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Employee of the Month: Sincerity

Robert Ward,

Pediatrician, Straka

Dr. Ward is not only a great professional to work with, but he's also dedicated to advocating for the employees and patients of Variety Care. He is thoughtful, sincere, and ensures that the quality of care, along with the wellbeing of employees, providers, and support staff, remains a top priority.

Thank you!

This month, we received a whopping 75 peer nominations! Do you know a Care Team Hero who exemplifies our core values or goes above and beyond? Help us celebrate them! Click here to nominate them or type “nominate” in the Intranet search bar.

Character Core Group Shout-outs

Pete White

"I want to thank all the Pete White staff for the compassion they show our geriatric patients daily. No matter who the patient is or what they are coming in for, the team treats them like family as soon as they walk through our doors. Our patient service representatives educate them on vaccines they’re due for and prepare them for our back staff. The medical assistants close care gaps and keep our patients informed. As a team, they show compassion for our patients, and I want to especially thank our provider, Christine Guillermo, for the care she offers. I appreciate you all for the hard work you do here!"

-Ana Alcorcha

Behavioral Health

"I couldn’t give this nomination to just one person because we all deserve the Character Core of respect. We have respect for our patients and for each other, and that’s what makes me proud to be part of this department. I truly enjoy working with each and every one of you! Thank you all for the hard work you do for Behavioral Health."

-Rhonda Webber

Starting January 1, 2025, OneLife will join A Chance to Change and Employee Connect as a third Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) option. EAPs are free, confidential programs designed to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges with support and resources.

Watch the video to see how the Employee Assistance Program has made a difference for one of our colleagues.

FTCA Reflections

Shared stories from this year’s FTCA training that focus on communication, empathy, and access to care.

“Two years ago, someone I know went to the ER for an allergic reaction, where he was treated so unfairly due to the language barrier. He was given Benadryl by mouth and discharged even though the patient was still not feeling well. The wife reached out to me hours later, and I accompanied them to another ER where the patient was treated and admitted for anaphylactic shock and severely low blood pressure. The admitting ER physician was furious that this patient was discharged without further evaluation and treatment, and when he questioned the prior hospital, they claimed the patient could not communicate nor explain what he was going through. This person nearly lost their life all due to a ‘language barrier.’”

“I have to admit, sometimes it is hard to check biases. I had a teenager who would come into the clinic with his grandmother. He complained about diarrhea and stomach pain a lot. He never acted sick. As a matter of fact, he would lay back on the exam table, relaxed, with his feet up and arms behind his head (I guess he felt safe in the space). He would come in wanting a letter for school because he had been home with diarrhea. He wasn't good about following through with the tests he was supposed to get, etc. I thought if he was that sick, he would get this stuff done, and I started to think he just wanted a letter to ditch school. Well, eventually he got his testing done, and not only did he have C. diff that I treated him for, but then I sent him to GI, and he ended up having Crohn's himself. Several months later, he continued to have flares and had part of his colon removed. Just reminds me to never judge a book by its cover and really push to find out what the barriers are to them getting testing or following through.”

“As a Family Med PSR, patients have told me a number of times about their experiences/stories with different providers or concerns that were ignored and turned into bigger issues. I think it's great that we have this course because oftentimes we are going through the motions. Due to the repetitive nature of visits/concerns, we don’t listen or understand like we are supposed to when a patient voices a concern or issue. This course helps give a reminder that ‘Hey, are we really listening, or just going through the motions?’”

“The presentations provided a lot of valuable and insightful information. I believe it is important to truly understand and see our own implicit biases so that we can deliver the best care. As a new mom myself, I unfortunately experienced many of the things spoken about and had to advocate for myself many times. I am glad we are increasing awareness of these health disparities within the Black maternal community.”

“I have heard more and more about the disparities that exist. I was glad that we were able to receive this training. I think the most important thing we can do for patients is to treat them like a loved one and realize that even though we are aware of so many things medically, most patients do not know how to advocate for themselves or even that they need to advocate for themselves.”

“I thought the videos touched on a lot of important issues. I remember going to the university clinic for a UTI when I was in college. My symptoms did not fully resolve after treatment, so I returned to the clinic a week later. The provider who saw me was visibly annoyed and said, 'Well, your urine last time didn't even show anything.' His tone and body language were so hostile that I can still picture it all these years later, as if he was accusing me of making up my symptoms. Now, with medical training, I look back on that encounter and believe he probably just didn't know how to manage my clinical situation. I try to remember that experience when encountering a patient concern I'm not sure how to work up or treat. It's easy to want the problem to just 'go away,' but dismissing the patient's concern does not actually make it go away; it just alienates them from the healthcare system.”

CELEBRATING OUR TOP FOUR 2024 VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering at Variety Care’s Outreach events is an opportunity to make a real impact on our community while strengthening connections within our company. You’re not only contributing to many great causes but can also build new skills, connect with peers across departments, and experience the personal fulfillment that comes from giving back.

