Griselda Barrios-Lopez, cook

St. Vincent's East, Touchpoint

Nominator: Garrett DeMaurius, senior foodservice director, Touchpoint

“Proactive, motivated, dynamic, excellent, team player and driven are just a few words to describe Griselda. She comes to work every day with the passion to serve our patients. Her job is to be a production cook. However, when Griselda finishes cooking, she jumps in to help roll silverware, serve the trayline, pour teas, cold prep, wash dishes and deep clean equipment. She does whatever is needed to keep us going. She has been a valuable asset and takes the opportunity to learn multiple areas independently. She is the epitome of a teammate.”

Oleida Bisol, patient ambassador

Canyon Vista Medical Center/HHS

Nominator: Ryan Clark, culinary director, HHS

“Oleida Bisol has been a patient ambassador for many years. She is always eager to pick up shifts and cover where needed. Oleida has a positive outlook and strives for perfection. Recently she was promoted to ambassador lead based on her customer satisfaction, performance and commitment to our values. She is a great role model and a mentor to many on our team. Here at Canyon Vista Medical Center, we are honored to have her on our team.”

Felipe Briseno, pre/banquet cook

Ascension Saint Alexius MC/Touchpoint

Nominator: Marco Hetterich, FNS senior director, Touchpoint

“Felipe has been going above and beyond since he has been here. He is very dedicated, not missing a day at work and picking up shifts if necessary. He also prepares all hot banquet and café foods with great pride and experience, making them very tasty and looking the best. We are very fortunate to have Felipe on our culinary team. He is a true champion and goes above & beyond.”

Katie Bullard, cook

Touchpoint/Georgetown

Nominator: Dana Markley, director of dining services, Touchpoint

“This employee has been with us for 15 years. She has been a server, a dishwasher and for the last 10 years, a cook.  She is very knowledgeable in the kitchen and has been a rock for the kitchen managers. She never misses a day and will help any one of her co-workers with anything they need. She cares about her job and the residents so much. Recently, we hired a new kitchen manager who had a short training before she took over. Katie has been by her side teaching and training her along with training a new cook! she has worked OT, long hours and continues to have a great attitude! She is a wonderful team member and is highly deserving of a Hero honor!”

Santos Cabrera, senior cook

Harbor UCLA Medical Center/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Stefanie Herbert, communications specialist, Compass One Healthcare

“Santos is a senior cook at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in West Carson, California. He gives his all in the kitchen and has a true passion for food! Santos consistently looks out for other team members, including washing his own pots when finished cooking to help out the dishwasher and lending a hand on the patient tray line when they are short. He is always reliable; the team can count on Santos as a handyman, an all-around utility player in the kitchen. He has even taken care of equipment most people are not sure how to fix, and has even brought home a cart to quickly repair the wheel on his personal time. Santos' dedication and passion make him a hero on his team and help keep things moving smoothly.”

Deleaner Calvin, aide/cook

Lake Mead Health & Rehab/Healthcare Services Group

Nominator: Stacey Nichols, accounts manager, Healthcare Services Group

“I nominate ‘Mrs. Dee’ for many reasons. She is my go-to team member who will not only pick up extra shifts to make sure the team is covered, but she cares about the residents. She ensures, no matter what position she is assigned to, that it is done, correctly, on time, and even helps others when they are struggling. She truly cares about her teammates, her ‘brothers and sisters’ as we call each other, and the impact she makes on the residents for whom we provide meals every day. When she cooks, she cooks with love. When she washes dishes, she is thorough and double checks that all is completed. When she delivers the snacks, she speaks to a few of our long timers to ask how their day is going. To our team, she is an asset, and a family friend to all of us.”

James Crowther, cook II

Concord Hospital Food and Nutrition Services

Nominator: Shawn Desjardins, production manager, Concord Hospital

“Always going above and beyond to help his department and team. Has stayed healthy and not missed a day of work during the COVID-19 pandemic. He works tirelessly to ensure everyone around him is set up and taken care of. He steps up when others are out sick or need coverage. He is a true team player.”

