2011 ANNUAL MEETING
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Annual Meeting Awards
March 14, 2011
 
5 YEAR AWARDS
 
ADMINISTRATION:
 
Anna Griffith, Accounts Receivable Specialist
Anna started out in Data Entry and was later promoted to Accounts Receivable Specialist. Since becoming an A/R Specialist, Anna has proven herself to be a valuable member of the team.  
 
Nick Harris, Data Base Administrator
Nick is an essential part of the Information Systems team and a valuable asset to the VNAIC. He is always there to help no matter how big or small the problem is. He has demonstrated strong leadership and is always reliable and dependable. His skill set allows the agency to get the information we need and makes sure our data is safe and available.
 
Savan Phang, Graphic Design Specialist
Savan has an amazing gift for art and design.  The VNAIC truly scored when she was hired for the graphic design department. Savan works hard at setting us apart from the competition.  She is talented, and her work proves it.  Last year the graphic design staff created over 1,000 specially designed pieces for the Business Development team.  With Savan’s expertise, she will continue to set us apart from the rest. 
 
Liz Romo, Payroll Clerk
Liz is known as the defector because she first started as a Scheduler for Riverside Home Health, but she wise-upped and decided to join the accounting team as a Payroll Clerk. She has been with us for 3 ½ years.  She is an asset to our department and is willing help any employee with their payroll questions.


Jessica Sandvig, Point of Care Coordinator
Jessica organized, scheduled, and was key in implementing Home Health point of care. Her new adventure for 2011 is getting Hospice underway!   She has learned and supports many different aspects of a clinician’s documentation as well as hardware needs by overseeing the Clinical Systems technicians in their daily job.   
 
Darla Shaddox, Quality Improvement Manager
Darla is the ICD 9 Coding and OASIS Wizard. Most of the time you will find her at her desk buried in medical charts, ICD 9 coding books, and/or on the phone helping someone with a problem.  The Q.M. department would be lost without her and her expertise.
 
Shannon Smith, Clinical Systems Coordinator
As Clinical Systems Coordinator, Shannon supports or implements many different areas for Home Health and Hospice branches ranging from working with CHHA’s on blackberry’s to teaching a skilled nurse the basics of completing an admission. She also is the “go to” person for Hospice billing. She has definitely learned a lot in these past five years! 
 
Lindsey Whitlock, Point of Care Technician
Lindsey worked part-time as a technician for the Clinical Systems department while completing her BA degree in Education.  Her responsibilities grew as she became more and more familiar with the many technical aspects in this area. She now is an Analyst which keeps her busy with security, e-forms, research and testing….and just about anything that comes her way!   
 
 
FUND DEVELOPMENT:
 
Brianne Lawson, Program Assistant
Brianne joined the VNAIC in the Fund Development Department as the Donor Relations Clerk and quickly proved herself and her skills. Today Brianne is the Program Assistant for the department, responsible for reception and clerical duties as well as donor relations, donations and grant tracking, and working with volunteers and graphics design. Her general clerical and computer skills are proven, and we now value her project management and creative design skills as well.
 
 
BANNING HOME HEALTH:
 
Morgan Tilford, LVN
Til has been an LVN for 11 years, 6 of which have been with our agency. Til has been with us this long while still pursuing his hobby of train building. Known for completing his documentation timely and being true to his word, it has only been a pleasure to have him on board.
 
 
BANNING HOSPICE:
 
Jennifer Haynes Wooters, Home Health Aide
Jennifer enjoys working with patients and their families and goes the extra mile to ensure a quality EOL experience.  She is gentle and compassionate with all in her care and takes the time to provide small details like fixing a lunch before she leaves.  While working as a HHA, Jennifer has completed schooling and passed her LVN state board exam. 
 
