2023 Years of Service Recognition
Yeehaw! Saddle up, folks, ’cause we’re fixin’ to celebrate some mighty impressive milestones at our trusty ol’ hospital! We’re hootin’ and hollerin’ to honor our fine cowpokes who’ve been ridin’ with us for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and a whopping 30 years!
(Note to the public: Sparta Community Hospital will be celebrating 2023 with a western themed party on January 20, hence the cowboy talk.)
Let’s kick off by givin’ a big ol’ yeehaw to our spiffy 5-year work anniversary wranglers! These folks have been rustlin’ up some mighty fine ideas, bringin’ their enthusiasm and a heapin’ dose of passion to our hospital. Thank ya kindly for your dedication, partners!
Julie is an excellent technician and has a great rapport with her patients. She always goes above and beyond to help out whenever needed.
May is an extraordinary nurse who is extremely hardworking, dependable, and an all-around amazing person. Her contagious smile and positive attitude make her a delight to work with. May is always willing to take on extra shifts and also floats to the MS department to lend a helping hand. In 2023, May was voted Shining Star by her peers for exemplifying the Standards of Behavior, brightening up the workplace, and going the extra mile to ensure excellent patient care in the Emergency Department. At SCH, we feel honored to have such a dedicated and loyal nurse like May on our team.
Lori’s work has been invaluable to EVS for the past five years. Her meticulousness and dedication to her craft are truly impressive. Moreover, Lori has a special talent for connecting with patients, making them feel at ease and comfortable. Lori, we appreciate your loyalty and outstanding work ethic. Thank you for everything you do.
Tasha is one of a kind – a rare gem, in fact. She leads her team with tenacity and determination, displaying the same traits in her personal life. Tasha tackles challenges head-on, assessing the situation and taking action as needed. She dedicates 100% of her effort every day, both at work and at home, getting more out of life in a week than most do in a year. We are grateful to have her as part of our team.
We are thrilled to congratulate Ashley on her 5-year anniversary with us. Beginning her journey as a House Supervisor, it soon became evident that her heart lies in the Emergency Department, where she has spent most of her tenure. Although she occasionally floats to MS and picks up extra shifts, Ashley has shown exceptional reliability and a wealth of experience, which is reflected in her clinical judgment and nursing skills. Her colleagues and patients hold her in high regard, and she is a true asset to Sparta Community Hospital.
Kendra has been an invaluable part of the SCH family for five years now. Recently, she has taken on the challenge of building a robust team within the Business Office, and her hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed. Kendra’s willingness to help out in any way possible has been valued and appreciated by colleagues across the organization. Navigating the complexities of working with insurance payors can be daunting, but Kendra has remained steadfast in her commitment to prioritize the patient experience above all else. Her dedication and work ethic have been instrumental in her accomplishments over the past five years. Congratulations, Kendra!
Congratulation, Taylor, on her 5 year anniversary! Taylor has been an integral part of our team since 2018, where she has been responsible for a range of clinical and clerical duties. She is part of a dedicated group of five who work alongside our physicians and nurses to provide the best possible care for our patients. Despite balancing her work and ongoing education, Taylor consistently goes above and beyond, even coming in extra when needed. Her positive attitude and unwavering dedication to her work have earned her the Shining Star Recognition from her peers in 2022, and most recently, the first Annual Alene Holloway Nursing Scholarship. We appreciate everything Taylor has done for us and look forward to many more years of her outstanding service.
Tori is the leader of Convenient Care, our most diverse and fastest clinic. Tori knows how to switch gears with a seconds notice and move from Convenient Care to Primary Care, she can do a drug screen and then a DOT physical and then be back to celebrate her favorite animal, The COW!!!.. Tori has recently discovered a whole new world, Tractor pulling. Who would have guessed that would be her new entertainment?
Ashley was a familiar face at Sparta Community Hospital District, having served in various capacities, starting with APRN clinicals, then working as an APRN at CMC and CC. However, over the past two years, she has shifted her career towards mental health. Now, as a Mental Health Specialist, Ashley provides services for ComWell through SCH. She has discovered her passion for being a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and has dedicated herself to this growing but challenging field of medicine. Ashley’s commitment to improving the overall well-being of the members of our community is evident in her work. She has proven herself capable of taking on any challenge that comes her way. We extend our gratitude to Ashley for her many years of dedicated service.
