Fourth Quarter 2021
Sr. Patricia Baker, Spiritual Enrichment Associate, Vincentian Home
When Sr. Linda Larkman, the Pastoral Manager for Vincentian Home, needed to take a six-month medical leave in October 2021, Sr. Pat didn’t hesitate to fill in as acting Pastoral Manager during her absence, in addition to her regular duties as a Spiritual Enrichment Associate.
“I never heard her back down or move away from any challenge or need that arose. She always stated she would give it her best. From what I have seen and heard, I believe she did,” wrote Sr. Linda in her nomination. “Everyday Sr. Pat continues to give the best of herself to fulfill the Mission of Vincentian Home.”
More about Sr. Patricia Baker
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
One-and-a-half years. - What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to read, visit with friends, be at home with the sisters I live with. - If you could be on a game show, which one would it be?
Jeopardy
Alyson Kremer, Restorative LPN, Vincentian de Marillac
Since Alyson joined Vincentian, she has taken the initiative to help wherever she can. “Not only has Alyson picked up many empty shift slots, but she also has been an advocate for the Life Enrichment (Activity) department,” explained Krista Albitz, Life Enrichment Manager, in her nomination. Alyson encourages the residents to participate in the activities, helps them get ready and escorts them to and from the activity. She often participates in the activities as well.
“Alyson has a great character and personality and is able to bond and relate empathetically to most, if not all residents,” said Krista.
More about Alyson Kremer
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
9 months - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy conversing with the residents and working with them. - What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to do crafts and garden. - What is your favorite travel destination?
My favorite travel destination is the beach and I love to go fishing.
Shirley Reese, Administrative Assistant, Vincentian Home Personal Care
“Without a doubt, Shirley was instrumentally the person who inspired me to place my uncle where he is today, his home for life. I only wish the world had more employees like Shirley. She is the epitome of compassion, dignity, professionalism, competency, and all that an organization could hope to have in an employee,” wrote one resident family member.
“What really makes Shirley stand out is how she steps in. She is on various committees, and she offers her time on holidays to work as a nurse aide. She recently took the med tech course so she could assist in other capacities when needed,” said Sara Markl, Life Enrichment Supervisor at Vincentian Home Personal Care, in her nomination.
More about Shirley Reese
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
24 years - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working with the residents and helping them. - What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to cook and spend time with my grandson. - What is your favorite movie?
The Notebook - If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Save all of the homeless people
First Quarter 2022
Colleen Bish, Receptionist, Vincentian Schenley Gardens
“In the time I’ve known her, Colleen has demonstrated a valuable front-desk presence, truly helpful in handling all sorts of problems presented by needy residents and their families as well as visitors,” wrote coworker Ja Meka Porterfield.
“Colleen is always calm and dignified and is a genuine problem solver. She is currently helping to solve three personal problems for me,” wrote one of the residents in her nomination.
More about Colleen Bish
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
6 years - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
Socializing with the residents. - What is your favorite travel destination?
I would love to go to Australia. - If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to have the superpower to help people when they are in need.
Lorie Ebersole, Manager of Clinical Excellence, Vincentian Marian Manor
Lorie is an excellent nurse manager, and she has always been an exceptional employee, according to coworkers Jennifer McKnight and Crystyl Craig, who each nominated her. “During the ever-changing health care environment, Lorie accepts new responsibilities and challenges with a good attitude; provides positive reinforcement and educational teaching to staff; is always kind and caring with residents and family members and sets a great example for her coworkers every day.”
More about Lorie Ebersole
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
23 years - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
Working with people who have become family. - What do you like to do in your free time?
I love being with my cats, cheering on Penn State and spending time with my nephews. - If you could be on a game show, which would it be?
Family Feud with my coworkers because we work well as a team to think of the answers!
Rick Fukas, IT Support Analyst
“Rick always puts the residents first,” wrote Sara Harshman, IT Support Analyst, in her nomination. “When doing everyday tasks, he does them quickly and efficiently. He provides the necessary support to keep all of Vincentian up and running. He also does all of this with a smile on his face. Rick really brings up the morale of the office and he is an asset to the organization.”
