Home » Locations » Hospitals » Kenmore Mercy Hospital » Featured Staff

Featured Staff

Nurses of the Year

Each year, Kenmore Mercy Hospital recognizes three outstanding nurses. In 2013, our nurses of distinction are:

Kristen Parisi, RN, BSN, CCRN Intensive Care Unit  Nurse of Distinction	Aaron Lange, RN, BSN, ONC Surgery Outstanding Staff Nurse	Allyson Willet, NA Intensive Care Unit Outstanding Nurse’s Assistant

LOVE Award Winners

The staff members below have been awarded the LOVE Award, a quarterly designation that recognizes Kenmore Mercy Hospital associates who demonstrate a personal commitment to our values in their daily work.

Anyone can nominate an associate for the LOVE award – patients, visitors, family members, physicians, volunteers and co-workers.

Meet our most recent award-winners below:

Marie Beach

2013 – First Quarter Winner

Emergency Department Volunteer Marie Beach was nominated by a co-worker, who said:

"Marie goes above and beyond her duties as a volunteer. She is compassionate, helpful and constantly has a smile and a nice word for everyone, whether it’s a co-worker or a patient. Marie checks on patients' needs after they have been in the Emergency Department for an hour or less. She greets all patients very kindly and professionally and even offers to assist them if it looks like they are unable to fill out the registration slip. Marie brings in her own magazines for the waiting area. She always asks if there is anything she can do for us before leaving for the day."

"I have never met or worked with a more compassionate and pleasant person as Marie. She is very genuine and I look forward to working with her on my days scheduled in ED Registration."

Richard Mulvaugh

2012 – Fourth Quarter Winner

Facility Services Attendant Rick Mulvaugh was nominated by a co-worker, who said:                                

"Rick sets the standard everyday by treating every person with respect, by listening to and helping others, whether it be a patient, visitor, or co-worker, and by his willingness to do whatever is asked of him, whenever asked."                                 

"Every assignment I have given Rick to do is done immediately and willingly, and he has even offered on occasion to take some of the less pleasant assignments in order to give a co-worker a break. Rick definitely strives to do his best, and it is obvious that he has a genuine commitment to excellence. He expects nothing in return for the kindness he shows to others and the extra effort he puts into his work every day."

Nancy Tagliaferro

2012 – Third Quarter Winner

Registered Nurse Nancy Tagliaferro was nominated for the LOVE Award by a patient, who said:

"Nancy was my nurse for my pre-admission testing prior to my surgery. Nancy spoke about allowing others to care for me after my surgery and that as a mother, we are always the caretaker and how hard it is to ask for help. She spoke about how others feel when they are allowed to care for a friend or family member and this is time to allow them to do this for me. She spoke from the heart and with compassion. Nancy is a perfect example of someone who practices the Catholic Health mission. Her words allowed me to give myself permission to rest during my recovery and not worry about my household responsibilities. I embraced the help that came so willingly and realized that Nancy was right…you have to allow people to help you, and I didn’t feel guilty like I would owe them later because like she said they will want to help me just as I have helped them. Many thanks to Nancy!"

Kevin Klostermann     

2012 – Second Quarter Winner

Kevin Klostermann, PA was nominated for his pleasant attitude towards work, commitment to our mission, his demeanor and work ethic.

A co-worker stated:

"Kevin has always gone above and beyond with all patients and his co-workers. He has served his country as a Major in the Marines, yet always returns to Kenmore Mercy Hospital to provide wonderful, compassionate care. He is kind, and explains what and why he is doing whatever tests or procedures he is going to do.  Patients always express their appreciation about the wonderful care he gives."

A physician said, "He treats everyone with dignity and respect.  It is a pleasure to work with Kevin and I am honored to have him represent this hospital. "

Debbie Henderson

2012 – First Quarter Winner

Debbie Henderson, a nurses aide, was nominated for the LOVE Award by a volunteer.

The volunteer stated:

"She shows compassion and love to each and every patient. Debbie takes the time to listen, to talk, and obtain things that help the patient’s comfort beyond her normal duties."

"Debbie is exceptional and truly lives our values effectively every day."

Dustyn Miller

2011 – Fourth Quarter Winner

Dustyn Miller, a pharmacy student, was nominated for the LOVE Award by a pharmacy intern.

The intern stated:

"Dustyn is one of the most compassionate and sympathetic interns. I noticed his empathy and sympathy whenever we talk to the patients about their medications. Whenever we would enter the patient’s room, he would always ask the patient how they were doing and if they had any specific questions about their medications."

