Proud of our nominees
At Mission Health Communities, excellence is a daily commitment, lived out in every community, by every team member. We’re proud to recognize a group of outstanding individuals who embody what our organization stands for.
Our CARES Award nominees represent the heart of Mission Health
Character, Attitude, Respect, Excellence, and Service.
Our Mission Experience Award nominees have driven meaningful results across our organization raising quality, meeting goals, and leading with impact. Together, these honorees remind us that what we do matters.
How we do it matters even more.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 nominees.
MISSION EXPERIENCE Award nominees
Hover over the nominee to see why they were nominated.
Amy Meinecke
The Residence
at North Ridge
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Amy is not one to seek out the spotlight. She juggles so many tasks & projects each day, but she keeps going, works through them all and never gives up!
—Cindy Heigel
Rafael Morales
Mission Health
Recruitment
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Rafael exemplifies the CARES core values of Mission Health, in every aspect of his work. He always shows true strength of character when he consistently does the right thing for his coworkers and the company.
—Abbie Combs
Cassie Stephens,
Jessica Tinsley,
Heidi Ranz,
Princess Carr,
Ambeur Hill
Mission Health
Education
NOMINATOR SAYS:
They are constantly thinking of how they can better do their jobs, how to be more efficient, how to be good stewards, make the most of their resources, stretch themselves, do more for students, more for communities, improve upon and add educational programs and opportunities, show community leaders and staff that they are appreciated, and be of service to everyone they encounter.
—Glenda Crellin
Susan Pittman
Mission Health
Operations
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Susan is not only a leader, but she is also a teacher. She is always available to answer questions, advise or lend a helping hand.
—Sharon Clark-Mckeen
Angie Milner
Fort Gaines
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Angie is dependable and is willing to take on any project she is tasked with. She works tirelessly in the community, to improve the community.
—Robin Jones
Krista Burmeister
Mission Health
Revenue Cycle Management
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Krista goes above and beyond the highest standards of character, conduct, and professionalism. Krista holds herself accountable while having a positive attitude.
—Michele Barnes
Leslie
Zimmerman-
Black
Mission
Management Services
NOMINATOR SAYS:
I feel Leslie deserves this award because she brings the Mission Experience to people when they need it the most, she stands up and leads them through the toughest situations and guides them to success!
—Nichole Burger
Adrian Monroe
Mission Health
Business
Development
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Adrian is the perfect example of enhancing the lives of those we serve. He lives our CARES values daily.
—Susan Pittman
Sharla Hopper
Oswego
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Sharla consistently goes above and beyond in her dedication to providing the highest level of care, always combining empathy, support, encouragement, and professionalism.
—Shannon Martinez
Sherry Wahl
Haviland
Care Center
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Sherry has always worked hard to bring about the CARES values. As a leader, Sherry asks nothing of her staff that she would not do herself.
—Karel Page
Stacie Moses
Wilson
Care and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Stacie’s unwavering willingness to help and support others in every aspect of her role is a testament to her leadership and commitment to excellence.
—Shannon Martinez
MaShun Tinnin
Lincoln
Care and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
MaShun’s leadership style motivates her team to strive for excellence every day. She encourages her staff to push boundaries and continuously improve, all while maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment.
—Shannon Martinez
Latosha Brown
Mission Health
Recruitment
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Latosha is an outstanding recruiter, consistently identifying candidates who not only possess the highest skill sets but also align perfectly with our CARES values, ensuring a best fit for long-term success and satisfaction.
—Shannon Martinez
Tammy Merrick
Peabody
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Tammy Merrick, the Director of Nursing at Peabody Health and Rehabilitation, exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication.
—KS Central Regional Team
Chris Crocker
Peabody
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Chris Crocker is exceptional. He excels at staff management. He truly understands the workforce dynamics in the building and strikes a wonderful balance of empathy and efficiency.
—KS Central <br>Regional Team
Abbie Gourley
Botkin
Care and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Abbie Gourley continues to excel in her role as the Director of Nursing at Botkin Care and Rehab. Her tireless commitment to quality measures and dedication to communication and staff education elevates her standing amongst her peers.
—KS Central <br>Regional Team
Dan Laffery
Botkin Care and Rehab
and Wellington
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Dan Laffery is a visionary leader whose exceptional management of not one, but two facilities has driven remarkable financial success and operational excellence.
—KS Central <br>Regional Team
Paula McCra
Mission Health
Nurse Consultant
NOMINATOR SAYS:
If you’ve met Paula, you already know. She is a clinical whirlwind.
—Shane Marler<br>& Nikki Jacobs
Beth Gifford
Mission
Management Services
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Beth is an awesome teammate. She takes on the difficult things as easily as she takes on the easy things.
—Robin Jones
Jada McLeod
Dickson
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Miss McLeod has integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience.
—Keith Lovering
Jessica Tinsley
Mission Health
Education
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Jessica is a wonderful coworker and has been a pleasure to work with while building and developing our team.
—Cassie Stephens
Michelle Barnes
Mission Health
Revenue Cycle
Management
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Michelle Barnes has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among her teammates, team members, and interdepartmental teams.
—Adrian Monroe
Chris Crocker
Peabody
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Chris demonstrates exceptional leadership and commitment to our mission of enriching the lives of those we serve by consistently driving business success across multiple key areas.
—Nikki Jacobs
Daniel Laffery
Wellington Health and Rehab
and Botkin Care and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Dan fosters a culture of collaboration and respect among the staff and has maintained financial responsibility without compromising care quality.
—Nikki Jacobs
Robin Jones
Mission Health
Nurse Consultant
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Robin has been with Mission for many years—long before I was. Robin is constantly working on ways to improve our survey results.
—Cassie Stephens
Alicia Weide
Mission Health
Operations
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Alicia is an amazing and dedicated leader. Her guidance and hands-on support to each facility is strategic and inspiring to those who work with her.
—Roy Walker
Cindy Nelson
North Ridge
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Cindy embodies the mission experience with the interactions she has with staff, families, vendors, referral partners, and regulators. Cindy does the right thing day after day.
—Dawn Wozniak
Glenda Crellin
Mission Health
Education
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Glenda has made a significant impact on Mission Health’s education department since becoming its director. She is passionate about educating and elevating the skills of new and current staff. Glenda instills a sense of ethics and purpose in her students.
—Jacque Vance
Jen White
Arma
Health and Rehab
NOMINATOR SAYS:
Jen White, Director of Nursing at Arma Health and Rehabilitation, is an outstanding leader and individual. Jen’s positive demeanor is infectious; she consistently maintains an optimistic outlook, even in the most challenging circumstances, and her smile has the power to uplift those around her.
—Mindi Estes