Carrie has been a part of the Hospitalist Team at Sparta Community Hospital for five years now, but her connection to the hospital runs much deeper. She and her family have a long history of nursing at SCH, which has instilled in her a strong sense of compassion and a commitment to excellence. Carrie has worked in various departments, including the Emergency Department and MedSurg, gaining valuable experience in providing quality care to patients. Her dedication to her work and community is a testament to her mother’s influence. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Carrie for her outstanding service to Sparta Community Hospital, alongside Dr. Coulter and Abby. Congratulations, Carrie!
Julie Presswood, a valuable asset to the department, has been with us for more than five years. Initially, she worked full-time in customer service before opting for a PRN role to pursue a position in a trucking company. After the other job downsized and no longer required her full-time, she returned to our department and has been an excellent worker ever since. Her extensive knowledge of the job is impressive.
Malia has been an essential part of the surgery department for over six years. She has played a crucial role in managing the department’s operations, ensuring that Central and Sterile processing have all the necessary equipment for the clinics and hospital. In addition to maintaining a sterile environment, she also assists the doctors in surgeries as a surgical technician. In 2023, Malia decided to pursue her passion for surgery by enrolling in an online course to become a Certified Surgical First Assistant. This rigorous program taught her about anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and much more. This certification has expanded her knowledge and skills in the operating room, and she now serves as the first assistant in surgery. Malia always goes above and beyond to provide excellent care to our patients. In addition to work, Malia makes sure she attends every activity her son is involved in. When the family has down time, they can be found outdoors camping, boating, or lounging in the pool. We are blessed to have Malia in Surgery and look forward to the next 20 years! Thank you, Malia, for choosing SCH!
Shannon, the Fearless Leader of Steeleville Clinic is celebrating her 5 year anniversary. At Steeleville Clinic, Shannon is the leader of an incredible team of professionals, including Karen Chamness and Dr. Preuss. She’s known not only for her love and dedication to her patients, but also for her exceptional management skills. Shannon works tirelessly to ensure that each patient at SVC receives the best possible care, and she’s always there to lend a hand to her team when they need it.
Sue has been an invaluable member of our the MMC Team for 5 years now, and we truly couldn’t be happier to have her. Her sense of humor, intelligence, and experience make her a joy to work with, and she consistently provides exceptional care to her patients. As a nurse, it’s essential to exhibit empathy and patience, and Sue has these qualities in spades. We wouldn’t trade her for anyone! Thank you, Sue, for your unwavering commitment to your patients, colleagues, and the SCH team. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated and applauded every day.
Although Mary has been with SCH for 5 years, she recently joined the clinic team as the Queen of Mobile Clinic 2, where she oversee everything related to Mobile Unit 2. She’s a multitasker extraordinaire, who takes care of our valued patients, ensures the unit is always stocked and ready to go, and provides Tyler with all the necessary guidance. Mary is also a master tester, helping us to modernize the patient experience through Patient Connect. We truly appreciate Mary’s hard work and dedication, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for our team.
Traci, has been a nurse for many years and has an exceptional skill set. We rely on her to support us in the office and when we need a good laugh to brighten our day. Traci always goes the extra mile to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team, and we affectionately refer to her as the “Mom of the office.” She offers advice, solicited or not, and is known as the “Queen of Hugs.” We are grateful to have Traci working alongside us as a colleague and friend.
Abby, who has been with us for only five years, has made a remarkable impact on our Hospitalist Program. As a nurse practitioner, her unwavering focus on patient care and her support for Dr. Coulter during the pandemic have been invaluable. Abby is not only an asset to the nurses on the floor but also to the patients in long-term care facilities. Her smile and enthusiasm are infectious, and she is always eager to help out. We are fortunate to have Abby on our team and look forward to her continued excellence in providing top-tier patient care.
Next up, we got ourselves some rootin’-tootin’ 10-year work anniversaries! These here folks have been stickin’ with us through thick and thin, helpin’ shape our hospital’s success. Y’all are an inspiration to your fellow cowpokes. Much obliged for your hard work!
