, and her 98.9% months of overnight shifts for a nurse reliability rating. While Michelle’s client on her team whose mother had passed, NA Gwendolyn Michelle Michael knows her as his “buddy,” the client’s ensuring that the nurse’s spot would Shelby, NC (SHE) assistive care state programs daughter knows her as someone who be there when the nurse was ready to is very passionate about her work and return.” In sum, Chloe asserts, “Susan Michelle is a tenured, compassionate when it comes to her care. always leads with her heart.” sixteen-year CNA. As such, The daughter explains that Michelle is Client Services Manager able to get her dad to do things that most RN Pamela Mann Taylor Edwards finds people can’t—getting up, for example, Garden City, NY Skilled (GCS) adult nursing that one of her most simply by explaining it in a kind, but firm noteworthy qualities is way. Clinical Manager Vicki Deyton adds, Director Justin Booker her loyalty. While “Michelle takes control in a situation that clearly respects Pam’s directors and other requires it. She has also been a great longevity and passion office staff have come and gone, Michelle mentor and team member.” for the nursing has been a true constant. profession. “Pam is an Arguably, with nine Talent Scout LPN Susan Manka old-school nurse who referrals to her credit, Michelle could be Downingtown, PA Adult Nursing (DAN) looks at nursing as a considered the office’s first recruiting calling. She has been manager—and a good one at that! Many Since her start in 2016, doing this longer than most of us have of her recruits quickly earned their stripes Susan has been an been around.” by consistently working full schedules essential part of the and being honored with Employee of the DAN office and the care When the pandemic surfaced, the GCS Month titles. of a young woman with office soon learned of five clients who a severe seizure disorder were symptomatic, including Pam’s. It seemed only natural, then, for Michelle and intellectual disability Justin reveals that Pam was part of only to accompany the office director and living in a community 15 percent of GCS field staff willing to recruiting manager earlier this year on setting. Clinical Manager Karen Troy work with COVID-positive clients, a true a trip to visit the CNA class at the local indicates, “Susan strives to ensure that testament to her character. There was no community college. After working the effective communication occurs between way Pam was going to let her client of overnight shift until 8:30 am, she arrived the group home staff and BAYADA to over fourteen years down. “Pam silently as scheduled to speak to the class at 9:00 provide the highest level of care. She walked into the office with a gentle smile am. Taylor shares, “Full of energy, humor, works diligently to ensure her client’s and awaited fit testing instruction” for and with a loud, inviting laugh, Michelle health and safety and identifies even the personal protective equipment (PPE), repeated how much she loved BAYADA slightest changes in her client’s condition, Justin recalled. and loved working with our office allowing for quick and early Pam is known to rise to a challenge. specifically. A natural leader, Michelle interventions.” Client Services Manager Lindsay Majewski made every future CNA in the class feel indicates, “At one point, Pam’s client had like they were having a one-on-one Susan’s client benefits from her care five been hospitalized due to complications. conversation with just her about the job nights per week and has become keenly Unfortunately, he had to receive a Continued on next page 3 MEET OUR 2020 NATIONAL HEROES feeding tube and a new tracheostomy. this difficult journey, keeping me moving would never know this, as he has treated Pam didn’t think twice about reading forward. Lenora is the cornerstone of every client identically.” our tracheostomy materials for adult that foundation.” clients, testing, and passing her initial Perhaps most notable to Patrick, however, competency so she could assure that her As a true client advocate, Lenora ensures has been Bill’s ability to capitalize on all client could come home safely.” Despite supplies are ordered on time, and that of the new opportunities the pandemic her lack of experience in this area, Pam proper care is provided, whether or offers. Rather than react with panic and committed herself to becoming an expert, not she is present. Perhaps her most anxiety, he has really stepped up and set and earned special approval as a new significant impact has been her ability a precedent for others. Despite believing learner to train other nurses. Soon, she to elevate her client’s spirits. He admits, that technology is his weakness, for became her client’s lead nurse. “Sometimes, we have such raucous example, Bill stepped out of his comfort laughter between us that I have to wipe zone