Staff stars shine bright at Jennings

01 / 07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff stars shine bright at Jennings! Each year, LeadingAge Ohio celebrates the dedication of individuals who care for aging Ohioans through the field of aging services. It is a wonderful way to lift up the front-line, non-management staff members who use their gifts to work diligently and selflessly for those we serve. This year, Jennings is proud to recognize ten staff stars at a luncheon in their honor. LeadingAge Ohio Director of Workforce Development & Initiatives Randi Hamill recognized each star as their supervisors and nominators applauded them. We're proud to recognize them for their care and joyful presence:

• Deb Tables
• India Williams
• Michelle Eagle
• Rebecca Russell
• Dawn Gambino
• Barb Pinter
• Vic Gigliotti
• Connie Hill
• Brittney Reed
• Zakiyyah Williams

Read more about each star through the nominations below.

Deb Tables was nominated for the STARS Award by Sr. Juanita Shealey. This nomination earned Deb a special recognition as a LeadingAge Ohio Servant's Heart Award. What a significant moment, since Deb attended a ceremony in which Sr. Juanita was honored with the Bishop Roger Gries Heart of a Servant Award earlier this year! Sr. Juanita's nomination read:

I nominate Debbie because she is the epitome of loving, caring and sharing – not “now and then” but all the time and to everyone. I have met so many people in my 94 years so there are people I admire, and Debbie is on the top of the list. She is someone you meet and recognize God’s goodness.
Debbie is authentic in the way she treats everyone. She has an appreciation for people who don’t really know what day it is or what to do, because she has a keen understanding of everyone’s needs. She will greet you and help you, or come to your door and invite you to be part of something. When Debbie comes through the door, everyone changes for the best. It’s a feeling of sunshine or having chocolate ice cream! It comes so naturally to her, and it’s genuine and in abundance.
I watch how she makes a difference with everyone. One man was always pretty quiet and kept to himself with a demeanor that reminded me of a sergeant. Through her respect and kindness, Debbie got him to be comfortable and do things with us. I have been in the world a long time, and she is like an angel for the way she treats people, she makes us feel a million blessings coming right from God.
Debbie does ordinary things in an extraordinary way. So much love comes out genuinely because it’s part of how she walks through life for people. She is the sunshine of my life and God’s blessing to us.

Vic Gigliotti: Kathy LiPuma nominated Vic, who is an adult day services driver and has worked at Jennings for over 18 years. Vic has great relationships with the participants and family members and always has a smile, a kind word and a cares genuinely about people he serves. He shows others respect by always being on time, fully present and ready to go. Vic brings positivity to every day, acts as a mentor to other drivers by sharing what he knows and offering to show them the way. He is a true team player and shines bright (like a star) every day.

Connie Hill: Karen Burns nominated Connie Hill, who is a care partner providing exceptional and consistent care. Connie is a great co-worker who’s gentle approach and million watt smile changes lives. She is the caregiver that anyone would hope to have at their side. Connie has been serving Jennings residents since 1998 and has made a difference every single day.

Zakiyyah Williams: Joseph Loser nominated Zakiyyah not only for her attention to detail on behalf of meeting the needs of residents in their dining experience, but also for how she considers quality of life in connecting her church with service opportunities at Jennings. She has gone above and beyond with bringing spiritual programming to residents including fellowship and shared meals that the residents have to look forward to as part of the greater community. Zakiyyah began her work at Jennings in February, 2022.

India Williams: Judd Smith nominated India Williams who has worked at Jennings at Brecksville for almost 8 years. India is consistently the person that makes certain that breakfast is a hit with all residents. India has attention to detail, is a true leader, great mentor and awesome co-worker. Any challenge that is put in front of India will be tackled in a way that gives others the confidence that all is well. She is patient, skillful and we are all super lucky to have her spend her time at Jennings at Brecksville.

Michelle Eagle was nominated by Judd Smith and has worked in culinary for nearly 2 years. She is consistent, dependable, a self-starter, and focused on quality and resident service. She can be counted on to meet the needs of coworkers and residents alike. She has a special way about her that makes her a delight in the kitchen, dining room or wherever you might find her.

Dawn Gambino: Dawn is a smiling ray of sunshine! She is dependable and flexible, organized and thorough. Dawn cares for residents with a compassionate heart. She is respectful to staff and residents and truly cares for residents. It's a pleasure to see Dawn at work! She is always cheerful and pleasant to be around. Dawn helps out where help is needed. She is always kind and compassionate!

Barb Pinter: Barb has been with Jennings since 2019. Barb takes pride in her work and enjoys participating in staff events. Barb cooks food that residents like. She is motivated by intrinsic rewards and genuinely enjoys her job. She comes in happy and knows the residents well. Barba is a good team member for her dependability!

Rebecca Russell: Becca is highly dependable and pays attention to detail not just with her role but pays attention to individual resident's needs and traits. She respects residents on a daily basis by honoring their requests and following their guidance. She also respects her fellow co-workers by offering information and helpful building related news. It is very comforting to know that Becca is part of our team! She takes pride in her work and it shows, particularly in our memory care residences. I am always confident of our clean community with her here!