Samaritan Experience Archives

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.

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

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025

May 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE Winners for May 2025

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for May 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Nigel Mascoll and Joseph Roche, Registered Nurses (RN) at Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award for May. Crystal Sutton, a Home Health Aide with Samaritan Home Health, received the BEE Award for May.

The DAISY nomination was provided by the family of a patient who highlighted the compassionate care, patience, and calming approach these nurses took while caring for their loved one.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Mascoll and Roche were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Latara Antwine, a Clinical Liaison with Samaritan Home Health, nominated Sutton saying:

“Crystal cares for patients and uplifts her team and strengthens our agency’s mission. She works collaboratively with both nursing and administrative staff to maintain compliance and quality, never hesitating to take on additional work if it means helping the team succeed.”

Sutton was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and patients, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Samaritan’s BEE winner for May 2025, pictured on the left, is Home Health Aide Crystal Sutton. Samaritan’s DAISY Winners for May 2025 are Registered Nurses Joseph Roche and Nigel Mascoll, pictured left to right.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025

March and April 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic of March 2025 Owl Winners Gary Montondo and Ashley Evans

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) Award recipients for March and April 2025.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Gary Montondo, Assisted Living Activities Coordinator, won the OWL Award for March. Sherry Birdslow, Assisted Living Housekeeper, won the OWL Award for April.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Ashley Evans, Hospitality Aide, won the OWL Award for March. Skyler Hatch, Central Scheduler, won the OWL Award for April.

Montondo was nominated for the OWL Award by fellow caregiver Rose Busler who said:

“Our Elvis impersonator was unable to come in for our activity of celebrating Elvis Presley’s 90^th birthday. Knowing that the residents were looking forward to the entertaining activity, Gary dressed up and performed for the residents. Everyone had a great time.”

Birdslow was nominated for the OWL Award by a resident who expressed how impressed they are with her willingness to go the extra mile and attention to detail. The resident said Sherry has a great personality, and goes above and beyond without being asked when cleaning their apartment and they have such a good rapport.

Evans was nominated by fellow caregiver Katrina Johnson who said:

“Ashley makes an impact with her attitude every day and it is contagious. She seeks her coworkers out just to ask about their day and see how they are doing. She creates a team atmosphere.”

Hatch was nominated by two fellow caregivers, Megan Larkins and Kerri Pellam, who said:

“Skyler’s willingness to always assist with staffing or department needs does not go unnoticed. You always have a positive attitude and greet everyone with a smiling face even when you have had a tough day.”

The awardees received certificates and appreciation tokens during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

These awards will be presented throughout the year. Patients, families, and colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate someone or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Graphic of April 2025 OWL Winners Sherry Birdslow and Skyler Hatch

Pictured here, from left to right, are March 2025 OWL awardees Gary Montondo and Ashley Evans, and April 2025 OWL awardees Sherry Birdslow and Skyler Hatch.

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.

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025

April 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

DAISY and BEE Winners April 2025 Graphic

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Roxane Christopher and Alexandra Lillie, Registered Nurses (RN) in the Labor and Delivery unit of Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, received the DAISY Award for April. Toni Rodriguez, a Screening and Visitation Specialist at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award for April.

The DAISY nomination was provided by a patient, Tifany Gill, who stated, “Roxane and Alexendra both deserve the DAISY award. Although they didn’t physically deliver my baby, they made the most traumatic and fearful experience I’ve had in nearly a decade feel like I was experiencing it with support. Both nurses made me feel like I was safe and cared for.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Christopher and Lillie were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Rodriguez was nominated by Cindy Oster, a visitor who expressed that Toni’s sincerity and empathy, as well as warm personality make a world of difference to her, and to all visitors and patients of Samaritan Medical Center.

Rodriguez was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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Samaritan’s DAISY winners for April 2025, pictured on the left, from left to right, are Registered Nurses Alexandra Lillie and Roxane Christopher. The next photo shows the nurses with the nominating family. The BEE winner, pictured next, is Toni Rodriguez, Screening and Visitation Specialist. The final photo shows her with her nominator, Cindy Oster.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025

Samaritan Announces Volunteer Service Award Winner

Barbara Gilbert HIVE Award Winner Graphic

Watertown, N.Y. – At Samaritan, there are volunteers who serve at the hospital, long term care facilities, special events, off-site offices and on various boards of our respective entities. Initiated in 2023, the HIVE (Helpful Indeed – Volunteering Excellence) Award is a way to honor those volunteers who have contributed an extraordinary level of dedication and shown exceptional service to Samaritan while consistently demonstrating the organization’s HEART values, which are Honest, Empathetic, Accountable, Respect, and Trustworthy.

Why HIVE? The beehive is symbolic of teamwork, unity, growth, and development. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a volunteer. We need each other to care for our community.

The HIVE Award complements the existing DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, the BEE Award (Being Excellent Every Day) honoring other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the OWL (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) for the team of caregivers at the Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village. Altogether, we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.

Our first recipient for 2025 is Barbara Gilbert. Barbara, a Registered Nurse, serves as a volunteer with the 4 Pavilion (Medical-Surgical) team in the Medical Center.

A Samaritan Caregiver of the unit nominated Gilbert saying, “Barbara consistently goes above and beyond. She takes extra time with patients, takes opportunities to teach others, and brings little treats to raise the spirits of the staff. Her ability to lead by example and inspire those around her reflects the true spirit of volunteerism.”