and began training to conduct As circumstances would have it, Pam away tears; sometimes, she holds my telehealth visits. He also stepped up to was faced with another emergent hand while I wipe away tears of bitterness treat a client who was released from a situation when she was on her way over my plight. Despite being so down COVID-related hospital stay. to the office for a subsequent annual on myself and feeling so utterly helpless, tracheostomy competency. Her husband, Lenora never once passed judgement. Bill’s results-oriented approach and his who was bleeding badly after a fall, was She has been a bulwark of stability and creativity in adapting to his clients’ needs transported to the hospital. Pam insisted support through the most difficult time ensures each one is at their best physical on following through with her testing, of my life. Unreservedly, Lenora is one of condition before discharge. His calm, rather than having it rescheduled and the most important people in my life right even-keeled demeanor, however, is what delayed, before she caught up with now. She is an amazing nurse, a wonderful helps guarantee successful outcomes with her husband. Lindsay comments, “Her human being, and dare I say, a friend.” the most anxious clients. One former commitment to excellence again rang client actually insisted on Bill’s care after a true, and she showed that her client’s Lenora brings the right insight to any hospitalization. “I would only work with well-being was a priority for her.” difficult situation and makes it better. Bill, who made me feel comfortable and When healthier foods needed to be treated me with respect,” she said. This When the client’s health recently began introduced to her client’s diet, she found a woman recalled that Bill even visited on to decline, his family opted to keep him at smoothie recipe that made kale and other his day off to ensure that her care began home to be comfortable and feel loved. healthy add-ins more palatable. When in a timely manner—something that was “Without fail,” recalls Lindsay, “Pam the client had a fall at his doctor’s office, not an isolated incident. Coworker and RN stayed with him until the moment he Lenora offered the right combination Loretta Civarelli attests, “Through the passed away. She was able to make sure of comfort and attention to his physical years, all of Bill’s clients request him back that he was safe, secure, and supported.” needs to protect his self-esteem. and love him. Many of them have said, Justin adds, “Pam is one of the many ‘That guy knows what he’s doing,’ and I unsung heroes who silently step forward Clinical Manager Kimberly Giordano- agree.” every day when called upon. She moves in Gabaree says, “Lenora’s gentle nature silence, but shines in crisis.” brings calm to situations that others have Another of Bill’s colleagues, Sycamore, found difficult to navigate. In a time of PA Senior Living (SCL) Associate Director RN Lenora McIntyre stress, you will find her giving a foot or Regina Teasdale, is impressed with his Gastonia, NC (GAS) adult nursing back rub for as long as it takes to smooth adaptability. “He knows how to approach out the wrinkles of the day. Lenora knows each family, client, and community with Lenora was said to be whether the answer needs comforting respect, dignity and creativity.” “the missing piece to the words or no words at all. When no words BAYADA puzzle” when will help, she will be right there with a In all, the WIF team believes Bill devotes she joined her GAS gentle hug.” Kenya concludes, “Nursing is himself 100 percent to his clientele, and team in March 2019. truly Lenora’s calling, and she does it with demonstrates himself again and again as Client Services Manager so much dignity.” a home health care Hero. Kenya Tuft recalls, “She fit in so perfectly.” PT William Hemmerich Wilmington, DE Senior Living (WIF) 3Q National Heroes Soon after her start, Lenora joined the home health team who cares for one of the office’s HHA Janeé Bush most challenging clients, and they have William is a seven-year PCA, PA (PCA) assistive care state programs been inseparable ever since. The client veteran who has just had major surgery and came home established one of the Home Health Aide to the shock of needing in-home nursing most socioeconomically Janeé Bush has been a care every single day. He recalls, “It made diverse service areas in his staple at her PCA, PA me realize that my life was altered in ways office. It stretches from (PCA) assistive care state I could barely comprehend, filled with the most challenged programs office since new difficulties that would take more areas of Delaware to the 2008, and in her client’s courage and strength than I possessed. most privileged. Director Patrick Gray life since 2010. Janeé My nursing team has become the bedrock notes, “Bill continues to assess, treat, and provided