More about Rick Fukas
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
34 years - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
Being able to help people throughout the day. - Name one of your most memorable moments with a patient or family.
While working at Vincentian Regency there was a blizzard that produced a foot of snow which prevented staff from being able to arrive to work. I piched up multiple staff members from dietary, nursing, and housekeeping and brought them to work to ensure the residents had the care and support they needed.
Bridget Harkins, Receptionist, Vincentian de Marillac
“Bridget always is extremely helpful, friendly, courteous, and respectful to us when we visit and to the residents we’re visiting. She is well organized with scheduling and executing the visits, and she is very careful about observing the COVID test sign-in procedures to keep everyone safe,” wrote a family member.
Coworker Trista Salvatore explained that when she was off for a week due to COVID, Bridget took the initiative to help with some of Trista’s responsibilities. After Trista returned to work, Bridget asked Trista to teach her how to upload documents so she could help address the stack that had piled up while Trista was off.
More about Bridget Harkins
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
It will be 20 years in September. - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy talking with the families and residents. Several of our residents will stop by the reception window to talk, say hi or even to ask if I can print some word search puzzles for them. - What do you like to do in your free time?
I volunteer at the Pittsburgh Zoo as a Docent. Every year I create paper mache sculptures for their haunted house and dress up as the beloved Wolfie character. - What is you favorite kind of dessert?
Cheesecake
David Lewis, Life Enrichment Aide, Vincentian Marian Manor
When David joined Vincentian, he instantly made a connection with residents and staff. While his primary responsibilities are to help transfer the residents in Building A to meals and activities and assist with games by creating them or preparing the materials needed, he does so much more to brighten the lives of the residents.
According to a tribute written by one of the residents, “Dave is a caregiver for the soul” – a cheerful greeter, reminder of mealtimes, game time champion, baker of banana bread and cookies. He is always helpful, kind. and full of humor. “We sincerely appreciate the services of Dave Lewis.”
More about David Lewis
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
One year - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
Getting to do one-on-one activities with the residents, making them feel valued and cared for. - What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family, especially my grandchild. - What is your favorite travel destination?
The best place to travel is being right at home with family, enjoying the simple things in life.
Shalisha Little, Resident Aide, Vincentian Home Personal Care
Shalisha’s kindness and thoughtfulness for a resident is what impressed a family member to nominate her. During a particular lunch-time visit, Shalisha was asked to bring lunch to the resident’s room.
“She not only made a sandwich for my mom, but Shalisha also cut it into four squares making it much easier for my mom to pick up and feed herself. She also brought mom a full container of iced tea with a lid and straw,” the family member wrote. “As I was leaving that day, Shalisha stopped to see how much mom ate and wanted to make sure that she was able to enjoy her lunch that day. WOW, was she thoughtful!”
More about Shalisha Little
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
7 months - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
Knowing that I am helping. I like to be able to make residents comfortable. I like to work with the tough cases. - What is your favorite movie?
Twilight Series - What is your favorite dessert?
Strawberry cheesecake - If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To fly. Fly away when my 1-year-old, 3-year-old and puppy are acting up.
I’d like to fly away to a vacation spot.
Jean Reid, Housekeeper, Vincentian Home
“No matter what is asked of her, Jean will do it with efficiency, completeness and a positive attitude,” explained Jennifer Pruett, Vincentian Home’s Administrator, in her nomination.
While her jobs vary throughout the day – you can find her cleaning baseboards, elevators, walls – she always pays careful attention to the details. Jean also turns over rooms so they are ready for regular admissions. When Vincentian Home was chosen to participate in Pennsylvania’s long-term care support initiative to help relieve the strain of COVID-19 on hospitals and frontline workers, she helped turn over the 4-2 unit for the decompression mission.
More about Jean Reid
- How long have you worked with Vincentian?
Almost 4 years - What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
The satisfaction and gratification of getting things accomplished – a sense of accomplishment. - What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to garden. - What is your favorite movie?
Bridges of Madison County - If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To make everyone who is sick here well again.