Monthly Co-Worker Newsletter of St. Joseph’s/Candler
november 2026
Partnerships In Healing: MCG and the Diocese Meet at SJ/C St. Joseph’s/Candler recently hosted a special meeting to discuss the future of healthcare in our region. The health system invited Bishop Stephen Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of Savannah to meet with leadership from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey welcomed Dr. David Hess, Dean of MCG; Dr. Elizabeth Gray, Savannah Campus Dean for MCG; and Allen Edmund, Savannah Campus Administrator for MCG, to discuss rural care, medical education and community access with Bishop Parkes. The shortage of physicians in Southeast Georgia was among several topics discussed. The Catholic Diocese covers 90 counties across middle and southern Georgia. Many of these areas are rural and need more primary care physicians. As a faith-based health system, SJ/C shares the Diocese’s mission of caring for vulnerable populations. SJ/C’s new Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency program,
From left to right: Dr. David Hess, Dean of MCG; The Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Savannah; Dr. Elizabeth Gray, Campus Dean MCG, Savannah; SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey; and Allen Edmunds, Administrator, Savannah Campus MCG.
created in partnership with MCG, will help place new doctors into the communities that need them most. GME residents in Internal Medicine will train at three sites in Savannah when the inaugural class begins in July 2027. One of those sites will be the Georgia Infirmary, where residents can treat high-need patients from the community while learning to manage chronic conditions and perform preventative care.
zero-harm pledge Measurement and Public Perception At St. Joseph’s/Candler, keeping our patients safe and delivering the highest-quality care is the foundation of our purpose. The Zero Harm Pledge serves as a vital framework for continued success in that purpose—it supports our Mission and Values, drives excellence across the health system, and creates a supportive environment where we proactively learn to protect those we serve. Investing in a culture of safety helps every co-worker feel more energized, fulfilled and excited to build long-term careers here. Our commitment to the Zero Harm Pledge drives both how our daily efforts are measured and how our health system is perceived by the community when public scores are released. How Safety And Quality Is Measured Nearly all of our major, publicly-reported quality metrics are tracked directly by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This includes Hospital-Acquired Conditions, Complication Rates, 30-Day Readmission Rates, 30-Day Mortality Rates, and our patient-reported experience scores from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. The other publicly-reported evaluation is the Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog, an independent organization. For more than eight years, SJ/C has not participated in the Leapfrog
Safety Survey. After a reassessment last year, we convened a multidisciplinary team to guide a rigorous survey response process. In June 2026, SJ/C submitted the Leapfrog Safety Survey for the first time in over eight years. How SJ/C Is Perceived We have a solid history and a deeply-rooted reputation as the region’s most trusted healthcare provider. However, some of the currently available public reporting results don't tell the full story. This can sometimes create a public perception that doesn't match our true standards. Because of the timing of our new submission to Leapfrog, there were components we could not complete in time for this reporting cycle. As a result, SJ/C does not anticipate a significant change when the new grades are released. It will take time for Leapfrog’s reported scores to catch up with our current performance and more accurately reflect the quality of care and commitment to safety demonstrated by our teams every day. For the moment, our high level of quality and safety has yet to be fully captured and reflected in the current public scores. The Zero Harm Pledge is helping to bridge that gap—ensuring that public data truly reflects the excellent care that our community has always counted on us to deliver.
mission critical SJ/C Foundations Awards Nursing Scholarship
Physician Network Donates Prizes For Williams Court Apartments
Leslie Allen, Primary Care Operations Manager of SJ/C Physician Network, adds to the huge collection of donated items for the Williams Court Fall Festival.
(L–R): Vernice Rackett, Executive Director, SJ/C Foundations; Rachel Tinker, RN, CCU/CVICU; Sherry Danello, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer.