just the right of my existence, supporting me along case manage a unique population, but one fit for the elderly gentleman’s needs after Continued on next page 4 MEET OUR 2020 NATIONAL HEROES several aides before her fell short. Despite from two different offices for most of his work with empathy and humility having arthritis, Janeé’s client was not only them. Clinical Manager Ingrid Steffens which is endearing to his clients. PV ambulatory, he had the personality to believes that Sherri’s experience has Director William Sepich is also quick to dance around his home and sing. He even contributed to her “impeccable nursing acknowledge Rey’s clinical expertise. “He prepared his own meals. It wasn’t long skill set”. Having served both pediatric takes on the care of our most challenging before Janeé learned that her client was and adult populations, including those clinical cases. His skill with wound care, somewhat of a talented, local celebrity who require tracheostomy and ventilator client education, drains, IVs, trachs, and who performed in lounges throughout the care, Sherri has earned trust in her clinical care planning put him at the top of his city of Philadelphia and a beloved member judgment. Ingrid asserts that Sherri is the field.” Rey advocates for clients’ needs of his community. As her client’s arthritis “ace of nursing skills” who demonstrates with excellent documentation and worsened, Janeé was determined to them with ease and confidence. Integral follow-up to maintain communications manage symptoms and keep him active so to her success, however, is the fact that among all team members. Clinical that he would not lose his passion for she is kind and people just generally love Manager Lisa Cliggett adds, “He never singing and dancing. Sadly, in 2014, the to be in her presence. One client’s mother complains, his clients know he’ll show up client had a stroke which left him less indicates that the word “family” for them, and he takes extra steps to help verbal and in need of a wheelchair, articulates the fondness that is felt for everyone.” Rey’s resilience, along with his requiring increased assistance with Sherri. “Sherri is an important part of the calm and collected response to adversity, activities of daily living. Janeé embraced family,” she says. “I feel so incredibly speaks to his strength of character. Even the challenges of providing more complex, blessed to have her as my daughter’s after a terrifying home invasion this year, hands-on care, and accommodated more nurse, but more blessed to have her as a and after his car was damaged in an frequent visits. Janeé now anticipates her friend and confidant.” Sherri becomes accident, Rey managed to maintain his client’s every need; their partnership is a part of her clients’ families with the commitment to BAYADA’s core value of well-oiled machine. Client Services rapport she builds and extends to families reliability and get to work. After years Manager Kelly Ruffini attests that when by fostering relationships with the office without a vacation, Rey finally scheduled Janeé arrives for her shift, “comfort, relief, team. Sherri brought a client to an office a week off. His absence resulted in and gratitude wash over her client, Halloween party, and Client Services growing admiration of his work. A because he knows she is there to care for Manager Courtney McLeod noted that colleague who filled in shared, “I don’t him.” Janeé has become like family to her of their manner of interaction made it know how Rey does it! That was the client, taking pride in his history on the evident that the pair was close. Courtney hardest wound care case I’ve ever seen, music scene and fondly pointing out the said, “She was not just his nurse, but his and I need some tips from him. He’s pictures of him performing when visitors friend.” Ingrid adds, “To be a nurse for excellent and does such a great job with come to his home. Janeé felt that any this client, you need to be a bit carefree managing the wound and emotions of existing family should be aware of her and a lot of fun, and that is exactly what this family. Rey is phenomenal”. The entire client’s setback. When she learned that he Sherri is. Her smile and energy are PV team loves Rey and finds him a joy to had a daughter who he had not seen in contagious, which is a dynamic trait.” work with. fifty years, Janeé began an internet search Ingrid sums, “Sherri does it all! She is also which resulted in a few dead ends, but a wonderful preceptor who we can trust OT Kellie Tysor eventually culminated in the family’s to train new nurses and offer honest Baltimore, MD Southwest Senior Living reconnection. As it turned out, the feedback. She is a woman of integrity, (BSF) home health daughter had also been searching for her hard work, and reliability—and she is father. Soon, Janeé’s client welcomed his really fun!” Baltimore