RED BANK, NJ – VNACJ Community Health Center (CHC) held its much-anticipated annual employee awards celebration on Friday, December 1st at Buona Sera Ristorante in Red Bank, recognizing and honoring the exceptional contributions of its dedicated staff members.
This year’s award recipients represent a diverse range of talents and accomplishments, showcasing the commitment of the CHC to delivering high-quality healthcare and community service to Monmouth County residents.
The winners were announced across a range of categories, each reflecting the distinct qualities that contribute to the CHC’s success:
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Elsa Matos Takes Home Excellence in Patient Experience Award
Elsa Matos was given the “Excellence in Patient Experience” award, bestowed on an employee consistently praised for a job well done by the CHC’s patients, whether through compliments or the patient satisfaction survey. They understand that the patient experience is just as much about what care is provided as it is about how it is provided.
Giselle Flores Recognized for Quality
In the category of “Quality,” Giselle Flores emerged as the standout employee, demonstrating a commitment to the principles of continuous quality improvement, always looking for a way to do things better or more efficiently to benefit the CHC’s teams and patients.
Pat Dempsey Named Provider of the Year
Pat Dempsey was honored as the “Provider of the Year” for delivering high-quality, outcome-driven, compassionate care to the CHC’s patients. Pat was recognized for representing the spirit of true patient-centered care and working collaboratively with all CHC team members.
Nilika Gulati Awarded Rookie of the Year
Recognizing outstanding newcomers, Nilika Gulati was crowned “Rookie of the Year” for her phenomenal skill as a dentist and commitment to providing the best care to the CHC’s patients.
Nashiem Frazier Acknowledged for Fulfilling the Mission
Nashiem Frazier received the “Fulfilling the Mission” award, reflecting a commitment to the CHC’s mission of building healthy communities and enhancing well-being. VNACJ Community Health Center truly appreciates Nashiem for understanding what it means to deliver needed healthcare services to the most vulnerable in Monmouth County.
Mildred Rivera Receives Employee of the Year Honor
The coveted “Employee of the Year” award went to Mildred Rivera, who the CHC recognized for her exceptional contributions, leadership, and positive impact on the organization. She is known for always lending a helping hand and providing support where and when it is most needed.
Sam Ricciardi Recognized for Leadership Excellence
Sam Ricciardi, a beacon of leadership within VNACJ CHC, was honored with the “Leadership” award for her outstanding guidance and strategic vision. In her relatively short time with the Asbury Park Community Health Center, Sam’s expertise in front desk operations and NextGen Practice Management has been tremendously valuable to the CHC, and she sets a high bar for leadership.
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“The commitment, passion, and tireless efforts that our employees bring to their work, in the service of our patients, change peoples’ lives and help our patients thrive. I’m always proud to tell people that I work with a community of our own, of exceptional professionals who commit themselves to helping not just our patients, but one another,” said Sarina Brady, CEO of VNACJ Community Health Center.
The evening was bittersweet as the organization bid farewell to Patricia Scherer, who has been an integral part of VNACJ CHC since 2019. Ms. Brady presented Patricia with a plaque to express appreciation for her dedicated service and wish her success in her new role at VNA Health Group.
“Since she joined us over four years ago, Patty has been the backbone of the CHC, always ensuring that our daily work runs smoothly and effectively,” said Ms. Brady. “Her dedication and commitment to our patients and our team have been extraordinary, and she has played an enormous role in our success.”
The awards celebration not only recognized individual achievements but also reinforced the CHC’s collaborative spirit and shared commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to the Monmouth County community. As VNACJ CHC continues to thrive, its outstanding employees inspire and serve those who need it most.
About VNACJ Community Health Center
The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center, Inc. (VNACJ CHC) has been integral to Monmouth County for over 27 years, providing comprehensive primary and preventative care for infants, children, and adults.
VNACJ Community Health Centers are conveniently located in Asbury Park, Freehold, Keyport, and Red Bank. VNACJ CHC works across its four locations to fulfill its mission of building healthy communities and enhancing well-being. With a diverse and multilingual team of professionals, VNACJ CHC aims to reflect the New Jersey community, focusing on expanding access to high-quality healthcare in a trusted and inclusive environment.