Caring Champions 2023 - MDN - 12/23/23

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

December 23, 2023 | 1

A CELEBRATION OF OUR LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

2 |December 23, 2023

Caring Champions

Midland Daily News

Thank you to our sponsors this past year!

And a hugeThankYou to our readers who nominated the following Caring Champions! Sharing their campassion and commitment with our community.

SPONSORED BY:

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

December 23, 2023 | 3

Congratulations to Dr. Brent Beldyga & Dr. Lisa Daws MIDLAND EYE CARE HAS BEEN SERVING YOUR OPTICAL NEEDS FOR OVER 40+ YEARS MIDLAND EYE CARE 5908 EASTMAN AVE., MIDLAND, MI 48640 (989) 636-7200

GLADWIN EYE CARE 300-3 CEDAR ST., GLADWIN, MI 48624 (989) 426-4550

FREELAND EYE CARE 180 E. WASHINGTON ST., STE 1, FREELAND, MI 48623 (989) 573-5393

T.K. JOHNSON, O.D., P.C. | DENNIS M. JOHNSON, O.D., P.C. | LISA A. DAWS, O.D. | BRENT L. BELDYGA, O.D.

4 |December 23, 2023

Caring Champions ourmidland.com

Allison • My Michigan Health System Allison pursued a masters in nursing science during the pandemic because she has the biggest heart for helping others.

She was working on the frontlines as a nurse’s assistant and student nurse until she passed her boards and became an MSN RN to work as a nurse in the MyMichigan Health system Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

ourmidland.com

Alicia Wietfeldt • Covenant Healthcare Alicia is as selfless as they come, she’s a compassionate nurse with a great work ethic. She made it through nursing school while being a full time mom, wife, student and employee. She’s always thinking of everyone else first, and we are so very proud of her.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

ourmidland.com

Vicki Krawczak Great Lakes Home Care Unlimited

Vicki is the greatest RN I have ever met. She has so much compassion andlove for everyone. Many times she would provide meals to people that were ill or lost a loved one. Vicki spent her life providing to anyone and everyone that needed her. Vicki always puts others before herself.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

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Misty Pretzer Great Lakes Home Care Unlimited Misty is very caring, never calls in and is always willing to go above and beyond.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

Midland Daily News ourmidland.com

Dr. Steven Simmons

Simmons Specific Chiropractic on Eastman Ave. Loving his patients and putting others before himself.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

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Dr. Brent Beldyga Midland Eye Care Goes above and beyond to care for his patients.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

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Lisa Daws • Midland Eye Care

Dr. Lisa Daws is a consummate professional who takes the time to know her patients and provide exceptional service.

I only trust my eyesight to Dr. Daws.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

ourmidland.com

Sujay Madduri MyMichigan Health

The best compassionate and empathetic and great advocate

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

Kyle Williams • Mid-Michigan Health

December 23, 2023 | 5

Sasha Savage My Michigan Health

Dr. Williams is a great physician who listens to his patients and checks every possibility for your care.

Sasha is an authentically caring and compassionate doctor that treats the whole person as a person and not just a patient.

Amanda Hobbs • Bronson

Doctor David Buzanoski Mid Michigan Health Systems

On top of being a wonderful mother to her autistic daughter, she is extremely skillful and compassionate.

Engaged, caring, patient, responsive, did I say caring, has wonderful patient rapport.

ourmidland.com

Aliesha Kinney Independent Community Living

Aliesha has supported the same two people for over 15 years. She assists with their daily care and helps organize their lives. She pays attention to detail and is very kind. We are lucky to have her on our team!

Katelyn Armstrong MyMichigan Health Midland

Awesome, caring, compassionate RN whose dedication to her patients and coworkers cannot be overstated. She is one of a kind!

Bethannie Schoenherr Independent Community Living

Bethannie is a very hard worker. She is always moving her schedule around to best benefit the people she takes care ofs needs. She is kind, selfless and hardworking. She cares so much about the people she supports, and it shows.

Misty Evans Independent Community Living

Misty is one of the best. She is smart and patient. Misty is always honest with the people she supports. She understands the importance of a flexible schedule and is accommodating to the changes in a person’s life.

6 |December 23, 2023

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

Matthew Rabine • MidMichigan Health Campus Ridge Physical Therapy Matthew is outstanding in his knowledge and ways to treat a physical problem. He listens and works with you to solve your problem. He greets you with a smile, anaylzes each situation, makes corrections, adds new ways to solve the problem, and encourages you to do your best. He is outstanding in his field.

