VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR) recently celebrated its annual VNA Week, taking time to recognize and thank the dedicated employees who make a difference in the lives of patients and families throughout the three counties they serve. The week culminated in the agency’s annual Employee Recognition Dinner, an opportunity to celebrate the compassion, commitment, and hard work of team members who bring VNAHSR’s mission to life every day.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the annual HEALTH Matters awards, which recognize employees who exemplify the agency’s core values: Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Teamwork, and Helpfulness.
Each letter of HEALTH represents an individual award honoring an employee whose contributions reflect these values and strengthen the organization. This year’s recipients are:
- H – Honesty Award: Lori Rogers
- E – Excellence Award: Claire Erickson
- A – Accountability Award: Reva Stollings
- L – Leadership Award: Maria White
- T – Teamwork Award: Allison Dezotelle
- H – Helpfulness Award: James Albright III
The agency also proudly named Francetta (Fran) Tice, a Hospice Registered Nurse, as Employee of the Year, recognizing the extraordinary compassion and comfort she brings to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. The impact of Fran’s care is evident in the many families who take the time to mention her by name in their loved ones’ obituaries, a touching reflection of the connections she builds and the difference she makes. Her kindness, willingness to help others, and unwavering dedication extend beyond the bedside, leaving a lasting impression on both the families she serves and her fellow team members. Fran exemplifies the heart of hospice care, making an incredibly difficult journey a little easier for those entrusted to her care.
The evening also celebrated two newer members of the VNAHSR team with the Rookie of the Year awards. These honors recognize employees who, despite being newer to the organization, have already become valued members of the team through their enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond. Rebecca Phillips received the Clinical Rookie of the Year award, while Holly Arnado was named Non-Clinical Rookie of the Year.
Finally, Patricia Andrews received the Unforgettable Award, a special recognition for someone whose kindness, dedication, and the connections they’ve built with those around them leave a lasting impression. Her contributions are a wonderful reflection of the heart and spirit of the VNAHSR team.
Jessica Boutin, Chief Executive Officer of VNAHSR, shared her appreciation for the employees who make the organization what it is:
“Every day, our employees demonstrate what it means to lead with compassion, commitment, and purpose. The individuals recognized during this year’s celebration truly represent the VNAHSR values that have guided our organization for generations. Whether working directly with patients and families or supporting our mission behind the scenes, each person plays an important role in the care we provide and the communities we serve. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the dedication they bring to their work every day.”
The annual Employee Recognition Dinner is a reminder that VNAHSR’s greatest strength lies in its people. Their compassion, expertise, and commitment make a lasting difference for patients, families, and communities across the region. The agency is proud to celebrate this year’s honorees and all the employees who make its work possible.
