Samaritan Experience Archives

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

Fall and Winter 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic of the November and December OWL Award Winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan is proud to recognize three exceptional team members as the fall and winter 2025 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These awards were delayed due to various reasons.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Victoria David, food service worker, was recognized for being kind-hearted, and making sure everyone is cared for. Carrie Lawlor, a secretary with the dietary team, was nominated for her compassionate nature and many years of dedication to Samaritan Summit Village residents, and to her co-workers.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Carson Vance, a maintenance team member, was nominated for his exceptional dedication to our facilities and residents, going above and beyond to make residents and visitors feel at home.

The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held 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 patients, 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 fall and winter 2025 OWL awardees Carrie Lawlor, Victoria David, and Carson Vance.

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.

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

Samaritan Announces its Fourth Quarter of 2025 ELM Award Recipient

Portrait of Andrea Roden, ELM Award Winner

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center expanded its employee recognition program in fall 2025 with the introduction of the ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, honoring outstanding leadership across the organization. The final recipient for 2025—and the program’s second overall honoree—is Andrea Roden, Samaritan Experience Manager.

Roden previously served as Samaritan’s Patient Relations Manager and now leads as Samaritan Experience Manager, where she oversees patient relations, the volunteer program, and screening/visitation caregivers. In every role, she has elevated the standard of service, championing a culture where every patient, resident, visitor, and caregiver feels heard, valued, and supported.

Beyond her leadership responsibilities, Roden serves as an Innovation Ambassador and actively contributes to several internal committees, helping shape initiatives that strengthen the organization and enhance the care experience.

She was nominated for this award by multiple caregivers who consistently highlighted her unwavering dedication to her profession, her team, and the individuals and families Samaritan serves. Their nominations reflect a leader whose compassion, integrity, and commitment truly embody the spirit of Samaritan.

Roden was presented with the award on February 10 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 here is ELM awardee Andrea Roden, Samaritan Experience Manager.

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.

January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

December 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

A graphic showing the December DAISY and BEE Winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for December 2025. Both honorees work in Samaritan’s Management Information Systems/Information Technology department. 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.

Joseph Margrey, Jr., Licensed Practical Nurse and Systems Analyst, received the December DAISY Award. His nomination, submitted by a Samaritan caregiver in the Dermatology Clinic, highlighted Margrey’s attentive and compassionate work as a Systems Analyst and emphasized the significant impact his personality and contributions have on the overall health system.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Margrey 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.

Collin Wood, Desktop Support Technician, was nominated for the December BEE Award by a group of nurse managers at the Medical Center who recognized his consistently outstanding performance and responsiveness. They expressed gratitude for his prompt attention to IT issues, ensuring that patient care was not disrupted.

Wood 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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Pictured here are Samaritan’s December 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Joseph Margrey, Jr. (left), and December 2025 BEE Award recipient, Collin Wood (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.

December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

November 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic shows the Daisy and BEE Winners for November 2025: Elizabeth Bush and Owen Collins.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for November 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.

Elizabeth Bush, Registered Nurse (RN), received the November DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by a family member of a patient in the Emergency Department, showcased Elizabeth’s kindhearted approach to care and her compassionate nature.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Bush 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.

Owen Collins, Desktop Support Technician, was nominated for the November BEE Award by a unit program director who said:

“While all members of the IT team are great to work with, Owen truly goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. He consistently checks in with us daily, proactively ensuring that no issues go unaddressed. Whenever a ticket is submitted, Owen responds promptly, reaching out to schedule a time to assess the issue or often showing up right away. His quick response time and commitment to resolving problems immediately have been invaluable.”

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

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Pictured here are Samaritan’s November 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Elizabeth Bush, RN, (left), and November 2025 BEE Award recipient, Owen Collins (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

October 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic shows the OWL Winners for October 2025, Shalamaar Ormiston and Mary Richards.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the October 2025 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Licensed Practical Nurse Shalamaar Ormiston was recognized by a fellow caregiver for her outstanding work ethic, compassionate care, and consistent willingness to go above and beyond for residents, visitors, and coworkers.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Mary Richards, an Environmental Services team member, was pleasantly surprised by her colleagues for being an exceptional team player and for bringing positivity to the workplace each day.

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 October 2025 OWL awardees Shalamaar Ormiston, LPN, and Mary Richards.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

October 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of the October 2025 DAISY and BEE Winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for October 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.

Kimberly Fleming, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), received the October DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by a fellow caregiver in Samaritan’s Outpatient Behavioral Health clinic, reads in part:

“I have witnessed Kim’s ability to engage even the most vulnerable patients. During a phone conversation with a shared patient, she actively listened, without judgment, conveying compassion and care without coercion, or frustration. Her dedication, empathy, and advocacy make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and colleagues alike.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Fleming 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.

