2024 North Shore Star Awards Announced

North Shore Healthcare honored its employees, skilled nursing centers, and assisted living facilities with the Star Awards at the Annual Meeting on Sept. 26. Winners were nominated by their peers.

Congratulations to the winners!

Center Star Award – Maple Ridge Health Services in Milwaukee, WI

This award honors the center that consistently embraced challenges with resilience and determination, leading to significant improvements in care for the residents. By turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation, this center sets a powerful example of excellence within North Shore Healthcare.

North Shore Vice President of Success Jeff Schueller presented the award to Maple Ridge Director of Nursing Jena Chybowski, Maple Ridge Executive Director Lindsay Hurley, and Maple Ridge Sr. Executive Director Kasie Smith. 

“Maple Ridge has clearly turned a corner and is considered a center of excellence in the market,” Jeff said. “Not only has Maple Ridge and their team been able to significantly improve quality of care for the residents, but they have also assisted in the development and improvement in the quality of services at its sister facilities throughout North Shore.”

Leadership Star Awards: (Executive Director/Director of Nursing)

This award honors individuals who lead by example, celebrate successes, and prioritize people in all their actions. By embodying these values, they illuminate the path to a brighter future for North Shore, inspiring and uplifting everyone around them. 

Jennifer Abernathy, Executive Director at Hayward Health Services

Elicia Jacobson, Executive Director at Minot Health and Rehab, presented the award on behalf of North Shore Vice President of Success Rhona O’Dovero to Jennifer. Jennifer celebrates each day, and what it offers, ensuring each person surrounding her knows they are valued and part of the team. She aims high for success and guides her team to that goal.

Elicia shared comments from other employees about Jen.

“Jen creates an office environment of trust and respect,” she said. “She encourages department heads to have anatomy and passion in their work. Jen is a safe space and sounding board. Jen goes the extra mile for those in need, giving rides during snowstorms and hugs when the day gets a little too heavy.”

Leadership Star Award – Bambi Sikora, Director of Nursing at Cornell Health Services

North Shore Vice President of Success Jennifer Burklund presented the award to Bambi. Jennifer has worked with Bambi for seven years and learned so much from her leadership and skillset.

“Accomplishments are a result of great leadership, they don’t define a leader,” Jennifer said. “Bambi is defined by her compassion, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She consistently leads by example.”

Social Star Award – Stevens Point Health Services in Stevens Point, WI

This award recognizes a center that demonstrates outstanding engagement with social media and community events. Based on number of posts, reaches, and likes, this center excels in using social media to connect with the community, promote North Shore’s mission, and enhance their presence.

Stevens Point had the highest number of total reaches (166,885) and total posts (172) among all North Shore centers in 2023. The center has formed valuable partnerships within the community, including the Humane Society of Portage County for pet therapy, and Cycling Without Age of Portage County, allowing residents to receive bike rides and enjoy beautiful weather.

North Shore Vice President of Success Echo Bristol presented the award to Stevens Point Executive Director Joseph Waiyaki and Director of Nursing Deb Brigando.

“Everyone that knows me knows activities in our residents’ lives are a number one priority in my life and should be in all of ours,” she said. “Life Enrichment Specialist Becky (Rossman) has developed an amazing relationship with the community groups and is constantly looking for new and creative ways to spread the word about what a great place Stevens Point Health Services is.”

Assisted Living of the Year Star Award – Nekoosa Court in Nekoosa, WI

This award recognizes an assisted living that embraces challenges with resilience and determination, leading to significant improvements in care and operational outcomes. Additionally, the assisted living turns obstacles into opportunities for growth, setting a powerful example of excellence within the North Shore family.

North Shore Vice President of Success Kim Barker-Synder presented this award to former Nekoosa Executive Director Danelle Lofton and current Executive Director Tina Pick.

“This Executive Director (Danelle Lofton) has often said to me, ‘I am going to make you proud,’” Kim said. “She has done just that. The difference she has made at Nekoosa is tremendous. What Danelle has created will now continue with Tina Pick (current Executive Director).”

Super Star Award – Sue Mattson, Executive Director at Florence Health Services

This award is designed for a leader who has displayed a long-standing commitment of at least 25 years and dedication to their center and/or North Shore Healthcare. By embodying the North Shore values and consistently delivering exceptional service, this star of the organization illuminates the path to success and inspires others with their loyalty and expertise.

North Shore Vice President of Success Sarah Kloehn presented the award to Sue, who has worked for Florence Health Services for 40 years, and will retire at the end of the year. She started as a dietary aide in 1976, but also worked in the laundry department and obtained her certified nursing assistant license, eventually becoming a registered nurse. In 1990, she became a Director Nursing until being named Executive Director.

“Sue has dedicated her career to leading, teaching, and ensuring that the residents are always cared for with dignity and respect to the highest standard,” Sarah said. “She always keeps these values in the forefront in everything she does. She instills these values into her team.”

The Big Cheese Award – Katie Bicok, Vice President of Success for North Shore’s Sheboygan centers

This award celebrates the success of centers within the same community working together to create significant positive changes in culture, care, and team-based initiatives. The team exemplifies the power of collaboration and collective effort, driving North Shore towards excellence and innovation.

North Shore Chief Growth Officer Kevin Bendickson presented the Award to Katie, who oversees Meadow View Health Services, Morningside Health Services, Sheboygan Health Services, and Sheboygan Progressive Health Services, all centers based in Sheboygan.

Kevin said that when Katie became a Vice President, she admitted she was not sure if she could do the job. She said, “I’m not an operator, I’m a nurse.”

“I will tell you Katie is not just a nurse,” Kevin said. “She is a teacher. She is a coach. She’s an operator and a leader. She’s got the team’s back every single day.”

See more pictures of North Shore’s winners on Facebook.