Cheri is an exceptional colleague who has dedicated many years of her nursing career to the patients and residents of Columbine Health Systems. It has been my good fortune to work directly with Cheri for the last eight years, so I can say without reservation that while providing care both clinically and personally to residents, she is a compassionate caregiver, consistently demonstrating genuine interest in their health and well-being. Cheri goes about her day with a smile on her face, her “door is always open,” she openly communicates and shares important information, and she makes time to welcome those who come to her for support, questions, or concerns. She is a teacher, she projects patience toward all, and she helps create an environment of security and respect.

Additionally, I must say that Cheri’s many attributes go beyond her exceptional nursing skills. Although Cheri maintains a busy schedule of her own, she has accepted additional and complex areas of services, within the operations of the facility, to help sustain continuity in providing excellent care. Cheri easily establishes rapport with our residents that quickly develop into meaningful relationships that become a part of their day-to-day lives—everyone looks forward to seeing her! On many occasions, she has been known to come by the facility on her days off to voluntarily round on residents, just to ensure their needs or simply to extend her personal touch by giving them the warmth of her heart and her hands to hold as she sits with them. Her kindness has led the residents' family members to communicate the status of loved one’s hospital stays to her, as they feel her commitment to care. And, on more than one occasion, I have witnessed Cheri return after-shift to the facility, to sit with and hold the hands and offer her heart to a passing resident.

In summary, Cheri’s gift of knowing how to listen to the heart of another has made so many feel she is “the glue” that holds facility teams together. She celebrates the successes of others, supports their dreams, comforts those in need, and has been a “shoulder to cry on.” Cheri is unique and special, and it is evident that her “emotional intelligence” has positively touched the lives of so many. She is an amazing colleague and a dear friend, a mentor to many, and an inspiration to all!