Kudos to Our Employees

Welcome to the KUDOS section – just another example of our Extraordinary People providing Extraordinary Care.






Kudos to the October Great Catch Winners
Congratulations to the October Great Catch Winners Candy Stan, CV Research, and Jean Rutledge, CV Research, (Pictured Above)
Jean Gardner, 3 South
Lisa Ward, Patient Financial Services
Tom Novak, Security



Kudos to Elizabeth Copac of SMMC
A hearty hand shake; A pat on the back; and the warm glow of accomplishment go out to Ms Copac for passing her RRT credentialing. Elizabeth Copac, RRT, RCP. Congratulations.






Kudos to SMMC Reward & Recognition Committee
St. Mary Medical Center Reward & Recognition Committee held a Cobbler Bake-Off Contest on Oct. 12th. 1st place-Gale Hacker, Supervisor of Environmental Services, 2nd place-Shannon Gawlic, R.N. Endoscopy, 3rd place-John Anco, Bio-Med Tech & Telecommunications and 4th place-Jo Toigo, Director of Health Information Systems.



Kudos to Community Healthcare System
Kudos to all the Community Healthcare System Employee's teams etc...who made the Cancer Resource Centre 6th Annual Romp & Roll Walk & Fun Run successful. Everyone did unique and creative ways on raising funds to help those facing a cancer diagnosis. The patients and the Centre's staff are very thankful for all your hard work and dedication. Plan ahead for October 3, 2010. Thank you!!!






Kudos to Amy Castillo of Fitness Pointe
Amy Castillo, MPT, SCS, a clinical specialist at our outpatient physical therapy department at Fitness Pointe, was invited by the American Physical Therapy Association to participate in a conference addressing research and clinical practice of physical therapy and how they can assist each other to improve the practice of physical therapy. Amy will represent physical therapy and Community Hospital well. All the conferees were selected based on their credentials and knowledge in both research and its application in the clinical practice of physical therapy. The conference topics of outcomes tracking, reducing variability in practice, knowledge, centers of excellence, and quality (see attachments) are important and applicable to physical therapy practice in our multiple settings. We are fortunate to have one of our clinical specialists in outpatient physical therapy be recognized and invited to this endeavor.



Kudos to Carla Gardenhire & Donna Faitak
Carla Gardenhire RN, FNP-BC of St Mary Women's Diagnostic Center and Donna Faitak RT (R) (M) Supervisor of St. Mary Women's Diagnostic Center have become Nationally Certified as Breast Health Navigators. This certification shows the dedication and compassion they exude for all the women and families whos lives they touch. Congratulations for all your hard work.





pictured are Theresa Arredondo, Volunteer, Dave Jones, Dir. EVS, Char Clary, CAC Chair/IP Coding Spvr., Bonnie Meyer, Employee Heath Nurse, Jo Ann Birdzell, Administrator

Thanks SCH for a successful school supply drive!
A huge thank you to all who helped to make our 2nd annual Christian Awareness Committee school supply drive a great success. We collected and donated to Lincoln Elementary School 1999 total items including 32 backpacks, 502 spiral notebooks, 192 folders, 247 boxes of crayons and 136 dozen no 2 pencils. In addition, we gave the school $300.00 in monetary donations which will be used to purchase red, white and blue polo shirts for the kids to wear to school at a cost of $4.00 each. Again, the generosity of our St. Catherine employees, volunteers and physicians is amazing. A special thank you goes to the volunteers who separated, boxed and tallied the donations – you are fantastic!!!



Kudos to LuAnn Lawton of St. Catherine Hospital
LuAnn is an Inpatient coder at St. Catherine Hospital who has just passed her national Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam. Congratulations LuAnn! Great Job! She can now use the CCS initials behind her name along with her RHIT credentials.




Kudos to Stephen J. Bader
Steve passed his Cisco BCMSN exam with a near perfect score to help continue his education and further expand his commitment in offering the highest level of service possible to all CHS facilities. Congratulations!




Kudos to Joseph Gonzalez of Marketing & Corporate Communications, CFNI
Joe was awarded the 2009 American Graphic Design award for his design of the Perennial Ball Invite. Graphic Design USA (GD USA) honors outstanding work of all kinds and across all media. GD USA saw 8,000 entries. Of these, a highly selective 15 percent are recognized with an Awards Certificate of Excellence. Congratulations Joe!!





