Annual Meeting Awards
March 8, 2010
ADMINISTRATION:
Linda Bainter, Payroll Coordinator
Linda joined VNAIC in 1999 as a Payroll Clerk. In her current positions as Payroll Coordinator, she oversees payment and processing to all of our nearly 800 employees – that’s almost 20,000 payments a year! She also loves to decorate for the holidays and makes sure that accounting always has the winning displays. Linda was the “Yes, I Can” winner of 2008 and will help you with a smile, even when you turn in your timesheet late!
Susan Mendez, Education Coordinator
Sue started out her VNAIC career in home health, but hospice soon became her calling. She was a hospice admit nurse and case manager, and patients and facility staff loved her. However, her keen attention to detail and maternal manner made her a perfect fit for the hospice educator role. Many of the Victorville team learned hospice from Sue. More recently, she transitioned into her current role as Education Coordinator. She juggles students, educators, CPR manikins, and telehealth monitors with ease as she motivates and encourages everyone she is in contact with.
Mark Neiman, Office Services Manager
Mark is often asked to be a “jack of all trades” in helping with needs at all seven of our sites. He helps us all with supplies, printing, telephones, equipment, furniture moving, and even occasionally chasing down a mouse or snake! His “Can Do” attitude and smile make even the toughest tasks easier. Congratulations, Mark!
Dana Passmore, Executive Assistant, Business Development & Clinical Programs
Dana came to work for the VNAIC in 1999 in Administration and transferred to Business Development in 2004. Dana finds her work as a member of the team challenging and rewarding. She keeps the department organized and is the “Mama Bear” for the whole team. In 2008, Dana also took on the added responsibilities of the Clinical Programs Department, coordinating staff education and assisting with student programs. Her enthusiasm and professional demeanor make her a respected member of our Business Development and Admin. teams. We congratulate Dana on her 10 years of service!
Michelle Rosales, Accounts Receivable Specialist
Michelle began her venture with the VNAIC in 1999 as an A/R File Clerk. In 2000 she was promoted to an A/R Specialist. Michelle is responsible for all of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Health claims. She is a very reliable employee and a great asset to the A/R Dept. She is a real team player and a pleasure to work with. Congratulations, Michelle, on achieving your 10 years with us!
Hydee Sapien, Contract Manager
Hydee joined the VNAIC in 1999 as the Manager of our insurance/managed care verification unit. She designed forms, implemented systems, and built an effective unit that interacted with all of the business and clinical departments within VNAIC. She assisted with a transition plan that allowed this unit’s function to be decentralized out to our branch offices and was promoted to her current Contract Manager position. Today, Hydee is the in-house expert on all of our contractual relationships. Congratulations on 10 years of service to the VNAIC!
BANNING HOSPICE:
Janis Radecki, RN
Janis began her VNA career as a Board Certified Mental Health RN in the Palm Desert Home Health office in 2000. She migrated to banning Home Health and then recently to our Banning Hospice team. She coordinates care of challenging patients with mental illnesses, including dementia and Alzheimer’s being her primary focus. She calms agitated minds and soothes troubled relationships everywhere she goes. Janis says she has learned how to understand patients in a deeper way, by connecting nature with healing touch in communicating with her wolves.
BARSTOW HOME HEALTH:
Janet Zimmerman, Occupational Therapist – Selpa
Janet works with Home Health and the Selpa program. Janet is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and comprehensive in her care for the patients and students. She is outgoing, creative, and is a forward thinker. She regularly provides education for students, aides, and teachers. She is often requested by name to assist students, due to her concern, compassion, and care.
PALM DESERT HOME HEALTH:
Kim Bird, Physical Therapist
Kim is a very experienced Physical Therapist and works the east end of the valley. She loves to precept new staff and is always willing to help with questions. It is not unusual for her to receive complimentary letters regarding her compassionate and professional care.
Teresa Blate, Quality Management Coordinator
Teresa originally worked as a transcriptionist in the Palm Desert branch. When a position became available for a Quality Management Coordinator, it was a perfect fit for her. Her attention to detail combined with a unique sense of humor make her almost irreplaceable to us.
Julie Casserly, Physical Therapy Assistant
Julie is quick to establish great relationships with her patients. Somehow Julie manages to get even the most stubborn of patients to progress! She receives many accolades from her patients and co-workers.