Jordan Fitsjarrel, retail cashier

Clovis Community Medical Center/Thomas Cuisine Management

Nominator: Andrew Skaf, Retail food service manager, Thomas Cuisine Management

“Jordan is an outstanding individual and employee here at Thomas Cuisine, working at Clovis Community Medical Center. I would call him a Foodservice Hero. As a cashier, Jordan brings so much more to the table than just ringing up a customer. He brings a show—full of joy, warmth, and friendliness. Customers quickly began to recognize Jordan as the outstanding cashier he is. in the first month of his employment with us, when I had numerous customers/clients come up to me and inform how pleasant of an experience it is seeing Jordan in the cafeteria. With our customers being 85% employees, they may be having tough or melancholy days due to the nature of the work. Sometimes, clinical staff will only have a short break before having to return to their duties. When they come into the cafeteria and experience Jordan on the cash register assisting them, they are guaranteed to leave with a positive, satisfied feeling—most of the time customers leave with a big smile included, free of charge :) Jordan can change anyone's day from negative to extremely positive in a matter of minutes. Jordan is a small part of the big picture, but the big picture would not work without Healthcare Heroes such as Jordan Fitzjarrel. His friendliness, reliability and passion for the job he is doing is so very appreciated.”

Megan Fobar, dietitian specialist

LAC + USC Medical Center/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Stefanie Herbert, communications specialist, Compass One Healthcare

“Megan Fobar is a Morrison Healthcare dietitian specialist at LAC + USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, specializing as a burn dietitian. In this specialty, she helps patients who sustained severe burns with their unique nutritional needs, so their bodies can heal properly. This past year, Megan advocated for her patients in a big way. After seeing a need for a metabolic cart, a unique piece of equipment that would allow her to provide more tailored care to her patients, Megan got to work on a financial proposal to bring this equipment to the LAC + USC Medical Center. Her efforts paid off when the funding was approved in the spring of 2021, and she implemented a program for metabolic cart use, including requirements for use and a detailed process.

Megan was also recognized as Morrison Healthcare’s 2021 “Clinician of the Year,” which honors the clinician who delivers on our cultural value of “Be Well” to implement an innovative clinical nutrition program or resource.”

Angel Fuentes, hostess

Community Howard Regional Health, In.

Nominator: Jennifer Yeakle, FNS director, [email protected] Howard Regional Health

“Angel has worked as a hostess for Community for the last four years. She is consistently recognized by our patients for her willingness to serve them, for her kind smile and her knowledge of diets. She is always bringing ideas to the table on how to be more efficient, but still take the time that the patients need. She is fluent in Spanish, so she has assisted our department many times when patients have a language barrier. Angel is an associate who we never have to worry about—she shows up physically and mentally, stays over when needed and always puts the patient first.” 

Roy Gilbert, catering food unit lead

Ascension Via Christi St Joseph/Touchpoint

Nominator: Tony Pezzola, senior director of food & nutrition, Touchpoint

“Roy is always going above and beyond when it comes to the catering events that we have. In addition to that, due to the short staff we have been having, he always jumps in without question on different positions that we may need here at the unit. We are very blessed to have Roy here as a member of the St Joseph team.”

Ancy Gonzales, cook

The Eating Recovery Center/Thomas Cuisine Management

Nominator: Tiffany Hanson, foodservice director, Thomas Cuisine Management

“Ancy is one of the sweetest employees. She never calls outs, comes to work with a positive attitude every day, is willing to work any position, always covers employees that call out, and is very efficient. I could not ask for a better employee!”

Kristina Greenberg, registered dietitian

University of Virginia Medical Center/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Stefanie Herbert, communications specialist, Compass One Healthcare

“Kristina is a Morrison Healthcare registered dietitian at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was awarded for her quality care with UVA's Good Catch Award, which is awarded monthly to a medical center employee for an act that potentially could have been catastrophic for a patient. Kristina visited a patient who was not feeling well and did not have labs scheduled to be drawn for another week. However, Kristina sensed that something wasn’t right. Thanks to her attention to detail, the team drew the lab and educated the patient and their family on what the results meant. Now, that's a good catch!”