Kudos to the staff and patients of the Cardiac Rehab Phase 3 Dept. & members of Fitness Pointe
When the Greater Hammond Community Services sent out their quarterly newsletter with a call for help for both their food pantry and CAPES House a temporary shelter for homeless families, the staff and patients of the Cardiac Rehab Phase 3 department, and the members of Fitness Pointe came into action. Holding a 'Christmas in July' Food/Toiletries Drive we collected a van load of supplies for both facilities. the giving from the heart continues here at Cardiac Rehab and Fitness Pointe.






Kudos to the July Great Catch Winners
Congratulations to July Great Catch Winners Sandy Capps, Registration, CDC, and Pat Rivera, Registration, CDC, (Pictured Above)
Joan DenHartog, 6 West
Karen Hernandez, Acute Rehabilitation Unit





Kudos to Maria A. Osterman & Delfina Santiago of St. Catherine Hospital
Maria and Delfina both passed the Cardiac Ultrasound Physics Boards and the ECHO Boards to earn their RDCS registry credential thru the ARDMS association. Congratulations!





Pictured are Joseph Costanza, Maryann Markovich, JoAnn Birdzell & Judy Gresko

Kudos to The St. Catherine Auxiliary
Volunteers have a grand tradition of giving and our volunteer program has professionalized and grown in visibility throughout the hospital, and our community outreach initiatives in Northwest Indiana. At the Auxiliary Annual Meeting/Tea & Installation of Officers luncheon on July 16th, the Auxiliary proudly presented a check in the amount of $110,000 to St. Catherine Hospital. The attendees witnessed at this event, the expertise, creativity, energy, intuition and unparalleled teamwork to continue the shared mission and vision of the Auxiliary and St. Catherine Hospital. The Auxiliary Board leads the membership to continue servicing St. Catherine Hospital and the community with untold and extraordinary contributions






Kudos to Community Connects
Members of Community Connects have been honored by the U.S. Army with the Freedom Team Salute award July 8 for outstanding contributions to the men and women overseas. Freedom Team Salute Ambassador Paul Kruger was on hand to personally present the awards to committee members who worked on the Hearts for Heroes program this past February. During Valentine’s week, members and volunteers sold decorated paper hearts to hospital staff raising more than $800. The proceeds were used to send more than 25 care packages to military personnel overseas – recipients who happened to be an immediate family member, relative or neighbor of a Community Hospital employee. Kruger says “the Freedom Team Salute award recognizes soldiers/spouses/and the broader community for making the lives of servicemen and women better through efforts such as this.” This is the third year Community Connects has conducted its Hearts for Heroes program, shipping more than 70 packages overseas altogether.






Kudos to CH Community Connects Committee
Red, White & Blue Salute

Members of Community Hospital’s Community Connects committee have been recognized by the U.S. Army July 8 with the Freedom Team Salute award for their efforts on behalf of the men and women serving overseas. Award recipients include: Sherry Benson, Gerri Bodjack, Tina Campbell, Annette Costica, Gayle Czarnik, Pattie Dobin, Mary Sue Dolan, Juliet Dominguez, Madelyn Dunn, Kit Edwards, Kevin Engelbrecht, Michelle Gessert, Margie Giorgi, Milka Glumac, Michelle Griffin, Cecelia Guillen, Sharon Hefty, Monica Hoffman, Kathy Johnson, Constance Jusko, Linda Katsinis, Doris Kennedy, Janet Kozak, Linda Kruszynski, Jana Lacera, Jean Luedtke, Tina Miller, Nancy Moser, Teresa Nava, Paula Nellans, Kristle Ondo, Barbara Pennington, Elizabeth Sasse, Lorraine Sharpe, Helen Torres, Lisa Ward, Rosemary Wasielewski, Elizabeth Yee, and Joan Zivich. Pictured with some of the committee members are CEO Don Fesko (back row, center) and Freedom Team Salute Ambassador Paul Kruger (back row, right).




Kudos to SMMC ER Staff
The midnight ER Staff would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the staff members and managers who stayed late to help or who came in extra on July 4th to assist with the patients from the Hidden Lake bridge accident. Your team work made the situation run much smoother and showed your dedication to great patient care! It was greatly appreciated!!!






Kudos to Kristen Villers, CH, Lori McBride & Kelly Courtney, SCH
Community Healthcare Systems Employees Raise Funds for Homeless Animals. Kelly Courtney & Lori McBride, St. Catherine Hospital Employees & Kristen Villers from Community Hospital, CSC, raised more than $2900.00 for the Humane Society Calumet Area's 17th annual Paws in the Park Walk-a-thon held on Saturday, June 20 at Wicker Park in Highland. We would like to thank our co-workers & everyone who supported this great cause. It was a fun-filled day that helped not only collect monies for the Humane Society but also awareness for animals in need. Thank you to our generous supporters, says Kelly Courtney.