Southwest daughter back into his life and met his Senior Living (BSF) home grandchildren for the first time. Kelly adds, RN Rey Delos Reyes health Occupational “Janeé was even there when her client Philadelphia, PA Home Health (PV) Therapist Kellie Tysor is discovered his daughter was gifted with a an OT by title, but she is beautiful singing voice, just like his. She Rey Delos Reyes, RN so much more to the continues to go above and beyond for her from the Philadelphia, clients in the facilities client and treats him like a father. Janeé PA Home Health (PV) she serves and her has selflessly not missed a day of work office began a literal BAYADA team. Having to navigate since the COVID pandemic began because and figurative journey to through the ever-changing requirements she knows how much her client needs her BAYADA in 2013 when and restrictions during the COVID and relies on her assistance.” he was recruited by pandemic, BSF Director Missy Epps has former Iris Division been grateful for Kellie’s eyes and ears. LPN Sherri Gates Director Marion Fiero during a visit to the Missy said, “She kept me updated on the Charlotte, NC Pediatrics South (CPS) Philippines. Ever since, Rey has had a goings on, allowing me to continue dedication to BAYADA and his clients that managing my communities successfully, Sherri Gates, Licensed knows no bounds. Upon his arrival to the and keep our client census from Practical Nurse from the United States, Rey traveled by bicycle to dropping.” Kellie embraced an all hands Charlotte, NC Pediatrics his cases. When it was stolen, the office on deck mentality, attending any event South (CPS) office, has team purchased a scooter for him, which that was requested, filling any void in been a BAYADA Nurse carried him through until winter set in. By training of new staff—even outside of for over 21 years, then, he was able to purchase a car to business hours—and meeting just about consistently caring for ensure his clients still received care. Rey any other need that became evident. three different clients has not looked back since. He approaches Missy adds, “Kellie thought outside of the Continued on next page 5 MEET OUR 2020 NATIONAL HEROES box to ensure her clients received the care Client Services Manager Kerri Albertine Megan adds, “Shari consistently goes they need and deserve.” Clients says that a key to Denitra’s success is her above and beyond, just to have her clients connected with family members who positivity, which brightens everyone’s day. smile a little more often, learn a little were no longer allowed to visit through She goes above and beyond with little more about life, or just simply have fun!” FaceTime calls Kellie coordinated. When things, like picking up a meal for clients For example, when one long-time client she realized the residents’ hair had not before she arrives, or attending a funeral had a dream of taking an independent been done because the beauty salon in to show her support to a grieving family. vacation, Shari focused on the life- the facility had been closed, Kellie tracked Kerri says, “Denita takes extra time to get enriching opportunity for her client rather down the keys, opened it up, and washed to know her clients and becomes part of than the challenge. After a brainstorming her client’s hair. A line soon formed once their family. She allows her clients to be session, Shari and the client decided to everyone realized hair was being washed. as independent as possible, while making go camping, and Shari’s determination “So, of course,” Missy shares, “Kellie sure they are still safe. If her clients say turned her client’s dream into reality. The washed a lot of hair that day. What a they can’t do something, Denita cheers client’s experience included cooking over great kindness to take the time to make them on to not give up. She constantly campfires, eating s’mores at night, and these folks feel human again.” Kellie is works on building their confidence and going on long hikes. The client reveals also a resource to the communities she tells them that she believes in them and what may have been the best part of all, serves for recommending and obtaining that they can do it.” “We even got lost on a hike once, but needed equipment. Colleague and Speech Shari found our way back.” Therapist Erin Ward says Kellie’s “skill, Clients concur and have commented that knowledge, and positive attitude” are Denita is a joy to have around. Denita Shari’s impact extends far beyond the contagious, and they “reflect in her cares for a couple, who happen to be campground, as her client explains. “My fantastic work.” Whether it’s Kellie’s kind, retired nurses, who attest, “If we could family doesn’t have to worry now that I uplifting, and reassuring demeanor, the have had several assistants of Denita’s might not be happy because Shari always humor she uses to brighten any