Rachael truly goes above and beyond for our unit in a way that does not go unnoticed. She takes the time to genuinely listen to each of us and makes us feel heard, valued, and supported. She is always available, approachable, and willing to step in when needed. What stands out most is how she addresses challenges with honesty and compassion, creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment for our team. She makes a meaningful effort to connect with us individually through one-on-one meetings, taking the time to get to know us not just as employees, but as people. That personal investment speaks volumes about the kind of leader she is. She also consistently advocates for our unit, ensuring our voices are heard and our needs are represented. Rachael follows through on her commitments, which builds a strong sense of trust and reliability. Her leadership has brought a sense of unity to our team, especially through the team building she incorporates into staff meetings, something I have not experienced in my nine years at MLH. Because of her, our team feels more connected, supported, and motivated.

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Rachael consistently maintains an open-door policy and fosters an environment where every staff member feels heard, valued, and supported. She is a strong advocate for her team, always standing up for our needs and well-being, and builds a workspace in which we can thrive. During a recent snowstorm, I sent her a picture of our board showing critical staffing, and shortly after, she showed up with an overnight bag in tow. She arranged rides for staff, sleeping accommodations, and meals, helped out on the unit, and worked alongside us, taking care of patients and showing everyone what an exceptional leader she is.