Melissa has been instrumental in orienting me to my new role and I am extremely thankful to her. She not only answers all my questions, but she is physically present every day and works hard to ensure she has a good working and personal relationship with not only me but all of her staff. She and I work very closely together, and I am so thankful for her work ethic and her ability to get things done. She is a strong leader who not only leads by example but works hand in hand with her staff. We have been extremely busy here lately and she is no stranger to putting some gloves on and going to work! She picks up day and night shift, comes in early, stays late, buys lunch, provides a coffee bar, buys Christmas presents for staff, etc! She has worked very hard to get our unit well-staffed so that our caregivers can get a much-needed break. We are so grateful for her and the fact that she is our manager! She is so deserving of this award and the recognition that goes along with it!

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Melissa has led her team through successes and challenges well. Throughout peak season and the holidays, you would find her on the floor helping to take patients alongside her team. With our recent caregiver engagement results, Melissa took time to analyze results compared to the previous year and compared to sister units. She hosted a working breakfast for her team to get honest feedback on the results and how to grow a positive working environment. She listens to her staff for feedback and suggestions and implements the changes recommended. She has worked to lead her staff to be engaged in Shared Governance and Pathway to Excellence. The PED has multiple examples of best practices to highlight in our Pathway to Excellence application. Melissa has recently started to oversee the operations of opening the Relational Health Unit on 1 South. She has been helpful, engaged, and positive. Covenant Children’s is blessed to have Melissa as a leader!