Nichole Provost, Talent Acquisition Assistant for Human Resources, was nominated for the October BEE Award by a Nurse Manager who said:

“Nichole has helped guide me through the hiring process, reviewing and approving compensation rates, and understanding position control—every step of the way. What stands out the most is the grace and patience she’s shown throughout. Nichole is not only a tremendous asset to the Human Resources department but to the entire organization. Her dedication, professionalism, and willingness to support others reflect the best of what we stand for.”

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

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Pictured here are Samaritan’s October 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Kimberly Fleming, LPN, (left), and October 2025 BEE Award recipient, Nichole Provost (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

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.

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

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center Welcomes Interventional Radiologist Dr. Russell Reeves

Dr. Russell Reeves, Samaritan Interventional Radiologist

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome Interventional Radiologist Russell Reeves, MD, MBA, MS, RPVI, to its medical staff.

Dr. Reeves specializes in using minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases- including cancers and cancer-related problems- in nearly every organ system. He completed his medical degree at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, in Hanover, N.H., followed by a diagnostic radiology residency at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and a fellowship in Interventional Radiology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiology with subspecialty certification in Interventional Radiology.

Dr. Reeves also holds a Master of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from the Kanbar College of Commerce at Thomas Jefferson University.

He offers comprehensive services to treat conditions in many areas, including:

Pain

Vertebral compression fractures (from osteoporosis or injury)
Degenerative disc disease causing chronic lower back pain
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Knee, hip and sacroiliac joint pain

Women’s Health

Uterine fibroids causing heavy periods, pain, or pressure
Pelvic congestion syndrome (chronic pelvic pain from vein reflux)

Men’s Health

Varicocele (swollen scrotal veins causing pain or fertility issues)
Enlarged prostate (BPH) causing difficulty urinating

Cancer

Liver tumors (primary or metastatic)
Other solid tumors in the lungs, kidneys, bones, or soft tissues

Liver Disease

Cirrhosis
Ascites
Jaundice or bile duct blockage from stones, strictures, or tumors

Arterial (Artery) Conditions

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causing leg pain when walking
Critical limb ischemia (severe blockages threatening limb loss)

Venous (Vein) Conditions

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in deep leg or arm veins
Pulmonary embolism (clot traveling to the lungs)
Varicose veins or superficial vein reflux causing leg swelling/pain
Chronic venous insufficiency with leg ulcers

Urinary Tract Issues

Kidney or ureteral stones causing pain, infection, or blockage
Ureteral strictures or obstructions needing drainage

“I’m honored to join a team that shares my commitment to compassionate, high-quality care,” said Dr. Reeves. “Interventional radiology is a powerful tool for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, from varicose veins to cancer. My goal is to ensure North Country patients have access to the same cutting-edge procedures available in major medical centers without having to leave the local area.”

“Samaritan is fortunate to have Dr. Reeves on its medical staff,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “With his expertise in advanced, minimally invasive procedures, he is a great addition to our hospital and a tremendous benefit for the health and well-being of our community.”

Dr. Reeves is accepting new patients. To refer a patient or schedule an appointment, please contact Samaritan Interventional Radiology at 315-786-4879.

For more information, visit samaritanhealth.com/interventional-radiology/.

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Dr. Russell Reeves smiles at a patient receiving Interventional Radiology treatment.

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.

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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

About The DAISY Foundation

November 17, 2025November 18, 2025

Annual CMN Radiothon Celebrates 25 Years of Helping Local Kids

CMN kid Finley smiles with a balloon in his lap during the Radiothon

Watertown, NY — The 25th Annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Radiothon raised $127,526 during this year’s three-day event, hosted by Community Broadcasters stations The Border 106.7 and 94 Rock.

All donations to CMN stay local to purchase pediatric medical equipment and support child-centered projects at Samaritan Medical Center, and to provide financial assistance to families in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties who have a child facing a medical crisis.

During the annual event, radio DJs Johnny Spezzano and Lance Hale asked listeners to donate to help sick and injured children. “It is so gratifying to have raised funds for CMN again, this time in the milestone 25th year for both Johnny Spezzano and the CMN Radiothon,” Jim Leven, president of Community Broadcasters, said. “I’m proud of the Community Broadcasters team who helped make this amazing fundraiser possible, and I’m in awe of the North Country for caring so deeply, as always.”

CMN is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children across the North Country. “For 25 years, the Radiothon has given families the opportunity to share their child’s story and express their gratitude to all who donate to CMN,” said Angie VanWormer, Children’s Miracle Network director, Samaritan Medical Center. “It’s truly incredible to see our community come together for local kids, and we are so thankful for all who helped make this event a success.”

For more information about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected].

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