Walter Hawkins, food service worker

Mayo Clinic/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Alyssa Milonas, HR/Admin, Morrison Healthcare

“Walter has worked with us since 2013 and he is always willing to lend a helping hand. He has cross-trained in multiple departments and always receives compliments from staff about his helpful demeanor. His positive spirits and great work ethic make me proud to work alongside him!”

Paige Horn, clinical dietitian

Ascension St Thomas West/Touchpoint

Nominator: Lori Volpe, lead clinical dietitian, TouchPoint-Ascension St Thomas West

“Paige is a dietitian who goes above and beyond for her patients. Not only does she ensure they have the knowledge and skills to eat properly when they leave the hospital, but she also makes sure they are well-nourished and satisfied while they are here. Paige will work with patients to ensure they have the proper room service status, are familiar with appropriate menu options, and encourages them to ask for off-menu options as needed. Paige will even go to our cafeteria grill to get meals for patients on occasion. She is consistently providing the best care for all of her patients, and her dedication and passion shows!”

Allison Ingram, food service worker/cashier

Mayo Clinic/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Alyssa Milonas, HR/Admin, Morrison Healthcare

“Allison serves coffee beverages in our staff cafeteria. She does an amazing job preparing coffee for the staff, and she is someone our staff look forward to seeing every morning. If Allison is off for the day, our staff members will ask where she is because she makes the best coffee!”

Nicki Konopa-Kress, grab and go specialist

Erie County Medical Center/Metz Culinary Management

Nominator: Maureen Metz, executive vice president, Metz Culinary Management

“I want to nominate Nicki Konopa-Kress as an unsung hero in foodservice. Anyone who visits the Erie County Medical Center café knows what amazing work she does and the care and pride she puts into everything she produces. 

Nicki began working at ECMC in January 1992 as a relief manager in the coffee shop on the second floor. When the coffee shop closed, she moved to the café; she was asked to be a supervisor but instead decided to use her talent as a cook. She spent a lot of time as the action station cook, and we’ve heard (from many!) how great her milkshakes were. 

On April 6, 2019, Metz opened at ECMC, and Nicki was identified as our grab-and-go expert. She takes pride in her work and perfects her product down to the last ounce. When Metz implemented the new Chef Fresh program, Nicki was thrilled to be able to add a new flair to her cooler. She spends her entire shift creating beautiful items that fly off our shelves. 

One of our favorite things about Nicki is her love for her Buffalo Bills! On Fridays during the season, you will find Nicki working hard in her Bills gear and greeting everyone with a friendly “Go Bills!” Nicki is a huge asset to our team; we couldn’t be happier to have her as our Chef Fresh expert. Thank you to Nicki for all she brings to our team at ECMC!”

Tess LaRosa, lead culinary ambassador

Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa, Touchpoint

Nominator: Valerie Calderon, director of food & nutrition, Touchpoint

“Tess is healthcare. She is the heart and soul of our kitchen. Her hard work has realized structure and sensibility in our staff and the way the associates handle everything from our food to our patients and customers. She is the ultimate leader, handling things with grace and never showing that she may be under pressure. Being a new director to oversee her, she has made my transition seamless and happily explains why certain things are done in this kitchen.  Tess, in a short period of time, has become invaluable to me and this program. Tess has a bright future ahead of her and I hope to be a part of her success.”

Areli Lemus, cook

The Eating Recovery Center/Thomas Cuisine Management

Nominator: Tiffany Hanson, foodservice director, Thomas Cuisine Management

“Areli comes to work every day on time. She is extremely efficient and will get the work done of three employees. She never has to be asked to do anything because she just looks around and gets whatever needs to be done completed. She is a true leader in our kitchen.”

