Caregivers Archives

December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

August and September 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic shows OWL Award Honorees Danielle Mclean and Calandra Bryant

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize four exceptional team members as the August and September 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These dedicated employees were so busy providing exceptional care that their award presentations were briefly delayed.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Caren Joy Beboso, Home Health Aide, was honored for August, and Danielle McLean, Administrative Secretary for Assisted Living, was recognized for September.

At Samaritan Keep Home, the August honoree was Kathleen Wilken, Certified Nursing Assistant, and the September honoree was Calandra Bryant, Nurse Practitioner.

Each of these caregivers is known for providing exceptional care and compassion to co-workers, residents, and visitors. They consistently go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them. One nomination noted, “Their contributions have a lasting positive impact on both residents and colleagues alike.” Another stated that they “leave a lasting impact on both residents and colleagues.” With this level of professionalism, our long term care services continue to be exceptional.

Each honoree received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from residents, families, and colleagues.

To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Pictured here, from left to right, are OWL awardees Caren Joy Beboso, Kathleen Wilken, Danielle McLean and Calandra Bryant.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.

November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

September 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of the September DAISY and BEE Award Winners Mollie Guyette and Trevor Schuch

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for September 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Mollie Guyette, a Registered Nurse (RN) in the intensive care unit, received the September DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by a nursing supervisor, said:

“Mollie exemplifies compassionate care, remarkable leadership, and a steadfast commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for both patients and staff. Mollie is more than just a skilled clinician; she is a true leader and mentor. She embodies the spirit of nursing excellence and elevates everyone around her. She deserves this recognition for her extraordinary dedication and for reminding us of what it means to be a compassionate and courageous nurse.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Guyette received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

IT Desktop Support Technician Trevor Schuch was honored with the September BEE Award. His nomination was submitted by a caregiver in Samaritan’s Cardiology clinic who said:

“When Trevor comes to the office, he is always delightful, knowledgeable, professional, personable, and friendly. He makes sure he understands the issue(s), then works quickly to correct it. We are grateful for his hard work and dedication to diligently working to correct any IT issues as they arise allowing us to provide better patient care.”

Schuch received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Samaritan’s September 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Mollie Guyette, RN, (left), and September 2025 BEE Award recipient, Trevor Schuch (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Inaugural 2025 ELM Award Recipient Announced

Graphic shows Donna Edwards, LPN, winner of the ELM Award

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to build upon its employee recognition program with the addition of the ELM award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, celebrating leaders throughout the organization. The inaugural recipient of the quarterly award is Donna Edwards, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Edwards has served in various roles and clinics throughout the organization. She recently accepted duties to serve as the operations manager of Samaritan’s orthopedic clinic in Watertown, while maintaining roles as operations manager in the Adams Family Health Center. She was nominated for the award by multiple colleagues, one of whom said:

“Donna knows the potential and strength of every single employee she oversees, and she nurtures it. People thrive under her guidance because of this. When someone does need support, she isn’t afraid to use out-of-the-box thinking to find a solution. She will find a way for every one of her employees to be their best selves in the workplace.”

Edwards was presented with the award on November 4 and was celebrated by her co-workers.

The ELM Award honors exceptional Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values—honesty, empathy, accountability, respectfulness, and trustworthiness. Unlike the DAISY, BEE, or OWL Awards, which recognize those in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support care indirectly through their leadership.

These individuals foster safe, supportive environments for staff, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly, and cultivate teamwork, resilience, and recognition. They create settings where compassion thrives, enabling staff to treat patients, residents, and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff or peers, ELM Award recipients have served Samaritan for at least one year and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. The ELM is a quarterly award.

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Pictured on the left is Donna Edwards, Operations Manager of the Adams Family Health Center and Samaritan Orthopedics. Photos on the right showcase Donna’s team at the Adams Family Health Center celebrating her achievement.

About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services—such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services—Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

July 2025 OWL Award Recipients

A Graphic of OWL Award Winners Dawn Johnson and Marybeth Davis

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the July 2025 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These valued team members were so busy providing quality care that their award presentations were delayed a bit.