Becky Codekas, LVN
Becky sees patients in the east end of the valley. She came to the VNA with many years of home health nursing experience. Becky works closely with the east end case managers in order to provide excellent care. She is a dependable and hard worker. She can often take on a heavy assignment when the branch is busy.
Maria Garcia, Case Manager
Maria is a Case Manager on the orthopedic team. She sees many patients in the east end of the valley providing them with excellent nursing care. Maria often assists the branch as a CPR instructor and a preceptor for new employees. Over this past summer, Maria also volunteered to work as a camp counselor at Camp Erin and worked with grieving children.
Lu Girardin, Clinical Educator
Lu started as a RN Case Manager in the Palm Desert branch. When the position of Orientation Nurse became available, Lu quickly landed the job. She is now the Clinical Nurse Educator for the Palm Desert branch. Lu’s larger than life personality helps her to be one of the most unforgettable members of the Palm Desert team. With that said, she does an excellent job in training, educating and keeping everyone on track in the Palm Desert branch. She also serves as a member of the OBQI Committee. Lu was the “Yes, I Can” Employee of the Year winner for 2009!
Nancy Gruba, Physical Therapist
Nancy is well known for excellent care and fashionable attire. She can always be counted on to pick up extra patients when the season is busy. She is helpful with teaching and supporting new staff as well. Nancy is also very caring and compassionate with her patients. This past summer, Nancy participated in Camp Erin as a volunteer counselor for grieving children.
Patricia Harder, Physical Therapist
Patti works in the west end of the valley. She is the consummate professional. She is well known in the area for her experience. Patti’s genuine personality helps her to quickly establish rapport with her patients. She has served as a representative for the Employee Hardship Committee as well. Recently, Patti starred on Channel 2 “Eye on the Desert” in a spot showcasing the VNAIC.
Theresa Hoyt, Case Manager
Theresa is an RN and is able to take on some of the most complicated cases and manages them with ease. She has excellent rapport with local physicians and is well respected in the community. Her knowledge and experience both help to make her a valuable member of the Palm Desert team.
David McDonald, LVN
David sees patients in the west end of the valley. He came to the VNA with many years of nursing experience and a strong background in home health. David’s calm manner and warm smile help him to win over even the most difficult patients. He is always willing and able to help out when asked. David is a valuable member of the Palm Desert team.
Billie McKay, LVN
Billie sees patients in the west of the valley. She has many years of experience in home health. Billie works seamlessly with the RN Case Managers on the west end. She is a hard worker and can often handle a heavy patient load when the branch is busy. Billie provides excellent and professional care to her patients.
Vicky Palacios, Scheduling Coordinator
Vicky started off as a file clerk in the Palm Desert branch. As departments developed she became a MRT and later transferred to Clinical Systems. Vicky came back to the Palm Desert branch and currently works in the scheduling department. Her experience in the various departments has helped her to be an excellent resource person.
Belia Ramirez, Scheduling Coordinator
Belia first started working in the Palm Desert branch as a file clerk. Very soon it became clear that she was a quick learner and able to handle more responsibility. Belia transferred to the IUC department where she worked for five years. When the scheduling department was developed, she was an obvious choice to transfer.
PALM DESERT HOSPICE:
Anne Marie Clark, RN, Hospice Director
Anne Marie’s first position with VNAIC was Home Health Case Manager. Less than a year later, she was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager and in 1994 she was promoted again to Director of Hospice which is the position she still holds. Anne Marie was encouraged to apply for the Director of Hospice position as it was evident that she had good leadership skills and that she has that special heart that leads people to work in hospice. Anne Marie also has a very special heart for children and when the opportunity came for the Palm Desert Hospice program to adopt the Mourning Star Center, Anne Marie was the first to say “yes.” Then, the Mourning Star program, was asked to do Camp Erin and again, she emphatically said, “yes.” Anne Marie has her plate full with the VNAIC’s second largest hospice program, the first Mourning Star Program, and the annual Camp Erin. She has the energy for it all, mostly because she is passionate about each program.
Bonnie Pena, Social Work Assistant
Bonnie is a very capable social worker who knows how to get the job done while maintaining her professionalism. She is a true patient and care giver advocate. Bonnie manages to work full time and still give a lot of attention to her family. The Palm Desert Hospice team congratulates her on her achievement of 10 years.