Sharon Neitzke, cashier

Ascension Genesys Hospital/ Touchpoint Support Services

Nominator: Brad Roberts, executive chef, Touchpoint Support Services

“Sharon always has a smile on her face. No matter what is going on in her personal life, she comes to work to serve our guests and employees as our cafe cashier. Sharon goes out of her way to make sure the coffee is brewed just right, the baked goods area is fresh, and the tables and cafe are clean and ready for the day. Sharon has an amazing following that comes in daily to see her smile and crack jokes! She stocks her shelves and takes great pride in all she does to make our operation flow smoothly. Everyone needs a Sharon on their team!”

Jason Owens, cook

Community Howard Regional Health

Nominator: Jennifer Yeakle, FNS director, [email protected] Howard Regional Health

“Jason has been a cook here for the last four years. He was in the back of the house preparing patient trays when he first started. We moved him to the cafe as the action cook and he couldn't understand why we moved him. After several months, customers started looking forward to when he worked. Fast forward to the present, and customers have requested that he never receive a day off because they LOVE what he brings to the cafe. Jason is like a great bartender, he gets to know everyone, keeps the atmosphere light and fun, serves them quickly and makes you feel as if you've stepped out of the hospital stress. He now understands why we moved him, because he is nominated regularly for different awards and recognitions on the way he treats our customers.” 

Vincent Peat, line cook

Waterview Hills Rehab & Healthcare

Nominator: Denise Moore, assistant to the administrator, Waterview Hills Rehab & Healthcare

“A continual asset to our organization, for he is always willing to assist in any type of task at hand. A great team player, always exceeding expectations, and a total joy to have within our organization.”

Deni Pineda, foodservice assistant

St. Joseph Peacehealth Medical Center

Nominator: Nichelle Tyler, retail & catering foodservice manager, Thomas Cuisine/Peace Health Medical Center

“Deni genuinely loves her job and will go above and beyond every day when she works. Her laugh and happy attitude are contagious throughout the entire kitchen. She works in retail but will help any department that needs her when she is available. This past year has been rough for many of us, but having Deni has made our lives brighter and easier. She treats every customer and co-worker with respect and a smile. I don't have one single instance to talk about, as Deni truly is just always a Rockstar!”

Betty Radics, food service worker

Lower Keys Medical Center /Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Stefanie Herbert, communications specialist, Compass One Healthcare

“Betty has worked for Morrison Healthcare at Lower Keys Medical Center in Stock Island, Florida, as a food  service worker for the past 18+ years. She's garnered a reputation for brightening the days of both staff and patients by being herself and truly bringing her whole self to work each day. To name a few:

• She's helped fellow team members find affordable housing when they were living in a homeless shelter.

• Every holiday, knowing patients spend their day in the hospital, Betty dresses up in festive colors and brings items to make patients' days brighter. For example, on the Fourth of July, she brought American flag napkins to give to the patients with their food.

• Her nickname is the "Cookie Lady" because she is always bringing homemade baked goods to pass out to her team, patients and guests.

Betty doesn't work at Morrison Healthcare because she has to; she works there because helping people is her true passion and the reason she gets up every morning” 

Herb Reddy, foodservice worker

Eurest, The Children's Hospital/Richmond

Nominator: Mary Beth Toewe, communications director, Eurest

“Our people are the heart and soul of our organization. Herb Reddy's story is one of passion and dedication, and is truly inspiring. Herb is an hourly associate who has worked for Eurest for 16 years. He is responsible for helping to feed children and their families at Children’s Hospital of Richmond and has earned a tremendous amount of trust from his clients to support services in top clearance areas. His team says he is a jack of all trades who comes to work with a positive, upbeat attitude. For a typical hospital setting, we have a smaller than average Eurest team. Teamwork is an essential part of the job and Herb is the person who leads this charge. He is willing to jump in wherever needed and fulfil the duties required. Feeding the children in the hospital is an immense responsibility. We provide the formula, mechanical food and pureed items seven days per week. Herb bears much of this responsibility, along with his manager, Iris Ragland; they split the duties. Irrespective of weather or other items on his plate, he knows the children come first. With a great deal of detail orientation, Herb prepares all the required items from scratch and delivers to the floor in a very specific manner with specific labeling. It takes skill, fortitude and a passion to take care of others to fulfill this role, and Herb takes this very seriously. Herb lifts the spirits of all around him; he is selfless, and his spirit is infectious.”