Shirley Sudak, LVN
Shirley came to work for VNAIC the first time in 2001 and then returned 5 years ago.  She was a “Yes, I Can” finalist in 2005 and continues to be recognized for her positive attitude.  Shirley provides a listening and understanding ear to her patients and families in the midst of her own multiple personal losses.  She will tell you that helping others helps her own self heal.  We are fortunate to have Shirley’s compassion and expertise.
 
 
BARSTOW HOSPICE:
 
Dianne Dana, Home Health Aide
”Dee Dee” (as she is known in our Barstow office) tries to do her best every day to meet the needs of the patients she cares for.  She has also been a member of the EST committee and does a great job keeping morale up and boosting teamwork.
 
Ticey Williams, LVN
Ticey works closely with the small team of dedicated professionals to make sure our patients’ needs are met. She also supports our Barstow staff by being the CPR instructor for the office.
 
 
MURRIETA HOME HEALTH:
 
Charles Bellah Jr., Physical Therapist
Chuck has made a huge impact on the Murrieta Rehab team.  His patients make significant progress, and he is rarely known for giving anyone an easy workout.  Chuck was part of the selection committee and was the P.T. for last year’s “Loving Care Award” patient and family.  He is a tremendous asset to the Murrieta team.
 
Darren Clark, RN
Darren is often thought of as creative and ingenious when it comes to getting the job done.  He thinks outside the box to accommodate his patients’ needs.  We appreciate his creativity.
 
Graciela Herrera, Branch Receptionist
Gracie is always pleasant and helpful, and as the receptionist, it is very important to have a cheerful person as the first contact.  We appreciate all she does.
 
Lynne Rezac, File/Supply Clerk
Lynn is the supply queen.  She makes sure that nothing goes out without her knowledge and keeps the supply room always neat and tidy.  We appreciate her commitment to the VNAIC.
 
Tara Rueckert, Intake Coordinator
Tara is your perfect Intake.  Her customer service skills are noticed by everyone.  Referral sources love her, and we always know she will get the information correct. We appreciate all that she does!
 
Mary Torres, LVN
Mary is a well-respected member of the Murrieta Nursing team. She is known for her kindness, consideration, professionalism, and accountability.  Her patients favor her and request her back frequently.  We look forward to 5 more years with Mary here at the VNAIC.
 
 
MURRIETA HOSPICE:
 
Cara Allen, Community Liaison
Cara came to the Business Development team from being a RN Case Manager for the Murrieta branch in May, 2010. This was a new position for her. It was also very new for the VNAIC to be seen as a partner by HCMG and the hospital. She has done a tremendous job of building the relationship between the VNAIC, Hemet Community Medical Group, and Hemet Hospital.
 
Mary Moore, RN
Mary is an asset to our Hospice program as she is committed to the goals of Hospice care.  Mary has been a dedicated Case Manager, Admission nurse, Triage nurse, and QAPI representative.  We value Mary’s flexibility with the ever changing demands placed upon her. She continues to support the education department and often assists with in-services within our agency and throughout the community. Mary completed the ELNEC Geriatric Training Program along with achieving her Hospice and Palliative Certification.
 
Sandra Regnier, Case Manager
Sandi is a true asset to this organization.  She is always willing to accept challenging cases along with the very difficult pediatric cases.  She never hesitates to assist her peers when needed.  Sandi’s willingness to share her time with students is greatly appreciated by both agency and schools.  She completed the ELNEC Geriatric Training Program and earned her Hospice and Palliative Certification, and we are proud of her accomplishments.  She is a valuable team member and admired by staff, patients, and families.
 
Karen Rexwinkel, RN
Karen is our Per Diem Visit Nurse and is often busy with an Admit or patient visit.  Karen’s ability to present Hospice in such a kind and gentle way is greatly appreciated by patient and family members.  She is available to assist with coverage when needed and is always prepared for that busy weekend day. Karen is admired by her fellow team members for the positive spirit and dedication she gives to the patients and families we serve. 
 