Kelly J. Wirsing, MD

I wish to pause and extend my heartfelt thanks for the exemplary care you have delivered. Your remarkable proficiency, coupled with your compassionate demeanor and enduring patience, has profoundly impacted my journey to better health. The dedication you show to those in your care is truly praiseworthy, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.

ourmidland.com

Sasha Savage • My Michigan Health

Dr. Savage is the kind of medical professional that brings a smile to your face hearing about his passion and care for patients. I work with him on a limited contractual basis at MiHIA, which is a great opportunity, but knowing that there are caring medical professionals like Dr. Savage warms my heart. There are countless stories of his expert care and concern, but one that comes to mind is an older patient he helped get through the pandemic combatting her loneliness by setting her up to meet with his wife and some of the local students. This might have been something outside of the realm of a normal medical concern, but he always thoughtfully goes the extra mile for his patients and those under his care have some of the best medical / emotional / spiritual care you can get. I’m thankful to know him and thankful there are people like him in the world.

MyMichigan Health Cancer Center Nursing Staff

Every interaction with you all has been marked by professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication to patient well-being. Your tireless efforts, often under challenging circumstances, do not go unnoticed. It is clear that each of you brings not only skill and knowledge to your work but also a genuine kindness that makes a world of difference to those in your care.

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

Charles Gardner - Right At Home - Midland Charles is the type of caregiver that gets things done!

If his client is in need, you can guarantee that Charles is on the case.

His clients say he is kind, respectful and someone they can count on to keep them safe.

Rebecca Lindsey McBride Quality Care Services Becky is always helping others. She truly is an awesome boss, person, and friend. She works for McBride Quality Care Services Inc. For 32 years. She always puts her staff and consumers first. Is very caring, kind and compassionate. She deserves to be recognized for this.

Lillian Fairchild - Right at Home - Midland If you’re looking for a caregiver with skill and a big heart, Lillian is your aide. She has donated time and resources to make sure clients are safe an happy time and time again. She makes clients feel safe and at home every shift. Her clients say that Lillian is a superstar and wish they could keep her always!

ourmidland.com

Debra Jones • Right At Home • Midland Debra is sunshine in a person. You can’t keep a straight face when talking to her. She makes everyone smile. Her personality is so bright and her smile is contagious. Clients always talk about how she lights up a room and puts them in such a good mood when she is around.

December 23, 2023 | 7

Kay Curry - Right At Home - Midland Kay is a hardworker who is willing to travel all over to help those in need. She is versatile and able to be thrown in to any home and pick up like she’s been there all along.

Sarah Caszatt, A.G.P.C.N.P.-B.C.

I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding care you’ve provided. Your exceptional expertise, along with your kindness and patience, made a significant difference in my health journey.

Your commitment to your patients is truly commendable, and I am thankful for your dedication.

Dr. Matthew J. Martin Auburn Optical

Dr. Martin is an amazing eye doctor! He goes above and beyond for all of his patients. He has an easygoing and fun demeanor that resonates with his patients. He loves what he does and it is evident.

ourmidland.com

Sharon Duford • Right At Home • Midland

If you look in the dictionary next to caring, this is the photo you’ll see!

Sharon has a huge heart to help others. When she isn’t with her clients at Right At Home, she is driving seniors for Senior Services. And when she isn’t doing that? She is making goodies and meals for the elderly in our community. Sharon has a heart for helping others and it shows on her sleeve.

8 |December 23, 2023

Caring Champions

Fanny Buxton - Right At Home - Midland Fanny is the type of caregiver that you can call when you’re in need. She is reliable, trustworthy, and loyal.

When a client is in need, you can count on Fanny to be there.

Congratulations to all of our Caring Champions and Thank You for all of your dedication!

Serving The Printwear, Promotion & Awards Industry Since 1986 Stop by McCreadie Corner S. Saginaw Rd. / Dartmouth Rd. / Cambridge St.

Midland Daily News

Dr. Wes Harpham - Kehres Health & Chiropractic Dr. Harpham goes above and beyond taking the time to listen to his patients and customize care to help them get out of pain.

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

December 23, 2023 | 9

ourmidland.com

Lindsey Tipler

MyMichigan Health, Midland Best Hospital Transporter!

Susan Miller - Midland Family Physicians She is terrific! She is helpful, knowledgeable, understanding, and willing to take time to explain.

She also has a great sense of humor!

Elmylaw, P.C.

DAILY NEWS Midland

CARING

CHAMPION

Serving Mid Michigan’s bankruptcy needs.

Congratulations

We are a debt relief agency.

We are attorneys that help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

to all the Caring Champion

nominees and thank you for your exceptional work.