Monica Smith, foodservice worker

Pottstown Hospital Tower Health/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Stefanie Herbert, communications specialist, Compass One Healthcare

“Monica is a Morrison Healthcare food service worker at Pottstown Hospital-Tower Health in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Monica has worked at Pottstown Hospital for more than 42 years and has always cared deeply for her patients and the people around her.

Monica was chosen by the hospital's CEO to co-chair with him on the hospital's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The CEO shared, ‘Monica has brought a great deal of insight and personal experience to the committee. Her presence has helped others join the committee or be brave enough to share their challenges.’ Not only is Monica inclusive, but she is very flexible in working an extra shift and encouraging others also to work extra shifts to serve patients at their full compacity.

Monica is a true foodservice hero!”

Valerie Smith, cook

Condell Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Health

Nominator: Matias Reyes, production supervisor, Advocate Condell Medical Center

“I am nominating Valerie due to her excellent customer service skills. Valerie goes above and beyond for the people she serves in our retail operations. She always makes sure guests and coworkers leave her station satisfied. She takes the time to get to know her customers and can cater to their individual needs by learning their dislikes and likes as well as memorizing their orders for the next time they come. She can be counted on to step up when we are short staffed and is a pleasure to work with. The days she is not present at work, all her customers ask for her.” 

Judith Tekampe, room service operator

Advocate Aurora Health, Condell Medical Center

Nominator: Anne Markwell, general manager, Advocate Aurora Health, Condell Medical Center

“Judy works in our room-service diet office. A patient called her, not to order his meal, but because he was experiencing chest pains. Judy was able to contact the nursing unit and a rapid response was called, as this patient was experiencing a heart attack. Judy took this patient and his concerns seriously and continued to follow up on his well-being after his recovery. His family sent a thank you card and letter to Judy, letting her know that they credit her with prompting the life-saving care he received.”

Liberosa Tierro, hourly worker

Inova Fairfax/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Stefanie Herbert, communications specialist, Compass One Healthcare

“Liberosa is a Morrison Healthcare patient dining associate at Inova Fairfax in Annandale, Virginia. She was honored by the president of the medical campus at a monthly town hall. He read a letter from a patient who had traveled there from Florida to have surgery. The note read, ‘I cannot end this without a special acknowledgment to Liberosa, who brought each meal to my room with a smile and a greeting. She took the time to explain my choices and take my order as if we were in a fine restaurant. Choices were quite limited post-surgery, but she made sure my diet progressed as prescribed, sharing my joy over the first meal of meatloaf and mashed potatoes! I would have welcomed Liberosa's visits to my room even if she didn't carry a food tray!’ Liberosa embodies the professionalism of a caregiver and provides a fabulous dining experience. She can always be counted on as she assists her team members and volunteers to support managers. Liberosa provides insight into service standards, diet compliance and patient/team member safety. She is well rounded and an overall asset to her team.”

Shawna Watts, patient dining associate

Alton Memorial Hospital/Morrison Healthcare

Nominator: Stefanie Herbert, communications specialist, Compass One Healthcare

“Shawna, a Morrison Healthcare patient dining associate at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, Illinois, provides exceptional service to every patient she serves. One patient in particular felt incredibly grateful for her dedication and shared a letter of gratitude. The patient shared that Shawna did an excellent job providing meals over their five-day stay and immensely helped their recovery. She consistently went out of her way to personally get the patient’s dinner, even after they had returned from surgery several hours after the normal mealtime. Shawna’s attention to detail and personal touches when caring for the patient meant the world to them, as they could not have any friends or family visit due to COVID-19 restrictions. Shawna’s genuine passion is what foodservice is all about!”