Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR) recently celebrated its annual VNA Week, a dedicated time to honor and appreciate the remarkable staff who embody the organization’s mission of compassionate, high-quality care. The celebration culminated with the annual Employee Recognition Dinner, a special event recognizing team members whose commitment, compassion, and excellence consistently go above and beyond in caring for patients and their families.
During the event, VNAHSR proudly recognized its HEALTH Matters Award winners and honored the Employee of the Year. The HEALTH Matters Awards reflect the organization’s core values—Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Teamwork, and Helpfulness—which serve as guiding principles in fulfilling its mission and vision.
Each letter of HEALTH represents an individual award that recognizes an employee’s outstanding contribution to the agency and the community. This year’s winners include:
– H – Honesty Award: Jessica Desautels
– E – Excellence Award: LiMei Janik
– A – Accountability Award: Carol Rainville
– L – Leadership Award: Andrew Nardell
– T – Teamwork Award: Bonnie Green
– H – Helpfulness Award: Jeff Bunn
VNAHSR also proudly announced Melissa Falk, a Rutland-based Occupational Therapist, as the Employee of the Year. Melissa has dedicated ten years to the agency and is celebrated by her colleagues as “an amazing communicator who leads by example, compassion, and professionalism.” One peer wrote, “Melissa embodies what it means to be an Occupational Therapist, as she has changed and enhanced the lives of so many patients.”
This year, two Rookie of the Year Awards were also presented, recognizing new team members who have already made a significant impact. The Clinical Rookie of the Year was awarded to Kelly Bentley, and the Non-Clinical Rookie of the Year to Matthew Cartier.
In addition, the prestigious Transformational Leader Award, honoring a leader who exemplifies creativity, vision, and the ability to inspire excellence, was presented to Elizabeth Pelletier, Home Care Clinical Manager.
Jessica Fredette, Chief Human Resources & Development Officer at VNAHSR, shared her appreciation for the staff and the meaning behind the awards:
“At VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, we take great pride in recognizing the hard work and commitment of our team members. Our HEALTH Matters awards embody the core values that define our organization, values that guide us in every decision we make, and in every relationship we build with our patients, families, and staff. These awards are more than just a celebration of individual achievements; they reflect the strength of our entire team and the difference we make in the community. Our employees are the heart and soul of this organization, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering dedication.”
The Employee Recognition Dinner and HEALTH Matters awards serve as a reminder of the incredible impact of each team member and their shared commitment to excellence in patient care. VNAHSR looks forward to continued success and the positive impact its staff will undoubtedly have in the years to come!