Every October, the first floor of SJ/C’s Williams Court Apartments Rachel Tinker, who currently serves as a nurse in the CCU/CVICU
is transformed into a casino and game room. It’s part of the Fall
unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital, has had a lifelong goal of earning
Festival held for the residents by our Angels of Mercy. But the
a Master of Science in Nursing. SJ/C Foundations is helping her
residents get more than a fun time when they play Bingo, Roulette
to achieve that goal through the Hazel O. Brunson & Anita Cole
and other card games at this event. They also receive prizes that
Bellows Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually
they love--personal care items such as soaps and hygiene products,
to a SJ/C co-worker who strives for excellence through education
cleaning products for their apartment and more. This year, the
and leadership.
prizes were collected across the practices in SJ/C’s Physician
Tinker said that pursuing a Master’s degree was partly inspired by
Network. Co-workers in our primary care practices and specialty
her mother, Kathleen Tinker, who has been a nurse for more than 40 years and has served at SJ/C since 2012.
practices learned what the residents treasured most and delivered overflowing boxes and bags to the Angels for the festival.
Adult Day Care Center Craft Project Goes Big There is a new neighborhood in Savannah,
members turn household materials such
thanks to the crafty collaboration between
as wooden clothespins into homes and
members and co-workers of the Adult
churches. The cul-de-sac features working
Day Care at the Georgia Infirmary. What
street lights, a house with a pool and a
began as individual birdhouse crafting
fountain spouting water.
projects, led by CNA Priscilla Mitchell, turned into an ongoing group project that expanded over a huge table in the center’s arts and crafts room.
“The ideas just kept flowing and soon traffic signs, mailboxes and vehicles were added,” Perkins said. “It was a true group project, as a member’s random idea would
Kathy Perkins, one of this year’s Mercy
spark discussions and lead to another
Volunteers, joined in as well, helping
fun addition.”
moving forward Audrey Scott Receives Regional Award For Excellence Compass Group, the parent organization of Morrison Healthcare, presented Audrey Scott with the 2026 GEM of the Year Regional Award. Audrey works in Dietary Services at Candler Hospital. The GEM award—which stands for Great Employees Make Magic—is an honor reserved for frontline co-workers who consistently go above and beyond in customer service, safety, and dedication to excellence. Congratulations, Audrey!
Bronchoscopy Team Performs 2,000th Robotic Procedure For years, the bronchoscopy team at Candler Hospital has been providing the most advanced and minimally-invasive lung procedures for patients. Pulmonologist Douglas Mullins, MD, is the leader in the region for using the MONARCH Platform for robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which creates significantly reduced patient recovery times by cutting out very tiny cancerous and pre-cancerous nodules from lung tissue. Last month, Dr. Mullins and the team reached a milestone by performing their 2,000th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy—a strong reminder of how this advanced technology is transforming patient care in our community.
(L–R): Nicole Whitmire, Sr. Director of Dietary Services, Audrey Scott, and Peter Nyamora, VP of Ancillary Services.
Dr. Douglas Mullins with (L–R): Kelly Stewart, RN; Katrina Richards, RRT; and Christy Mullen, RRT, CPFT.
lientz recipient known for selflessly going the extra mile Lisa Aliotta, Resource Coordinator in Pre-Screening at St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Outpatient Surgery, was named the 2026 James R. Lientz Humanitarian Award recipient. She was selected from among 131 of her fellow co-workers representing 68 departments. At the Lientz Award ceremony last month, SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey shared comments from the co-workers who nominated Aliotta. They described her as someone who always makes sure patients are her top priority. “She is known for going the extra mile. She calms you down and sets the tone when you are here. She puts you at ease and she is loved by her co-workers in the outpatient surgery department,” Hinchey added. Aliotta has served in Pre-Screening since 1993, but has been with the health system since 1986. During her career, she has earned a reputation for being selfless, empathetic and hardworking. One co-worker shared the story of how Aliotta went out of her way to help a patient secure transportation and a place to stay overnight the day before a serious surgery. Another co-worker said that Aliotta is “a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word. She serves without expectation, advocates without hesitation, and gives of herself because she believes every person deserves the opportunity to receive the care they need.” Along with the Lientz Award plaque and pin, Aliotta received a $3,000 honorarium, a one-year parking pass in the location of her choice, a one-month cafeteria meal pass, a 60-minute massage gift certificate and a commemorative
SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey welcomes Lisa Aliotta to the podium to accept the 2026 Lientz Award.