"As a pharmacy intern, we don’t always have the most contact with the patients, but Dustyn would always make each experience for the patient memorable. He would always exit the patient room by asking, 'Is there anything else I can do for you?'"

Jeanette Gallagher

2011 – Third Quarter Winner

Jeanette Gallagher, a Unit Clerk in the Surgery department, was nominated for the LOVE Award by the family members of a patient.

The patient was going into surgery, and the family was scared and uncertain about what the results would be.

They said, "Ms. Gallagher allowed us to go see her in recovery room before the procedure and also requested to have a chaplain come to her bedside to pray before her surgery."

"She made us feel comfortable and confident that she would be well taken care of."

Jackie Biddle

2011 – Second Quarter Winner

Jackie Biddle, Facilities Services Attendant, received the LOVE Award for her kindness and her willingness to go above and beyond.

Her nominationed stated, "There is nothing that Jackie will not do when asked. She is efficient and goes above and beyond her job to make sure that Kenmore Mercy Hospital is clean and presentable. She goes out of her way to accommodate patients as well as family members."

"Jackie is never without a smile on her face, a kind word for someone or simply a 'hello, how are you today?'"

Lydia Strong

2011 – First Quarter Winner

Lydia Strong, a Facility Services Attendant, received the LOVE Award as a result of her warmth, compassion and positive attitude.

Her co-workers stated:

"Lydia greets everyone in a warm and friendly manner. She is a welcoming presence on 2 East with patients and their families. Many patients frequently comment on her friendly cheerfulness – 'she brightens my day, she is so sweet to me.'

There is generally a very fast pace seen on 2 East with admissions, discharges, etc. and Lydia adjusts her pace to the activity on the unit without complaint. Lydia takes pride in her job and is always willing to wash an extra bed if needed in a timely manner to receive a post-op.

Lydia is a valued, highly trusted, and a much appreciated co-worker to the 2 East staff."

Mary Boldinski

2010 – Fourth Quarter Winner

Mary Boldinski, a Nurse Attendant  in the Emergency Department, received the LOVE Award for her hard work and kindness towards staff, patients and visitors.

She was nominated by a co-worker who said that Mary is a joy to work with and a favorite among patients.

"She is the most caring, compassionate, helpful and patient person I have ever met. Mary is sincere and continues to go above and beyond her duties every time she works. She is very empathetic to patients and does her best to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

Mary never stops moving, never stops smiling, never loses her patience and never says 'no'. If the world had more Marys, it would be a beautiful place to live. She embodies what the LOVE Award recognizes and I’m proud to work with her."

Bridget Walborn

2010 – Third Quarter Winner

Bridget Walborn, a Registered Nurse at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, was nominated by a patient's daughter, whose mother received care in the Intensive Care Unit.

The nomination stated:

"Bridget helped both my mom and my family through a very difficult time and diagnosis. Her genuine compassion and positive energy was always so strong. She kept us strong and gave us reasons to be positive. Bridget always explained everything she was doing to my mom and treated her with respect and dignity. She also told us about her own mother who beat great odds to get better. This was so wonderful to hear and gave us hope to hang in there. Bridget works so hard and gave us her full attention whenever we needed it."

Johanna Boyd

2010 – Second Quarter Winner

Johanna Boyd, a Registered Nurse at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, was nominated as a result of her thoughtfulness and compassion.

On a Saturday in March, Johanna Boyd encountered an elderly woman who had fallen onto the pavement outside of a church in Tonawanda. She tended to the woman, and as the fire department took over patient care, Johanna continued to comfort her.

"It’s not always the case that people in the community are willing to step forward and help others as Ms. Boyd did in this instance," said an observer. "Her assistance surely made the situation much better for the patient. Prior to [the Fire Department's] arrival, she had even taken spinal precautions and padded underneath the patient’s head to comfort her as she lay on the sidewalk."

Amy Baker

2010 – First Quarter Winner

Amy, a Registered Nurse at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, was nominated by a patient whose mom was admitted to the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

"My mom received the most utmost care by a wonderful person, Amy Baker, R.N.," said the patient. "She was very efficient, caring and diligent of my mother’s comfort and care. Amy tended to her every need as well as our family. Amy was very busy, but she never forgot us in the waiting room. She came out and updated us on mom’s condition many times."

"My family was very impressed with Amy’s nursing skills and wonderful bedside manner. We are so thankful that Amy was there to help us through this journey. Amy helped ease our minds and hearts to this transition."