Erika Ronska, RN
Erika is our Admit Nurse who uses her Hospice knowledge and expertise with every sign-on.  Erika completed the ELNEC Geriatric Training Program and assists with in-services.  She often provides pain consults for our Home Health patients bringing relief and comfort.  Besides patient care, Erika gives her time to assist with our annual Light Up A Life program.  Erika is greatly appreciated for her dedication to the VNAIC.
 
 
PALM DESERT HOME HEALTH:
 
Esmeralda Campos, Medical Records Technician
Esmeralda is responsible for processing all discharges.  She is a team player and is always willing to take on added responsibilities when needed.
 
Susan Potter, Case Manager
Susan continually carries a large case load and does so with great finesse.  We count on Susan as a teacher, mentor and preceptor for our new employees and nursing students. Her positive attitude and “Yes, I Can” spirit is infectious and serves to lighten the load for managers and co-workers alike.  We acknowledge, with pride, the recent attainment of her Orthopedic Nurse Certification.  Susan lives and breathes orthopedic nursing!
 
Leticia Valencia, File/Supply Clerk
Letty is responsible for the faxing of all orders.  This is a big job that requires follow up and organization.  She is able to handle the job and more.  Letty fills in as supply clerk and office receptionist as well.
 
 
PALM DESERT HOSPICE:
 
Christina Espejo, Home Health Aide
Christina is a very dedicated and caring Home Health Aide.  She is a big part of our Hospice family and spends time after work volunteering in the Mourning Star Program.  She has also participated at Camp Erin and did a great job working with the campers as a big buddy.
 
Pamela Gabbay, Mourning Star Center Program Director
Pamela is known by most people in the agency as the Camp Director of our Camp Erin program.  When she came to work at the VNAIC, the Mourning Star Center had just become a reality.  She was instrumental in helping us grow the program as well as helping us start our first Camp Erin kids’ bereavement camp.  Her sunny personality is much appreciated by all who come in contact with her.  She is an asset to the Palm Desert Mourning Star Center.
 
Shaunie Jackson, RN
Shaunie, admission nurse, starts her workday believing that whomever she will be speaking with, will be signing on to VNAIC Hospice.  She is a problem solver and really tries to make things as seamless as possible for patients signing on to our service.  She doesn’t waste any time and gets the job done competently and quickly.  We rely on her with some of our tougher referrals sources.  She always seems to know what they need and how to get it done!
 
Sheri Share, Community Liaison
Sheri was a program coordinator who managed all aspects of a mental health center.  She made the decision in 2005 to use her excellent verbal skills and positive, energetic disposition to apply for the Community Liaison position in the Palm Desert office.  Sheri has natural marketing skills and has done an excellent job with all of her accounts.
 
 
RIVERSIDE HOME HEALTH:
 
Laurie Aarts, Case Manager
Laurie is an exceptional nurse and a true representation of the VNAIC.  She has strong ethics and is an outstanding Patient Advocate and Case Manager.  Laurie is a true team member, and her services to the VNAIC are greatly appreciated.
 
Mariah Besette-Queenen, Scheduling Coordinator
Mariah started in the file/fax position and after only one year was promoted to Scheduling Coordinator where she is doing a great job.  She is also a member of the employee hardship committee.  We thank her for everything she does!
 
Tina Crowell, Insurance Utilization Coordinator
Tina started in scheduling and transferred into insurance after one year where she has excelled.  She recently joined the Employee Appreciation Team. Tina is a valued member of the Riverside Home Health team.
 
Jazmin Curiel, Home Health Aide
Jazmin is a team player and is very hard-working.  She makes her patients feel special and provides them with individualized personal care.  Case Managers can always rely on Jazmin to keep them well informed of their patients’ conditions.
 
Sunnie Gilmore, LVN
This employee really lives up to her name.  It is not just the excellent hands-on care she provides, but also the cheerful way she does her job.  She is a terrific nurse and is a great asset to the agency.
 