Shantele D. Elmy

Great Lakes Bay & Mid-Michigan Areas 989.486.9557 | rightathome.net/northernmichigan Right at Home is a global network where most offices are independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement with Right at Home, LLC.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. 989.625.0969 | www.elmylawpc.com 3820 Isabella St (M-20), Midland

10 |December 23, 2023

Caring Champions ourmidland.com

Elizabeth Sullivan • MyMichigan

Midland Daily News ourmidland.com

Uzoamaka Esan, MD MyMichigan Family Practice - Campus Ridge

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

Dr. Esan goes above and beyond for patients. She listens to concerns and never makes you feel like what you’re thinking or saying is going unheard. She takes the time to explain medications or function of the body so that her patients understand her treatments. She is such a caring and compassionate doctor.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

Tina Smith Independent Community Living

Leah Martin, NP-BC Vascular Health Clinics

Caring and compassionate for not only patients but coworkers.

Tina is incredible with the people she supports. She grows very strong bonds and they trust her! She is always putting everyone else’s needs above hers and ensures that the people she’s supporting live their best lives and are properly cared for and heard. They are lucky to have her.

Always treats her patients and staff with the utmost respect and compassion day in and day out. Shows true passion in everything she accomplished.

ourmidland.com

Dr. Steven Cox MyMichigan Health Compassionate, caring, thorough and knowledgeable ear, nose and throat doctor.

Dr. Cox made a huge difference in my life!

Mary McMillan

Independent Community Living Midland MI Most important Mary cares!! Deeply, authentically, loyally.

Mary listens to the people she supports! When she is with them, she is focused not only on their safety and well being but making them feel valued! Mary is a difference maker!

Dr. Ryan Balzer • Adio Chiropractic Dr. Ryan truly has a passion for principled chiropractic and cares about each individual practice member! He loves serving the Midland Community through neurologically based chiropractic care!

Alaina Smith Independent Community Living

She goes above and beyond to assist the people she supports. To ensure they live healthy happy lives. She is always willing to switch her schedule and help to make sure everyone has the supports they need to be independent in their homes and be active in the community. With a smile on her face you can tell it is her passion.

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

December 23, 2023 | 11

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Sarah Freeburg MyMichigan Health Campus Ridge Family Practice Because of the difference she makes.

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Michael Verona Inspire Counseling & Wellness

Felicia (Melchi) Leonard MyMichigan Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

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Stephanie Montoya

He is an excellent local counselor who has helped many people in the Mid-Michigan area.

Vascular Surgeon, Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

12 |December 23, 2023

Caring Champions

Midland Daily News ourmidland.com

Jessica Burns • Right At Home Jessica goes above and beyond to make sure all client/caregivers are a match and she does everything she can to keep everyone happy.

Dr. Tammy S. Phillips, M.D. MyMichigan Best Dr. ever! Good listener, follows through and cares.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

ourmidland.com

Jason Kopec, FNP-BC Promedica Home Care (formerly Heartland) Jason is patient, warm and understanding & provides excellent health care to those staying at home requiring advanced disease & symptom management.

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Lisa Brent • Cardinal Hospice Most compassionate nurse.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

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Mieke Hovey MidMichigan Urgent Care Midland Throughout the pandemic Mieke was a front line healthcare provider at the Midland Urgent Care facility. She is caring, thoughtful and genuinely cares about each and every patient she sees. She is a hard working mom of two, always has a smile on her face and incredibly smart.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

John Roberts MS, PA-C Midland Express Urgent and Family Care Caring Physician Assistant Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

ourmidland.com

Lisa Daws • Midland Eye Care

Dr. Lisa Daws is a consummate professional who takes the time to know her patients and provide exceptional service. I only trust my eyesight to Dr. Daws.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

ourmidland.com

Sujay Madduri • MyMichigan Health The best compassionate and empathetic and great advocate.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

December 23, 2023 | 13

ourmidland.com

Mary McMillan • Independent Community Living Most important Mary cares!! Deeply, authentically, loyally.

Mary listens to the people she supports! When she is with them, she is focused not only on their safety and well being but making them feel valued! Mary is a difference maker!

Abby Holm Independent Community Living

Abby is amazing with the people she provides care for. She goes above and beyond to ensure they’re living their best lives. The way she interacts and grows bonds with the people she takes care of is amazing to see. She is one of the kindest souls you’ll meet who dedicates her life to helping others.

Rachelle Ferman Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists Rachelle is kind, compassionate, and always can make her patients laugh. She goes the extra mile, no questions asked every time.

John Roberts • Gateway Healthcare John is a compassionate, Christian provider that truly cares about the needs and concerns of all of his patients.