situation, quality, work would have been a whole seems make me so. On my bad days, or or the fact that she is known to clean and lot easier. She is attentive and frequently if something happens to upset me, she decorate clients’ wheelchairs, Kellie’s anticipates needs.” Not to be overlooked can always calm me down and make me energy and compassion shines through. are Denita’s culinary skills, as her meals smile. I trust her with my well-being and Missy concludes, “Kellie is by far the most are said to be “terrific!” happiness.” reliable person on my team and is my go-to girl for pretty much anything. She’s Denita’s narrative does not begin and end Shari’s excellence is apparent in the a Hero every day to her clients.” within the confines of her workday. On skills she is called to use with the clients top of the demands of the pandemic and she serves. For example, Shari has been the cultural events of 2020, Denita was needed to operate a ceiling lift and 4Q National Heroes challenged to support her father through provide catheter and colostomy care. A his declining health and her daughter client attests, “From the moment Shari Denita Perry, CNA through a pregnancy and a return back enters, her life stops and you are her Greenville, NC Adults (GRA) adult nursing home. Denitra made the difficult decision focus. She is very skilled in all parts of my to leave a second full-time job but care. She does not forget anything and Denita joined the GRA remained committed to BAYADA. A role does everything with a sense of humor, office in 2015. From day model of resilience, Denita has stayed on which makes her care fun! She loves what one, her effervescence course to graduate with an associate’s she does, and it shows!” and apparent skills set degree in May, and plans to continue on the stage for her for a bachelor’s degree in health care and When Shari is not spreading joy at work remarkable future with business administration. or sharing her purple shampoo with BAYADA. clients, she lovingly cares for two girls Shari Pearson, HHA whom she fostered then adopted. Denita’s impact began early, as she cared Lehigh Valley, PA Adult (LVA) assistive care for an elderly woman whose health was state programs Jennifer Wall, LPN declining and ultimately required 24/7 Hickory, NC Pediatrics (HIP) care. Denita worked with the entire Director Megan team of aides to support not only the Saraceno shares that Jennifer has been a client through her increasing physical the color purple is a staple of the HIP office needs, but also her son through his own symbol of royalty, since 2004 and has mental health needs as the stress of compassion, inspiration, established a reputation his situation mounted. When financial imagination, and as someone who treats limitations eventually necessitated the calmness. For others with the utmost client’s transition to a nursing home, manifesting all of these respect and kindness. Denita helped arrange a surprise send-off qualities, and now, for the new vibrant Clinical Manager Jessica dinner, where she and the team presented hue of her hair, the LVA team associates Price explains, “She has strong bonds and the client with a gift of new pajamas and Shari with the color purple. Having known maintains such great relationships with other items she could take along with her her since she joined BAYADA in 2016, clients and their families. Jen is kind, to her new home. Megan says, “Shari is such a kind- loving, uplifting, compassionate, and just hearted, loving individual. She loves what amazing.” she does, and it shows.” Continued on next page 6 MEET OUR 2020 NATIONAL HEROES

Jen’s clients have contributed to the up every day to show him love, help strong advocate, and someone who has consensus. One client’s mother agrees, him learn, and push him even when the power to give hope and support. Of adding that the quality she values most he played opossum.” Pat was the total course, that someone is Michele.” in a nurse is “the willingness to be the package, assessing and adjusting goals, The family’s devastation, sadness, assistant to the boss herself (the client).” implementing exercise regimens, bringing and uncertainty were replaced with The client’s mother further explained, “sweet treats to make tummies happy,” encouragement and hope through “I can teach someone any piece of and putting a smile on weary faces. Michele’s hard work and advocacy. Before equipment and how to perform certain When this client very suddenly and long, the family rejoiced in the client’s aspects of my daughter’s care, but I unexpectedly passed away about a year accomplishment of new goals. There cannot teach how to bond with or love ago, Pat’s shock and heartache were was no more hesitancy in taking first my girl.” Jen walked into this client’s deeply felt. She often was mistaken as a steps—the child was reaching the top of life about ten years