Leticia Gomez, Medical Records Technician
Leticia transferred from Banning Home Health over four years ago. She is our go-to person in the MRT department.  We appreciate her knowledge and flexibility to help out others.
 
Lana Lowden, LVN
Lana is a hard worker.  She gets the job done quickly and efficiently.  She is caring and a pleasure to be around.  We appreciate her and her services.
 
Ginger Pinero, Office Manager
Ginger has gone through many changes in her 5 years of service.  She is always up for a challenge and has succeeded in many of the ones that have been given to her.  I am sure she will continue to strive for success with the many challenges ahead, and we look forward to working with her for many years to come.
 
Jennifer Rock, Insurance Utilization Coordinator
Jennifer is an excellent Insurance Coordinator and a great team player.  We appreciate all her hard work and enjoy having her as part of our team.


Ann Romero, Regional Home Health Director
Ann was an ideal candidate for the VNAIC when she applied for a per diem position in 2005 because she had many years of experience in Home Health.  The per diem idea was quickly forgotten and she came to work as a Home Health Case Manager. When the director position opened, she became the obvious choice. In 2010, Ann was promoted to Regional Home Health Director and is responsible for the Riverside, Murrieta, and Hemet offices.
 
 
RIVERSIDE HOSPICE:
 
Chantel Radovich, Community Liaison
Chantel was fresh out of college with a degree in communications (emphasis in public relations) when she came to the VNAIC.  She was very convincing and a perfect fit for the Business Development team.  As a Liaison she has worked hard to grow her accounts and never gives up.
 
Marisa Romero, Home Health Aide
Marisa Romero, better known as “Mai”, is one of our Certified Home Health Aides.  While caring for our patients, Mai has been going to college and has successfully completed her prerequisites for becoming an Occupational/Physical Therapist.
 
 
VICTORVILLE HOME HEALTH:
 
Mary Beth Benge, Intake Coordinator
Mary Beth has a great working relationship with referral sources, a friendly personality, and a good sense of humor.  She is detailed, thorough, and timely in all her documentation.  Mary Beth works well with both the clinical, clerical, and management teams.  She has an infectious laugh and is a joy to work with.
 
Nicomi Sasser, LVN
Nicomi always has a quiet, calm demeanor and a quick smile.  She is friendly and works well with the team and the patients.  Nicomi covers the weekends and is a true team player.  


Angelica Serrano, LVN
Angelica is one of our newest Case Managers in the Victorville Home Health office.  She has worked for us as an LVN, while continuing to pursue her education and recently graduated and passed the boards to become one of our new RN Case Managers.  Patients have always loved her and appreciated her care and compassion for them.  We look forward to the years ahead with Angelica on our team.
 
Frances Zuniga, Medical Records Technician
Frances primarily focuses on Medicare audits.  She is conscientious, thoughtful, and timely.  She is proactive in researching all needed information so that all charts are released timely for billing. Frances also works with the TARs to ensure timely and accurate billing for all MediCal cases.  She assists with Spanish to English translation as needed and is willing to help out in any area.
 
 
VICTORVILLE HOSPICE:
 
Guadalupe Bernal, Home Health Aide
Lupe, as she is known to our Victorville Hospice team, is a caring Home Health Aide.  She works mainly in a local residential care facility, and they, as well as our Hospice team, depend a great deal on her to continue to provide excellent care to their residents.  Lupe is an important part of our Hospice team.
 
Norma Duran, Home Health Aide
Norma continues to provide excellent care and compassion to her Hospice patients.  You can always count on Norma to stand up for her patients and make sure they are getting the best care possible.
 
Dana Foreman, LVN
Dana is truly a multi-functional employee.  In the five years since Dana returned to the VNAIC, she has been Crisis Care Nurse, an LVN Visit Nurse, and a temporary Community Liaison.  In her previous employment with us, she also worked as an Intake Coordinator and Quality Management Coordinator.  Dana is truly someone who can do it all!
 