Lizzy Meier • Comfort Keepers (Serving Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw)

Not only is Lizzy our wonderful Client Care Coordinator, she is also our top requested caregiver. Lizzy goes the extra mile to serve her clients, and her staff to make sure that everyone receives the best care, best listening ear, and best follow up with any needs they may have.

Jody Fortier • MyMichigan Health

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Jody in the surgery department at MyMichigan.

First as an RN on the afternoon shift and now as our afternoon supervisor. Our surgery department at MyMichigan has benefited from Jody’s creative problem-solving, tireless work ethic, and willingness to do whatever task it takes to give our patients a superior outcome.

I have had the opportunity to observe Jody’s professional skill and her interpersonal style, she is consistently pleasant, takes on extra assignments (to assist staff when needed) with enthusiasm and dedication. She is also very generous with her time and expertise in training other colleagues. Regardless of deadlines or other pressures in the surgery department Jody always delivers. Her superior organization skills make her the consummate multi-tasker.

MyMichigan should be proud to have Jody as a leader in the surgery department!

ourmidland.com

The Radiation Oncology department at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland

Each engagement with the nursing staff has been a testament to your professionalism, compassion, and relentless commitment to patients’ welfare. Your skilled, kind-hearted work under tough conditions truly stands out and greatly impacts those you serve.

Thank you for your remarkable dedication.

Catherine Staley Christian Home Services She has the BIGGEST heart

14 |December 23, 2023

Caring Champions

Midland Daily News

ourmidland.com

Shannon Martin East End – MyMichigan The MOST caring and attentive doctor I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing!

Gretchen Collis - Right At Home - Midland Gretchen is someone you can always trust to have your back. If you need someone, she is there in a jiffy and ready to get to work. She is compassionate and empathetic to ALL, clients and staff alike. She is definitely someone you want in your corner!

ourmidland.com

Dr. Ange Phillips, ND Wellspring Naturopathic Center

Dr. Ange is the best! She really takes the time to listen, asks questions, follows up to see how things are going and wants to help her patients. She’s all about getting to the root of the problem; not just treating the symptoms. Dr. Ange is a blessing to Midland and I’m so grateful to have found her.

Thank You, Dr. Ange for all that you do!

Rob M - MyMichigan Health Rob is an AMAZING nurse, he is kind and compassionate. He is an incredibly hard worker and our patients always have wonderful things to say about him!

ourmidland.com

Rose Green • Right At Home • Midland Miss Rose is a superstar caregiver. If you need someone who knows exactly what to do, you call Rose. She goes into every shift with a full heart to help others and it shows. You can count on Rose to communicate just what her clients need and to get things done!

ourmidland.com

Alexa Beck • Bay Shores

Alexa is a Therapy Program Manager and coordinates therapy for a facility. She is chairing and passionate about ensuring our older generation has the quality of life they deserve. She works hard and deserves recognition.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

Christina Grantham - Right At Home - Midland Christina is what we call a “Fan Favorite”. Every where she goes her clients BEG for her to be a regular. She is kind and hard working, and our patients love that she is always on the move looking for the next thing to accomplish.

ourmidland.com

Richard Mills

Over 20 years in private practice, currently employed

by Covenant, sees patients in both Saginaw and Midland. Honest, caring, Compassionate, Listens, Thorough, Professional, speaks in terms that are easy to understand.

Midland Daily News

Caring Champions

December 23, 2023 | 15

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Stacey Johnson • Right At Home • Midland Stacey is someone who takes care of others even before herself.

In the time I have known her, Stacey has worked through some of the toughest situations you can imagine. But she shows up to pour into others everything she has.

John Martin Mid-Michigan SICU Heart bigger than self!

Kirsten Miller - Christian Home Services

Kirsten is a very compassionate and caring direct support professional that is turning her passion into a career as a full time student to become an LPN. She provides attentive care and support for individuals with physical, mental and/or behavioral limitations living independently in their own homes. She just loves taking care of others!

Alicia Heading, PT, DPT Renue Physical Therapy Dr. Alicia Heading makes physical therapy fun and enjoyable while helping patients get the results they want and meet their health goals!

ourmidland.com

Madison Champagne

Wellness Within Family Chiropractic Dr. Madison genuinely cares about each individual that walks through the door. She treats the whole person & helps to add quality back to people’s lives beyond their aches & pains.

Kelly Proctor

Great Lakes Bay Surgery & Endoscopy Center Recognizing for all of her hard work.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

ourmidland.com

Lindsey Tipler

MyMichigan Health, Midland Best HospitalTransporter!

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

MacKenzie Mirts • Careline Best hospice nurse.

Congratulations to one of our Nominated Caring Champions!

16 |December 23, 2023

Caring Champions

Midland Daily News