We are thrilled to congratulate Tasha on her decade-long commitment to our ER team. As a full-time ER Ward Clerk on a night shift, Tasha has been an invaluable member of our staff. She consistently exceeds expectations, earning the respect of her colleagues, physicians, and nursing management. Tasha regularly goes above and beyond her duties, often taking on extra shifts and contributing generously to ensure smooth operations within the department. Thank you, Tasha, for your years of service, and we eagerly anticipate many more.
Rebekah joined the Customer Service Team from Coding and has graciously taken on additional shifts to assist us. Despite working two jobs and manning the late shift on weekends, she maintains a positive attitude. Rebekah has been an indispensable member of our team, and we are grateful for her continued presence. We look forward to many more years of collaboration with her.
Josh, a valuable employee, is always willing to assist and provide valuable insights when needed. He readily picks up extra shifts to help out and is the calming force amidst the busy lab environment.
Mindy has been an integral part of Sparta Community Hospital for ten years. She started as a front desk receptionist at SVC Clinic. Mindy’s dedication and willingness to lend a hand resulted in her being transferred to other clinics when needed. After completing a year with SVC Clinic, Mindy moved to SMO. She spent five years at SMO before transferring to the Call Center. Mindy assumed responsibility for the Call Center and recently transitioned into a pre-cert position for Radiology, while still helping with calls when needed. Mindy has always been eager to learn new things and welcomes suggestions. Pre-cert can be a challenging role, but Mindy handles it with ease. She is always willing to come in early or stay late when needed, which has made her a valuable asset to the Call Center and pre-cert team. We appreciate Mindy’s hard work and dedication to the Sparta Community Hospital organization.
We want to recognize Laura, who has spent the last decade working as an ER nurse, for her unwavering commitment to her role. She has become a valuable member of our team, with her punctual and dependable nature. On numerous occasions, Laura has gone beyond her call of duty by working extra shifts, floating to MS, and attending educational opportunities to enhance her skills. Laura has an outstanding track record of taking care of our patients, and she is responsible for ensuring that nearly half of our ER patients receive a follow-up phone call after their discharge. Her dedication to keeping the culture book up to date on her shifts is commendable. Laura is always willing to assist with audits and takes on additional responsibilities, such as maintaining the OB boxes stocked and updated. This year, Laura was instrumental in our preparation for the survey, and we are grateful for the assistance she provided. We truly appreciate all her contributions in ensuring the smooth running of the ER department. Congratulations on ten years of service, Laura!
We want to extend our sincerest congratulations to Olivia on her official 10 year anniversary. Although we all know she’s been here much longer than that! Olivia began as a PRN nurse on MedSurg and eventually cross-trained to the ER where her passion for hands-on patient care truly shone. She has also worked as a House Supervisor and floated to MedSurg, as well as occasionally working shifts in the Surgery Department. Her dedication to her work is evident through her willingness to divide her time between day and night shifts, as well as picking up extra shifts to help out when needed. Olivia’s responsibilities have grown over time, and she now oversees the upkeep of the ER Crash Carts and tracks all of our pediatric transfers for quality data. Olivia is an invaluable member of our nursing department, and we appreciate her hard work and dedication to her colleagues, physicians, and patients alike.
Ashley joined our organization straight after completing her high school education. Over the past ten years, she has become one of our most skilled experts on insurance registration and clinic operations. Her leadership and dedication to her team are unparalleled, and she is a driving force behind our drive towards community health. Ashley’s competitive nature ensures that she leaves no stone unturned when finding quality measures or collecting prior authorizations from Aetna Better Health. This year, Ashley embarks on a new adventure by spearheading the development of our Telehealth Program and new Clinics.
Happy 10 Year Anniversary to Dr. Wood, a skilled and organized medical professional with a true passion for her patients and her craft. Dr. Wood strongly believes in the power of preventive healthcare and takes a patient-centered approach to create personalized healthcare plans. Not only is she dedicated to her practice, but Dr. Wood is also a devoted mother of three boys and enjoys spending her free time immersed in nature with activities such as float trips and hunting. It’s an honor to have Dr. Wood as part of our team.