Those interested in recognizing a Samaritan volunteer may submit an online nomination at samaritanhealth.com/hive there are also paper nomination forms available at the Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village gift shops.

Pictured here is Barbara Gilbert, RN, and HIVE Award recipient at Samaritan Medical Center.

April 29, 2025April 29, 2025

February and March 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE winners February 2025

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for February and March 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Allison Howard, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Emergency Department, received the DAISY Award for February. Heather Berry, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Surgical Services, received the DAISY Award for March. Beth Hayes, Radiologic Technologist, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award for February. Veronica (Harley) Plaschka, Central Sterilization Technician in Samaritan’s Surgical Services, received the BEE Award for March.

Howard’s nomination was provided by the parent of a patient who expressed their gratitude for compassion and advocacy of their loved one during their time at the hospital.

Berry was nominated by a colleague who explained the nurse’s commitment to helping others and dedication to the profession.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Howard and Berry were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Hayes was nominated by a colleague for being helpful and being a champion for care for all the patients she encounters. She was acknowledged for her willingness to learn and desire to improve her own career through education and training.

Plaschka was nominated by a colleague who expressed the importance of a job well done by someone who works behind the scenes to ensure quality and patient safety through proper cleansing of surgical instruments.

Both awardees were presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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Allison Howard, RN DAISY Winner February 2025

Pictured here, from left to right, are Beth Hayes, February 2025 BEE Awardee, Allison Howard, February 2025 DAISY Awardee, Heather Berry, and Veronica Plaschka, March 2025 DAISY and BEE Awardees. Congratulations.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025

February 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic of Mercy Goodridge, CNA and Chad Wilson, Food Services

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) Award recipients for February 2025.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Mercy Goodridge at Samaritan Summit Village and Food Service Worker Chad Wilson at Samaritan Keep Home won the OWL Award for their respective facilities.

Goodridge was nominated for the OWL Award by a resident who expressed their appreciation:

“She cares about the details. She is the most gentle and caring person I know. She is patient.”

Wilson was nominated for the OWL Award by a fellow caregiver who said:

“Chad shows up every day and gives his all to improve our residents’ meals and lives. His caring nature and dedication make him a valuable employee.”

Goodridge and Wilson received certificates and appreciation tokens during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

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Mercy Goodridge, CNA at SSV, earns the February 2025 OWL Award

Chad Wilson, SKH Food Services Worker, earns the February 2025 OWL Award

Pictured here, from left to right, are February 2025 OWL awardees Mercy Goodridge, CNA, and Chad Wilson, Food Service.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

January 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of January 2025 Daisy and Bee Award Winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for January 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Briana Gryglik, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Emergency Department, received the DAISY Award, and Janeen Lee, clinic office support at the Adams Family Health Center, received the BEE Award.

Gryglik’s nomination stemmed from a patient encounter while she was a Graduate Nurse (GN) in Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit (PCU). The person who nominated Gryglik expressed thanks for her attentiveness and compassionate care.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Gryglik was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Lee was nominated for the BEE Award by Donna Edwards, Operations Manager for the Adams Family Health Center, saying:

“She is extremely patient-centered and puts so much effort into ensuring that a high standard of care is given to each and every one of our patients.”

Lee was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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Photo of Janeen Lee, January 2025 BEE award winner

Pictured here, from left to right, are January 2025 awardees Briana Gryglik, Registered Nurse, and Janeen Lee, clinic office support.

About Samaritan Medical Center

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

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

December 2024 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic of December 2024 OWL Award Winners Jennifer Favry and Madison Spicer

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) Award recipients for December 2024.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) Jennifer Favry at Samaritan Summit Village and Madison Spicer at Samaritan Keep Home won the OWL Award for their respective facilities.

Favry was nominated for the OWL Award by a resident who expressed the deepest appreciation for Favry’s smile and compassionate care, as well as dedication to helping the residents.

Spicer was nominated for the OWL Award by a fellow caregiver who said:

“Madison goes above and beyond when it comes to the residents at the Keep Home. She is always picking up extra shifts to help. The residents and their families absolutely love her. Madison is a true inspiration to this facility and is going to continue her nursing career with the Licensed Practical Nurse program.”

Favry and Spicer were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Photo of Jen Favry, CNA, SSV OWL Winner Dec 2024

Photo of Madison Spicer December OWL Award SKH

Pictured here, from left to right, are December 2024 OWL awardees Jennifer Favry, CNA, and Madison Spicer, CNA.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

December 20, 2024December 20, 2024

Samaritan Announces Volunteer Service Award Winner

A group photo showing HIVE award winner Olivia Rappel and Samaritan staff members

The recipient for the third quarter of 2024 is Olivia Rappel. Olivia is a volunteer with Samaritan’s Employee Health team in the Human Resources department.

A Samaritan Caregiver of the Employee Health team nominated Rappel saying, “Olivia has been helping our team for the last five months and has been such an incredible asset to our departments. She is kind, sincere and conscientious and her attention to detail allows us to give her different tasks with minimal instruction. We all enjoy having Olivia around as she has such a positive attitude and will go out of her way to help where needed.”

Pictured here is Olivia Rappel, HIVE Award recipient at Samaritan Medical Center for the third quarter of 2024.

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