watch. Her image will be added to the Lientz Award display in the main halls of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital, joining 33 previous recipients of the award. The annual award ceremony began at Candler Hospital in 1993. The award recognizes a co-worker whose humanitarian values and actions reflect those of the late James R. Lientz. Mr. Lientz served as a Trustee of Candler Hospital beginning in 1959, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1991, and as Chairman of Candler Health System Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1992. He played a major part in securing the current Reynolds Street location of Candler Hospital. Along with his service to SJ/C, he held leadership roles in various local organizations including the Georgia Infirmary, the Health Planning Council of Savannah, and United Way of the Coastal Empire.
november events 6
PTO Cash Out Deadline SJ/C offers co-workers with one year or more of continuous service the opportunity to convert accumulated Paid Time Off to a cash payment. This is offered only twice a fiscal year, in November and May, for up to an annual total of 80 hours. Remember, the cash-out value is 75 percent of your hourly rate. The deadline for the November Cash Out is Friday, November 6, before 2 p.m. Requests must be made on the PTO Cash Conversion Form, located in the Forms Repository. Find the link to the Forms Repository on the homepage of The Hub, then search the Repository with keyword “PTO.” Fill out, sign and fax your completed form to Payroll at (912) 691-9264 or email Payroll@sjchs.org. Please note: forms received after 2 p.m. on November 6 will not be accepted. Checks for PTO Cash will be a direct deposit into the same designated accounts for paychecks on November 11.
19 Lighting Of The Breast Cancer Awareness Holiday Tree Every November, the Telfair Pavilion displays its Breast Cancer Awareness Holiday Tree as an elegant symbol of hope and togetherness during the holiday season. The tree is lit during a special ceremony that includes a presentation from a breast cancer survivor, a wine and cheese reception and the recognition of Telfair Mammography Fund donations from several individuals and organizations. This year’s ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, in the Telfair Pavilion on the Candler Hospital campus. To RSVP, call 912-819-5499.
stedman’s is now just a click away Co-workers who need access to Stedman’s Medical Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols can now find it online quickly. When you need to double-check an abbreviation, the answer is just a quick search away. Users can find the Stedman’s link through the External Links in Meditech. You can also find a link on The Hub under Staff Tools & Quick Links. Stedman’s provides tens of thousands of abbreviations, acronyms and symbols in everyday use. This tool helps co-workers confirm the right term before it goes into the chart. It also supports Joint Commission standards. Let this convenient update make your workflow even more seamless.
welcome to st. joseph’s/candler!
Please join us in welcoming the following new co-workers to the St. Joseph’s/Candler family: Danjanae Adkins | ED, Candler
Latesha Hamilton | HIM, Candler
Allison Murphy | ICU, Candler
Britney Alvarez | 5 South, St. Joseph’s
Pascal Harley, Jr. | 5 South, St. Joseph’s
Joseph Navarrete | Dietary Services, St. Joseph’s