Now, let’s give a holler to our mighty fine 15-year work anniversary champions! These cowboys and cowgirls have seen our hospital grow and change, and they’ve been right there in the saddle, makin’ it what it is today. Your dedication is as solid as a trusty steed!
We are very lucky to have Mark on our team. He is extremely passionate about his work, especially when it comes to working with athletics and teens. Mark’s strong work ethic is commendable, and his compassion and energy are much appreciated. His unique perspective has a positive impact on our department, and we are grateful to have him as a valuable member of the team.
Tifanie is an exceptional employee who provides excellent support when needed. She is always willing to adjust her schedule and work extra shifts to help the lab. Although she may occasionally arrive late, Tifanie never fails to show up and deliver.
Dawn has been an essential member of the SCH family for 15 years. Before joining home health in 2020, she worked as a staff nurse on MedSurg, house supervisor for the hospital, care coordination, and clinic nurse. Dawn embodies the values and standards of SCH every day, proving to be a true team player. Congratulations on this significant milestone! Your passion, perseverance, and professionalism have had a lasting effect on our team and our accomplishments.
Erin is an invaluable member of our rehab department as a physical therapist assistant. She consistently brings a positive attitude to work and is always willing to lend a hand to her colleagues. Her dedication and excellent performance are a source of inspiration to us all. Keep up the fantastic work, Erin!
Brooke is a dedicated Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) who began her career with SCH by completing her coding practicum with medical records. After taking a part-time position with SCH while attending college, Brooke accepted a full-time position in April of 2008 and has been a valued member of the team for over 15 years. As a highly efficient coder, Brooke has experience in coding all types of charts and has even been involved in peer auditing. Since January 2010, Brooke has been compiling statistical data for monthly hospital stats, and she plays an integral role in the process of reporting quality measures on hospital inpatient and outpatient care. With her willingness to go above and beyond, Brooke has proven to be an asset to the SCH Coding Team. The team looks forward to working with her for many years to come.
CJ’s long tenure at this organization is a testament to his unwavering commitment and dedication to his work. Throughout his entire time with SCH, he has been a vital part of the dietary department, working his way up to a leadership role through the years. His colleagues and I deeply value his contributions, and we are grateful for his hard work. I want to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to CJ on his 15 years of service. Thank you for all you have done for our team and the organization.
Megan has been a vital part of the SCH family for 15 years. She is an excellent member of the SCH Imaging team and is always willing to assist her colleagues in any challenging situation. Megan is our go-to person during the winter storm season and has even stayed overnight at the hospital to ensure coverage. In addition to her professional skills, Megan is an avid traveler, particularly to the mountains and the beach. She is also a talented DIY enthusiast, who is very skilled in home renovation and improvement projects. As a photographer, she has a natural eye for capturing unique moments behind the lens. Megan’s caring nature extends beyond her professional life, as she is actively involved in caring for children and families in need. Despite facing tough and stressful times, Megan always comes to work with a smile on her face. We are very grateful for Megan’s commitment and service to SCH, and we hope to continue working together for many years to come.
Movin’ on down the trail, we got ourselves some extraordinary 20-year work anniversary icons! Y’all have been ropin’ success and showin’ us the true meaning of loyalty. We’re mighty grateful for your contributions and the positive impact you’ve had on so many lives. Thank ya kindly, partners!
Missy Burke has been an integral part of the SCH team for nearly four decades. Her role has evolved throughout the years, and she has taken on numerous responsibilities, including ER nurse manager, Medical Surgical nursing, Cardiac rehabilitation, stress lab, and now pulmonary rehabilitation. Missy’s newest adventure is working in the surgery department, as that is an area of need. She has worked in every department except maintenance, and has always been willing to step in to fill the staffing gaps, even taking on roles she had not done in years. Missy’s commitment to SCH is unwavering, and she is a dependable team player. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Missy volunteered to perform COVID testing on staff at local businesses, served as a greeter when her department was shut down, and screened all visitors and patients to ensure everyone’s safety. We are grateful for Missy’s dedication and contribution to SCH, and we take pride in having such a valuable RN on our team. Thank you, Missy, for your time and devotion to SCH!