At Samaritan Summit Village, the long term care Admissions Coordinator, Dawn Johnson, was recognized by multiple family members for her dedication to residents and those seeking care options in the community. One nominator mentioned how Dawn took time to answer calls and provide answers to questions in a friendly and timely manner. Another mentioned how she guided the family patiently through every step of the admissions process.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Marybeth Davis, a Unit Clerk, was honored for her outstanding service. Melissa Elmer, a Nurse Manager, stated, “Marybeth keeps the unit running smoothly by staying on top of our very busy appointment book, phone calls, paperwork, and making sure lab work and imaging are done on time. Thanks to her, our residents get to where they need to be with minimal delay, and things on the unit stay organized.”

Both honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.

To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Pictured here, from left to right, are July 2025 OWL awardees Dawn Johnson and Marybeth Davis.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

June 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the June 2025 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These valued team members were so busy providing quality care that their award presentations were delayed a bit.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Dietary Supervisor Clay Wilcox was recognized for his hard work and dedication. Staff members acknowledged his positive attitude and continued care for residents and fellow Samaritan Caregivers.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Randi Jo Young, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), was honored for her outstanding service. Justyne Mynch of Samaritan’s Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP) stated, “She consistently goes above and beyond because she cares. She doesn’t hesitate to stop what she is doing to help staff or residents. Randi Jo is such an asset to the unit helpers, making sure she is always available to them. She is a key part of what makes our team stronger.”

Both honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.

To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Pictured here, from left to right, are June 2025 OWL awardees Clay Wilcox and Randi Jo Young.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

Samaritan’s Walker Center for Cancer Care Welcomes New Medical Oncologist Dr. Maksim Liaukovich

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome Medical Oncologist Maksim Liaukovich, MD, to the team at the Walker Center for Cancer Care.

Dr. Liaukovich brings years of clinical experience and advanced training to the Walker Center. He received his medical degree from Grodno State Medical University in Belarus and later completed both his internal medicine residency and hematology/medical oncology fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Medical oncology services at the Walker Center are provided through an affiliation with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, as part of the Roswell Park Care Network. Dr. Liaukovich joins Roswell Park-affiliated medical oncologists Florence Arnold, MD, and Ihsan Haq, MD, in providing exceptional cancer care to North Country patients through this partnership. Services offered include:

Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Anticoagulation therapy
Bone marrow aspirate & biopsy
Transfusions
Diagnose and treat oncology and hematology disorders

“I am excited and honored to work with the teams at the Walker Center for Cancer Care and Roswell Park Care Network,” Dr. Liaukovich said, “Most importantly, I am grateful to use my expertise to help families here in the North Country. My colleagues and I are committed to serving our community with the best possible quality of cancer care.”

“Dr. Liaukovich is a welcome addition to the Walker Center’s medical oncology team,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “His extensive training in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine will enhance care for our patients and support our goal to stay at the forefront of cancer treatment. We are pleased to bring a full-time permanent position to the patients at the Walker Center.”

Dr. Liaukovich comes to Samaritan from AR Gould Northern Light Health Hospital in Presque Isle, ME. His wife, Dr. Volha Liaukovich, will join the medical staff in October, working for Samaritan’s contracted hospitalist group, Apogee Physicians.

For more information about medical oncology at the Walker Center for Cancer Care, visit samaritanhealth.com/cancer-care/.

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Pictured above is Dr. Liaukovich, image courtesy of Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

September 26, 2025September 26, 2025

August 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for August 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Gabrielle Wynne, Registered Nurse (RN), received the August DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by the daughter of a patient under Wynne’s care in the Progressive Care Unit said:

“My mom arrived at Samaritan and was placed on the 3rd floor. She was in bad condition with several things wrong. We were blessed with Gabby as our nurse for the first three days of our stay. Her bedside manner to my Mom was exceptional. She was patient, kind, and so gentle. Her tone when she spoke was so sweet as well. As I sat and watched Gabby work, she continuously went above and beyond for my mother.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Wynne received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

MRI Technologist Andrea Beattie was honored with the August BEE Award. Her nomination was submitted by Patient Advocate Kristy Graveline after a conversation with a patient’s family, where Beattie was praised for her compassionate interactions with an adult patient. Kristy said:

“The family member shared that every time they see Andrea, her own anxiety lifts because she knows her son will be treated with kindness, respect, and genuine care. What sets Andrea apart is that she doesn’t just focus on treating the patient—she understands the importance of caring for the whole person and their family.”