Sharon Anderson | Specialty Physician Revenue Cycle
Solya Harris | 6 North, Candler
Ama Otua Owusu | Float Team
Sebastain Antony Pushparaj | Pastoral Care, Candler
Ginger Harward Grant | Surgical Oncology
Rolinda Paler | Dietary Services, St. Joseph’s
Liliana Avila | Gastroenterology, St. Joseph’s
Danielle Hawkins | CT Scan, Candler
Myah Paster | ICU, Candler
Joshua Baccus | Patient Financial Solutions Center
Avis Haynes | Physician Network - Neurology
Isha Patel | Specialty Physician Revenue Cycle
Mallory Berry | Infusion Services
Naszaeria Haynes | 7 North, St. Joseph’s
Erin Pennell | Gastroenterology, St. Joseph’s
Tori Brauch | OR, Candler
Kalyn Henderson | 7 North, St. Joseph’s
Raven Pope | Candler Prescription Center
Micenna Brooks | Environmental Services, St. Joseph’s
Jacqueline Hines | Dietary Services, St. Joseph’s
Roxanne Quamina | TCU, Candler
Chessica Butler | Surgical Services, St. Joseph’s
Brittany Houston | Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center
Patricia Reilly | Surgical Specialty Center
Rashiya Cansler | Dietary Services, Candler
Aisha Irby | Insurance/Payment Verification
Eric Cason | Primary Care - Pooler
Destinni Jones | St. Joseph’s Cardiology
Leighton Rhoades | Physician Network - Cardiothoracic Surgery
Lindsey Clark | The Children’s Place
Nya Jones | ED, Candler
Tara Cooper | 7 North, St. Joseph’s
Shannon Jones | Environmental Services, St. Joseph’s
Emily Coyne | Infusion Services
Mitra Kavoosi | 2 North, Candler
Justin Craig | Plant Operations, Candler
Mattie Keltz | 6 South, Candler
Palmer Davenport | 7 South, St. Joseph’s
Kayleen Lemus | Liberty RegionalOncology
Stacy Davis | Liberty Regional Oncology
Jaimi Lucca | Laboratory Outreach Services, St. Joseph’s
Asauna-Sierra Edmonds | Patient Registration, Candler
James Lynch | Histology / Cytology, Candler
Tony Farmer | Security, Candler
Abigail Maberry | Dietary Services, Candler
Willieasttee Figgins | Dietary Services, Candler
Michaela Maitland | Oncology Laboratory
Lindsey Fisher | 5 North, St. Joseph’s
Gabreella Marin | ED, St. Joseph’s
Diera Flynn | Insurance/Payment Verification
Brytni Markle | Physician Network - Vascular Surgery
Mariah Frazier | Primary Care - Heartwood
Skylar Marks | Diagnostic Radiology, Candler
KyShawn Gadson | Laundry & Linen, Candler
Ava Martin | ICU, Candler
Rajvi Gandhi | LCRP - Bluffton
Domini Mayberry | Specialty Physician Revenue Cycle
Gayjalyn Gilliam | Human Resources
Johnae McBride | Security, Candler
Brandy Givens | Urgent Care - Savannah
Monique Mcpeters | SPD, St. Joseph’s
Melissa Guernsey | Environmental Services, Candler
Shion Montaque | Home Health - Hinesville
Fiona Haines Mowbray | Telfair BirthPlace
Avis Moore | Insurance/Payment Verification
Sabrina Hale | Patient Registration, Candler
Kayla Moss | PCU, St. Joseph’s
Angeleah Hamilton | PCU, Candler
Sofia Muniz Ferrer | Pathology Laboratory, Candler
Lauren Rhodes | PACU, Candler Crystal Rice | Surgical Oncology Kim Robinson | Security, St. Joseph’s Ashley Sanchez | Physical Therapy, Candler Aspen Scott | PCU, St. Joseph’s Victoria Simmerman | ED, Candler Jebreia Simmons | Patient Registration, St. Joseph’s Bridget Smith | Gastroenterology - Pooler Campus Darlene Smith | Infusion Oncology - Bluffton Vickie Smith | PCU, St. Joseph’s Tahirah Staples | Infusion Services Brianna Stevens | Environmental Services, Candler Rickel Strodder | The Children’s House Kathleen Taggart | OR, Candler Kiana Torrence | Urgent Care - Richmond Hill Mallery Trant | Physical Therapy - Pooler Campus Brianna Tremble | Security, Candler Mo’Naysha Washington | Dietary Services, Candler Stephanie Watrous | Patient Financial Solutions Center Treva West | 6 North, Candler Cursti Yancey | Insurance/Payment Verification
