Kettering Health

Congratulations to Melissa Decker, Kettering Health Main Campus's Sunflower Award winner! Melissa was nominated by a coworker, who shared: "Melissa Decker, OT, showed empathy and compassion toward a patient with a spinal cord injury who was struggling to cope with her injury. During their sessions, Melissa taught the patient journaling and positive affirmations to build hope. Melissa saw this patient every day she was able despite the fact the patient could be difficult at times. She purchased her self-care items with her own money and the patient sent a handwritten note at discharge thanking her for helping her feel seen and cared for. Melissa is a highly skilled COTA and provided exceptional care to this patient with complex needs. She would assist her into the stretch chair and teach ICU nurses how to best care for the patient’s skin using positioning techniques." Way to go, Melissa!

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Leadership Dayton class includes two of Kettering Health's own: Bonnie Baker-Tattershall, director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Rick Thie, president of the Kettering Health Foundation. Leadership Dayton class members are chosen from the community to represent the diversity of the region’s business and nonprofit leaders. The program focuses on leadership, education, economic development, diversity, justice, the arts, government, health, and human services. About the experience, Rick shared: "I truly appreciate the investment that Kettering Health has made into my career and the careers of those who have come before me and have been enriched by the Leadership Dayton experience. This type of commitment to continually invest in its people contributes greatly to Kettering Health’s unique, compassionate, and caring culture."

Welcome Doug Jackson, nurse practitioner, to Kettering Health Medical Group Cardiothoracic Surgery! His areas of interest are critical care, cardiovascular surgery, and trauma. Doug enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and being outdoors. Learn more about him: https://bit.ly/3Ls83Tw

Congratulations to Kim Grow, Kettering Health Troy's Sunflower Award winner! Kim works as an ultrasound tech in the Noninvasive Cardiology department. She was nominated by a patient, who shared: "I was terrified to get an echocardiogram. Lying flat is not an option for me. I am also in a wheelchair, and my legs swell to where they get really heavy. I am in pain for the most part. Kim had compassion. She got me into a comfortable position so I could breathe and helped me onto the table by lifting my heavy legs. During the test, she listened to my nervous chatter and continued a conversation with me. Because of her kindness, the test went quickly." Way to go, Kim!

Congratulations to Michelle Gregory, Soin Medical Center's Sunflower Award winner! Michelle was nominated by a patient, who shared: "I believe Michelle might have saved my life! I was eating alone when I began to cough. After a moment, I started choking and put on my call light. Before anyone had time to answer the phone, Michelle saw my light and came right in. She saw me breathing heavily, so she stayed and helped me calm down, but before I knew it, I started having a panic attack. She still stayed with me, and Michelle was very soothing; she helped me control my breathing and really helped me through it. This came after I was just told I have a 90% blockage in my heart and any physical stress to my body could lead to a stroke or worse. Michelle didn't know this but by her actions and being there for me, I truly believe she saved my life." Way to go, Michelle!

Congratulations to Kim "Robin" Mongold, Soin Medical Center's Sunflower Award winner! Robin works in the EVS unit and was nominated by a coworker who shared: "Robin not only goes above and beyond to support our staff, but our patients as well. Robin goes out of her way to greet each and every patient whose room she enters. She is always kind and compassionate. She is there to listen to our patients when they need someone to talk to. Just recently a patient in the ICU underwent a very traumatic experience and Robin was there to listen to the family when they needed someone to talk to. She went out of her way to bring the family food so they didn't have to leave their loved one's side. It absolutely made the patient and family's day brighter. Robin is an incredible coworker and person to be around. The staff and patients are eternally grateful for her." Way to go, Robin!

Congratulations to Maddy Ponchilla, Kettering Health Dayton's DAISY Award winner! Maddy was nominated by a patient's family member, who shared: "My 77-year-old husband had open heart surgery and was in SICU for 12 days. The first time Maddy introduced herself, I knew my husband was going to get the best care, and Maddy had the knowledge to take care of him. As a 47-year ICU RN, I would hire her in a heartbeat. Maddy would reassure me with explaining everything and why things were being done. She worked diligently helping my husband to be comfortable and for me to understand the issue more than once. She would always ask me questions. That made me feel I was not bothering her. She works professionally and showed a caring attitude. I was exhausted but knowing Maddy was there gave me a calming effect. Maddy was like family to us. I looked forward to seeing her; she has a great personality. Her knowledge, skills, and intelligence show in her job." Way to go, Maddy!

Kettering Health Main Campus has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital for eight procedures and conditions.

Welcome Erin Packard, nurse practitioner, to Kettering Health Medical Group Cardiothoracic Surgery! In her spare time, Erin enjoys traveling with her husband, especially to Pittsburgh, to see the Penguins and Steelers play. She also loves reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. Erin is originally from Dayton and has a great passion for helping serve the community that she grew up in. Learn more about her: https://bit.ly/3xTQHM9

Congratulations Sarah Verkamp, Kettering Health Washington Township's Sunflower Award winner. Sarah works in Med Surg. Her nomination shared: "Sarah is thoughtful and caring, collaborative with other members of healthcare team, compassionate, energetic, eager to make a special connection and always willing to go above and beyond. She made me a priority and made me feel comfortable in the hospital setting. She's not just a terrific nurse but a friend. She was always willing to go out of her way for ice water, etc. She even left me a note on my water cup that I woke up and read and it made me smile!" Way to go, Sarah!