Bonnie Powell, RN, Case Manager
Bonnie is a lady down to the tips of her toes. She is a very caring nurse who usually manages to glean interesting facts about her patients. She is one of the most productive nurses and is a true professional. Bonnie is also a supporter of our Mourning Star program. She will often make monetary donations just to help fulfill a particular need.
Martha Tovar, CHHA
Martha is an excellent caregiver, and her patients really look forward to her visits. Martha speaks fluent Spanish and often assists with interpreting for Spanish speaking patients. She is a pleasure to work with and is well liked by her co-workers.
VICTORVILLE HOME HEALTH:
Julie (Johnson) Bonkowski, RN, Clinical Educator
Julie has continued her support and growth, going from an RN Case Manager to the Educator in Barstow, to the Educator for both Victorville and Barstow. Her ability to “juggle” both offices and several staff in orientation at the same time is remarkable. Even though she is very busy, she is able to devote one-on-one time to them, making each one feel special and attended to. She works well with Clinical Programs and the other Educators to ensure the staff have the latest information available to them and understand the policies and regulations. She is a strong support for the management team and always has a ready smile and quick laugh.
Rebecca Cassidy-Kosko, RN, Home Health Director
VNAIC was very fortunate when Rebecca came aboard, because she was an experienced home health nurse. She brought her excellent nursing, quick thinking, and leadership skills with her. She was an exceptional case manager, keeping her caseload organized and her patients well cared for. She even turned all of her documentation in on time. She was an obvious choice when the director of home health position became available in 2003. Since her promotion to that position, Rebecca has completed not only her bachelor’s degree in nursing, but also her master’s degree. She is now one of the most senior home health directors and extends herself as a mentor to her colleagues.
Lina Godoy-Mata, LVN
Lina is appreciated for her critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and tender care for the patients. Lina has a wonderful sense of humor and has a ready smile and quick laugh. She is able to balance the sometimes difficult tasks or situations well. She has a delightful accent that delights her clients and co-workers. She is always willing to lend a hand and take an extra visit when neededShe is truly a team player and a good example for all.
Donna McWilliams, LVN, Quality Management Coordinator
Donna’s experience, critical thinking skills, and knowledge have made her a top resource person in her field. The clinical staff knows and trusts her to really evaluate their documentation and offer suggestions or questions to assure that it reflects the patient’s condition and required treatment. Donna also covers the Intake role as needed, supporting the clerical staff and clinical staff. She is trusted and respected by the staff, has a quick wit, and is a joy to work with.
Fran Nowak, Physical Therapist
Fran is always on the go, seeing patients or providing collaboration to Physical Therapy Assistants. She always displays a good attitude and positive approach and is always someone that can be counted on in a pinch. Fran is well liked by both her peers and patients who frequently share their gratitude for her care and treatment. She is always a strong patient advocate, often seeing patients off very rough roads, with lack of utilities, and home safety issues due to worn out or dilapidated homes or equipment. Fran coordinates with the physician and local resources to meet the patients’ needs and get them help.
Joanna Richard, RN, Case Manager
Joanna’s skills are exceptional. She mentors new staff members and nursing students. The patients compliment her regularly, acknowledging her concern for them, her follow through, and the superb care she provides. She has wonderful relationships with the physicians and medical groups, due to her insight and follow through. She is warm, caring, and is truly a shining star for the nursing team.
YUCCA VALLEY HOSPICE:
Cleola Thomas, CHHA
When you first meet Cleo you might miss her happy grin and the hint of mischief in her eye! She is slight of build, but do not be fooled, as she is strong in her skills and beliefs. Cleo possesses a wonderful blend of competency and service. She is a strong member of the team and her patients eagerly await her arrival. The team knows it's going to be a great day when the home health aides are laughing before 0800!
Craig Walker, Chaplain
Craig is a wonderful Chaplain who truly accepts and supports his patients and families wherever they are. He came to our YV office on the recommendation of a hospital Social Worker who said VNAIC was an excellent place to work. When asked why he stays, he states "the great people with whom I work keep me here. The company values employees and treats us very well." Craig ministers to patients, families, caregivers and staff.