A big shout-out to the following Variety Care staff for their outstanding commitment to volunteering at the most events this year!

SPIRIT WEEK

Last month, Variety Care Straka celebrated its Grand Re-Opening with staff, leadership, Bancfirst, ADG Blatt and Grote Caston Construction, marking the end of construction.

Project Management Project Management With With Laura Morales Laura Morales

Since roles center and experiences current oversees key initiatives that support Variety Care’s growth. Her projects range from grant-funded collaborations and internal improvements to major developments like new sites in Yukon and Norman.

One of Laura’s current projects is the evoucher program, which digitized a previously paper-based system. This innovation has streamlined workflows and ensured patient stories tied to funding are accurately documented. “Sharing patient experiences demonstrates the impact of these funds and reinforces their importance to our community,” she explains.

Laura credits Margaret Holloway, Chief of Patient Engagement and Projects, as a significant mentor in her transition to Project Manager. “Margaret’s guidance has been invaluable. She’s helped me build confidence and align projects with Variety Care’s mission,” Laura shares.

Her approach to project management is methodical. Using a formal project charter, Laura and the project teams define goals, timelines, and budgets. Once approved by leadership, she assesses her involvement— whether it’s hands-on or more supervisory. “This structured process ensures projects are completed efficiently from start to finish,” she says.

Drawing on her operational background, Laura brings a unique perspective to her role. Her time at Lafayette and other Variety Care clinics allows her to address clinic-related questions quickly and effectively. This experience also enhances her ability to coordinate with internal teams and external partners, keeping projects on track and aligned with organizational priorities.

Looking ahead, Laura remains committed to advancing Variety Care’s mission of serving the community. She’s passionate about supporting efforts that improve patient care and operational efficiency. “If you’re starting a project or need assistance, I’m here to help ensure our work aligns with the mission of Variety Care,” she encourages.

On Dec. 13, our new mammogram van arrived at Straka an exciting step toward expanding access to care!

December December Anniversaries

20+ YEARS OF SERVICE

ANGELA PRESTON, PAC, 22 YEARS

10 + YEARS OF SERVICE

ESMERALDA GARCIA, BRITTON, 10 YEARS

ELIZABETH SIMPSON, LAFAYETTE, 10 YEARS

DOMINIQUE BOWERS, STRAKA, 10 YEARS

ESMERALDA RUIZ, STRAKA, 10 YEARS

VICTOR Q. RODRIGUEZ, ADMIN, 11 YEARS

DESMA L. MCKINNEY, STRAKA, 12 YEARS

VIOLET COHEN MEYER, PUTNAM, 18 YEARS

5+ YEARS OF SERVICE

DAISY CARLSON, STRAKA, 5 YEARS

MELLISA C. OLVERA, NW 10TH, 5 YEARS

JOANNA E. CARRAZCO MARTINEZ, BRITTON, 5 YEARS

ERIKA A. GUTIERREZ, PAC, 5 YEARS

LILIANA MARTINEZ MOYA, PAC, 5 YEARS

MAGALI Y. JARAMILLO CORTEZ, STRAKA, 6 YEARS

DIJIA XIN, ADMIN, 7 YEARS

VIOLETTA VICTORINO, PAC, 7 YEARS

MONICA J. ZAVALA, PAC, 7 YEARS

VANESSA MURO, LAFAYETTE, 8 YEARS

JULIA REZA, NW 10TH, 8 YEARS

ANITA GARCIA, STRAKA, 8 YEARS

NORMA TANNER DE CONSTANTINO, STRAKA, 8 YEARS

JADE DUNN, NW 10TH, 9 YEARS

LYDIA NIGHTINGALE, LAKEPOINTE, 9 YEARS

4 YEARS OF SERVICE

DENISE M. WOODARD, ADMIN

3 YEARS OF SERVICE

ALLISON BLYTHE, NORMAN FP

JULIE PINEDA, STRAKA

ASHLAND BOLES, ADMIN

ALEJANDRA RAMIREZ, ADMIN

BRENDA MESTA, LAFAYETTE

JOCELYN VILLEGAS, LAFAYETTE

2 YEARS OF SERVICE

DENISSE I. CHAVARRIA HERNANDEZ, STRAKA

ELVA MUNOZ, CROOKED OAK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AIRELY (ELY) ZEPEDA, MID-DEL

1 YEAR OF SERVICE

LINDA CAZAREZ, YUKON

JOY E. DUBBERSTEIN, PAC

ALANIS V. NAVARRETE CORRAL, BRITTON

LATISHA NUBINE, PUTNAM

Our Holiday Stories: Traditions from the Team

Each Christmas Eve, we give the kids matching pajamas and hide a jingle bell and a 'Minivan Express' ticket under their pillows. When they hear the bell, they check under their pillow for the ticket. After the 'conductor' (driver) punches their ticket, they hop in the car, where popcorn and cocoa are waiting, and we drive around to see the Christmas lights.

- Heide Edwards, PAC

We have many traditions, but my favorite would have to be our very competitive game of Phase 10 at every holiday event. The winner gets bragging rights until the next holiday game!