Peter has been a valuable member of our organization for two decades, joining us when he was a young and boyish-looking man with rosy cheeks. He has since grown and matured, but his cheeks remain as rosy as ever! During his tenure with us, Peter has held several positions, beginning as Director of Marketing before transitioning to Clinic Director after a vacation. He is a naturally optimistic individual, always seeing the glass as “half full” and possessing the creativity to “think outside the box.” His flexibility and amiable personality make him a joy to work with. In his free time, Peter enjoys various activities, from cycling to limo driving, and from bus trips to camping. His diverse interests make him a well-rounded individual and a valuable addition to our leadership team. We can’t predict what the future holds, but we’re certain that Peter will continue to bring positivity and inspiration to our organization. As he likes to say, “All anger is derived from disappointment,” and “You can’t make this stuff up!”
Starting as an HIM clerk, Brandy quickly made her way to the position of Transcriptionist within days. Although she was initially concerned about the red marks on her papers, she took the corrections positively and developed into an exceptional Medical and Radiological Transcriptionist. As EMR documentation systems began to emerge, the need for a transcription decreased. Brandy accepted an opportunity to join the HIT department. Brandy’s transition to the HIT Tech position was a blessing for the organization. Her background in HIM provided her with the foundation to work with the EMR, making her an ideal candidate for the role. Brandy is a dedicated employee who learns quickly and possesses a calm demeanor, which is essential when dealing with frustrated providers and staff. The organization is grateful for Brandy’s past 20 years of service and hopes to have her on the team for another 20 years. (She’s young, so it could very well happen 😊)
Although Dale officially joined us as an SCH employee in October 2003, he served as a contracted employee and was an essential member of our team since February 1996. Over the years, Dale has taken on additional responsibilities, including Support Services, which encompasses Maintenance, EVS, and Dietary. Dale’s greatest asset is his ability to connect with people. He is a kind and respectful gentleman who always puts others first. Beyond work, Dale has many interests, including music, spending time with his family, and working on his homestead. We are grateful for your dedication and hard work over the last 27 years, Dale. Thank you, and we look forward to the future.
Let’s now tip our hats to our legendary 25-year work anniversary superheroes! Your grit, resilience, and unwavering spirit have been an inspiration to us all. Y’all have seen the wild ride this hospital’s been on and have played a mighty big part in its success. Thank ya kindly for your incredible service!
Dr. Coulter has actually been an indispensable member of our organization for much more than 25 years, starting directly out of residency. In 1998, he joined the hospital as an employee when Family Health Center became a part of our hospital system. Dr. Coulter’s passion for knowledge and learning is not limited to medicine alone. During the pandemic, his inquisitive mind helped guide our organization, leaving an indelible mark in our memories. He worked tirelessly, even for days on end, to ensure that our patients received the most advanced and up-to-date treatments available while safeguarding our staff and other patients. Dr. Coulter’s leadership and dedication ensured that the treatment regimens at Sparta Community Hospital were at the forefront of medical advancements. His commitment to the community was surpassed only by his devotion to his family and faith. With his wife, Rhonda, by his side, we are confident that Dr. Coulter’s dedication will only continue to grow stronger.
As a leader, there is no greater gift than a reliable employee, and Lori has proven time and again to be a valuable member of our team. Her dedication to getting the job done with great attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. Lori is always eager to learn new things and take on new tasks, which makes her an asset to our mutual efforts. Thank you, Lori, for your commitment and hard work.
Last but not least, we’re raisin’ our glasses to our phenomenal 30-year work anniversary legend! Y’all have been ridin’ alongside us for a mighty long time, showin’ us what true dedication looks like. You’re the stuff of legends, partners, and we’re mighty grateful for your remarkable service!
Cindy Haddick has been an integral part of the clinic clerical team at Sparta Medical Office for the past three decades. Her unwavering commitment has made her a beloved face at the clinic, such that patients often inquire about her when she’s not there. Cindy’s knowledge and expertise have been key to the organization’s growth and success, and we appreciate everything she has done for us. Congratulations on your 30th work anniversary, Cindy!
To all our incredible cowpokes celebratin’ these work anniversaries, we tip our hats and offer our sincerest congratulations. Y’all are the heart and soul of this here hospital, and we’re mighty blessed to have ya as part of our posse. Here’s to many more years of ridin’ the trail together!