Beattie received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

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Photo of Gabrielle Wynne, RN, winner of the August 2025 DAISY Award

Photo of Andrea Beattie, MRI Technologist, winner of the August 2025 BEE Award

Samaritan’s August 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Gabrielle Wynne, RN, (left), and August 2025 BEE Award recipient, Andrea Beattie, MRI Technologist (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

September 5, 2025September 5, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center Partners with River Hospital to expand access to Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) care in the Region

Dr. Gordon, Otolaryngologist, ENT, sees a pediatric female patient

Samaritan Medical Center is proud to partner with River Hospital to expand access to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care in the Thousand Islands region. Beginning in late September 2025, Dr. David C. Gordon, board certified Otolaryngologist, will see patients and perform surgical procedures at River Hospital.

Dr. Gordon, who has more than 20 years of ENT experience, currently practices at Samaritan’s Ear, Nose & Throat clinic in Watertown. His role at River Hospital is in addition to his ongoing practice at Samaritan ENT.

The collaboration reflects both hospitals’ commitment to ensuring patients across the North Country have timely access to high-quality specialty care.

To view River Hospital’s press release, please click here: https://www.riverhospital.org/news/current-news/river-hospital-welcomes-ear-nose-and-throat-specialist-dr-david-c-gordon

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025

July 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

A graphic shows the JULY DAISY and BEE Winners Laura Cooley and Kathy Montgomery

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for July 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Laura Cooley, Registered Nurse (RN), received the July DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by co-worker Rodney Dobson, RN, highlighted Cooley’s patient care saying:

“Laura consistently goes above and beyond for her patients treating each one as a special individual while providing compassionate care and always advocating for what is best for the patient. Laura’s dedication and genuine kindness uplifts everyone around her and reminds us all why we chose this profession in the first place. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside Laura. She is an inspiration and true role model for what nursing should be.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Cooley received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Marketing Specialist Kathy Montgomery was honored with the July BEE Award. Her nomination, submitted by multiple co-workers, described her commitment to Samaritan’s mission saying:

“Kathy puts the good of the team before herself. She is eager to lend a hand, encourages others with kindness, and efficiently completes her many responsibilities. She adapts to unexpected change and is unmatched in her resourcefulness. She has unique ideas and creative solutions. She enjoys giving back and always offers to help others.”

Montgomery received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

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Samaritan’s July 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Laura Cooley, RN, (left), and July 2025 BEE Award recipient, Kathy Montgomery, Marketing Specialist (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

June 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of the June 2025 DAISY and BEE Award Winners Sarah Lockwood, RN and Emily McNulty, Clinical Pharmacist

June 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Sarah Lockwood, Registered Nurse (RN), received the June DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by fellow RN Haley DelSanto, praised Lockwood’s professionalism and leadership:

“Sarah demonstrates a calm, clear-headed presence even in the most critical situations, providing steady leadership when it is needed most. Her ability to remain composed and focused is a tremendous asset to the team. In addition, she serves as an invaluable mentor to newer nurses, generously sharing her expertise and offering support with patience and kindness.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Lockwood received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Emily McNulty, Clinical Pharmacist, was honored with the June BEE Award. Her nomination, submitted by Tina O’Neil, Director of Mental Health Services, highlighted her dedication:

“Whenever I reach out with a question, a request, or any kind of need, Emily is always ready to help—going above and beyond, and always with a smile. Even when it’s not part of her regular duties, she steps in without hesitation. Emily truly embodies our HEART (Honesty, Empathy, Accountability, Respectfulness, Trustworthiness) values.”

McNulty received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

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Samaritan’s June 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Sarah Lockwood, RN (left), and June 2025 BEE Award recipient, Emily McNulty, Clinical Pharmacist (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

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