Kudos to Melissa Angyus
Congratulations to Melissa Angyus, RN, CWCN-AP who earned her CWCN-AP certification. Melissa is the first Wound Ostomy Continent Nurse in Northwest Indiana to become Advanced Practice Wound Care Board Certified. Great Job!




Kudos to Regina Martinez, April Brown and Terri Borys
All just passed their State Boards, are now RN/BSN and will be working in CVU. Congratulations to all!!





Kudos to St. Mary Medical Center Hope Crusaders
The Hope Crusaders team from St. Mary Medical Center participated in Hobart's inaugural Relay For Life event, a walk that brings people together to spread awareness of cancer treatments, cures and prevention. It also honors those who have battled the disease.






Kudos to Art Vasquez of SMMC
Congratulations to Art Vasquez at St. Mary Medical Center for passing his CPA exams! We're proud of you Art!





Kudos to Patty Dorn, 3WP
Congratulations to May Great Catch Winners Patty Dorn, 3WP, (Pictured Above)
Sharon Krum, Wound/Ostomy Clinic
Lee Smith, Clinical Engineering
Kathleen Dominiak, Fitness Pointe



Kudos to Mark Koppen
Congratulations Mark for passing state boards and becoming an RN!





Kudos to Claudia Dixon from SMMC
Congratulations to the St. Mary Medical Center 2008 STAR Employee of the Year, Claudia Dixon, Food & Nutrition supervisor. Claudia was chosen among 11 other star employees to receive this honor. Claudia is an extremely dedicated employee who goes above and beyond her duties and she is asset to this organization.

“I would like to thank each individual who voted for me and a special thanks goes to Janice Ryba, Administrator & CEO,” states Claudia. “I would also like to acknowledge the Reward & Recognition committee and last but not least I would like to thank the Food & Nutrition department for their support and all they do”






Kudos to Roberta Bach, Infusion Clinic
Roberta and her committee organized the 15 annual National Cancer Survivor's Day celebration here at St. Catherine Hospital on Sunday, June 7. The guest speaker, Sandy Appleby, was motivational, humorous and entertaining. Thank you to all who were part of organizing the event. There were many volunteers who made the day a true success which reflected St. Catherine's mission in service. Thanks again!




Kudos to Laurel L. Meschede from SMMC
Laurel passed her boards and is now an RN!! Congratulations.



Kudos to Shronda Hargrove
Congratulations to Shronda Hargrove from Human Resources for earning her Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration. It took self-sacrifice, determination and persistence to complete her 18-month journey with great success. Join me in wishing Shronda much continued success when you see her in HR.



Kudos to Rhiannon Eich
Congrats on passing State Boards! She is now an RN!



Kudos to Grace Menclewicz, Brooke Cena, Michelle Purillo and Jessica Crooks of St. Mary Medical Center
Grace Menclewicz passed the Vascular Physics Boards. Brooke Cena passed the Ultrasound Physics Boards and the OB-GYN Boards to earn her RDMS, Michelle Purillo passed her Ultrasound Physics Boards and Jessica Crooks passed her Ultrasound Physics and OB-GYN Boards to earn her RDMS-Congrats!!




Kudos to the Social Workers at Community Hospital
Kudos to our dedicated group of social workers at Community Hospital especially during Social Service month for going above and beyond on a daily basis for our patients. While in the hospital and through discharge, the social work staff collaborate with physicians and nurses to provide the highest quality of care by offering support services to patients and their families. And, our social workers arrange post-hospital care to ensure a smooth transition. We salute the members of our Social Service team: Cecilia Svetic, Rod Otte, David Benante, Ron Staton, Kim Ortega, Tina Michael, Debbie Balcerak, Jill Rucinski, Natalie Simaga, Tammy Redman, Katie Caine and Dawn Silk!





Kudos to Diecha Landingham
Diecha Landingham, CNA on 6W, passed her boards and is now an LPN! Congrats Diecha!





St. Catherine Hospital Co-Person of the Month - November
Congratulations to VON MOSS and LINDA PACE for being selected the November 2008 Co-Persons of the Month at St. Catherine Hospital.

VON and LINDA’s dedication and strong commitment to our hospital values make us very proud to have them both as part of our St. Catherine Hospital Family. VON works in the acute rehab unit as the Admissions Manager and LINDA works in the acute rehab unit as the Program Secretary.

VON/LINDA went above and beyond assisting patients on the unit complete absentee ballot voting as part of the November Presidential Election. They contacted the Lake County Government Center and obtained the registration forms needed to allow the patients on the unit to vote. They distributed forms to patients and assisted patients and their families with faxing all the necessary information back to the Lake County Government Center to allow the absentee voting to occur. Their commitment to service in this incident ,helping assure patients were able to exercise their right to vote even though hospitalized, makes us proud that they collectively were selected as November Person of the Month.