-Christina Robinson, Northcare

I celebrate the holidays with small gettogethers in the OKC and Tulsa metro areas.

-Jacob Epperson, Norman Alameda

I celebrate the holidays by making ornaments and I love holiday music. The BC Clark commercial jingle counts as a Christmas carol.

It's a little different in my household. We split the holidays 50/50 with my kids. This year, I have them on Christmas Eve, and they will be with their dad for the evening to spend Christmas morning with him. Next year, we switch. Aside from that, we normally spend Christmas Eve with my family, playing different games and enjoying each other's company. Christmas Day is when we spend time with our own households, and later in the day, we spend time with my spouse's family.

-Kayla Compton, Norman Alameda

-Marissa Hinton, PAC

I celebrate the holidays with dinner and gifts with immediate family members on Christmas Eve, and lunch and gifts with all other family members. Sometimes, we play games after we eat.

-Kathy Sholl, Admin.

Well, first we decide who is hosting this year! Then we get together to see who is cooking what, decide on a theme, and go from there. On Christmas Eve, we all come together and spend time before dinner. We pray over our food and then eat. Afterward, we wait until 12 a.m. to say 'Merry Christmas' and give each other a huge hug. Then, we sing 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus. :)

-Leslie Alvarez, Britton

We like to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, and it's always a tradition to watch a football game. I grew up in Michigan, and my favorite team is the Detroit Lions. I have memories of my dad's family having a big meal together in the midday while we sat down to cheer on the team. Often, we would be celebrating Christmas with our extended family on Thanksgiving. It was always fun trying to find a place for 25+ people to sleep for the night. Once our tradition moved to New Year's Eve, the kids would try to be the last ones still awake. It was all about spending time together.

-Kristen Reynolds, PAC

I celebrate the holidays with my family in Guatemala. We eat traditional Guatemalan tamales and wait until midnight to watch fireworks.

-Evelyn Gramajo, N. Portland

Normally, we stay up until midnight, the time when we can open gifts. We usually dance and sing all night long as a family.

-Berenice Quinonez, N. Portland

I celebrate the holidays with food and drinks with loved ones, along with lots of decompression time.

-Ana C. Martinez, Straka

In Germany, they hang a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree for a family member to find. In our family, we really hide it! The one who finds it gets an extra Christmas gift. My mom is from Germany, and I have grown up sharing this tradition with my children and grandchild.

-Christine Knight, Norman Alameda

Our holidays are quite simple now that most of my family is either out of state or gone for the holidays. We try to get together with my mom (the only living parent between my spouse and me). We like to share a meal and open presents. Our 17-year-old usually prefers money to random gifts, and that can be fun! Gathering together in worship is a special time as well. We are thankful and grateful!

-Hester Fulton, Admin.

I love to spend the night before Christmas, Christmas Eve, staying up cooking our family dinner, listening to holiday music, laughing, and wrapping last-minute gifts. It's the excitement and preparation for the holidays with family and friends that warms my heart, with a smile on my face. The sense of peace and joy in the moment is unforgettable.

-Christine Knight, Norman Alameda

We celebrate with my husband's side of the family on Christmas Day. We play Secret Santa and eat a potluck dinner. Christmas is usually celebrated with our children when they can make it and if Dad is not working. I cook a dinner of their choice, and we play a game, eat, and open gifts. Everyone has so many places to go, so this may be celebrated before Christmas Day.

-Christy Modena, Admin.

Being of Mexican descent, my family has always celebrated Christmas. It’s changed throughout the years from when I was quite young. Before, all my family— including all ten of my mother’s siblings and their families— would gather and celebrate together under one roof. It was quite an event, typically ending around 6-7 a.m.! Since my family has grown to well over a hundred members and everyone has married into other families, it’s a bit more private now. During Christmas time, my sisters and our families travel to the Oklahoma Panhandle to spend Christmas with my parents. On Christmas Eve, all of us—from the youngest to the oldest—sit down early in the morning and make tamales, buñuelos (cinnamon fried dough fritters), chocolate (Abuelita hot cocoa), and ponche (hot fruit punch) from scratch for dinner that evening. It’s a bonding experience, for sure. We spend the rest of Christmas Eve traveling to different family members’ houses to pray the rosary for baby Jesus Christ. At each home we visit, the host typically provides snacks or meals for the attendees. By the time we return home, it’s usually 7-8 p.m. We eat the dinner we made earlier in the morning, then change into our group pajamas and watch Christmas movies and play board games. We’re quite competitive in my household. We stay up until midnight, at which point we start opening presents. Santa visits most Mexican households early, or so my niece and nephews believe! I usually dress up as a reindeer and help pass out all the presents one by one so we can appreciate what was given. We stay up until all presents and stockings have been opened. For Christmas Day, it’s typically just a day of bonding, spending time together, and being thankful for all the blessings we have been granted. In my family, that’s always the priority!

-Edyth

Evans, Admin.