november birthdays 1
Patricia Anderson Sarah Antalek Francesca Bennett Johnson Amunda Campbell Patrice Chisolm Kimberly Green Judy Hancock Charles Hargrove Teriana Hervas Diane Hinely Vanessa Lewis-Thames Cassandra Martinez Deonca Myers Michelle Ramirez-Ringang
2
Sahara Dowell Elizabeth Glaser Brandon Hall Jordan McNear Patricia Newberry Alfreda Polite-Dancy Rachel Rivera Raymond Schneider III
3
Eliza Bulalacao Kathryn Coseo Royal Hilton Ethan Holtzclaw Bryan Jones Lola Lastar Lula Levy McHenry Moseley III Raven Pope Melissa Riley
4
Olivia Amato Jakeya Bass Xuan Castro Tiffany Cox Kaleigh Craft Tindol Fowler Deirdre Geraghty Gabriell Goodman Ricky Jerido Cynthia Jones Lucas Lupinski Kelley McWilliams Madison Merritt Xiomara Perez Amar Reci Margaret Stevenson Jennifer Thompson Alexandria Tucker Joann Visnesky Casey Wilson John Wilson
5
B. Marc Bailey, MD Shannon Buckley Claire Duffy Dawn Hait Felicia Johnson-Collins Jason King
Jonathan Nelson Kathleen Ryerson Shelly Simpson Carla Wallace
6
Stacey Albright Andres Alvarado Emma Bennett Tonya Bennett Heather Brooks Loy Cowart IV Ezry Dix Christopher Geremina Laurie Graham Cheryl Hennessey Maegan Maginnis Nyrobi Milien Dustin Orvin Sharon Singleton Faith Smith Julia Smith Rickel Strodder Teresa Walker Jessica Wiley Jannene Williams
7
Rashika Bacon Lisa Barnes Krista Dubose Angela Kirk Courtney Mcclure Ineshia Pringle Kanesha Pruitt Lindsey Townsend Janisha Tyson
8
Lesley Bailey Carmella Barnett Ethel Barrentine Kim Grant Linda Miller Hayley Nielsen Deborah Rouse Laura Sellers Shiquira Simmons Kay Sumoski Madeleine Sylvaince Kelly Thompson
9
Tiffany Campbell Rebecca Carter Arttavis Ellis Zaria Judson Yangsu Mattison Kimberly Roberts Adam Sherrod Shana Standard Paul Steve Jayla Travett Wayne Weston
10
Rebecca Acebedo Carrie Beamon Crystal Horton Oneil Howell
Russell W. Lake, MD Patrick Lewis Jackie Owens Joyce Polk Ja’Hnea Scott Rhonda Sellars Brooke Shermer Abbey Sikes Latasha Small Enniesha Thompson
11
Joseph Brannen Jennifer Brown Kendall Busher Shayla Charleston Linda Corish Dwan Driskill Michael Duggar Nicole Follo LaTonya Johnson Mary Johnson Mattie Keltz Caroline Krajewski Daryl Monroe Heema Patel Hannah Rutherford Amy Shuman Laretta Spence Anthony Turlington Daniel Vescelus Vera Williams Brooklyn Wilson
12
Jordan Casey Chanyce Givens Yolanda Maierhofer Dana Mason Fabiola Pierre-Louis Fils Shynequil Polite Titika Ransom Shifra Safer Shanette Scott Elizabeth Speir Jamya Stafford Isaiah Stevens Tam Vo Kimberly Williams Valerie Zecchin
13
Monica Ademola Sierra Barrera Devin Baxter Jessica Chavier Rafaela Freitas Silva Aaron Kyle Lipat Samantha May Hope McCary Sandra Moody Christina Morales Rheya Thomsen Kim White
14
Pamela Adger Justice Alpers Ranada Baker Horace Brown III Ranie Butler Sandra Chisholm Catherine Cooper John Crowley Serenity Deinla Carlos Diaz Susan Dotson Ixesha Garcia Katylin Hollingsworth Susan Lindsey Stephanie McKeever Mimosena Muselaire Chanel Paris Carla Porterfield Malicka Pressley Kathleen Reaves Theresa Reynhout Caroline Rice Malina Robinson Elizabeth Wallace Shaine Wilcox