Shauntie Greer, Home Health Aide
Shauntie is very shy, and we don’t always hear her, but we know we can always count on her to take exceptional care of her patients. She represents the best of the VNAIC and always has a smile to greet you and a positive attitude.
 
Maria Hernandez, Home Health Aide
Maria has a natural sense of humor and leadership qualities.  She is the first to try new programs and helps her co-workers when needed.  Her skills are exceptional, and she is a real asset to the VNAIC by promoting a professional appearance to our patients, families, and facilities.
 
Lisa Jensen, File/Supply Clerk
Lisa is responsible for helping to control thousands of dollars of supplies, both for patients and the office, as well as maintaining patient records.  Her Director states she doesn’t know how she would manage that department without Lisa.  Her organizational skills and her “Yes, I Can” attitude are invaluable to our team.  We are truly fortunate to have Lisa watching over our supplies and patient records.
 
Edna Killion, Home Health Aide
Edna is truly one of a kind.  She treats all her patients like they were her own family.  Edna recently obtained her certification as a Hospice Home Health Aide, an accomplishment that only a few CHHA’s in the agency have obtained. She is working her way through school to be an LVN.  We, in the Victorville Hospice office, wish her the best always.
 
Christine Myers, Case Manager
Christine was a Hospice Certified RN Case Manager in our Victorville and Barstow offices.  She is now semi-retired and works as a per diem nurse helping out with visits when she can.  Christine has always been the best example of team work we have ever seen.  No matter the request, she’s there to help.  She always has a pleasant attitude and a kind word.  We will miss not having her around as much, but glad she is still caring for our patients.
 
Veronica Sanchez, Branch Receptionist
Veronica is very dedicated to her work and is a great team player. She is responsible for the accuracy of hundreds of items each day and works closely with management to ensure accurate billing as well as many other daily tasks that help the office run efficiently. She is an important part of our daily operation.
 
Tracy Tratz Dell, Case Manager
Tracy is a Hospice RN Case Manager and has recently completed her WOCN certification.  She is a very knowledgeable and dedicated nurse.  She is also the nurse we go to for our pediatric patients due to her excellent skills and knowledge base.  We are truly fortunate that Tracy feels she has found her place in Hospice nursing, and so are our patients.
 
Calvin Yingling, Chaplain
Cal is both one of our dedicated Chaplains and a Bereavement Counselor for our Victorville Hospice team.  He has completed over a hundred hours of training in the field of bereavement and will be taking the test for certification soon.  He helps run many bereavement groups and is a valuable asset when the bereavement needs are also tied to spirituality needs.  Cal also sees to the spiritual needs of our patients in our outlining areas and the special needs of our facility patients.  He is a caring person and will do what it takes to help a family or patient in need.
 
 
YUCCA VALLEY HOME HEALTH:
 
Terrie Deaver, RN
Terrie’s goal is to serve the patients in our community with the highest standards possible.  Her compassion and “bottom of the heart caring” is well reflected by the care she provides.  Terrie is an outstanding individual, and we are fortunate to have her.
 
Victoria Moore, Quality Management Coordinator
After working nearly 2 years in the field, Vickie decided to try something new and joined the world of coding.  She became our beloved QMC.  She knows all there is to know about diagnosis and their respective codes.  Recently, Vickie joined a dual role as QMC and intake.  She continues to do an outstanding job and is never too busy to lend a helping hand to her co-workers.
 
 
YUCCA VALLEY HOSPICE:
 
Tonya Cognata, Home Health Aide
Tonya is a valuable member of our Yucca Valley Hospice team. She is competent and empathetic and a real team player. Tonya’s patients and families love to see her come, and her upbeat personality is a joy. She also has a real sense of humor that pops up periodically and brings smiles and laughs from the team. It is wonderful to have Tonya on our Yucca Valley Hospice team!
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