On behalf of the administration, staff, and volunteers at St. Catherine Hospital, we thank VON and LINDA for their service, dedication, and adherence to our hospital values.

Congratulations VON and LINDA!!!







Kudos to the Christian Awareness Committee of St. Mary Medical Center
The Christian Awareness Committee of St. Mary Medical Center went to St. Bridget's School to provide lunch for the students and faculty. Over the past few years funds raised from the "penny wars" at the school have been used to purchase Christmas gifts for the Giving Tree Program. The Christian Awareness Committee would like to thank everyone who participated and made the program a great success.






Kudos to the February Great Catch Winners
Congratulations to the February Great Catch Winners Doris Korem, Food & Nutrition, (Pictured Above)
Glenna Crouch, ICU
Michelle Gessert, P.T.
Sylvia Gould, P.T. Fitness Pointe







Kudos to The St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary
The St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary made a $100,000 donation to fund new hospital equipment. Auxiliary President, John Burton, presented the check to Community Healthcare System COO, John Gorski at the annual breakfast. "Auxiliary members have worked hard through the years to help support St. Mary financially," said Gorski, "but it's their warmth and respect for the human spirit that is conveyed throughout the entire hospital every day."




Kudos to Miguel Gambetta, M.D., Patrick D Dunn MS, Dawn Nelson, MS, NP-NC, Bobbi Herron, MS APRN BC-CNS, Ross Arena PhD PT
Very proud to see that the above were authors of "Impact of the implementation of telemanagement on a disease management program in an elderly heart failure cohort: published in Progress in Carciovascular Nursing, Fall 2007 Volume 22 (issue 4) pages 196-200.






St Cathereine Person of the Week CAREY OLDS
Carey Olds was nominated person of the week by Jerri Toth, because she ALWAYS puts the patient and department needs before her own. Carey had a patient that was frightened before a procedure while waiting for the doctor. The patient’s wife could not be present due to the inclement weather therefore, Carrie stayed with the patient holding his hand. The patient was so comforted he was able to doze off while waiting. Carrie also steps in where needed in the department covering for LOA and helping with holiday call, not to mention baking goodies for the department staff. Jerri stated, “I am very proud to know and work along side this most wonderful person!” Thank you Carey!





St. Catherine Hospital Person of the Month - October
Congratulations to JANE SEOLAS being selected the October 2008 Person of the Month at St. Catherine Hospital.

JANE’s dedication and strong commitment to our hospital values make us very proud to have her as part of our St. Catherine Hospital Family. She works in Food and Nutrition.

JANE went above and beyond assisting with accommodating an individual requiring an altered diet. She assured that the appropriate accommodations were made, and went above and beyond to assure the accommodations were met. Her commitment to service in this incident and day to day with all she does, makes us proud that she was selected as October Person of the Month.

On behalf of the administration, staff, and volunteers at St. Catherine Hospital, we thank JANE for her service, dedication, and adherence to our hospital values.

Congratulations JANE!!!






Kudos to the November Great Catch Winners
Congratulations to November Great Catch Winners Joan Miller, Pharmacy, (Pictured Above)
Kim Cave, 4N Clinic
Mary Puntillo, Ed. Services
Pat Hamilton, Housekeeping
Stacy Sanchez, 3W






Kudos to the January Great Catch Winners
Congratulations to January Great Catch Winners Janet Schindler, Lab, (Pictured Above)
Linda Haines, Heart Failure Treatment Clinic
Margie Giorgi, Central Scheduling
Terrance Pierce, Human Resources




Kudos to Greg Grdina at St. Catherine Hospital
Greg recently passed the CNOR exam. The CNOR credentialing represents a level of professional achievement and a demonstrated knowledge of clinical competence and practice standards. This certification makes Greg not only a leader but a role model in the department and a steward for the operating room professional community. Congratulations Greg on this accomplishment!



Kudos to STC Auxiliary, Judy Gresko (team captain) and Maryann Chevigny (Co-Captain)
JDRF Walk - SCH was represented by a team formed by the STC Auxiliary that participated in the walk and raised in excess of $4200.00. Judy Gresko, team captain and Maryann Chevigny Co-Captain attended the Awards Dinner and received the Golden Sneaker Award (2 years in a row) for their contribution. Judy and Maryann were assigned by the Marketing Director at SCH under the direction of JoAnn Birdzell (Hospital Administrator) to chair the event.


Archived Kudos Section