15
Luteley Bostick Kenneth Bright Barbara Burns Joseph Ellington Judi Gilchrist Teresa Lee Javata Smalls Renaldo Sneed Jacqueline Swan Mary Tekell Nyteria Thomas Carin Tyre Erin Viscarra Joseph Weiss Nancy Youngblood
16
Sharron Alexander Justice Balcom Joshua Beasley Margeaux Brown Kendrell Demery Pallav Desai Angela Grant Stephen Heape Mya Hickman Leslie Jackson Karen Kelly Kayleen Lemus Leyanet Medero Acevedo Katlin Padgett Karen Preston Rachel Rairigh Selena Rilington Yolanda Rodriguez Micayla Rogers Laura Strom, DO Ashley Winkels
17
Teresa Broussard Frunscean ChisholmWest Marsha Cobb GraceAnna Collins Tawanda Grant Toria Hughes Kimberly Jones Elizabeth McClellan Rachel McGalliard Madeline Nannis Savannah Pickett Darryl Purse Mary Richards Daniel Szumski Lesia Trice Jolie Wesley
18
Mentina Brownlee Terrin Curtis Samuel Diederich Angela Hagan Jocelyn Irons Ginger Loy Tammi Marshall
19
Pamela Anderson Deloris Bailey Stacy Black Noah Borba Caroline Brown Malikah Collier Austin Davison Shavon Dempsey Yolanda Grayson-Kennedy Christina Jackson Cynthia Kennedy Kayla Lee Katrina Lozano Kelley Naranjo Kyndell Rodriguez Madisson Sanchez Samantha Southwood Ryan Tillman Beverly Whitehead
20
Destiny Campbell-Wright Mark Emig Jackie Gantt Anthony Goldwire Elizabeth Jackey Taliyah Jackson Faith Otieno George Pappas Lexxis Pratt Hazen Heather Sikes Glynis Thompson Virginia Ware
21
Sarah Emig Carey McCartney Shawn McCartney Kelly Neffendorf Jonathan Perera
Paulette Prouse
Jim Washington
22
27
Kristina Brower Katie Conley Conor Forbes Tamoz Hawkins Ashley Hudson Megan Kramer Janine Mayagma Michael Melroy Robert Rodriguez Jean Williams Talicia Wright
23
Christy Clark Diana Endres Melchor Garcia, Jr. Cheyann Houston Lisa Kitchens Ngoc Nguyen Anna Olsen Aisha Peeples Convonia Williams Marquisha Young
24
Elizabeth Beringson Amber Brown Susan Bruggeman Kimberly Coe Pamela Emig Celeste Eubank Esmeralda Gonzalez Caroline Osier Sherry Snyder Sarah Stalnaker Stacey Wendling Kourtney West
25
Lynn Anderson Meredith Baker Andrea Blanco Suazo Sheena Clarke Kenneth Graves Olivia Meere Emily O’Quinn Mary Perlman Mason Riegner Tracy Storey Mikayla Williams
26
Sandra Arbery-Reed Ja’Maica Brown Leah Cajayon Thomasina Caskey Derik Coney Francisco Fantauzzi, MD Tishona Jackson Rondell Jaggers Brianna Jordan James Nease Marilyn Reaves Haley Smith Christine Sumod-Ong Tori Svenson Christina Walker
Andrea Allen Leslie Bloodworth Taylor Borchardt Kimberly Burke Kendra Carr Celia Dequito Robbin Dozier Mary Fuller Sarah Hillyer Shawnte Johnson Alyce Lacy Jewell Landers Jerry Lucas, MD Sharon Register Amy Thomas Marquita Wearrien Shonte Young
28
Melanie Bongalon Meaghan Connolly Jawanna Gooddine Thea Hendrix Carla Lampkin Maggie McKinney Katie Moss Tammy Phillips Melissa Stephens Haley West
29
Kassandra Anguiano Destiney Darien Kiewandra Heyward Jendayi Jenkins Amanda Johnson Kiana Mike Holly Mills Julie Moesch Jazmyn Murray Deyanira J. Prastein, MD Nyjada Richardson Shadonovan Richardson Mary Robinson La’Coria Scott Sydney Smith Trudie Story Jennifer Stuart Shandale Taylor LaTrelle Tillman Cory Weston Natalia Yanez
30
Katherine Bebeau, MD Darrin Brothers Samantha Hall Shawntell Holder Erica Jackson Joshua Jenkins Victoria Jones Sheila Larry Pamela Robertson Lauren Strickland Kiana Torrence Tracey Waldburg James Williams II