ago and took an grandparent to this child, whose mother the stairs! active approach to engaging her with shared that Pat provided the kind of activities that were “crazy and fun”—no care that parents dream for when they Of course, when a therapist continually easy task for a client who was deaf and are away at work. The client’s actual rises to a challenge, accolades abound. unable to speak due to a tracheostomy. grandmother shared, “It was easy to share Michele’s ability to quickly adapt during By transitioning from building puzzles to my ‘little angel’ with Pat, because I knew the pandemic was also celebrated in playing Barbies or Legos all before 9:00 how much she loved him.” That love was BAYADA’s #This is BAYADA social media am, Jen became the nurse who made evident in the experiences they shared— campaign. Michele was recognized in her client’s eyes light up and dance in dance parties with the Chipmunks and Facebook comments for embracing the anticipation of her arrival, and the nurse Taylor Swift, and dolphin watching in the switch from in-person to telehealth who could not leave until she won the wee hours of the morning at the beach. services, and for her creativity in engaging game of finding her keys that her client More recently, Pat’s impact has extended her clients. “Whether it is the Easter would hide. to new clients, and their families have Bunny hopping on screen or a Howdy been just as impressed. One mother said, Partner whooping it up, Michele is just Jen follows through with thoughtful “Your care has been above and beyond bananas for therapy!” gestures to let others know they’re valued anything we could have asked or hoped and special. For example, Jessica recalls for. Our son is healthier and stronger, and Clinical Manager Tykisha Church-Brown that, while attending another nurse’s he’s made huge developmental progress similarly recalled how Michele made Hero ceremony, Jen brought her and a because of your tireless investment in a burn victim’s therapy more fun by client services manager flowers and a him.” teaching him how to tap dance. She said, note of thanks for all they do. Jen also “Now, 12 years later, that love of dance focuses on the value and opportunities As Pat reached the end of her career and that Michele instilled in him has brought her clients add, rather than the challenges prepared for retirement, Director Lillie him to play five different instruments, star they create. She has spoken about how Greenhill reflected, “Pat has touched in four different musicals, and attend a she was introduced to FaceTime and more lives than she’ll ever know. We’re theater summer camp.” Facebook, and how she learned sign grateful that she’s cared for our clients language through her client experiences. as if they were her own and has shown Just this month, a client’s PCP office Director Lillie Greenhill sums, “Jen is just new nurses the right way to provide offered an unsolicited commendation a true gem. Home care nursing is her compassionate, excellent care.” of Michele’s work. The nurse wrote, calling, as her sweet spirit and kind heart “Michele has helped identify barriers are such a comfort to these children and Michele Puzio, PT to care, kept the PCP office in the their families. She’s one of the nurses I Delaware Pediatric Home Health (DPV) loop about changes in condition and can’t imagine not having on our team.” concerning regression of skills, and helped Michele of the DPV provide clinical findings that the medical Patricia Longworth, RN office has been caring providers had not had an opportunity to Hickory, NC Pediatrics (HIP) for BAYADA clients since assess. Michele’s active involvement has 2003. Her veteran status assured that other members of her client’s Pat has been the combined with her care team are able to address these epitome of reliability in unique combination of findings and make recommendations for the HIP office since her talent, knowledge, and further care.“ Michele instills hope and start in 2013. She compassionate replaces clients’ thoughts of “I can’t” with remarkably maintained a demeanor have made her the go-to affirmations of “I can.” And, they do. 99.8% reliability rating therapist for many challenging over nearly 20,000 assignments. hours of service. Pat cared for one client during her tenure and Client Services Manager Joanne Berni worked very hard with his extended team recalls, “The mother of one of our new of family members, therapists, doctors, clients seemed very removed and distant. and other clinical staff to help him reach Her child had been in a horrific accident, his full potential. and it seemed as though she was in some form of shock. I knew this child and family Clinical Manager Jessica Price comments, needed an exceptional therapist, someone “Pat didn’t just go to work. She showed with stellar skills, someone who was a Continued on next page 7